A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Pompeii vs. Bologna for Attractions, Families, Backpackers, and Couples

Should you visit Pompeii or Bologna?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Pompeii and Bologna can help you decide which place is right for you.

Pompeii

Pompeii is a ancient, famous, and iconic archeological site. Other popular activities here include museums.

Bologna

Bologna is a culinary, beautiful, and fun city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Pompeii and Bologna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pompeii or Bologna?

Both Bologna and Pompeii have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Pompeii is very popular for its museums, while Bologna attracts visitors for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Pompeii is more touristy than Bologna and is popular for its well preserved archaeological ruins that are still intact following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Bologna is famous for its Terracota buildings, large international student population, and being the birthplace of Bolognaise pasta.

How is Pompeii different from Bologna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Pompeii or Bologna?

Pompeii is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. Also, Bologna is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Pompeii on the map. Pompeii is a city frozen in time and it is truly a one-of-a-kind destination. The streets remain as they once stood, lined with shops and homes. Highlights of a visit include the Forum, the Antiquarium, the Temple of Isis, and the Teatro Grande.

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 Pompeii or Bologna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bologna is renowned for its restaurants. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Bologna has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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).

While Pompeii is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. While there is a café near the Forum, the quality of the food isn't great and it can get crowded. You'd do best to bring your own food as the site is large and you'll want to eat on your own schedule.

Is Pompeii or Bologna Better for Nightlife?

Bologna is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for nightlife.

Bologna has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Pompeii. As a popular tourist destination, you'll find some bars nearby, but most people visit as a day trip and head out of town before the evening hours.

Is Pompeii or Bologna Better for its Old Town?

Bologna is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Pompeii does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Bologna. The old town is filled with Terracota buildings, which give the city its nickname, La Rossa (The Red).

Pompeii does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Pompeii or Bologna?

Bologna is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Bologna. 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.

Pompeii has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There are some souvenir stands outside of the site where you can buy trinkets to remember your visit.

Is Pompeii or Bologna Better for Families?

Pompeii is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bologna is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Pompeii is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Its a city frozen in time, and even kids will get lost in the history and story behind Pompeii. The trick is to find a kid-friendly tour and understand the layout before you arrive. Because it's so big, you want to know which places to visit and which you might want to skip with kids who have short attention spans.

Bologna is a family-friendly archeological site. 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.

Is Pompeii or Bologna Better for Couples?

Both Pompeii and Bologna are nice destinations to visit as a couple.

Pompeii is a good archeological site for couples to visit. It's an iconic destination in Italy, and should be added to any Italian trip itinerary. It's not exactly a romantic destination, but it's something that every visitor should see.

Bologna is a nice destination for couples. 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 Pompeii or Bologna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bologna is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Pompeii is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Bologna. 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Pompeii. It's touristy and crowded, but also world renowned and not-to-be-missed. Whether you're a backpacker or a luxury traveler, Pompeii is on most itineraries.

Is Pompeii or Bologna Better for Students?

Bologna is renowned for its student-friendly activities. Also, Pompeii is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Bologna. 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.

Pompeii is popular with students. It's history and educational significance make it a great study abroad destination, whether you visit alone, with friends, or as part of a tour group.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Pompeii and Bologna.

Pompeii has some public transit options. Many visitors from Sorrento and Naples arrive via the the Circumvesuviana train. There are also buses from many different locations.

You'll find some public transit in Bologna, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is an efficient and reliable bus system.

Is Pompeii or Bologna a more walkable city?

Pompeii is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Bologna is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its walkability.

It is easy to get around Pompeii on foot. You can walk around the entire site in about 4 hours, but you'll really want to allow a full day if you want to see everything in depth.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Bologna or Pompeii?

How long in Pompeii or Bologna?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Bologna than Pompeii. 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 Pompeii 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 Pompeii or Bologna?

In Pompeii, you'll find museums. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. This archeological site offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Bologna, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Pompeii or Bologna?

In Pompeii, you'll find museums. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Pompeii has to offer.

In Bologna, you'll find food and shopping. 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. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bologna has to offer.

Five days in Pompeii or Bologna?

Pompeii is a great place to explore. 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. 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.

A week in Pompeii or Bologna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pompeii. Many people enjoy the museums when visiting Pompeii. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bologna. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bologna. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, The Best Walking Tours in Italy, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Pompeii and Bologna, we can see that Bologna is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

When is the best time to visit Pompeii or Bologna?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Pompeii or Bologna in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Pompeii as well as Bologna. The summer months attract visitors to Pompeii because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bologna this time of year.

Pompeii is around the same temperature as Bologna in the summer. The daily temperature in Pompeii averages around 23°C (74°F) in July, and Bologna fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bologna. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pompeii this time of the year. In the summer, Pompeii often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bologna. Pompeii gets 313 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 316 hours of full sun.

Pompeii usually gets more rain in July than Bologna. Pompeii gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pompeii or Bologna in the Autumn?

Both Bologna and Pompeii are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Bologna for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Pompeii is around the same temperature as Bologna. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Pompeii in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Bologna averages at about 16°C (61°F).

Pompeii usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bologna during autumn. Pompeii gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bologna. It's quite rainy in Pompeii. In October, Pompeii usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bologna. Pompeii gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Pompeii or Bologna in the Winter?

Both Bologna and Pompeii during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Pompeii for the museums. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bologna in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Bologna can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Pompeii is generally much warmer than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Pompeii average around 8°C (47°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Pompeii often gets more sunshine than Bologna. Pompeii gets 115 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 105 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pompeii. Pompeii usually gets more rain in January than Bologna. Pompeii gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pompeii or Bologna in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Pompeii and Bologna. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bologna for the natural beauty during these months.

Pompeii is around the same temperature as Bologna in the spring. The daily temperature in Pompeii averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Bologna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Pompeii usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bologna during spring. Pompeii gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Pompeii usually receives less rain than Bologna. Pompeii gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bologna and Pompeii