A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Vienna vs. Bologna for Food, Old Town, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Vienna or Bologna?

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

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

Vienna

Vienna is a artistic, musical, and ritzy city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bologna

Bologna is a culinary, beautiful, and fun city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Vienna and Bologna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Vienna or Bologna?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Vienna than Bologna, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Vienna is more popular for its museums, music, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Bologna is known for its food and nightlife. Vienna is more touristy than Bologna and is popular for its strong classical music roots including being home to both Mozart and Beethoven. It is also home to The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace. Bologna is popular for its Terracota buildings, large international student population, and being the birthplace of Bolognaise pasta.

The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace

How is Vienna different from Bologna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Vienna 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 Vienna specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Filled with palaces, museums, and parks, there are many things to see around town. Make sure you check out the Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg, and Kunsthistorisches Museum.

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 Vienna or Bologna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bologna is an unbeatable place for its restaurants. Also, Vienna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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).

Dining out in Vienna is an experience not to be missed. The city's cuisine has been influenced by many different flavors. Pastries are ubiquitous so make sure you try the apfelstrudel and kaiserschmarrn. Other common dishes include wiener schnitzel and goulash.

Is Vienna or Bologna Better for Nightlife?

Bologna is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Vienna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Bologna has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Vienna has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The music and dance scene is diverse and fun. There are clubs that cater to different crowds and personalities.

Is Vienna or Bologna Better for Music?

Vienna is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Bologna is not a live music destination.

In Vienna you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. On the surface, the city seems locked in the past, with ballet dancing and classical concerts filling the evenings. But the city also has a famous jazz scene, as well as techno, hip-hop, and rock all having a strong presence.

Bologna is not a live music destination.

Is Vienna or Bologna Better for its Old Town?

Vienna 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 Vienna is revered around the world. Innere Stadt, as it is known, is encircled by Ringstrasse and filled with many shops and cafes. Head to Kärntner Strasse and Graben for popular pedestrian streets.

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).

Is the Shopping Better in Vienna or Bologna?

Vienna 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.

Vienna is a world class destination for shoppers. The city is filled with pedestrian streets that are lined with designer shops, jewelry stores, and art galleries.

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.

Is Vienna or Bologna Better for Families?

Vienna and Bologna are both good destinations for the whole family.

Vienna is a family-friendly city. Families enjoy taking carriage rides or dressing up in costumes at Schönbrunn Palace. The city also has children's museums, parks, and playgrounds where you can let little legs run around.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Bologna. 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 Vienna or Bologna Better for Couples?

Vienna 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, Vienna has plenty to offer. With it's Baroque architecture and classical concerts, this city is filled with romance. Explore the palaces, take a carriage ride, or enjoy a meal at a nice restaurant.

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 Vienna or Bologna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bologna is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Vienna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many 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.

Vienna is a good city to visit for backpackers. The city flies under the radar for many backpackers, but those who visit will be rewarded with beautiful buildings, charming cafes, and fun hostels.

Is Vienna or Bologna Better for Students?

Both Vienna and Bologna are terrific destinations for students.

Vienna is a great destination for students. The city is a popular destination for international students who are interested in art, architecture, and music.

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.

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

Vienna 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 Vienna can get you around easily. The system includes buses, trains, trams and underground lines.

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

Is Vienna or Bologna a more walkable city?

Vienna 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 Vienna on foot. The city center is particularly walkable with pedestrian areas and low traffic zones.

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 Vienna Worth Visiting? and Is Bologna Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bologna or Vienna?

How long in Vienna or Bologna?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Vienna and Bologna. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Vienna than in Bologna. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Vienna, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bologna.

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

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

One day in Vienna or Bologna?

In Vienna, you'll find shopping and museums. 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.

A weekend in Vienna or Bologna?

In Vienna, you'll find museums and nightlife. 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 Vienna 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 Vienna or Bologna?

Vienna 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 Vienna 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 Vienna or Bologna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Vienna. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Vienna. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 historical 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 2-Week Tours in Austria, The Best Tours for Seniors to Austria, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Vienna 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 Vienna Expensive? and Is Bologna Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Vienna or Bologna?

Vienna has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Bologna. When comparing the sizes of Vienna 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 Vienna 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 Vienna or Bologna in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Vienna as well as Bologna. Most visitors come to Vienna for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Bologna because of the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Vienna is around the same temperature as Bologna. Typically, the summer temperatures in Vienna in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Bologna averages at about 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bologna. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vienna this time of the year. In the summer, Vienna often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Vienna gets 255 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 316 hours of full sun.

Vienna usually gets more rain in July than Bologna. Vienna gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vienna or Bologna in the Autumn?

Both Bologna and Vienna are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Vienna because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and 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.

In October, Vienna is generally cooler than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Vienna average around 12°C (54°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Vienna usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during autumn. Vienna gets 140 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bologna. In October, Vienna usually receives less rain than Bologna. Vienna gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Vienna or Bologna in the Winter?

Both Bologna and Vienna during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Vienna 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 Vienna in the winter. Vienna is around the same temperature as Bologna in the winter. The daily temperature in Vienna averages around 2°C (36°F) in January, and Bologna fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Vienna often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Vienna gets 65 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 105 hours of full sun.

Vienna usually gets less rain in January than Bologna. Vienna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vienna or Bologna in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Vienna and Bologna. Many travelers come to Vienna for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Bologna in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Vienna is around the same temperature as Bologna. Typically, the spring temperatures in Vienna in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Bologna averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In Vienna, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vienna usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bologna during spring. Vienna gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Vienna usually receives less rain than Bologna. Vienna gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bologna and Vienna