A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Sestri Levante vs. Bologna for Food, Backpackers, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Sestri Levante or Bologna?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Sestri Levante and Bologna can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Sestri Levante

Sestri Levante is a local, quaint, and relaxing seaside town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include food and beaches.

Bologna

Bologna is a fun, historical, and culinary city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Sestri Levante and Bologna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sestri Levante or Bologna?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bologna. Although Sestri Levante and Bologna are popular destinations, Bologna has more sights and attractions for tourists. Bologna is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Sestri Levante attracts visitors for its resorts, beaches, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Sestri Levante is famous for its two bays and coastal setting. Bologna is famous for its Terracota buildings, large international student population, and being the birthplace of Bolognaise pasta. It is also well known for Piazza Maggiore.

How is Sestri Levante different from Bologna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Sestri Levante or Bologna?

Bologna is a city with good options for its historical sights. However, Sestri Levante does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Sestri Levante does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Sestri Levante or Bologna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bologna is renowned for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Sestri Levante is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Many restaurants in Bologna have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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).

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Sestri Levante makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find many restaurants along the central road in the old town, Via XXV Aprile. Seafood is popular, as are many other Italian favorites. If you're visiting during the summer months then it's best to make reservations as wait times can be long.

Is Sestri Levante or Bologna Better for Nightlife?

Bologna is great for its evening party scene. However, Sestri Levante is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to Bologna for the nightlife scene. 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.

People don't go to Sestri Levante for the nightlife. There are a few places to grab a drink, but if you're looking for nightlife, you'll really need to head out of town.

Is Sestri Levante or Bologna Better for Resorts?

Sestri Levante is very good for its resorts. However, Bologna is not a resort destination.

Sestri Levante has a few great resort options. There are a number of hotels in the old town or by the beach. You'll also find a decent selection of vacation rentals. During peak season you'll want to make your reservations early.

Bologna is not a resort destination.

Is Sestri Levante or Bologna Better for Beaches?

Sestri Levante is very good for the beach. However, Bologna is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Sestri Levante to enjoy the beach. Home to two beaches, this makes a nice holiday spot if you're hoping to relax by the water. The beaches can get crowded with Italians during the summer months, but it still offers a charming seaside spot. Many people head to the beach by the the Bay of Silence in part because it's free. Make sure you arrive early. By the Bay of Fairytales you can rent chairs and umbrellas and enjoy a little more space.

Bologna is not a beach destination.

Is Sestri Levante or Bologna Better for its Old Town?

Bologna is great for its historic old town charm. However, Sestri Levante does not have a historic old town.

Bologna is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old town is filled with Terracota buildings, which give the city its nickname, La Rossa (The Red).

Sestri Levante does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Sestri Levante or Bologna?

Bologna is great for its shopping areas. However, Sestri Levante is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Sestri Levante is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Sestri Levante or Bologna Better for Families?

Both Sestri Levante and Bologna are nice to visit with kids.

Sestri Levante offers lots of family activities. This is a great spot for families that want a relaxing holiday with a small town vibe. The picturesque setting is said to have inspired fairytales, and today kids will enjoy playing on the playgrounds or exploring at the adventure park. There are also hikes, activities, and restaurants that are great for kids and adults alike.

Bologna is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Sestri Levante or Bologna Better for Couples?

Both Sestri Levante and Bologna are nice destinations for a couple's getaway.

Sestri Levante is a good seaside town for couples to visit. This scenic setting offers a relaxing holiday for couples who want to enjoy quiet time together. There are plenty of outdoor activities and a cultural town with a lot of beauty to explore. It's one of the lesser known destinations in the area, so you will have a peaceful small town vibe that's great for 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 Sestri Levante or Bologna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bologna is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Sestri Levante is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and 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.

Sestri Levante is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are some dorm rooms in town, but most backpackers head to one of the more well known destinations in the area. The atmosphere and history makes for a unique experience for those who do make the trip.

Is Sestri Levante or Bologna Better for Students?

Bologna is renowned for its student-friendly activities. However, Sestri Levante is not popular with students.

Bologna is a very popular city 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.

Sestri Levante is not popular with students.

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

Sestri Levante and Bologna both offer nice public transit to get you around.

While Sestri Levante offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The town can be explored on foot and there are buses and trains that can be used for day trips.

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

Is Sestri Levante or Bologna a more walkable city?

Sestri Levante is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Bologna is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its walkability.

It is easy to get around Sestri Levante on foot. There are pedestrian promenades and charming streets through town that are best explored on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Bologna or Sestri Levante?

How long in Sestri Levante or Bologna?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Sestri Levante and Bologna. In our opinion, Bologna has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Bologna than Sestri Levante. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Couples should spend more time in Bologna than Sestri Levante. 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 Sestri Levante 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 Sestri Levante or Bologna?

Sestri Levante is a small town with plenty to do. This seaside 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 museums and nightlife. Visiting the old town is also a must. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Sestri Levante or Bologna?

Sestri Levante 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 Sestri Levante has to offer.

Bologna is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Sestri Levante or Bologna?

Sestri Levante 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bologna. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the food. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Sestri Levante or Bologna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sestri Levante. Since Sestri Levante 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Bologna. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One reason most visitors come is for the food. One week 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy, The Best Historical Tours in Italy, The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Sestri Levante and Bologna, we can see that Bologna is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Sestri Levante or Bologna?

Bologna has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Sestri Levante. When comparing the sizes of Sestri Levante 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.