A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Trento vs. Bologna for Food, Nightlife, Backpackers, and Attractions

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

Trento

Trento is a high energy, dynamic, and youthful city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping.

Bologna

Bologna is a fun, historical, and culinary city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Trento and Bologna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Trento or Bologna?

You'll generally find more things to do in Bologna than Trento. Bologna is bigger than Trento, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Bologna is better known for its food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Trento is more popular for its hiking. Trento is well known for its beautiful mountain scenery and its historical buildings. Bologna is well known for its Terracota buildings, large international student population, and being the birthplace of Bolognaise pasta. Also, Bologna is famous for Piazza Maggiore.

How is Trento different from Bologna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Spend time exploring the notable sights and museums in either Trento or Bologna.

Trento is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Perhaps one of the most popular sights is Castello del Buonconsiglio. The Museum of Science is also fun for kids and adults alike and the Duomo is beautiful.

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 Trento or Bologna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bologna is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Trento is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and 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).

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Trento. The food in the region is influenced by nearby countries such as Austria. Carne salada, which is like corned beef, has a long history in the area. Schüttelbrot is a local flatbread and meraner wurst is a bit like a hot dog. You'll also find salamis and various cheeses.

Is Trento or Bologna Better for Nightlife?

Bologna is great for nightlife. However, Trento is not a good destination for nightlife and partying.

Many people head to Bologna for the nightlife scene. 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.

Most people don't head to Trento specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. Despite the large student population, there aren't a lot of bars and clubs around town. Most parties are held in private residences, so visitors may find the nightlife scene a bit slow.

Is Trento or Bologna Better for its Old Town?

Bologna is great for its historic old town. However, Trento does not have a historic 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).

Trento does not have a historic old town.

Is Trento or Bologna Better for Hiking?

Trento is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Bologna is not a hiking destination.

Trento is a popular spot for hiking. The surrounding countryside has many beautiful hikes and stunning viewpoints that make for a great outing outside of town.

Bologna is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Trento or Bologna?

Bologna is great for shopping. Also, Trento is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Trento offers some nice shopping areas. Head to the main shopping street, Via Balenzani for boutique shopping. You'll also find artisan shops and other unique vendors around town.

Is Trento or Bologna Better for Families?

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

Trento offers lots of family activities. Outside of town you'll find plenty of outdoor adventures that the kids will enjoy. In town, there's history and fun kid-friendly museums.

Bologna is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Trento or Bologna Better for Couples?

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

Trento is a nice destination for couples. The town mixes old and new in a beautiful setting that makes for a great romantic getaway. Nearby there are outdoor adventures and in town there's a beautiful atmosphere and great restaurants.

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 Trento or Bologna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bologna is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Trento is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

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.

Trento is a good city to visit for backpackers. There aren't many hostels in town, but there are some fun activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Is Trento or Bologna Better for Students?

For students, both Trento and Bologna are fantastic places to visit.

Students come from all over the world to visit Trento. It's a popular study abroad destination and you'll find plenty of interesting places to explore in the area.

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.

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

Trento and Bologna both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Trento offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The city has a number of bus lines through town.

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

Is Trento or Bologna a more walkable city?

Trento and Bologna are very good when it comes to walkability.

Trento is very walkable. Much of the city can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Bologna or Trento?

How long in Trento or Bologna?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Trento and Bologna. In our opinion, Bologna has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Bologna than Trento. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Bologna than Trento. 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 Trento. 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 Trento 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 Trento or Bologna?

In Trento, you'll find museums and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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.

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 Trento or Bologna?

In Trento, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Trento 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 Trento or Bologna?

Trento is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Trento or Bologna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Trento. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Trento. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 fun 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.

Which is Bigger, Trento or Bologna?

Bologna is bigger, and its population is about 3.5 times larger than the population of Trento. When comparing the population of Trento vs. 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 and the activities that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Trento 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 Trento or Bologna in the Summer?

Both Bologna and Trento during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Trento because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bologna this time of year.

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

In Bologna, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Trento. In the summer, Trento often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Trento gets 286 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 316 hours of full sun.

Trento usually gets more rain in July than Bologna. Trento gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Trento or Bologna in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Trento and Bologna. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Trento this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bologna for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Trento is cooler than Bologna in the autumn. The daily temperature in Trento averages around 14°C (57°F) in October, and Bologna fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Trento usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during autumn. Trento gets 137 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, Trento usually receives less rain than Bologna. Trento gets 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Trento or Bologna in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Trento as well as Bologna. Many travelers come to Trento for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. 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 Trento. In the winter, Trento is around the same temperature as Bologna. Typically, the winter temperatures in Trento in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Bologna averages at about 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Trento often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bologna. Trento gets 98 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 105 hours of full sun.

Trento usually gets less rain in January than Bologna. Trento gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Trento or Bologna in the Spring?

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

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

Trento usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during spring. Trento gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Trento usually receives less rain than Bologna. Trento gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bologna and Trento