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

Should you visit Villach or Bologna?

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

Should I visit Villach or Bologna? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Villach

Villach is a nature-filled, outdoorsy, and historic town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and hiking.

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.

Villach and Bologna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Villach or Bologna?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bologna than Villach. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Bologna is very popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Villach attracts visitors for its hiking and small town charm. Villach is famous for its many alpine hikes, nearby lakes, and its quaint main square. 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 Villach different from Bologna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Villach or Bologna.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Villach. There are several historical buildings in town such as the Parish Church of St. Jakob, the Holy Cross Church, and the Parish Church of St. Martin. Also worth a visit is the Museum of the City of Villach.

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 Villach or Bologna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bologna is terrific for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Villach is a mediocre town for its restaurants.

For foodies, Bologna is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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).

Villach offers some easy restaurants to choose from. You'll find the standard options of pizza and burgers around town. While the food scene isn't particularly special, the quality is decent and reliable.

Is Villach or Bologna Better for Nightlife?

Bologna is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Villach is not as famous, but is still a good town 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 Villach. The weekends are when you'll find the best nightlife. There are some local bars and clubs that come to life and attract a young crowd on a weekend night.

Is Villach or Bologna Better for its Old Town?

Bologna is notable for its historic old town charm. Also, Villach is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Bologna. The old town is filled with Terracota buildings, which give the city its nickname, La Rossa (The Red).

Villach is a good destination for visiting its old town. You'll find churches and gardens throughout the charming old town. At the heart of the town is the main square.

Is Villach or Bologna Better for Hiking?

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

Villach is a popular spot for hiking. The surrounding countryside is filled with both short and long hikes. You can take a short stroll or spend hours (or days) exploring the alpine scenery. Breathtaking views and peaceful retreats make this a wonderful area for hiking.

Bologna is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Villach or Bologna?

Bologna is notable for its shopping areas. However, Villach is a mediocre town 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.

Villach is a good destination for shopping. There are your standard shopping centers where you can pick up clothes or anything you may have forgotten for your trip.

Is Villach or Bologna Better for Families?

Villach 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.

Villach is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The area is filled with outdoor adventures that the whole family will enjoy. There's kid-friendly hiking, adventure parks, nature parks, and some swimming areas.

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 Villach or Bologna Better for Couples?

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

Villach is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy outdoor adventures, beautiful hikes, and stunning scenery will appreciate a visit to this area.

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 Villach or Bologna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Villach and Bologna are great destinations for backpackers.

Villach is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. There are a number of hostels in the area that cater to backpackers who enjoy the outdoor setting and beautiful hikes that are nearby.

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 Villach or Bologna Better for Students?

Bologna is terrific for students. However, Villach is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Bologna. 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.

Villach is not popular with students.

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

Bologna is a popular place for its public transit. However, Villach is a mediocre town for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Villach. There are buses and trains in the area, but to experience the nearby nature you'll want to have a car.

Is Villach or Bologna a more walkable city?

Bologna is notable for its ease of walking around. However, Villach is a mediocre town 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.

Villach is generally not a very walkable town. Parts of the town are walkable but the surrounding natural areas are most easily accessed with a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Bologna or Villach?

How long in Villach or Bologna?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Villach and Bologna. In our opinion, Bologna has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Bologna than Villach. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

In Villach, you'll find nightlife and museums. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Bologna, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Villach or Bologna?

In Villach, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Villach has to offer.

In Bologna, 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. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bologna has to offer.

Five days in Villach or Bologna?

Villach is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

A week in Villach or Bologna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Villach. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Villach. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bologna. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bologna. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Villach or Bologna?

Bologna has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Villach. When comparing the sizes of Villach 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 Villach or Bologna?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Villach or Bologna in the Summer?

Both Bologna and Villach are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Villach this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bologna for the family-friendly experiences.

Villach is around the same temperature as Bologna in the summer. The daily temperature in Villach averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Bologna fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Bologna. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Villach. Villach usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during summer. Villach gets 288 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Villach usually receives more rain than Bologna. Villach gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Villach or Bologna in the Autumn?

Both Bologna and Villach during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Villach for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bologna in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Villach is around the same temperature as Bologna. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Villach in October average around 16°C (60°F), and Bologna averages at about 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Villach often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bologna. Villach gets 167 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 177 hours of full sun.

Bologna gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Villach usually gets less rain in October than Bologna. Villach gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Villach or Bologna in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Villach and Bologna. Many visitors come to Villach in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bologna for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Bologna can be very cold during winter. In January, Villach is generally much warmer than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Villach average around 5°C (41°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Villach usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during winter. Villach gets 96 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Villach usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bologna. Villach gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Villach or Bologna in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Villach as well as Bologna. Most visitors come to Villach for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Bologna because of the natural beauty.

Villach is around the same temperature as Bologna in the spring. The daily temperature in Villach averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Bologna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Villach often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Villach gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 192 hours of full sun.

Villach usually gets more rain in April than Bologna. Villach gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bologna and Villach