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

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

Potsdam

Potsdam is a historic, accessible, and compact city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Bologna

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

Potsdam and Bologna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Potsdam or Bologna?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bologna than Potsdam, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Bologna is more popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Potsdam is known for its museums and small town charm. Potsdam is popular for its beautiful palaces, scenic town center, and accessibility to Berlin. 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 Potsdam different from Bologna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Potsdam 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 Potsdam specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. People visit this city for its high concentration of historic sights. The Renaissance Orangery Palace is a highlight of the visit for many travelers.

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 Potsdam or Bologna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bologna is very popular for its restaurant scene. Also, Potsdam is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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).

Potsdam has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find a diverse restaurant scene, although the city is quite small. There are international restaurants as well as local venues where you can try regional specialties.

Is Potsdam or Bologna Better for Nightlife?

Bologna is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Potsdam is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Bologna is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Potsdam has a few options to choose from. The city is not far from Berlin, so head in to Germany's nightlife capital for the most famous clubs and venues. In the town of Potsdam there are cocktail bars and breweries that make for a mellow and relaxed evening.

Is Potsdam or Bologna Better for its Old Town?

Bologna is well known for its old town. However, Potsdam 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).

Potsdam does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Potsdam or Bologna?

Bologna is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Potsdam is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

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.

Potsdam has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are plazas and shopping streets that have the standard chain stores as well as antique shops and other boutiques.

Is Potsdam or Bologna Better for Families?

You'll find good kid-friendly activities in either Potsdam or Bologna.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Potsdam. There are a number of playgrounds around town as well as several beaches by lakes that are fun for kids. Another highlight for families is a visit to Babelsberg Film Studios.

Bologna offers lots of family activities. 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 Potsdam or Bologna Better for Couples?

Both Potsdam and Bologna are good destinations to visit as a couple.

Potsdam makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Exploring the city and soaking up the sights is the best way for couples to enjoy their time. There are some nice hotels and restaurants in the area that make for a great date night.

Bologna is a good city 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 Potsdam or Bologna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bologna is well known for backpackers. Also, Potsdam is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Potsdam. There are a handful of hostels to choose from in town.

Is Potsdam or Bologna Better for Students?

Bologna is very popular for students. However, Potsdam is not popular with 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.

Potsdam is not popular with students.

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

Potsdam 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 Potsdam. The city is well connected to Berlin by S-Bahn and bus.

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

Is Potsdam or Bologna a more walkable city?

Potsdam and Bologna both are very good when exploring on foot.

Potsdam is a very walkable city. It's a smaller, compact city that can mostly be explored 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 Potsdam Worth Visiting? and Is Bologna Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bologna or Potsdam?

How long in Potsdam or Bologna?

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

Families should spend more time in Bologna than Potsdam. 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 Potsdam. 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 Potsdam 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 Potsdam or Bologna?

In Potsdam, you'll find nightlife and 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.

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 Potsdam or Bologna?

In Potsdam, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Potsdam 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 Potsdam or Bologna?

Potsdam 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 Potsdam or Bologna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Potsdam. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Potsdam. 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 Coach Bus Tours in Germany, The Best Adventure Tours to Germany, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Potsdam or Bologna?

Bologna has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Potsdam. When comparing the sizes of Potsdam 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 Potsdam 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 Potsdam or Bologna in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Potsdam and Bologna. The summer months attract visitors to Potsdam because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bologna this time of year.

In the summer, Potsdam is cooler than Bologna. Typically, the summer temperatures in Potsdam in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Bologna averages at about 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bologna this time of the year. In Potsdam, it's very sunny this time of the year. Potsdam usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during summer. Potsdam gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Potsdam usually receives more rain than Bologna. Potsdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Potsdam or Bologna in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Potsdam as well as Bologna. The shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Potsdam this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Bologna for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Potsdam is generally much colder than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Potsdam average around 10°C (51°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Potsdam often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Potsdam gets 114 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 177 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bologna. Potsdam usually gets less rain in October than Bologna. Potsdam gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Potsdam or Bologna in the Winter?

Both Bologna and Potsdam are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Potsdam 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. Be prepared for some very cold days in Potsdam. Potsdam is much colder than Bologna in the winter. The daily temperature in Potsdam averages around -0°C (31°F) in January, and Bologna fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Potsdam usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during winter. Potsdam gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Potsdam usually receives less rain than Bologna. Potsdam gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Potsdam or Bologna in the Spring?

Both Bologna and Potsdam during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Potsdam in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Bologna for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Potsdam is cooler than Bologna. Typically, the spring temperatures in Potsdam in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Bologna averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Potsdam often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Potsdam gets 168 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 192 hours of full sun.

Potsdam usually gets less rain in April than Bologna. Potsdam gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bologna and Potsdam