A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Stratford-upon-Avon vs. Bologna for Food, Old Town, Attractions, and Families

Should you visit Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon and Bologna can help you decide which place is right for you.

Stratford-upon-Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon is a quaint, idyllic, and peaceful town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. Other popular activities here include food and theater.

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.

Stratford-upon-Avon and Bologna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Stratford-upon-Avon or Bologna?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bologna. Although Stratford-upon-Avon and Bologna are both popular with visitors, Bologna has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Bologna is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Stratford-upon-Avon is known for its theatre productions and small town charm. Bologna is more touristy than Stratford-upon-Avon and is popular for its Terracota buildings, large international student population, and being the birthplace of Bolognaise pasta. It is also home to Piazza Maggiore. Stratford-upon-Avon is popular for its status as the birthplace of William Shakespeare.

How is Stratford-upon-Avon different from Bologna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or Bologna?

Bologna is very good for its museums and history. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Bologna offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Many visitors make a point of seeing Shakespeare's Birthplace, Hall's Croft, and Anne Hathaway's Cottage.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Bologna Better for Theater?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a world-class destination for its shows and theatre. However, Bologna is not a theatre destination.

The theater scene in Stratford-upon-Avon is world-class. Shakespeare enthusiasts must check out a Shakespeare play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. There are often tickets available the day of for a reduced price.

Bologna is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or Bologna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bologna is an unbeatable place for its restaurants. Also, Stratford-upon-Avon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Bologna has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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).

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Stratford-upon-Avon area. The town center has a few nice restaurants including seafood, Italian food, Indian food, and cafes where you can enjoy high tea.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Bologna Better for Nightlife?

Bologna is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Bologna Better for its Old Town?

Bologna is a very popular place for its old town. Also, Stratford-upon-Avon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town charm.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Bologna. The old town is filled with Terracota buildings, which give the city its nickname, La Rossa (The Red).

Stratford-upon-Avon offers a nice historic old town area. The old town has a few highlights including Shakespeare's birthplace, and several museums.

Is the Shopping Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or Bologna?

Bologna is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Bologna Better for Families?

You'll find good kid-friendly activities in either Stratford-upon-Avon or Bologna.

Stratford-upon-Avon is a family-friendly town. This small town has a ferris wheel that offers beautiful views. There's also a the Stratford Butterfly Farm, which is a beautiful setting and if you stand still enough, you might even be lucky enough to have one land on your shoulder. You can also check out Tudor World, the MAD Museum, or one of the playgrounds around town.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Bologna. 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Bologna Better for Couples?

Both Stratford-upon-Avon and Bologna are good destinations to visit as a couple.

Stratford-upon-Avon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The charming town offers a few nice restaurants where you can enjoy a meal. For a lovely date night, check out a Shakespeare play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. During the day, wander around the old town or stroll down the river and enjoy the beautiful outdoor setting. Many residents have converted properties into Bed and Breakfasts, so there are a number of cute and affordable places where couples can stay.

Bologna is a good town for couples to visit. 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Bologna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bologna is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is lacking in good options 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. Most backpackers skip this town for the more lively cities. There are affordable places to stay, but no real hostels in town.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Bologna Better for Students?

Bologna is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not popular with students.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Bologna Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bologna is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Stratford-upon-Avon. The train station is a bit removed from the town center, but because the town is so small, it's still possible to reach it on foot from most places.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Bologna a more walkable city?

Bologna is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Stratford-upon-Avon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is a somewhat walkable town. It's easy to stroll around town on foot, but there aren't many pedestrian only areas. Head for the river for some of the nicest walking areas.

For even more information, also check out Is Stratford-upon-Avon Worth Visiting? and Is Bologna Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bologna or Stratford-upon-Avon?

How long in Stratford-upon-Avon or Bologna?

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

Families should spend more time in Bologna than Stratford-upon-Avon. 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 Bologna than Stratford-upon-Avon. 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 Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Bologna?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a small town with plenty to do. One reason most visitors come is for the theater. 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, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Lots of people come for the food. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Stratford-upon-Avon or Bologna?

Stratford-upon-Avon 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. One reason most visitors come is for the theater. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Stratford-upon-Avon has to offer.

Many people visit Bologna for a weekend. Lots of people come for the food. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bologna, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Stratford-upon-Avon or Bologna?

Stratford-upon-Avon 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.

The beautiful destination of Bologna offers shopping and museums. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Stratford-upon-Avon or Bologna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Stratford-upon-Avon. Since Stratford-upon-Avon is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One reason most visitors come is for the theater. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bologna. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers something for everyone. 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 Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Stratford-upon-Avon and Bologna, we can see that Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon Expensive? and Is Bologna Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Stratford-upon-Avon or Bologna?

Bologna has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Stratford-upon-Avon. When comparing the sizes of Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Bologna in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Stratford-upon-Avon as well as Bologna. The summer months attract visitors to Stratford-upon-Avon because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bologna this time of year.

In the summer, Stratford-upon-Avon is cooler than Bologna. Typically, the summer temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Bologna averages at about 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bologna. In the summer, Stratford-upon-Avon often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 316 hours of full sun.

Stratford-upon-Avon usually gets more rain in July than Bologna. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Bologna in the Autumn?

Both Bologna and Stratford-upon-Avon are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The small town atmosphere are the main draw to Stratford-upon-Avon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bologna for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Stratford-upon-Avon is generally cooler than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon average around 11°C (52°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during autumn. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bologna. In October, Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives less rain than Bologna. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Bologna in the Winter?

Both Bologna and Stratford-upon-Avon during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Stratford-upon-Avon for the museums, the theater shows, and the cuisine. 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 Stratford-upon-Avon. Stratford-upon-Avon is much warmer than Bologna in the winter. The daily temperature in Stratford-upon-Avon averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Bologna fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Stratford-upon-Avon often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 105 hours of full sun.

Stratford-upon-Avon usually gets less rain in January than Bologna. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Bologna in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Stratford-upon-Avon and Bologna. Many visitors come to Stratford-upon-Avon in the spring for the small town charm. Also, most visitors come to Bologna for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Stratford-upon-Avon is cooler than Bologna. Typically, the spring temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Bologna averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during spring. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives less rain than Bologna. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bologna and Stratford-upon-Avon