Which place is cheaper, Bologna or Venice?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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 Venice and Bologna can help you decide which place is right for you.
Venice is a cultural, magical, and historic city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and shopping.
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.
Travelers will generally find more things to do in Venice than Bologna. While Bologna is larger than Venice, Venice has more sights and attractions for tourists. Venice is very popular for its museums, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Bologna attracts visitors for its food and nightlife. Venice is more touristy than Bologna and is popular for its many canals, famous gondolas, iconic architecture, romantic squares, and beautiful bridges. It is also well known for St. Mark's Basilica. Bologna is famous for its Terracota buildings, large international student population, and being the birthplace of Bolognaise pasta.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bologna and Venice. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Venice is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. Also, Bologna is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.
You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Venice on the map. The many historic and famous landmarks in town include St. Mark's Basilica, St. Mark's Square, Doge's Palace, and the Rialto Bridge.
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.
Bologna is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Venice 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).
Venice offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. For the best dining experience, you should try to avoid the touristy restaurants that serve the typical pizza and pasta. Instead, find a local eatery that specializes in the region's traditional flavors like fish and vegetables.
Bologna is great for its evening party scene. However, Venice is not a good destination for nightlife.
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 Venice specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. If you want to party, your best option is to head to the Lido area where you'll find night clubs and bars. A better alternative for enjoying your evening is to order a late night meal and a glass of wine at a local restaurant in Venice.
Venice is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. Also, Bologna is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town.
The historic old town of Venice is revered around the world. The city's historic area is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, colorful buildings, are world-renowned architecture, make this among the most recognized historic settings in the world.
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).
Venice is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Bologna is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.
Venice is a world class destination for shoppers. There are many unique items that people purchase in town. Some of the most popular include Murano glass, Burano lace, Venetian masks, and local fabrics.
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.
Venice 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.
Venice is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Even for kids, visiting this city is all about soaking up the atmosphere and sense of place. It is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, historic buildings, gondolas, and plazas offer a special environment, even for kids who may be burned out from exploring cities. Attractions that appeal to kids include visiting the prisons at Doge's Palace, shopping for masks, and taking a ride on a gondola.
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.
Venice is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Bologna is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.
For those traveling as a couple, Venice has plenty to offer. With its many truly unique romantic experiences, this city makes for a truly memorable honeymoon or romantic getaway. Ride a gondola, get lost in the city, and enjoy pasta and music around town to make the experience unlike any other.
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.
For backpackers, both Venice and Bologna are very good places to visit.
Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Venice. Many backpackers stay just out of town to save a bit of money, but, even though it's not cheap, this city is well-established on the backpacker trail.
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.
For students, both Venice and Bologna are fantastic places to visit.
Students come from all over the world to visit Venice. Because of its well-established reputation, this city attracts many international students for both semester and full length programs. There are many programs to choose between, and many students focus on the region's art, architecture, history, and language.
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.
Venice is a world-class destination 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.
With a huge network, the transit system in Venice can get you around easily. There is a comprehensive boat and ferry system that includes aporettos, alilagunas, private water taxis, gondolas, and traghettos.
Bologna has some public transit options. There is an efficient and reliable bus system.
Venice is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Bologna is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its walkability.
It is easy to get around Venice on foot. Because it is small, it's easy to walk to all of the major tourist attractions.
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 Venice Worth Visiting? and Is Bologna Worth Visiting?.
Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Venice and Bologna. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Venice than in Bologna. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Venice, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bologna.
Families should spend more time in Venice than Bologna. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Venice, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Venice than Bologna. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Venice that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Venice than Bologna 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 Venice.
In Venice, you'll find museums and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city 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.
In Venice, 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. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Venice 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.
Venice is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Venice 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.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Venice. In Venice, you'll find museums and food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Venice is €229, 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 Venice and Bologna in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Venice 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.
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.
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Venice:
Also for Venice, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bologna:
Prices for flights to both Bologna and Venice 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.
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Venice:
For Venice, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bologna.
For Venice, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Venice.
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Bologna are as follows:
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bologna are as follows:
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Venice:
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Venice:
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Bologna:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Venice and Bologna, we can see that Venice is more expensive. And not only is Bologna much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bologna would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bologna 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 Venice would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Venice than you might in Bologna.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Venice Expensive? and Is Bologna Expensive?.
Bologna has a larger population, and is about 37% larger than the population of Venice. When comparing the sizes of Venice 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.
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.
Both Bologna and Venice during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Venice because of the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bologna this time of year.
Venice is around the same temperature as Bologna in the summer. The daily temperature in Venice averages around 23°C (73°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 Venice. In the summer, Venice often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Venice gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 316 hours of full sun.
Venice usually gets more rain in July than Bologna. Venice gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Venice and Bologna. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Venice this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bologna for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Venice is cooler than Bologna. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Venice in October average around 14°C (57°F), and Bologna averages at about 16°C (61°F).
Venice usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during autumn. Venice gets 134 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, Venice usually receives less rain than Bologna. Venice gets 67 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
The winter brings many poeple to Venice as well as Bologna. Many travelers come to Venice 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 Venice. In January, Venice is generally a little warmer than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Venice average around 3°C (37°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).
In the winter, Venice often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Venice gets 88 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 105 hours of full sun.
Venice usually gets less rain in January than Bologna. Venice gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
Both Bologna and Venice are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Venice in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Bologna for the natural beauty during these months.
Venice is around the same temperature as Bologna in the spring. The daily temperature in Venice averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Bologna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
Venice usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during spring. Venice gets 154 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Venice usually receives less rain than Bologna. Venice gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
Venice | Bologna | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 3°C (37°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
Feb | 5°C (41°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
Mar | 8°C (47°F) | 57 mm (2.3 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
Apr | 13°C (55°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
May | 17°C (63°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
Sep | 19°C (67°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
Oct | 14°C (57°F) | 67 mm (2.7 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 123 mm (4.8 in) |
Nov | 8°C (47°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 124 mm (4.9 in) |
Dec | 4°C (38°F) | 50 mm (1.9 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |