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

Should you visit Vilnius or Bologna?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Vilnius and Bologna. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Vilnius

Vilnius is a religious, surprising, and undiscovered 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. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Vilnius and Bologna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Vilnius or Bologna?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Bologna than Vilnius. While Vilnius is larger than Bologna, Bologna has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Bologna is more touristy than Vilnius and is known for its Terracota buildings, large international student population, and being the birthplace of Bolognaise pasta. It is also home to Piazza Maggiore. Vilnius is popular for its authentic old town and long running history.

How is Vilnius different from Bologna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the good sights and museums in both Vilnius and Bologna.

Vilnius offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The city has fascinating museums relating to Soviet times. These include the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights and the Lithuanian Diaspora Art Museum. Other notable sights include the Three Crosses Monument and the St. Anne's and Bernardine Church Complex.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bologna. 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 Vilnius or Bologna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bologna is an amazing city to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Eat your way through Bologna, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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).

Vilnius is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The food is hearty with plenty of meat and potatoes. There are also soups and herring dishes as well as great desserts. Popular dishes in the area include cepelinai (meat filled potato dumplings), kibinai (a pastry), and potato pancakes.

Is Vilnius or Bologna Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are high quality in both Vilnius and Bologna.

Vilnius has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The large student population is at the heart of the city's nightlife scene. You'll find most of the activity centered around three streets - Vilniaus, Islandijos and Vokiečių. These areas have a number of bars and clubs, and they draw the biggest crowds.

Bologna has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Is Vilnius or Bologna Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the high quality old town areas in both Vilnius and Bologna.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Vilnius. The old town is filled with history, architecture, and churches. It's also where you'll find Vilnius University. At the heart of the area is Pilies Gatve (Castle Street), which has shopping, cafes, and restaurants.

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).

Is the Shopping Better in Vilnius or Bologna?

Bologna is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

Bologna is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Vilnius has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. For quaint shops, head to old town, particularly around Pilies Gatve. The city also has an open air market, Kalvarijų Turgus, that is popular on Saturdays. There are also a few shopping malls around town.

Is Vilnius or Bologna Better for Families?

Both Vilnius and Bologna are good family-friendly destinations.

Vilnius is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of historic sights, but once your kids have had their fill, you can head to one of the outdoor or indoor play areas in the city center. There's also a toy museum and an Energy and Technology Museum that kids will enjoy. After a busy day, make sure you grab some ice cream to lift everyone's spirits.

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 Vilnius or Bologna Better for Couples?

Vilnius and Bologna both good destinations for a couple.

Vilnius makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city is filled with viewpoints, from hill tops to towers, where you can enjoy romantic views over the landscape. You can also dine in a local restaurant or enjoy a picnic in one of the outdoor settings.

Bologna is a good city for couples to visit. 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 Vilnius or Bologna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Vilnius and Bologna are high quality destinations for backpackers.

Vilnius is a great city to visit for backpackers. For backpackers who want to escape the crowds, this off-the-beaten path European capital is a great option. It has history, charm, and an authenticity that is hard to find in a more touristy area. It's also an affordable city, with hostels and plenty of cheap places to eat.

Plenty of budget travelers and 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.

Is Vilnius or Bologna Better for Students?

Bologna is an amazing city to visit for students. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Bologna is a very popular place to visit 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.

Plenty of students visit Vilnius. The city is small but charming with a number of places where international students can study. It's an affordable city with a lively atmosphere and an authenticate and genuine personality.

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

Both Vilnius and Bologna offer good public transit options.

Vilnius has a few public transit options. Bus and trolleybuses are available.

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

Is Vilnius or Bologna a more walkable city?

Bologna is notable for its high level of walkability. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its ease of walking around.

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

Vilnius is a somewhat walkable city. The old town is the most walkable part of the city.

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

Should I spend more time in Bologna or Vilnius?

How long in Vilnius or Bologna?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Vilnius and Bologna. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Vilnius than in Bologna. Usually, 1-4 days is a good amount of time for Vilnius, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bologna.

Families should spend more time in Bologna than Vilnius. 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 Bologna than Vilnius. 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 Vilnius 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 Vilnius or Bologna?

In Vilnius, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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.

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 Vilnius or Bologna?

In Vilnius, 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 Vilnius 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 Vilnius or Bologna?

Vilnius 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.

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 Vilnius or Bologna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Vilnius. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Vilnius. 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.

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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Vilnius, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Lithuania, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Vilnius or Bologna?

Vilnius has a larger population, and is about 46% larger than the population of Bologna. When comparing the sizes of Vilnius 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 Vilnius 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 Vilnius or Bologna in the Summer?

Both Bologna and Vilnius are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Vilnius for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Bologna in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Vilnius is cooler than Bologna. Typically, the summer temperatures in Vilnius in July average around 18°C (65°F), and Bologna averages at about 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Bologna. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vilnius. Vilnius usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during summer. Vilnius gets 219 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Vilnius usually receives more rain than Bologna. Vilnius gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Vilnius or Bologna in the Autumn?

Both Bologna and Vilnius during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Vilnius in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bologna for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Vilnius is generally much colder than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Vilnius average around 8°C (46°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Vilnius often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Vilnius gets 94 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. Vilnius usually gets less rain in October than Bologna. Vilnius gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vilnius or Bologna in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Vilnius and Bologna. Most visitors come to Vilnius for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Bologna because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Bologna can be very cold. Vilnius can be very cold during winter. Vilnius is much colder than Bologna in the winter. The daily temperature in Vilnius averages around -5°C (23°F) in January, and Bologna fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Vilnius usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during winter. Vilnius gets 36 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Vilnius usually receives less rain than Bologna. Vilnius gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Vilnius or Bologna in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Vilnius as well as Bologna. The spring months attract visitors to Vilnius because of the natural beauty. Additionally, the natural beauty are the main draw to Bologna this time of year.

In the spring, Vilnius is much colder than Bologna. Typically, the spring temperatures in Vilnius in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Bologna averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Vilnius often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Vilnius gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 192 hours of full sun.

Vilnius usually gets less rain in April than Bologna. Vilnius gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bologna and Vilnius