A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Turin (Torino) vs. Bologna for Food, Attractions, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Turin (Torino) or Bologna?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Turin (Torino) or Bologna, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Turin (Torino)

Turin (Torino) is a historic, lively, and beautiful city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Bologna

Bologna is a historical, culinary, and beautiful city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Turin (Torino) and Bologna: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Turin (Torino) or Bologna?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Bologna than Turin (Torino). While Turin (Torino) is larger than Bologna, Bologna has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Bologna is very popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Turin (Torino) attracts visitors for its museums. Turin (Torino) is famous for its grand squares, beautiful palaces, and easy access to the Alps. 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 Turin (Torino) different from Bologna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Turin (Torino) or Bologna?

Turin (Torino)
Bologna

Turin (Torino) 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 Turin (Torino) specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city boasts a number of museums including The Egyptian Museum, Museo Nazionale del Cinema, and Museo Nazionale dell'Automobile. Other landmarks include the Royal Armory, The Cathedral and the Holy Shroud, and Palazzo Madama.

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 Turin (Torino) or Bologna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Turin (Torino)
Bologna

Bologna is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Turin (Torino) is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Bologna is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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).

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Turin (Torino). The region has been credited with being the birthplace of the Slow Food Movement. The dishes often use locally made ingredients and there are very diverse flavors and recipes. Local favorites include antipasto misto, risotto ai funghi (mushroom risotto), and carne cruda (beef tartare).

Is Turin (Torino) or Bologna Better for Nightlife?

Turin (Torino)
Bologna

Bologna is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Turin (Torino) is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Turin (Torino). There's a good nightlife scene that includes everything from bars to dance clubs. Via Po is one of the city's main bar hopping streets. For a more relaxed night out head to Via Garibaldi which has a number of restaurants and cocktail bars.

Is Turin (Torino) or Bologna Better for its Old Town?

Turin (Torino)
Bologna

Bologna is notable for its historic old town charm. However, Turin (Torino) does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Bologna to see the historical old town. The old town is filled with Terracota buildings, which give the city its nickname, La Rossa (The Red).

Turin (Torino) does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Turin (Torino) or Bologna?

Turin (Torino)
Bologna

Bologna is notable for its shopping areas. Also, Turin (Torino) is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Turin (Torino). The city has everything from high end shopping to local boutiques. For the best luxury shopping head to Via Roma. Via Garibaldi is another popular pedestrian street that has many shops and restaurants.

Is Turin (Torino) or Bologna Better for Families?

Turin (Torino)
Bologna

Turin (Torino) and Bologna are both nice destinations for the whole family.

Turin (Torino) is a family-friendly place to visit. If the kids need to stretch their legs, head to Valentino Park. For kid-friendly museums, check out The Cinema Museum The Egyptian Museum, or the Museum of Car. It's also fun to take a ride of the historic tram.

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 Turin (Torino) or Bologna Better for Couples?

Turin (Torino)
Bologna

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

Turin (Torino) is a very popular place to visit for couples. With grand squares, beautiful architecture, and excellent cuisine, couples will enjoy every minute of their trip to Turin. The city is also near the Alps, so outdoor adventure isn't far away.

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 Turin (Torino) or Bologna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Turin (Torino)
Bologna

Both Turin (Torino) and Bologna are excellent destinations for backpackers.

Turin (Torino) is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. You'll find hostels around town and easy access to outdoor activities. The city also has great food and a lively atmosphere.

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.

Is Turin (Torino) or Bologna Better for Students?

Turin (Torino)
Bologna

Bologna is renowned for students. Also, Turin (Torino) is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

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.

Students come from all over to stay in Turin (Torino). It's relatively easy to find study abroad opportunities to the area. The city's atmosphere is diverse and fun with many activities that the student population can enjoy.

Is Turin (Torino) or Bologna Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Turin (Torino)
Bologna

Turin (Torino) is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Bologna is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Turin (Torino). The public transit system is operated by Gruppo Torinese Trasporti (GTT) and includes one metro line, nine tram lines, and a number of bus lines.

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


Is Turin (Torino) or Bologna a more walkable city?

Turin (Torino)
Bologna

Bologna is notable for its ease of walking around. Also, Turin (Torino) is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its walkability.

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

Turin (Torino) is somewhat walkable. While the city is large, the city center is generally compact and walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Turin (Torino) Worth Visiting? and Is Bologna Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bologna or Turin (Torino)?

How long in Turin (Torino) or Bologna?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Turin (Torino) and Bologna. In our opinion, Bologna has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Bologna than Turin (Torino). In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Turin (Torino), and 1-3 days is enough time in Bologna.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bologna than Turin (Torino) 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.


  • How many days in Turin (Torino) or Bologna? Ideal Length of Stay
    Turin (Torino) 2-3 
    Bologna 1-3

One day in Turin (Torino) or Bologna?

In Turin (Torino), you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Bologna, you'll find museums and nightlife. Visiting the old town is also a must. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Turin (Torino) or Bologna?

In Turin (Torino), 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 Turin (Torino) has to offer.

Bologna is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.


Five days in Turin (Torino) or Bologna?

Turin (Torino) 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. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the food. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Turin (Torino) or Bologna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Turin (Torino). Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Turin (Torino). 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 city of Bologna. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One reason most visitors come is for the food. One week 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.


Which place is cheaper, Bologna or Turin (Torino)?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Turin (Torino) is €157, 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 Turin (Torino) and Bologna in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Turin (Torino) 79
    Bologna 87
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Turin (Torino) 158
    Bologna 174
Compare Hotels in Turin (Torino) and Bologna

Looking for a hotel in Turin (Torino) 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 Turin (Torino)


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: Turin (Torino) Hotel Prices and Bologna Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Turin (Torino) 44
    Bologna 21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Turin (Torino)

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Turin (Torino):

  • Arrival Transfer Turin Airport TRN to Turin City by Van or Car: $51
  • Departure by Van or Car from Transfer Turin to Turin Airport TRN: $51
  • Turin Airport Private Arrival Transfer: $61
  • Turin Airport Private Departure Transfer: $61
  • Departure Private Transfer from Turin City to Turin Airport TRN by Luxury Van: $61
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Turin Airport TRN to Turin City by Luxury Van: $61
  • Sestriere/Val Chisone to Turin Caselle Airport-Departure Transfer: $72
  • Turin Caselle Airport to Sestriere/Val Chisone - Arrival Transfer: $72
  • Turin Caselle Airport (TRN) to Breuil-Cervinia - Arrival Transfer: $72
  • Breuil-Cervinia to Turin Caselle Airport TRN - Departure Transfer: $72
  • Turin Caselle Airport to Courmayeur - Arrival Private Transfer: $89
  • Turin Airport to Val d'Isere/Morzine/Avoriaz-Arrival Transfer: $89

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bologna

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bologna:

  • Marconi Airport Bus Transfer to/from Calenzano City: $22
  • Marconi Airport Bus Transfer to/from Florence City: $22
  • Bologna Airport: Private Transfer: $44
  • Ravenna Port to Ravenna Hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $47
  • Bologna Airport transfer: $47
  • Bologna Airport (BLQ) to Bologna - Arrival Private Transfer: $47
  • Bologna to Bologna Airport (BLQ) - Departure Private Transfer: $47
  • Departure Transfer Bologna City to Bologna Airport BLQ by Sedans: $56
  • Arrival Transfer Bologna Airport BLQ to Bologna City by Sedan: $56
  • Bologna Private Transfer from Bologna city centre to Bologna Airport: $60
  • Departure Transfer Bologna City to Bologna Airport BLQ by Van: $76
  • Private Transfer from Bologna Airport BLQ to Ancona Port: $78

Is it cheaper to fly into Turin (Torino) or Bologna?

Prices for flights to both Bologna and Turin (Torino) 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
    Turin (Torino) 43
    Bologna 39

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Turin (Torino)

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Turin (Torino).

  • Bolognese a la Mode | Online Cooking with Chef Abram | Italy: $65
  • Turin Guided Food Tour with Chocolate and Wine Tasting: $70
  • Turin, food tour, taste our tradition.: $86
  • Chocolate and Sweets Tour Turin - I EAT Food Tours & Events: $88
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Castagneto Po with Show Cooking: $94
  • Dining experience at a local's home in Nebbiuno with cooking demo: $94
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Feisoglio with Show Cooking: $94
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Grugliasco with Show Cooking: $94
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Leinì with Show Cooking: $94
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Lessona with Show Cooking: $94
  • Dining experience at a local's home in Merana with cooking demo: $94
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Casale Monferrato with Show Cooking: $94

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bologna

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bologna.

  • Exclusive Cooking Class - Pasta Tagliatelle Ragu & Spritz: $11
  • Exclusive Bologna Cooking Class - Pasta Tagliatelle Ragu & Spritz: $11
  • Virtual Cooking Class: Ravioli variations with classic tomato sauce: $36
  • Cooking Lesson at Casa della Zdora for Small Groups: $50
  • Bologna Private Food Tour Eating around the Centre: $67
  • Bologna Traditional Home Cooking Class with Lunch or Dinner: $74
  • Bologna Food Tour including Tagliatelle, Mortadella, Wine: $75
  • Traditional Recipes Cooking Class with Local Wines: $84
  • Walking Food Tour with a Local Guide: $86
  • Tastes and Traditions Food Tour with Market Visit: $86
  • Hands on Home Cooking Class: $86
  • Tastes & Traditions of Food Tour with Market Visit: $88

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Turin (Torino) 28
    Bologna 38

Tours and Activities in Turin (Torino)

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Turin (Torino) are as follows:

  • Baroque Turin: Explore Piazza Castello on a Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.22
  • Turin Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.65
  • Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Turin: $8.86
  • Museo delle Langhe Entrance Ticket: $8.96
  • Turin Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $9.28
  • 2 Hour Dome of Saint Gaudenzio Novara Guided Tour with Ticket : $19
  • Palazzo Madama: Civic Museum of Ancient Art Entry Ticket: $19
  • Luci d'Artista City Tour: $20
  • Private Tour of Colle Don Bosco Special Guided Visit: $20
  • City Sightseeing Turin Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $21
  • Entrance ticket with tasting at Casa Martini: $22
  • Turin Egyptian Museum Entry Ticket Including Special Exhibits: $28

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:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.27
  • From Italy eSIM Tourist Roaming Data Plan: $4.90
  • A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Porta Galliera to Le Tre Frecce: $5.99
  • Self-Guided Historical Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $6.53
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.53
  • Bologna Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.66
  • Ancient and Recent History Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Bologna's Ancient and Recent History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Bologna TOUR ESCAPE: King Enzo Jailbreak: $9.80
  • Guided tour of the exhibition "Mimmo Paladino in the Pope’s: $9.80
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Turin (Torino) 8.57
    Bologna 28

Sample the Local Flavors in Turin (Torino)

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Turin (Torino):

  • 2 Hours Guided Tour and Wine Tasting in the Heart of Roero: $22
  • Unique wine tasting at the Winery of the Marchesi Incisa della Rocchetta: $33
  • Tour of the Historical Cellars and Wine Tasting in Turin: $35
  • Wine Tour and Tasting with the Producer in the Monferrato-Classic: $42
  • Monferrato (Asti province): Barbera Wine Tasting Experience: $43
  • Wine Tasting near Royal Palace of Turin: $47
  • Wine Tour and tasting in the Monferrato - Premium: $48
  • Sommeliers Secrets Wine Tasting in Downtown Turin: $53
  • Monferrato (Asti): Wine Tour with light lunch picnic in the vineyards: $55
  • Langhe and Piedmont Wine Tasting: $61
  • Langhe Barolo and Barbaresco Wine Tasting : $99
  • Cesarine: Turin Wine Tasting & Food Pairing with an Expert : $121

Sample the Local Flavors in Bologna

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Bologna:

  • Wine Tasting: $20
  • In Imola, visit to the winery with wine tasting at Tre Monti: $22
  • Modena area: Lambrusco Wine Tasting Experience: $39
  • In Bologna wine tasting and visit to the Palazzona di Maggio Estate: $50
  • From Wine Tasting and Vineyard Tour with the winemaker: $54
  • Bologna Food & Wine tour with a local Chef: $70
  • Wine Tasting Tour in One of the Oldest Inns: $71
  • Bologna Wine Tasting in One of the Oldest Inns: $72
  • Private Wine Tour and Tasting with an Expert Guide and Sommelier: $74
  • Wine Tasting Experience with a Local Guide: $102
  • Small-Group Half-Day Wine Tour with Tasting in Dozza Village: $104
  • Taste the real Bologna Food and Wine tour: $109


When comparing the travel costs between Turin (Torino) 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 Turin (Torino) Expensive? and Is Bologna Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Turin (Torino) or Bologna?

Turin (Torino) has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Bologna. When comparing the sizes of Turin (Torino) 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.