A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Porto vs. Bologna for Food, Backpackers, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Porto 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 Porto and Bologna can help you decide which place is right for you.

Porto

Porto is a historic, cultural, and cosmopolitan port city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Bologna

Bologna is a fun, historical, and culinary city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Porto and Bologna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Porto or Bologna?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Porto than Bologna. While Bologna is larger than Porto, Porto has more sights and attractions for tourists. Porto is better known for its museums and big city activities, while Bologna is more popular for its shopping. Porto is more touristy than Bologna and is popular for its authentic old town and the local port wine. Also, Porto is famous for Cais da Ribeira. Bologna is well known for its Terracota buildings, large international student population, and being the birthplace of Bolognaise pasta.

How is Porto different from Bologna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Porto 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 Porto specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. With such a long history, there are many landmarks and sights in the city. Popular attractions include the Clérigos Tower, Palácio da Bolsa, and Igreja de São Francisco.

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 Porto or Bologna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Porto and Bologna offer fantastic local cuisine and restaurants.

Porto has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The area's cuisine combines the ocean setting with the agriculture of the surrounding area, so you'll enjoy both seafood dishes as well as fresh meats and vegetables. The area is also famous for its Port wines and red wines. There are plenty of cellar tours as well was waterfront seafood restaurants to choose from.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Bologna is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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).

Is Porto or Bologna Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find very good options in both Porto and Bologna.

The nightlife in Porto has something for everybody. This city comes to life in the evening, particularly on weekends when locals and tourists alike flock to the many bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.

Bologna offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Is Porto or Bologna Better for its Old Town?

Porto and Bologna are both popular destinations with charming historical areas.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Porto. Known as Porto Ribeira, the city's historic district is the most visited part of the town. It begins on the banks of the River Douro and climbs into the hills behind it.

Many visitors go to Bologna to see the historical old town. The old town is filled with Terracota buildings, which give the city its nickname, La Rossa (The Red).

Is the Shopping Better in Porto or Bologna?

Bologna is a great city for shopping. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Porto offers some nice shopping areas. The city has both your standard shopping mall stores as well as local vendors and boutique shops.

Is Porto or Bologna Better for Families?

Porto 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.

Porto is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has several cool museums including the interactive museum - The World of Discoveries. There are also parks, playgrounds, zoos, and aquariums that you can explore. For families that enjoy being outside, this is a great city. Kids will enjoy spotting street art, riding the funicular, and taking a cellar tour. If the kids need a break from the city, head to the beach for the day.

Bologna is a family-friendly port city. 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 Porto or Bologna Better for Couples?

Porto is a well-known place for couples. Also, Bologna is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Porto is a very popular place to visit for couples. You can visit the palaces, enjoy shopping, or dine in a nice Portuguese restaurant. Take a cellar tour and sample port then catch a ride on the funicular. This city has plenty for couples to do on a romantic getaway.

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 Porto or Bologna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Porto is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Bologna is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Porto is a very popular port city to visit for backpackers. By combining world-class activities with affordability, this city has become a popular stop off for backpackers in the area.

Bologna is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

Is Porto or Bologna Better for Students?

Bologna is very popular for its student-friendly activities. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city 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.

Porto is a great port city to visit as a student. The city has a number of good research programs and study abroad opportunities that attract international students from around the world.

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

Porto is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Bologna is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Porto. There is a metro system as well as a bus system. While the metro system does have six lines, most stations aren't close to the tourist attractions, so it likely won't be that helpful to visitors.

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

Is Porto or Bologna a more walkable city?

Porto and Bologna are very good when it comes to walkability.

Porto is very walkable. The city center is very compact with most of the sights within a short walk of each other. The area is also very hilly, so getting from place to place can require a bit of effort.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Bologna or Porto?

How long in Porto or Bologna?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Porto and Bologna. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Porto than in Bologna. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Porto, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bologna.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Porto than Bologna 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 Porto.

One day in Porto or Bologna?

Because Porto is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This port city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Bologna, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this fun destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the food. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Porto or Bologna?

Because Porto is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Porto has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bologna. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Porto or Bologna?

Porto is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Porto has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Bologna is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Bologna. Lots of people come for the food. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Porto or Bologna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Porto. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Porto. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the fun destination of Bologna. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Portugal, The Best 10-Day Tours in Portugal, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Porto and Bologna, we can see that Bologna is more expensive. And not only is Porto much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Porto would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Porto 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 Porto.

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

Which is Bigger, Porto or Bologna?

Bologna has a larger population, and is about 49% larger than the population of Porto. When comparing the sizes of Porto 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 Porto 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 Porto or Bologna in the Summer?

Both Bologna and Porto during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Porto because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bologna this time of year.

In July, Porto is generally cooler than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Porto average around 21°C (69°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In Bologna, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Porto. In the summer, Porto often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bologna. Porto gets 308 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 316 hours of full sun.

Porto usually gets less rain in July than Bologna. Porto gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Porto or Bologna in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Porto and Bologna. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Porto this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bologna for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Porto is around the same temperature as Bologna in the autumn. The daily temperature in Porto averages around 17°C (62°F) in October, and Bologna fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Porto usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bologna during autumn. Porto gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Bologna receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Porto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Porto usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bologna. Porto gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Porto or Bologna in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Porto as well as Bologna. Many travelers come to Porto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, 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 the winter, Porto is much warmer than Bologna. Typically, the winter temperatures in Porto in January average around 10°C (50°F), and Bologna averages at about 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Porto often gets more sunshine than Bologna. Porto gets 124 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 105 hours of full sun.

Porto receives a lot of rain in the winter. Porto usually gets more rain in January than Bologna. Porto gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Porto or Bologna in the Spring?

Both Bologna and Porto are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Porto in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Bologna for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Porto is generally around the same temperature as Bologna. Daily temperatures in Porto average around 14°C (56°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Porto. Porto usually receives more sunshine than Bologna during spring. Porto gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Porto. In April, Porto usually receives more rain than Bologna. Porto gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bologna and Porto