A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tromso vs. Bologna for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Tromso 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 Tromso 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.

Tromso

Tromso is a one-of-a-kind, spectacular, and remote town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include hiking, nightlife, and food.

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.

Tromso and Bologna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tromso or Bologna?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bologna than Tromso. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Bologna is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Tromso attracts visitors for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Tromso is more touristy than Bologna and is popular for its stunning nature, beautiful Arctic landscape, and breathtaking fjords. Bologna is famous for its Terracota buildings, large international student population, and being the birthplace of Bolognaise pasta. It is also well known for Piazza Maggiore.

How is Tromso different from Bologna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bologna is a city with good options for its historical sights. However, Tromso does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bologna. 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.

Tromso does not have museums and landmarks. You can learn about everything having to do with the Arctic at the museum, Polaria. There's also the the Polar Museum, the Arctic Cathedral, and Nordnorsk Kunstmuseum.

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

Bologna is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Tromso is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Many restaurants in Bologna have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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).

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Tromso makes for a great culinary experience. Fish is the staple around town and you'll find local seasonal fish dishes. There are also modern restaurants that serve international cuisines or trendy options.

Is Tromso or Bologna Better for Nightlife?

Bologna is a great city for its evening party scene. Also, Tromso is not as popular, but is still a nice town for nightlife.

The nightlife in Bologna has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Tromso. There's a good nightlife scene with many bars and clubs that are popular with locals and tourists alike.

Is Tromso or Bologna Better for its Old Town?

Bologna is a great city for its historic old town charm. However, Tromso does not have a historic old town.

Bologna is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old town is filled with Terracota buildings, which give the city its nickname, La Rossa (The Red).

Tromso does not have a historic old town.

Is Tromso or Bologna Better for Hiking?

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

Tromso is a popular spot for hiking. The surrounding countryside is filled with fjords, mountains, and pristine wilderness. There are hikes that cater to every level, and a trip to Tromso is not complete without heading into the rural areas.

Bologna is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tromso or Bologna?

Bologna is a great city for its shopping areas. However, Tromso is not known for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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.

Tromso is a good destination for shopping. There are shops sprinkled along the main street, as well as a shopping center or two around town.

Is Tromso or Bologna Better for Families?

Tromso 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.

Tromso is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Whether you visit during the summer or winter season, there are a number of indoor or outdoor activities around town. Many visitors come during the winter months to see the Northern Lights. There's also the Ice Hotel, Husky Sledding, and fjords cruises. Indoors, you'll find the Science Center, the Arctic University Museum, and the Troll Museum.

Bologna is a family-friendly town. 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 Tromso or Bologna Better for Couples?

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

Tromso is a very popular place to visit for couples. For many couples, seeing the Northern Lights is an iconic romantic experience. The area also has an amazing outdoor setting with fjords and hiking. Indoors, there are art museums and more.

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 Tromso or Bologna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Tromso. There are hostels as well as camping in the area that make this otherwise expensive area somewhat more affordable.

Is Tromso or Bologna Better for Students?

Bologna is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Tromso is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Tromso is a good town to visit for students. Although it's a very small city, there are a large number of students and some big city amenities. There are plenty of entertainment options both in town and in the surrounding countryside.

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

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

While Tromso offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's an efficient and reliable bus system in town.

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

Is Tromso or Bologna a more walkable city?

Tromso and Bologna are superb when it comes to walkability.

Tromso is a very walkable destination. The city is generally walkable but if you want to get into the countryside you'll need to travel by car or bus.

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 Tromso Worth Visiting? and Is Bologna Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bologna or Tromso?

How long in Tromso or Bologna?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Tromso and Bologna. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Tromso than in Bologna. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Tromso, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bologna.

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

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

Tromso is a small town with plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

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 Tromso or Bologna?

Tromso might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

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 Tromso or Bologna?

Tromso is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Tromso has to offer. 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 Tromso or Bologna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tromso. Tromso is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and nightlife. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the culinary 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 Coach Bus Tours in Norway, The Best Adventure Tours to Norway, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Tromso or Bologna?

Bologna has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Tromso. When comparing the sizes of Tromso 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 Tromso 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 Tromso or Bologna in the Summer?

Both Bologna and Tromso during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Tromso in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Bologna for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Tromso is much colder than Bologna in the summer. The daily temperature in Tromso averages around 12°C (54°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 Tromso. In the summer, Tromso often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Tromso gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 316 hours of full sun.

Tromso usually gets more rain in July than Bologna. Tromso gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tromso or Bologna in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Tromso and Bologna. Most visitors come to Tromso for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Bologna because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Tromso can be very cold during autumn. In the autumn, Tromso is much colder than Bologna. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tromso in October average around 3°C (37°F), and Bologna averages at about 16°C (61°F).

Tromso usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during autumn. Tromso gets 49 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Bologna receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Tromso gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Tromso usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bologna. Tromso gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Tromso or Bologna in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Tromso as well as Bologna. The winter months attract visitors to Tromso because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, 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. The weather in Tromso can be very cold. In January, Tromso is generally much colder than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Tromso average around -4°C (25°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Tromso often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Tromso gets 3 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 105 hours of full sun.

Tromso usually gets more rain in January than Bologna. Tromso gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tromso or Bologna in the Spring?

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

It's quite cold in Tromso in the spring. Tromso is much colder than Bologna in the spring. The daily temperature in Tromso averages around 1°C (33°F) in April, and Bologna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Tromso usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during spring. Tromso gets 160 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Tromso usually receives less rain than Bologna. Tromso gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bologna and Tromso