A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sigulda vs. Bologna for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Sigulda or Bologna?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Sigulda and Bologna can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Sigulda or Bologna?

Sigulda

Only 50 kilometers from Riga, Sigulda can be reached by either train or bus. The town is pleasantly situated in the Vidzeme Region of Latvia in the beautiful Gauja Valley. The area is quite scenic with steep banks and cliffs, and has earned itself the title as the "Switzerland of Latvia." Don't put too much emphasis on this name, but it is a pleasant area to explore, particularly if you're looking to get outside of the city and immerse yourself in some pristine wilderness.

Bologna

Bologna is the capital city of the northern region of Italy, Emilia-Romagna, with a population of 380,000. It is a historical city known well by Italians, however, not as well known among foreigners. The locals of Bologna speak little to no English. The city is most known for having the oldest university in the West. Another reason many visit this city is because of its exquisite cuisine. Many Italians would consider it one of the most beautiful cities in the entire country because of its impeccably preserved historic centers. The best time to visit Bologna is usually between March and October, although bare in mind that July and August can get quite hot.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Bologna or Sigulda?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Sigulda is €24, while the average daily cost in Bologna is €159. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Sigulda and Bologna in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sigulda 16
    Bologna 87
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sigulda 32
    Bologna 174
Compare Hotels in Sigulda and Bologna

Looking for a hotel in Sigulda or Bologna? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Sigulda


Hotels in Bologna


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Sigulda Hotel Prices and Bologna Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sigulda -
    Bologna 21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bologna

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bologna:

  • Arrival Private Transfer Bologna Airport BLQ to Modena or Verona by Business Van: $162
  • Arrival Private Transfers: Bologna Airport BLQ to Bologna City in Business Car: $121
  • Arrival Private Transfers: Bologna Airport BLQ to Bologna City in Luxury Van: $135
  • Arrival Transfer Bologna Airport BLQ to Bologna City by Sedan: $56
  • Arrival Transfer from Ravenna/Cruise Port to Venice Piazzale Roma: $120
  • Balsamic Vinegar Experience with Private Transfer: $163
  • Bologna Airport (BLQ) to Bologna - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $92
  • Bologna Airport (BLQ) to Florence - Arrival Private Transfer: $86
  • Bologna Airport (BLQ) to Florence - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $172
  • Bologna Airport (BLQ) to Ravenna city or Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $113
  • Bologna Airport (BLQ) to Venice - Arrival Private Transfer: $117
  • Bologna Airport (BLQ) to Venice - Arrival Private Transfer: $100

Is it cheaper to fly into Sigulda or Bologna?

Prices for flights to both Bologna and Sigulda change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Sigulda 7.81
    Bologna 39
Typical Food Prices in Sigulda

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Sigulda:


  • Pastry
    1.85

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bologna

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bologna.

  • Virtual Cooking Class: Ravioli variations with classic tomato sauce: $35
  • Bologna Food Tour including Tagliatelle, Mortadella, Wine: $57
  • Bologna Traditional Home Cooking Class with Lunch or Dinner: $73
  • Exclusive Cooking Class - Pasta Tagliatelle Ragu & Spritz: $74
  • Exclusive Bologna Cooking Class - Pasta Tagliatelle Ragu & Spritz: $75
  • Traditional Bolognese Cooking Class with a Meal: $80
  • Traditional Recipes Cooking Class with Local Wines: $82
  • Hands on Home Cooking Class: $84
  • Walking Food Tour with a Local Guide: $84
  • Tastes and Traditions Food Tour with Market Visit: $84
  • Tastes & Traditions of Food Tour with Market Visit: $86
  • Bologna traditional food tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $92

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sigulda -
    Bologna 38

Tours and Activities in Sigulda

Here are a few actual costs in Sigulda for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Thrilling Summer Bobsleigh Adventure in Latvia: $74
  • Riga: Private Sigulda, Turaida, and Gauja National Park Tour: $107
  • From Riga: Group Tour to Sigulda and Turaida: $128
  • Cēsis, Līgatne & Sigulda Tour: Must-see Highlights: $218

Typical Entertainment Prices in Bologna

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Bologna are as follows:


  • Food Tour (for 2)
    31
  • Wine Tasting Tour (for 2)
    115
  • Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour (for 2)
    67
  • National Gallery Museum Bologna (for 2)
    12
  • Archaeology Museum of Bologna (for 2)
    12

Tours and Activities in Bologna

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bologna are as follows:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Bologna Walking Tour with Audio and Written Guide: $4.36
  • From Italy eSIM Tourist Roaming Data Plan: $4.81
  • A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Porta Galliera to Le Tre Frecce: $5.99
  • Self-Guided Historical Audio Tour: $5.99
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $6.42
  • Bologna Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.54
  • Digital Guide made by a Local for your walking tour: $7.49
  • Bologna's Ancient and Recent History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Ancient and Recent History Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sigulda -
    Bologna 28

Sample the Local Flavors in Sigulda

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Sigulda:

  • Latvian Brewery Visit & Sigulda City Tour (Full day tour): $144

Sample the Local Flavors in Bologna

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Bologna:

  • Modena area: Lambrusco Wine Tasting Experience: $38
  • From Wine Tasting and Vineyard Tour with the winemaker: $53
  • Monte San Pietro: Montevecchio Isolani Tour & Wine Tasting: $53
  • Bologna Food & Wine tour with a local Chef: $69
  • Wine Tasting Tour in One of the Oldest Inns: $70
  • Bologna Wine Tasting in One of the Oldest Inns: $71
  • Small-Group Half-Day Wine Tour with Tasting in Dozza Village: $102
  • Taste the real Bologna Food and Wine tour: $107
  • Wine Tasting Experience with a Local Guide: $118
  • Exclusive Italian Wine Tasting: $131
  • Food and Wine Tasting Tour in Bologna with a local guide : $138
  • Italian Wine Tasting on the Panoramic Terrace in Bologna: $163


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

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


Which is Bigger, Sigulda or Bologna?

Bologna has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Sigulda. When comparing the sizes of Sigulda 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 Sigulda 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 Sigulda or Bologna in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Sigulda and Bologna. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bologna this time of year.

In July, Sigulda is generally cooler than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Sigulda average around 17°C (63°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In July, Sigulda usually receives more rain than Bologna. Sigulda gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Sigulda 17°C (63°F) 
    Bologna 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Sigulda or Bologna in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Sigulda as well as Bologna. Also, many travelers come to Bologna for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Sigulda is much colder than Bologna in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sigulda averages around 7°C (45°F) in October, and Bologna fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

It's quite rainy in Bologna. Sigulda usually gets less rain in October than Bologna. Sigulda gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Sigulda 7°C (45°F) 
    Bologna 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Sigulda or Bologna in the Winter?

Both Bologna and Sigulda are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Bologna in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Bologna can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Sigulda. In the winter, Sigulda is much colder than Bologna. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sigulda in January average around -5°C (23°F), and Bologna averages at about 2°C (36°F).

In January, Sigulda usually receives less rain than Bologna. Sigulda gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Sigulda -5°C (23°F) 
    Bologna 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Sigulda or Bologna in the Spring?

Both Bologna and Sigulda during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bologna for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Sigulda is generally much colder than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Sigulda average around 5°C (42°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Sigulda usually gets less rain in April than Bologna. Sigulda gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Sigulda 5°C (42°F) 
    Bologna 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Bologna and Sigulda

Sigulda Bologna
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -5°C (23°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 2°C (36°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Feb -4°C (24°F) 25 mm (1 in) 5°C (40°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Mar -0°C (31°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 9°C (47°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Apr 5°C (42°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 13°C (55°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 17°C (63°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 15°C (60°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 21°C (70°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 76 mm (3 in) 19°C (67°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Oct 7°C (45°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 123 mm (4.8 in)
Nov 2°C (36°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 124 mm (4.9 in)
Dec -2°C (28°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 7°C (45°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)