A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Ravenna vs. Bologna for Food, Attractions, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Ravenna 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 Ravenna 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.

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. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Bologna

Bologna is a culinary, beautiful, and fun city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Ravenna and Bologna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ravenna or Bologna?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bologna than Ravenna, 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 Ravenna is known for its museums and small town charm. Ravenna is popular for its many stunning mosaics which date back to the early Christian and Byzantine empires. 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 Ravenna different from Bologna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bologna 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 Bologna?

Ravenna 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 Ravenna specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

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 Ravenna or Bologna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bologna is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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).

Dining out in Ravenna is an experience not to be missed. 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.

Is Ravenna or Bologna Better for Nightlife?

Bologna is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Bologna has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Ravenna has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

Is Ravenna or Bologna Better for its Old Town?

Bologna is a very popular place for its old town. However, Ravenna does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Bologna. The old town is filled with Terracota buildings, which give the city its nickname, La Rossa (The Red).

Ravenna does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Ravenna or Bologna?

Bologna is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Bologna is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to Ravenna to go shopping. 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.

Is Ravenna or Bologna Better for Families?

Ravenna 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.

Ravenna is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Bologna is a family-friendly town. 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 Ravenna or Bologna Better for Couples?

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

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.

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 Ravenna or Bologna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bologna is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many 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.

Plenty of budget travelers 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.

Is Ravenna or Bologna Better for Students?

Bologna is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Ravenna 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.

Ravenna is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Ravenna and Bologna.

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 Bologna, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is an efficient and reliable bus system.

Is Ravenna or Bologna a more walkable city?

Ravenna and Bologna are high quality 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.

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 Ravenna Worth Visiting? and Is Bologna Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bologna or Ravenna?

How long in Ravenna or Bologna?

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

Families should spend more time in Ravenna than Bologna. 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 Bologna. 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 Bologna 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 Bologna.

One day in Ravenna or Bologna?

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 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 Ravenna or Bologna?

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 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 Ravenna or Bologna?

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.

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 Ravenna or Bologna?

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 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 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 Bologna, we can see that Bologna 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 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 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 Bologna Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ravenna or Bologna?

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

The summer brings many poeple to Ravenna as well as Bologna. Many travelers come to Ravenna for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Bologna in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Ravenna is around the same temperature as Bologna. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ravenna in July average around 22°C (72°F), and Bologna averages at about 24°C (75°F).

Ravenna usually gets more rain in July than Bologna. Ravenna gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ravenna or Bologna in the Autumn?

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

In October, Ravenna is generally cooler than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Ravenna average around 14°C (58°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bologna. In October, Ravenna usually receives less rain than Bologna. Ravenna gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Ravenna or Bologna in the Winter?

Both Bologna and Ravenna during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Ravenna for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, 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. Ravenna can be very cold during winter. Ravenna is a little warmer than Bologna in the winter. The daily temperature in Ravenna averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Bologna fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Ravenna usually gets less rain in January than Bologna. Ravenna gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ravenna or Bologna in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ravenna and Bologna. The spring months attract visitors to Ravenna because of the small town charm. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Bologna this time of year.

In the spring, Ravenna is around the same temperature as Bologna. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ravenna in April average around 11°C (53°F), and Bologna averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In April, Ravenna usually receives less rain than Bologna. Ravenna gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bologna and Ravenna