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

Should you visit Seville 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 Seville 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.

Seville

Seville is a world-renowned, historic, and energetic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include museums, theater, and nightlife.

Bologna

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

Seville and Bologna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Seville or Bologna?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Seville than Bologna, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Seville is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, and big city activities, while Bologna is known for its food. Seville is more touristy than Bologna and is popular for its Moorish and Islamic architecture, its colorful Flamenco dancing, and its local tapas and wine. It is also home to the Real Alcázar. Bologna is popular for its Terracota buildings, large international student population, and being the birthplace of Bolognaise pasta.

How is Seville different from Bologna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Seville is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. Also, Bologna is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Seville on the map. This elegant city is filled with historic buildings and world famous architecture. From the iconic Catedral de Sevilla to the Real Alcázar and Plaza de España, there is an endless supply of world class sights around town.

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 Seville or Bologna Better for Theater?

Seville is very good for its shows and theatre. However, Bologna is not a theatre destination.

Seville offers a number of shows and performances. Flamenco shows are a highlight for many visitors. You can sip wine and enjoy tapas as you take in this dramatic dance form.

Bologna is not a theatre destination.

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

Bologna is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Seville is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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 Seville is an experience not to be missed. The city is filled with cafes that spill into the streets. Locals live their lives outdoors, and the cafe terraces are filled with chattering guests from breakfast until late in the evening. The food includes many typical Spanish favorites such as Iberian pork, stewed meats, and other local tapas.

Is Seville or Bologna Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find high quality options in both Seville and Bologna.

The nightlife in Seville has something for everybody. The excellent nightlife scene includes local bars, Flamenco shows, and student focused parties. The Triana District is a popular nightlife area, particularly for the Flamenco shows. There are also a lot of bars along Calle Betis and upscale ambiance can be found in La Alameda.

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.

Is Seville or Bologna Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the high quality old town areas in both Seville and Bologna.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Seville. Barrio de Santa Cruz is the old town of Seville. This is where you'll find the Jewish Quarter and many of the city's historic landmarks.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Bologna. The old town is filled with Terracota buildings, which give the city its nickname, La Rossa (The Red).

Is the Shopping Better in Seville or Bologna?

If you're looking to go shopping, Seville and Bologna both offer plenty of high quality spots.

Seville is well-known for its shopping. There is a great combination of shopping streets, high end shopping malls, and local markets. Calle Sierpes, Calle Tetuan, and Calle Asuncion are some of the best places for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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 Seville or Bologna Better for Families?

Seville 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.

Seville is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There are parks where kids can run around. There's also the Seville Aquarium as well as Isla Mágica, which is a small amusement park. Other fun family-friendly activities include taking a boat ride on the Guadalquivir River and seeing a Flamenco Show.

Bologna is a family-friendly city. 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 Seville or Bologna Better for Couples?

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

Seville is a very popular place to visit for couples. Romantic walks, beautiful parks, and world class attractions make this a truly romantic city. Couples will enjoy an evening out with dinner and a Flamenco show, or visiting the Arab baths.

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 Seville or Bologna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Seville and Bologna are high quality places to visit.

Many backpackers visit Seville. It's a well established backpacker destination with a large supply of hostels and plenty of eager travelers ready to head out on the town.

Bologna is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Is Seville or Bologna Better for Students?

For students, both Seville and Bologna are first-rate places to visit.

Seville is a very popular place to visit for students. It's a top destination for international students who appreciate the many great educational institutions, beautiful year-round weather, and many festivals and evening activities.

Many students frequent 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.

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

Seville and Bologna both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Seville offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses that travel through the entire city. There is also a tram system that has 4 stops and travels 1.4 kilometers.

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

Is Seville or Bologna a more walkable city?

Seville and Bologna are high quality when it comes to walkability.

Seville is a very walkable city. There are many parts of the city that are very walkable. It takes about 45 minutes to walk across the city center in its entirety.

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 Seville Worth Visiting? and Is Bologna Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bologna or Seville?

How long in Seville or Bologna?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Seville and Bologna. In our opinion, Seville has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Seville than Bologna. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Seville, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bologna.

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

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

One day in Seville or Bologna?

In Seville, you'll find museums and theater. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

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 Seville or Bologna?

In Seville, you'll find theater and nightlife. 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 museums. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Seville 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 Seville or Bologna?

Seville 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.

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 Seville or Bologna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Seville. Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Seville. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. 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.

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 3-Week Tours in Spain, The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Seville or Bologna?

Seville has a larger population, and is about 89% larger than the population of Bologna. When comparing the sizes of Seville 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 Seville 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 Seville or Bologna in the Summer?

Both Bologna and Seville during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Seville for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Bologna in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Seville is a little warmer than Bologna. Typically, the summer temperatures in Seville in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Bologna averages at about 24°C (75°F).

In Bologna, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Seville. In the summer, Seville often gets more sunshine than Bologna. Seville gets 360 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 316 hours of full sun.

Seville usually gets less rain in July than Bologna. Seville gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Seville or Bologna in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Seville and Bologna. Many visitors come to Seville in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Bologna for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Seville is generally a little warmer than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Seville average around 20°C (67°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In Seville, it's very sunny this time of the year. Seville usually receives more sunshine than Bologna during autumn. Seville gets 208 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Bologna receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Seville usually receives less rain than Bologna. Seville gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Seville or Bologna in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Seville as well as Bologna. Most visitors come to Seville for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, 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. Seville is much warmer than Bologna in the winter. The daily temperature in Seville averages around 11°C (51°F) in January, and Bologna fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Seville often gets more sunshine than Bologna. Seville gets 173 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 105 hours of full sun.

Seville usually gets more rain in January than Bologna. Seville gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Seville or Bologna in the Spring?

Both Bologna and Seville are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Seville because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Bologna this time of year.

In the spring, Seville is a little warmer than Bologna. Typically, the spring temperatures in Seville in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Bologna averages at about 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Seville. Seville usually receives more sunshine than Bologna during spring. Seville gets 221 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Seville usually receives less rain than Bologna. Seville gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bologna and Seville