A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Piazza Armerina vs. Bologna for Food, Attractions, Old Town, and Backpackers

Should you visit Piazza Armerina or Bologna?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Piazza Armerina and Bologna. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Piazza Armerina

Piazza Armerina is a charming, authentic, and historic town. Other popular activities here include food and museums.

Bologna

Bologna is a historical, culinary, and beautiful city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Piazza Armerina and Bologna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Piazza Armerina or Bologna?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bologna. Although Piazza Armerina and Bologna are both popular with visitors, Bologna has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Bologna is more popular for its food, nightlife, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Piazza Armerina is known for its museums. Piazza Armerina is popular for it's local atmosphere and its premiere historic sight - the Villa Romana del Casale. Bologna is popular for its Terracota buildings, large international student population, and being the birthplace of Bolognaise pasta. It is also home to Piazza Maggiore.

How is Piazza Armerina different from Bologna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bologna and Piazza Armerina. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Piazza Armerina or Bologna?

Piazza Armerina is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Bologna is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Many visitors head to Piazza Armerina specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Most people head to town specifically to visit Villa Romana del Casale, which is a few kilometers away. It's a beautiful Roman villa that can be explored in a few hours. Also in town is an Aragonese Castle and an 18th century Duomo.

Bologna is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. It has many historical and religious landmarks, active squares, and impressive museums including the Basilica of St. Petronius, St. Stephen Basilica, the Leaning Towers, and the Portico of the Madonna di San Luca.

Is the Food Better in Piazza Armerina or Bologna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bologna is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Piazza Armerina is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Eat your way through Bologna, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Foodies will appreciate the city's well earned culinary reputation. Some people even consider Bologna to be a food capital in Italy. There are cooking classes and food tours around town, as well as many great restaurants that serve up local dishes. Visitors should try Tagliatelle with Ragu (now famously known around the world as Bolognaise), Tortellini in broth, and Mortadella (salami).

Piazza Armerina is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Most visitors pass through town, stopping to visit Villa Romana del Casale. There are some pizzerias and other casual restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat.

Is Piazza Armerina or Bologna Better for Nightlife?

Bologna is notable for nightlife and partying. However, Piazza Armerina is a mediocre town for its evening party scene.

Bologna has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The young population that is filled with international students means that the city has a fun and active nightlife scene. Some of the city's best neighborhoods for nightlife include Centro Storico, where the tourists hang out, the University District, which is perfect for students in their 20s, and Via dell'Indipendenza, which is popular for an upscale evening out.

Piazza Armerina doesn't offer many options. While many tourists pass through town with the intent of visiting the Villa Romana del Casale, most don't linger long enough appreciate the town at night.

Is Piazza Armerina or Bologna Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the high quality old town areas in both Piazza Armerina and Bologna.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Piazza Armerina. The old town has a bit of authenticity that is missing from some of the more popular Sicilian cities. While it may feel a little worn to some people, those who like to get away from the souvenir shops will appreciate a visit.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Bologna. The old town is filled with Terracota buildings, which give the city its nickname, La Rossa (The Red).

Is the Shopping Better in Piazza Armerina or Bologna?

Bologna is notable for its shopping opportunities. However, Piazza Armerina is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Bologna is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city hosts regular open-air markets where you can pick up local produce or local items. It is among the best shopping destinations in the region. For some of the city's best shopping, head to Piazza Maggiore, Mercato di Mezzo, Mercato delle Erbe, or Via Rizzoli.

Piazza Armerina is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Piazza Armerina or Bologna Better for Families?

Bologna is a good destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Piazza Armerina is a mediocre town for its kid-friendly activities.

Bologna is a family-friendly place to visit. There are kid-friendly museums such as Museo Geologico Cappellini and the interactive history museum of Museo della Storia di Bologna. There's even a museum solely dedicated to gelato - Gelato at Carpigiani Museum. If your kids need a bit of time in nature, check out Dulcamara farm or the Botanic Garden. On the weekend you many be able to catch a show at Margherita's Puppet Theatre.

Piazza Armerina is not always a place people visit with their families. Most people head to the town to explore the Villa Romana del Casale. The beauty and history may not thrill all kids, but if your kids enjoy a bit of history they will likely appreciate a visit. The town also has an Aragonese Castle that you can visit.

Is Piazza Armerina or Bologna Better for Couples?

Piazza Armerina and Bologna both good destinations for a couple.

Piazza Armerina makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. For history enthusiasts, this is a popular place to visit. Like most visitors, couples will appreciate a visit to the town's main attraction Villa Romana del Casale.

Bologna is a good town for couples to visit. With beautiful museums, interesting architecture. and lively squares, this is a great city for a couple's holiday. It's filled with romance, but it has less tourist crowds than some of Italy's more popular cities.

Is Piazza Armerina or Bologna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bologna is notable for backpackers. However, Piazza Armerina is a mediocre town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Bologna is a great city to visit for backpackers. It's not a popular as some of the other cities in Italy and Europe, but it still has a number of hostels and a good backpacker scene.

Piazza Armerina is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Although it's a popular tourist destination, there are a limited number of hostels in town.

Is Piazza Armerina or Bologna Better for Students?

Bologna is an unbeatable place for students. However, Piazza Armerina is not popular with students.

Bologna is a very popular place to visit for students. It's a top study abroad destination in Italy and is home to a few great universities including the well ranked University of Bologna. There are many great activities for students and a variety of fun places to explore.

Piazza Armerina is not popular with students.

Is Piazza Armerina or Bologna Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Piazza Armerina and Bologna offer good public transit options.

Piazza Armerina has a few public transit options. You can reach the town by bus and once there it's possible to explore on foot.

Bologna has some public transit options. There is an efficient and reliable bus system.

Is Piazza Armerina or Bologna a more walkable city?

Piazza Armerina and Bologna both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Piazza Armerina is a very walkable town. You can explore most of the old and new towns on foot.

Bologna is a very walkable destination. Most sights are always within a 30 minute walk, and the city itself is very walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Piazza Armerina Worth Visiting? and Is Bologna Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bologna or Piazza Armerina?

How long in Piazza Armerina or Bologna?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Piazza Armerina and Bologna. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Bologna than in Piazza Armerina. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Piazza Armerina, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bologna.

Families should spend more time in Bologna than Piazza Armerina. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Bologna, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Bologna than Piazza Armerina. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Bologna that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bologna than Piazza Armerina if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Bologna.

One day in Piazza Armerina or Bologna?

In Piazza Armerina, you'll find food and museums. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

The fun destination of Bologna offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Piazza Armerina or Bologna?

In Piazza Armerina, you'll find museums and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Piazza Armerina has to offer.

The city of Bologna offers food and shopping. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Piazza Armerina or Bologna?

Piazza Armerina is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Bologna is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Piazza Armerina or Bologna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Piazza Armerina. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Piazza Armerina. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bologna. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Italy, and The Best Adventure Tours to Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Piazza Armerina and Bologna, we can see that Bologna is more expensive. And not only is Piazza Armerina much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Piazza Armerina would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Piazza Armerina and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Bologna would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bologna than you might in Piazza Armerina.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Piazza Armerina Expensive? and Is Bologna Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Piazza Armerina or Bologna?

Bologna has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Piazza Armerina. When comparing the sizes of Piazza Armerina and Bologna, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Piazza Armerina or Bologna?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Piazza Armerina or Bologna in the Summer?

Both Bologna and Piazza Armerina are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Piazza Armerina for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Bologna in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Piazza Armerina is around the same temperature as Bologna. Typically, the summer temperatures in Piazza Armerina in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Bologna averages at about 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Bologna. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Piazza Armerina. Piazza Armerina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bologna during summer. Piazza Armerina gets 325 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Piazza Armerina usually receives less rain than Bologna. Piazza Armerina gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Piazza Armerina or Bologna in the Autumn?

Both Bologna and Piazza Armerina during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bologna for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Piazza Armerina is generally a little warmer than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Piazza Armerina average around 19°C (67°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Piazza Armerina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bologna. Piazza Armerina gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 177 hours of full sun.

Bologna gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Piazza Armerina usually gets less rain in October than Bologna. Piazza Armerina gets 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Piazza Armerina or Bologna in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Piazza Armerina and Bologna. Most visitors come to Piazza Armerina for the museums and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Bologna because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Bologna can be very cold. Piazza Armerina is much warmer than Bologna in the winter. The daily temperature in Piazza Armerina averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Bologna fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Piazza Armerina usually receives more sunshine than Bologna during winter. Piazza Armerina gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Piazza Armerina usually receives less rain than Bologna. Piazza Armerina gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Piazza Armerina or Bologna in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Piazza Armerina as well as Bologna. Additionally, the natural beauty are the main draw to Bologna this time of year.

In the spring, Piazza Armerina is a little warmer than Bologna. Typically, the spring temperatures in Piazza Armerina in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Bologna averages at about 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Piazza Armerina this time of the year. In the spring, Piazza Armerina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bologna. Piazza Armerina gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 192 hours of full sun.

Piazza Armerina usually gets less rain in April than Bologna. Piazza Armerina gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bologna and Piazza Armerina