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

Should you visit Tallinn or Bologna?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Tallinn 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.

Tallinn

Tallinn is a historical, charming, and quaint city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

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.

Tallinn and Bologna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tallinn or Bologna?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Tallinn. Although Tallinn and Bologna are roughly the same size, Tallinn has more sights and attractions for tourists. Tallinn is more popular for its museums, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Bologna is known for its food. Tallinn is more touristy than Bologna and is popular for its well preserved old town and its active nightlife scene. It is also home to The Old Town. Bologna is popular for its Terracota buildings, large international student population, and being the birthplace of Bolognaise pasta.

The Old Town

How is Tallinn different from Bologna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Tallinn is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Bologna is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Many visitors head to Tallinn specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are beautiful historic churches, particularly in the city's old town. A highlight is the stunning Alexander Nevski Cathedral. You'll also find some unique museums around town as well as Toompea Castle.

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

Bologna is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Tallinn is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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).

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Tallinn area. Food is affordable and hearty. Many dishes incorporate rye bread, pork, smoked fish, potatoes, or dairy products. You'll also find a lot of variation in dishes between seasons.

Is Tallinn or Bologna Better for Nightlife?

The excellent nightlife scene is relatively similar in Tallinn and Bologna.

Tallinn has a large number of nightlife venues. As it's grown in popularity with tourists, the city has put itself on the map as a top party destination in Eastern Europe. There's an active bar and club scene, but there are also art venues and other creative activities for everyone.

Bologna is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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 Tallinn or Bologna Better for its Old Town?

Tallinn is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. Also, Bologna is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town.

The historic old town of Tallinn is revered around the world. The city's medieval old town is at the heart of it's tourist attractions. The Gothic architecture, local restaurants, and cobblestone streets give the city a fairytale charm.

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).

Is the Shopping Better in Tallinn or Bologna?

Shoppers can find a variety of excellent stores in both Tallinn and Bologna.

Tallinn is well-known for its shopping. There's a mix of quirky shops and recognizable brands around town. Old town is a popular shopping area, as is nearby Kalamaja. Visitors enjoy picking up marzipan, local crafts, and unique art.

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 Tallinn or Bologna Better for Families?

Tallinn and Bologna are both good destinations for the whole family.

Tallinn is a family-friendly city. Your kids will feel like they stepped into a fairytale in this beautiful city. It has countless museums including an open air museum and a zoo. There's also nearby Pirita Beach, where you and your kids can enjoy ice cream in a seaside setting.

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 Tallinn or Bologna Better for Couples?

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

Tallinn is a very popular place to visit for couples. Filled with gardens, romantic walks, and impressive views, this city makes for a great couple's getaway. Base yourself in the city's beautiful old town and dine in one of the many local restaurants. There are also nice hotels around town that are great for couples.

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 Tallinn or Bologna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tallinn is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Bologna is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Tallinn is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. The city is both affordable and unique, which is perfect for travelers on a budget. There are plenty of hostels around town as well as casual places to grab a cheap bite to eat.

Bologna is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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 Tallinn or Bologna Better for Students?

Bologna is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Tallinn is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Bologna is a great destination 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.

Tallinn is popular with students. International students appreciate the vibrant atmosphere and the affordable options around town.

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

Tallinn is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Bologna is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Tallinn. There are buses trolleys and trams around town.

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

Is Tallinn or Bologna a more walkable city?

Tallinn 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 Tallinn on foot. The city is compact and easily explored on foot, particularly in the most touristy areas.

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 Tallinn Worth Visiting? and Is Bologna Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bologna or Tallinn?

How long in Tallinn or Bologna?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Tallinn and Bologna. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Tallinn than in Bologna. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Tallinn, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bologna.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Tallinn than Bologna 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 Tallinn.

One day in Tallinn or Bologna?

In Tallinn, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Tallinn or Bologna?

In Tallinn, 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. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Tallinn 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 Tallinn or Bologna?

Tallinn 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 Tallinn or Bologna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tallinn. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Tallinn. 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 2-Week Tours from Tallinn, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Estonia, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Tallinn or Bologna?

Tallinn has a larger population, and is about 6% larger than the population of Bologna. When comparing the sizes of Tallinn 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 Tallinn 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 Tallinn or Bologna in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Tallinn as well as Bologna. Most visitors come to Tallinn for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Bologna because of the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Tallinn is cooler than Bologna. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tallinn in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Bologna averages at about 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bologna. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tallinn this time of the year. In the summer, Tallinn often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Tallinn gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 316 hours of full sun.

Tallinn usually gets more rain in July than Bologna. Tallinn gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tallinn or Bologna in the Autumn?

Both Bologna and Tallinn are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Tallinn because of the shopping scene 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, Tallinn is generally much colder than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Tallinn average around 7°C (44°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Tallinn usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during autumn. Tallinn gets 92 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, Tallinn usually receives less rain than Bologna. Tallinn gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Tallinn or Bologna in the Winter?

Both Bologna and Tallinn during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Tallinn 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 Tallinn in the winter. Tallinn is much colder than Bologna in the winter. The daily temperature in Tallinn averages around -5°C (22°F) in January, and Bologna fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Tallinn often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Tallinn gets 25 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 105 hours of full sun.

Tallinn usually gets less rain in January than Bologna. Tallinn gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tallinn or Bologna in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Tallinn and Bologna. Many travelers come to Tallinn for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Bologna in the spring for the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Tallinn. In the spring, Tallinn is much colder than Bologna. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tallinn in April average around 4°C (39°F), and Bologna averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Tallinn usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bologna during spring. Tallinn gets 186 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Tallinn usually receives less rain than Bologna. Tallinn gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bologna and Tallinn