A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Saint Andrews vs. Bologna for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Saint Andrews or Bologna?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saint Andrews or Bologna, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Saint Andrews

Saint Andrews is a charming, quaint, and peaceful university town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Bologna

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

Saint Andrews and Bologna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Andrews or Bologna?

Both Bologna and Saint Andrews have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Saint Andrews is more popular for its beaches, hiking, and small town charm, while Bologna is known for its food, nightlife, and historical sights. Saint Andrews is popular for its reputation as the birthplace of golf. Bologna is popular for its Terracota buildings, large international student population, and being the birthplace of Bolognaise pasta.

How is Saint Andrews different from Bologna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Andrews or Bologna?

Plenty of people visit the good sights and museums in both Saint Andrews and Bologna.

Saint Andrews offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. For many, a highlight of their trip is to play a round of golf at St. Andrews Links Golf Courses. Golf enthusiasts will also appreciate a visit to the British Golf Museum. Other interesting sights in the area include a visit to the ruins of the Cathedral of St. Andrew, visiting the St. Andrews University Museums, or stopping by St. Andrews Castle.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bologna. 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 Saint Andrews or Bologna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bologna is terrific for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit for its restaurants.

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).

Saint Andrews has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The town holds on to its history and heritage, and that stands out with the restaurant selection. There are a range of of independent cafes and pubs and surprisingly few major chain restaurants and fast food joints.

Is Saint Andrews or Bologna Better for Nightlife?

Bologna is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit for its evening party scene.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Saint Andrews. There are a large number of pubs and bars throughout the town, and you'll find students hanging out and keeping things lively.

Is Saint Andrews or Bologna Better for Beaches?

Saint Andrews is very good for the beach. However, Bologna is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Saint Andrews to enjoy the beach. Adding to the natural beauty is the beautiful coastline around St. Andrews. Some of the best beaches include West Sands Beach, Kingsbarns Beach, Castle Sands, and Saint Andrews Beach.

Bologna is not a beach destination.

Is Saint Andrews or Bologna Better for its Old Town?

Bologna is a well-known place for its old town. However, Saint Andrews does not have a historic old town.

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).

Saint Andrews does not have a historic old town.

Is Saint Andrews or Bologna Better for Hiking?

Saint Andrews is very good for the nearby hiking options. However, Bologna is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Saint Andrews. There are some beautiful hikes just outside of town. Check out the views from Chamcook Mountain or wander down the Van Horne Trail.

Bologna is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Andrews or Bologna?

Both Saint Andrews and Bologna are excellent shopping destinations.

Saint Andrews is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The town is filled with boutique shops and local markets where you can buy unique items like artisan food, handmade crafts, or local art.

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.

Is Saint Andrews or Bologna Better for Families?

Saint Andrews and Bologna are both good destinations for the whole family.

Saint Andrews is a family-friendly place to visit. There are some great playgrounds, parks, and gardens that kids will enjoy. Check out Kingbrae Gardens, Ministers Island, and Katy’s Cove. For museums, head to Ross Memorial Museum and Huntsman Fundy Discovery Aquarium.

Bologna is a family-friendly university 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 Saint Andrews or Bologna Better for Couples?

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

Saint Andrews is a very popular place to visit for couples. The scenic landscapes, stunning views, and quaint charm make this a perfect place for couples to escape to. You can enjoy boat rides, seafood restaurants, golfing, and spas all while you soak up the natural beauty.

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 Saint Andrews or Bologna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bologna is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Saint Andrews is not a good university town 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.

Saint Andrews is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not really a backpacker's destination, but there are some guesthouses and apartments that are more affordable.

Is Saint Andrews or Bologna Better for Students?

Saint Andrews and Bologna are both terrific destinations for students and younger travelers.

Saint Andrews is a great destination for students. At its heart, this is a university town with a long standing history in teaching. You'll find the town's population doubles when students are in town.

Bologna is a very popular university town 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.

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

Both Saint Andrews and Bologna offer good public transit options.

Saint Andrews has a few public transit options. There are buses through St. Andrews.

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

Is Saint Andrews or Bologna a more walkable city?

Bologna is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit for its ease of walking around.

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

Saint Andrews is a somewhat walkable university town. Parts of the town are compact enough to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Bologna or Saint Andrews?

How long in Saint Andrews or Bologna?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bologna than Saint Andrews 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 Saint Andrews or Bologna?

Saint Andrews is a small town with plenty to do. This university town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the culinary destination of Bologna. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Saint Andrews or Bologna?

Saint Andrews 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 Saint Andrews has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bologna. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in Saint Andrews or Bologna?

Saint Andrews 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the culinary destination of Bologna. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

A week in Saint Andrews or Bologna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint Andrews. Since Saint Andrews 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful city of Bologna. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Saint Andrews or Bologna?

Bologna has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Saint Andrews. When comparing the sizes of Saint Andrews 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 Saint Andrews 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 Saint Andrews or Bologna in the Summer?

Both Bologna and Saint Andrews are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Saint Andrews for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Bologna because of the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Saint Andrews is much colder than Bologna. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint Andrews in July average around 14°C (58°F), and Bologna averages at about 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Bologna. Saint Andrews usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during summer. Saint Andrews gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Saint Andrews usually receives more rain than Bologna. Saint Andrews 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 Saint Andrews or Bologna in the Autumn?

Both Bologna and Saint Andrews during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Saint Andrews because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Bologna this time of year.

In October, Saint Andrews is generally much colder than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Saint Andrews average around 10°C (49°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Saint Andrews often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Saint Andrews gets 100 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 177 hours of full sun.

Bologna gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Saint Andrews usually gets less rain in October than Bologna. Saint Andrews gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Andrews or Bologna in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Andrews and Bologna. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Saint Andrews this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bologna for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Bologna. It's quite cold in Saint Andrews in the winter. Saint Andrews is much warmer than Bologna in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint Andrews averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Bologna fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Saint Andrews usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during winter. Saint Andrews gets 58 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint Andrews usually receives less rain than Bologna. Saint Andrews gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Saint Andrews or Bologna in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Saint Andrews as well as Bologna. Many travelers come to Saint Andrews for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Bologna in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Saint Andrews is much colder than Bologna. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint Andrews in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Bologna averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Saint Andrews often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Saint Andrews gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 192 hours of full sun.

Saint Andrews usually gets less rain in April than Bologna. Saint Andrews gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bologna and Saint Andrews