A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Versailles vs. Bologna for Attractions, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Versailles or Bologna?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Versailles 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.

Versailles

Versailles is a opulent, historic, and extensive palace. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include museums.

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.

Versailles and Bologna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Versailles or Bologna?

You'll generally find more things to do in Bologna than Versailles. Bologna is bigger than Versailles, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Bologna is better known for its food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Versailles is more popular for its museums and impressive beauty. Versailles is more touristy than Bologna and is popular for its long running history and its grand architecture. 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 Versailles different from Bologna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Versailles 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 Versailles on the map. The palace is filled with history and impressive items relating to the royal family. Within and near the palace you should make sure you see the Gardens of Versailles, Grand Trianon, the Hall of Mirrors, and the Royal Opera of Versailles.

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 Versailles or Bologna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bologna is an amazing city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Versailles is not known for its local cuisine and 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).

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Versailles. There are a couple of restaurants and cafes on the grounds.

Is Versailles or Bologna Better for Nightlife?

Bologna is a great city for nightlife. However, Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy 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.

Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Versailles or Bologna Better for its Old Town?

Bologna is a great city for its historic old town. However, Versailles 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).

Versailles does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Versailles or Bologna?

Bologna is a great city for shopping. However, Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Versailles or Bologna Better for Families?

Bologna is a nice place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Versailles is not known for its family-friendly activities.

Bologna offers lots of family activities. 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.

Versailles does not offer many kid-friendly activities. While there are those unicorn children who fall in love with the grand setting, for most kids, a visit to Versailles can make for make for a long and draining day.

Is Versailles or Bologna Better for Couples?

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

Versailles is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's opulence, grandeur, and history make this a wonderful place to explore as a couple. There are gardens and other unique settings that make Versailles very romantic.

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 Versailles or Bologna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bologna is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Versailles or Bologna Better for Students?

Bologna is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Versailles is not popular with students.

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.

Versailles is not popular with students.

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

Versailles 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 Versailles. There are SNCF trains that travel from Gare Montparnasse to Versailles Chantiers train station and additional trains that travel between Gare Saint Lazare and Versailles Rive Droite.

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

Is Versailles or Bologna a more walkable city?

Versailles and Bologna are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Versailles is very walkable. It's approximately a 20 minute walk from the Versailles Chantiers train station to the entrance to the palace. Versailles Rive Droite is slightly closer.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Versailles Worth Visiting? and Is Bologna Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bologna or Versailles?

How long in Versailles or Bologna?

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

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

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

In Versailles, you'll find museums. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. This palace offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

With museums and nightlife around the fun city of Bologna, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bologna, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Versailles or Bologna?

In Versailles, you'll find museums. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Versailles has to offer.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Bologna, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Versailles or Bologna?

Versailles 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.

Bologna, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Versailles or Bologna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Versailles. Many people enjoy the museums when visiting Versailles. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Bologna is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in France, The Best Vineyard & Wine 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 Versailles and Bologna, we can see that Versailles 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 Versailles would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Versailles 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 Versailles Expensive? and Is Bologna Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Versailles or Bologna?

Bologna has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Versailles. When comparing the sizes of Versailles 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 Versailles 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 Versailles or Bologna in the Summer?

Both Bologna and Versailles during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Bologna because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Versailles is generally cooler than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Versailles average around 20°C (68°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 Versailles. In the summer, Versailles often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Versailles gets 239 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 316 hours of full sun.

Versailles usually gets more rain in July than Bologna. Versailles gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Versailles or Bologna in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Versailles and Bologna. The autumn months attract visitors to Versailles because of the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Bologna this time of year.

Versailles is cooler than Bologna in the autumn. The daily temperature in Versailles averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Bologna fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Versailles usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during autumn. Versailles gets 126 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, Versailles usually receives less rain than Bologna. Versailles gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Versailles or Bologna in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Versailles as well as Bologna. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Versailles this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bologna for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Bologna. It's quite cold in Versailles in the winter. In the winter, Versailles is much warmer than Bologna. Typically, the winter temperatures in Versailles in January average around 5°C (40°F), and Bologna averages at about 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Versailles often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Versailles gets 56 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 105 hours of full sun.

Versailles usually gets less rain in January than Bologna. Versailles 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 Versailles or Bologna in the Spring?

Both Bologna and Versailles are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Versailles for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Bologna in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Versailles is generally cooler than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Versailles average around 11°C (52°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Versailles usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during spring. Versailles gets 173 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Versailles usually receives less rain than Bologna. Versailles gets 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bologna and Versailles