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

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

Toulon

Toulon is a authentic, off-the-beaten-path, and real world port city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bologna

Bologna is a historical, culinary, and beautiful city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Toulon and Bologna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Toulon or Bologna?

You'll generally find more things to do in Bologna than Toulon. Bologna is bigger than Toulon, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Bologna is better known for its food, nightlife, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Toulon is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling and beaches. Bologna is more touristy than Toulon and is known for its Terracota buildings, large international student population, and being the birthplace of Bolognaise pasta. Also, Bologna is famous for Piazza Maggiore. Toulon is well known for its old town, its coastal setting, and its popularity with local vacationers.

How is Toulon different from Bologna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both Toulon and Bologna have notable landmarks and museums for visitors.

Toulon is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Many of the sights are found in the old town and harbor areas. Some of the most interesting attractions include the Opera House, the Allied Landings Museum, the Naval Museum, and Cathédrale Sainte-Marie-de-la-Seds.

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.

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

Bologna is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its restaurants.

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).

Toulon has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a variety of cafes and restaurants that are found along the harbor or in the old town. Whether you want waterfront views or a charming street front cafe, there are great options available. Many restaurants offer local seafood but you'll also find pastries, traditional local food, a several Italian restaurants.

Is Toulon or Bologna Better for Nightlife?

Bologna is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for nightlife and partying.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Toulon. It's a relatively large city and traditionally a sailor's town, so the city has a long running tradition of partying into the night. While it doesn't have the party-hard reputation of some places, you likely won't be bored at night. Head to the harbor area or the beaches around Mourillon for the most lively bars and cafes.

Is Toulon or Bologna Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Toulon is a moderate port city for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Bologna is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Snorkeling is an option in Toulon. There are a few beaches in the area that are worth checking out with a mask and snorkel. You'll likely see some underwater life hanging out by the rocks in the quieter areas.

Bologna is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Toulon or Bologna Better for Beaches?

Toulon is very good for the beach. However, Bologna is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Toulon to enjoy the beach. The beaches are sandy and less crowded than some of the more popular areas. The most accessible beach is Mourillon Beach which has public facilities and restaurants. If you're willing to venture a little farther from the center of town you'll find Mitre Beach which has some snorkeling. Battere Basse Beach is a bit quieter and also has snorkeling. Anse de Méjean is a popular spot with the locals.

Bologna is not a beach destination.

Is Toulon or Bologna Better for its Old Town?

Bologna is a well-known place for its historic old town. However, Toulon is not a good port city for its old town.

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).

You can check out the historic old town in Toulon. The old town has plazas, terraced cafes, and plenty of outdoor shopping opportunities that visitors can enjoy.

Is the Shopping Better in Toulon or Bologna?

Both Toulon and Bologna are very good shopping destinations.

Toulon is an extremely popular place for shoppers. If you're looking for traditional local shopping opportunities then this is your place. There are a number of traditional Provençal markets around town but the most famous is Cours Lafayette. You can shop with the locals looking for produce or flowers. There's also a weekend farmers market, Petit Cours, that is fun to explore.

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.

Is Toulon or Bologna Better for Families?

You'll find notable kid-friendly activities in either Toulon or Bologna.

Toulon is a family-friendly place to visit. The city may be known as a hub for the French navy, but there are also activities that kids and adults alike can enjoy. There are several military themed museums, a few good beaches, and local shopping. There's also the enjoyable cable car ride that you can take to the top of Mont Faron as well as several nice seaside walks in the area.

Bologna is a family-friendly port 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 Toulon or Bologna Better for Couples?

Both Toulon and Bologna are notable destinations to visit as a couple.

Toulon is a nice destination for couples. Couples will appreciate the walks along the coast or through the harbor. There are also nice restaurants, interesting art galleries, and a few good hotels around town that make for a nice couple's weekend.

Bologna makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Toulon or Bologna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bologna is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Toulon. It doesn't have the reputation of many nearby towns along the French Riviera, so you can still find some affordable hostels and cafes in the area. You also won't find the crowds so you can enjoy a touch of the authentic local culture.

Is Toulon or Bologna Better for Students?

Bologna is an unbeatable place for students. However, Toulon 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.

Toulon is not popular with students.

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

Both Toulon and Bologna offer notable public transit options.

Toulon has a few public transit options. There are buses as well as petits trains (little tourist trains) that you can take around town.

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

Is Toulon or Bologna a more walkable city?

Toulon and Bologna both are very good when exploring on foot.

Toulon is very walkable. You can walk around the old town and harbor area where many of the sights are concentrated.

Bologna is a very walkable port city. Most sights are always within a 30 minute walk, and the city itself is very walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Toulon Worth Visiting? and Is Bologna Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bologna or Toulon?

How long in Toulon or Bologna?

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

Couples should spend more time in Bologna than Toulon. 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 Toulon 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 Toulon or Bologna?

In Toulon, you'll find nightlife and food. This port city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bologna. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Toulon or Bologna?

In Toulon, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Toulon has to offer.

Bologna is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Toulon or Bologna?

Toulon 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bologna. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Toulon or Bologna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Toulon. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Toulon. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the beautiful destination of Bologna. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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

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

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

Which is Bigger, Toulon or Bologna?

Bologna has a larger population, and is about 24% larger than the population of Toulon. When comparing the sizes of Toulon 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 Toulon 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 Toulon or Bologna in the Summer?

Both Bologna and Toulon are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Toulon because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bologna this time of year.

In July, Toulon is generally around the same temperature as Bologna. Daily temperatures in Toulon average around 24°C (75°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Bologna. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Toulon. Toulon usually receives more sunshine than Bologna during summer. Toulon gets 366 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Toulon usually receives less rain than Bologna. Toulon gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Toulon or Bologna in the Autumn?

Both Bologna and Toulon during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Toulon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bologna for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Toulon is around the same temperature as Bologna in the autumn. The daily temperature in Toulon averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Bologna fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

It's quite sunny in Toulon. In the autumn, Toulon often gets more sunshine than Bologna. Toulon gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 177 hours of full sun.

Bologna gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Toulon usually gets less rain in October than Bologna. Toulon gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Toulon or Bologna in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Toulon and Bologna. Many travelers come to Toulon for the museums, the shopping scene, 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. In the winter, Toulon is much warmer than Bologna. Typically, the winter temperatures in Toulon in January average around 7°C (44°F), and Bologna averages at about 2°C (36°F).

Toulon usually receives more sunshine than Bologna during winter. Toulon gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Toulon usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bologna. Toulon gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Toulon or Bologna in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Toulon as well as Bologna. Many visitors come to Toulon in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Bologna for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Toulon is generally around the same temperature as Bologna. Daily temperatures in Toulon average around 13°C (56°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Toulon this time of the year. In the spring, Toulon often gets more sunshine than Bologna. Toulon gets 245 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 192 hours of full sun.

Toulon usually gets less rain in April than Bologna. Toulon gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bologna and Toulon