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

Should you visit Tampere 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 Tampere and Bologna can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Tampere or Bologna?

Tampere

Tampere is a city in southern Finland. It sits between Nasijarvi Lake and Pyhajarvi Lake, with the Tammerkoski rapids in between. It is one of the larger Finnish cities, with more than 200,000 inhabitants, but Tampere has managed to keep the small town feel. The city center is compact in size, and the atmosphere is friendly and casual. The city is located on a scenic spot on a narrow isthmus. The Tammerkoski rapids and their riverbanks form the backdrop for the old industrial buildings, and ridges formed thousands of years ago by ancient seas and retreating ice offer fantastic views over the two lakes. Original architecture and innovative urban development blend together to please both viewers and users of the built environment. Enjoy the surrounding lakes on peaceful rowboat trips or on cruises on larger vessels, or concentrate on the urban sights from a sightseeing bus. Regenerated industrial buildings now house quirky museums, enticing shops, pubs, cinemas and cafes. Tampere has a down-to-earth vitality that makes it a favorite for many visitors.

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 10-Day Tours from Helsinki, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Finland, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Bologna or Tampere?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Tampere is €148, 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 Tampere and Bologna in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tampere 80
    Bologna 87
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tampere 160
    Bologna 174
Compare Hotels in Tampere and Bologna

Looking for a hotel in Tampere 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 Tampere


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: Tampere Hotel Prices and Bologna Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tampere 59
    Bologna 21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tampere

Also for Tampere, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Tampere Private Transfer from Tampere city centre to Tampere airport: $87
  • Helicopter Transfer to Helsinki Airport: $1,577

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bologna

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bologna:

  • Bologna Airport: Round Trip Transfer to Venice+Water Taxi: $1,663
  • Bologna Airport(BLQ): Roundtrip Transfer to Venice p-le Roma: $1,403
  • From Private Venice Day Trip with Transfer: $770
  • Siena: Private Round-Trip Transfer from/to Bologna Airport: $690
  • Bologna Airport (BLQ): One Way Transfer to Ravenna Port/City: $524
  • Tour Ferrari, Lambo, Parmesan, Vinegar, Wine with Transfer: $503
  • Bologna:Parmesan, Prosciutto, Balsamic, Wine, Lunch&Transfer: $503
  • Ferrari&Lambo, Parmesan, Balsamic, Red wine with Transfer: $497
  • Florence: Private Transfer from Bologna Airport (BLQ): $429
  • Ferrari, Lambo, Parmesan, Balsamic tour w/Lunch & Transfer: $390
  • Bologna Airport(BLQ): 1-Way Transfer to Venice Piazzale Roma: $374
  • Ravenna or Cruise Port to Murano + water taxi -RoundTrip Transfer: $300

Is it cheaper to fly into Tampere or Bologna?

Prices for flights to both Bologna and Tampere 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
    Tampere 33
    Bologna 39

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.
    Tampere 24
    Bologna 38

Tours and Activities in Tampere

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tampere.

  • Unique Corners of Tampere - Walking Tour: $180
  • Unique Corners of Tampere - Walking Tour: $523
  • Enchanting Tampere Romantic Walking Tour: $659

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:

  • the red medieval pearl and its delicious food (private tour): $284
  • 2 Hours Bologna Guided Private Tour for Kids and Families : $179
  • 2-Hour Bike Tour to Discover Bologna's Squares and Monuments: $147
  • 2-Hour Walking Tour Discovering the "Musical" Side of Bologna: $71
  • 2.5-hour Bologna City and University Walking Tour: $131
  • 3 hours walking tour with tastings: Bologna "La Grassa": $185
  • Art and taste tour: from Magnani Rocca to Parma ham: $210
  • BOLOGNA FOOD WALKING TOUR (morning or evening PRIVATE tour): $207
  • Best of Private & Personalised Walking Experience: $81
  • Best walking tour of Bologna: $158
  • Bike Tour Bologna: $142
  • Bologna - Old Town Private Historic Walking Tour: $374

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tampere 10
    Bologna 28

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 comparing the travel costs between Tampere 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 Tampere Expensive? and Is Bologna Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Tampere or Bologna?

Bologna has a larger population, and is about 83% larger than the population of Tampere. When comparing the sizes of Tampere 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 Tampere 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 Tampere or Bologna in the Summer?

Both Bologna and Tampere during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bologna this time of year.

In the summer, Tampere is cooler than Bologna. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tampere in July average around 16°C (61°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 Tampere. In the summer, Tampere often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Tampere gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 316 hours of full sun.

Tampere usually gets more rain in July than Bologna. Tampere gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tampere 16°C (61°F) 
    Bologna 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Tampere or Bologna in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Tampere and Bologna. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bologna for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Tampere is generally much colder than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Tampere average around 5°C (42°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Tampere usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during autumn. Tampere gets 81 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, Tampere usually receives less rain than Bologna. Tampere gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tampere 5°C (42°F) 
    Bologna 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Tampere or Bologna in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Tampere as well as Bologna. Additionally, 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 Tampere. Tampere is much colder than Bologna in the winter. The daily temperature in Tampere averages around -7°C (19°F) in January, and Bologna fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Tampere often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Tampere gets 37 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 105 hours of full sun.

Tampere usually gets less rain in January than Bologna. Tampere gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tampere -7°C (19°F) 
    Bologna 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Tampere or Bologna in the Spring?

Both Bologna and Tampere are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Bologna for the natural beauty during these months.

Tampere can get quite cold in the spring. In the spring, Tampere is much colder than Bologna. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tampere in April average around 3°C (38°F), and Bologna averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Tampere usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during spring. Tampere gets 174 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Tampere usually receives less rain than Bologna. Tampere gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tampere 3°C (38°F) 
    Bologna 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Bologna and Tampere

Tampere Bologna
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -7°C (19°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 2°C (36°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Feb -7°C (19°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 5°C (40°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Mar -3°C (27°F) 25 mm (1 in) 9°C (47°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Apr 3°C (38°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 13°C (55°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
May 10°C (50°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 15°C (58°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 21°C (70°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Jul 16°C (61°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Aug 15°C (59°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 23°C (73°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Sep 10°C (50°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 19°C (67°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Oct 5°C (42°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 16°C (61°F) 123 mm (4.8 in)
Nov 0°C (32°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 8°C (46°F) 124 mm (4.9 in)
Dec -4°C (24°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 7°C (45°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)