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

Should you visit Toulouse or Bologna?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Toulouse and Bologna can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Toulouse

Toulouse is a relaxed, dynamic, and historic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Bologna

Bologna is a fun, historical, and culinary city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Toulouse and Bologna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Toulouse or Bologna?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Toulouse. Although Toulouse and Bologna are roughly the same size, Toulouse has more sights and attractions for tourists. Toulouse is very popular for its museums and big city activities, while Bologna attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Bologna is more touristy than Toulouse and is popular for its Terracota buildings, large international student population, and being the birthplace of Bolognaise pasta. Toulouse is famous for its impressive old town, many museums, and delicious local cuisine. It is also well known for Basilique Saint-Sernin.

How is Toulouse different from Bologna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Toulouse 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 Toulouse specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There is a long running history with countless landmarks and museums. Highlights include Basilique Saint-Sernin, Place du Capitole, Muséum de Toulouse, and Fondation Bemberg.

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 Toulouse or Bologna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Toulouse and Bologna offer a number of amazing restaurants to choose from.

Many restaurants in Toulouse have been singled out for their culinary prowess. There are many unique regional recipes that make use of poultry, cold meats, and foie gras. Toulouse sausage, cassoulet, Poulet à la Toulousaine, and Foie gras d’oie are all popular local dishes.

Eat your way through Bologna, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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).

Is Toulouse or Bologna Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is superb in both Toulouse and Bologna.

Many people head to Toulouse for the nightlife scene. You'll find a large number of students in town so the nightlife scene is active and fun. For the most lively atmosphere head to Carmes, Saint-Cyprien, or Place Saint-Pierre.

Bologna has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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 Toulouse or Bologna Better for its Old Town?

Both Toulouse and Bologna have superb historic old towns worth visiting.

Toulouse is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old town is filled with terra-cota buildings and pedestrian walkways. The area flows out around the Capitole and is crossed by the Garonne.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Bologna. The old town is filled with Terracota buildings, which give the city its nickname, La Rossa (The Red).

Is the Shopping Better in Toulouse or Bologna?

If you're looking to go shopping, Toulouse and Bologna both offer plenty of superb spots.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Toulouse. There are many great shopping districts around town including Place du Capitole, The Saint Georges district, and Rue Alsace Lorraine.

Bologna is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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 Toulouse or Bologna Better for Families?

Toulouse is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bologna is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Toulouse is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city's known for its space industry so the La Cite de l’Espace (Space Museum) is a favorite attraction for kids and adults alike. You can also visit Aeroscopia, the airplane museum. La Halle de la machine is a truly unique and impressive playground. The city also has many other museums and outdoor spaces to explore.

Bologna is a family-friendly 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 Toulouse or Bologna Better for Couples?

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

Toulouse is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are many beautiful parks, gardens, and walking paths. Make sure you take a stroll along the Canal du Midi and visit Jardin Japonais Pierre Baudis. This is also a great city for visiting a spa.

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 Toulouse or Bologna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bologna is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Toulouse is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and 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.

Toulouse is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not a major stop off for many backpackers in Europe so you won't find as many hostels as you do in other cities.

Is Toulouse or Bologna Better for Students?

Bologna is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Toulouse is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Bologna is a very popular city 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.

Toulouse is a good city to visit for students. You'll find a diverse student population with many international students.

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

Toulouse and Bologna both offer nice public transit to get you around.

While Toulouse offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are a large number of bus routes that travel both locally and regionally.

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

Is Toulouse or Bologna a more walkable city?

Toulouse and Bologna are superb when it comes to walkability.

Toulouse is a very walkable destination. Within the city center it is very walkable and easy to explore on foot.

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 Toulouse Worth Visiting? and Is Bologna Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bologna or Toulouse?

How long in Toulouse or Bologna?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bologna than Toulouse 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 Toulouse or Bologna?

In Toulouse, 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. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The beautiful city of Bologna offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Toulouse or Bologna?

In Toulouse, 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 Toulouse has to offer.

Bologna is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Toulouse or Bologna?

Toulouse 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 popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Toulouse or Bologna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Toulouse. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Toulouse. 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.

Bologna is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in France, The Best 10-Day Tours in 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 Toulouse and Bologna, we can see that Bologna is more expensive. And not only is Toulouse much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Toulouse would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Toulouse 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 Toulouse.

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

Which is Bigger, Toulouse or Bologna?

Toulouse has a larger population, and is about 17% larger than the population of Bologna. When comparing the sizes of Toulouse 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 Toulouse 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 Toulouse or Bologna in the Summer?

Both Bologna and Toulouse during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Toulouse in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bologna for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Toulouse is around the same temperature as Bologna in the summer. The daily temperature in Toulouse averages around 22°C (72°F) in July, and Bologna fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In Bologna, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Toulouse. In the summer, Toulouse often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Toulouse gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 316 hours of full sun.

Toulouse usually gets more rain in July than Bologna. Toulouse gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Toulouse or Bologna in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Toulouse and Bologna. Most visitors come to Toulouse for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Bologna because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Toulouse is around the same temperature as Bologna. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Toulouse in October average around 15°C (60°F), and Bologna averages at about 16°C (61°F).

Toulouse usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during autumn. Toulouse gets 161 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, Toulouse usually receives less rain than Bologna. Toulouse gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Toulouse or Bologna in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Toulouse as well as Bologna. The winter months attract visitors to Toulouse because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bologna this time of year.

It's quite cold in Bologna in the winter. In January, Toulouse is generally much warmer than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Toulouse average around 6°C (44°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Toulouse often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Toulouse gets 88 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 105 hours of full sun.

Toulouse usually gets less rain in January than Bologna. Toulouse gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Toulouse or Bologna in the Spring?

Both Bologna and Toulouse are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Toulouse this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bologna for the natural beauty.

Toulouse is around the same temperature as Bologna in the spring. The daily temperature in Toulouse averages around 12°C (54°F) in April, and Bologna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Toulouse usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during spring. Toulouse gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Toulouse usually receives less rain than Bologna. Toulouse gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bologna and Toulouse