A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Ravenna vs. Bergamo for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Ravenna or Bergamo?

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 Ravenna and Bergamo. 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.

Ravenna

Ravenna is a historic, off-the-beaten-path, and charming town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Bergamo

Bergamo is a historical, fascinating, and beautiful city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Ravenna and Bergamo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ravenna or Bergamo?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Bergamo than Ravenna, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Bergamo is better known for its historical sights and impressive beauty, while Ravenna is more popular for its museums and small town charm. Ravenna is well known for its many stunning mosaics which date back to the early Christian and Byzantine empires. Bergamo is well known for its historical buildings and beautiful squares. Also, Bergamo is famous for Piazza Vecchia.

How is Ravenna different from Bergamo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Ravenna or Bergamo?

Ravenna is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Bergamo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Ravenna can be an interesting and educational experience. Most sights in town are centered around the the beautiful mosaics. Neonian Baptistery is a good place to begin your visit. Other highlights include San Vitale, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, and Sant'Apollinare Nuovo.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bergamo. There are historical buildings as well as fascinating museums that are worth checking out. Highlights include the Basilica of St. Mary Major, Colleoni Chapel, the Accademia Carrara, and the Cathedral of Sant'Alessandro.

Is the Food Better in Ravenna or Bergamo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Ravenna and Bergamo offer a number of great restaurants to choose from.

Ravenna has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The region is most known for its first course dishes, so pasta lovers will enjoy dining on homemade egg pasta dishes that are served with meat or cheese sauces. You'll also find lots of grilled meats and many great desserts.

Dining out in Bergamo is an experience not to be missed. You'll find traditional restaurants around town that serve the local specialties, many of which have their roots in peasant dishes. The flavors are humble but high quality and the food is fresh and masterfully prepared.

Is Ravenna or Bergamo Better for Nightlife?

The notable nightlife scene is relatively similar in Ravenna and Bergamo.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Ravenna. You'll find most of the pubs and clubs in town around Marina di Ravenna. There are a couple of places that attract a crowd, but many are open only during the summer months.

Bergamo has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Despite not being high on the itinerary of many travelers, the city has a great nightlife scene that includes many local bars and clubs. You can enjoy a local brew or sip some Italian wine while you enjoy the atmosphere of the old town.

Is Ravenna or Bergamo Better for its Old Town?

Bergamo is a good destination for its old town. However, Ravenna does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Bergamo. Since the old town was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the town has become more popular with visitors. Still, you can enjoy the authentic and less touristy vibe of this beautiful city.

Ravenna does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Ravenna or Bergamo?

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Ravenna and Bergamo.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Ravenna. There are some nice shopping streets in town where you can buy locally made mosaics. You'll also find art studios and artisan shops, as well as your typical souvenir shops and clothing stores. Via Cavour, via Diaz, and via Cairoli are some of the most popular shopping streets.

Many visitors go to Bergamo to go shopping. There are a number of shopping areas around town including shopping malls and shopping streets. You'll find most of the major brands as well as some interesting boutique shops.

Is Ravenna or Bergamo Better for Families?

Ravenna is notable for its family-friendly activities. However, Bergamo is a mediocre city for its kid-friendly activities.

Ravenna is a very kid-friendly town. In town you'll find mosaics, museums, and a charming town, and ten kilometers outside of town you'll find Italy's largest amusement park - Mirabilandia. The city is also filled with parks where kids can explore and learn, and the food, like any Italian city, is very kid-friendly.

Bergamo is not always a place people visit with their families. It's a beautiful city that is filled with history, and for kids there are pedestrian streets to explore and great Italian food. There's also the Museo di Scienze Naturali, which is worth checking out.

Is Ravenna or Bergamo Better for Couples?

Ravenna is notable for its romantic activities. Also, Bergamo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Ravenna is a very popular place to visit for couples. Many visitors to Italy don't add this charming town to their itinerary, but for couples who want to experience a small town setting with beautiful art and architecture, then Ravenna is a great option. There are parks to explore and great restaurants to experience as well.

Bergamo is a good town for couples to visit. Couples will appreciate the beautiful architecture and impressive squares. There are also great restaurants and pedestrian streets that are fun to wander through.

Is Ravenna or Bergamo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ravenna and Bergamo are both notable destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Ravenna. It's a bit off-the-beaten path, so you won't find a large number of hostels or a lot of backpackers to hang out with. That doesn't mean it won't make a great addition to your itinerary though.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Bergamo. While it's not the most popular backpacker city in Italy, it does have a couple of hostels and guesthouses that offer affordable rates and a young vibe.

Is Ravenna or Bergamo Better for Students?

Bergamo is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Ravenna is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Bergamo. The university attracts international students and the city makes a great base for learning and exploring.

Ravenna is not popular with students.

Is Ravenna or Bergamo Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Ravenna and Bergamo.

Ravenna has some public transit options. Buses in and around town are managed by START ROMAGNA and offer access to many nearby towns.

You'll find some public transit in Bergamo, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses around town as well as two funiculars, one connecting Città Bassa with the Città Alta and the other connecting Città Alta to San Vigilio.

Is Ravenna or Bergamo a more walkable city?

Ravenna and Bergamo are great when it comes to walkability.

Ravenna is a very walkable town. There are care-free areas to the town that can only be explored on foot.

Bergamo is a very walkable destination. There are many pedestrian streets and the best way to explore the city is on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Ravenna Worth Visiting? and Is Bergamo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bergamo or Ravenna?

How long in Ravenna or Bergamo?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bergamo than Ravenna 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 Bergamo.

One day in Ravenna or Bergamo?

Ravenna is a small town with plenty to do. 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.

In Bergamo, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Ravenna or Bergamo?

Ravenna might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Ravenna has to offer.

In Bergamo, 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 Bergamo has to offer.

Five days in Ravenna or Bergamo?

Ravenna 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.

Bergamo 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.

A week in Ravenna or Bergamo?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ravenna. Since Ravenna is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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 Bergamo. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bergamo. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Italy, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy, The Best Historical Tours in Italy, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ravenna and Bergamo, we can see that Bergamo is more expensive. And not only is Ravenna much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ravenna would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ravenna 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 Bergamo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bergamo than you might in Ravenna.

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

Which is Bigger, Ravenna or Bergamo?

Ravenna has a larger population, and is about 19% larger than the population of Bergamo. When comparing the sizes of Ravenna and Bergamo, 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 Ravenna or Bergamo?

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 Ravenna or Bergamo in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Ravenna as well as Bergamo. Many visitors come to Ravenna in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Bergamo for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Ravenna is around the same temperature as Bergamo in the summer. The daily temperature in Ravenna averages around 22°C (72°F) in July, and Bergamo fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

Ravenna usually gets more rain in July than Bergamo. Ravenna gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bergamo receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ravenna or Bergamo in the Autumn?

Both Bergamo and Ravenna are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Ravenna for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Bergamo because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Ravenna is around the same temperature as Bergamo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ravenna in October average around 14°C (58°F), and Bergamo averages at about 14°C (57°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergamo. In October, Ravenna usually receives less rain than Bergamo. Ravenna gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bergamo receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Ravenna or Bergamo in the Winter?

Both Bergamo and Ravenna during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Ravenna because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bergamo this time of year.

It's quite cold in Bergamo in the winter. The weather in Ravenna can be very cold. In January, Ravenna is generally a little warmer than Bergamo. Daily temperatures in Ravenna average around 3°C (37°F), and Bergamo fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Ravenna usually gets less rain in January than Bergamo. Ravenna gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Bergamo receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ravenna or Bergamo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ravenna and Bergamo. The small town charm are the main draw to Ravenna this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bergamo for the natural beauty.

Ravenna is around the same temperature as Bergamo in the spring. The daily temperature in Ravenna averages around 11°C (53°F) in April, and Bergamo fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In April, Ravenna usually receives less rain than Bergamo. Ravenna gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Bergamo receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bergamo and Ravenna