A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Volterra vs. Bologna for Food, Old Town, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Volterra or Bologna?

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

Should I visit Volterra 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.

Volterra

Volterra is a historic, charming, and medieval town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and shopping.

Bologna

Bologna is a beautiful, fun, and historical city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Volterra and Bologna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Volterra or Bologna?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Bologna than Volterra, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Bologna is better known for its nightlife and shopping, while Volterra is more popular for its museums, historical sights, and small town charm. Volterra is well known for its medieval history, its hilltop setting and its alabaster. 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 Volterra different from Bologna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Volterra 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 Volterra specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. For such a large town there are a huge number of historic sights packed into a small area. Check out the Roman Theater, the Etruscan Museum, and the Duomo.

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 Volterra or Bologna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Volterra and Bologna.

For foodies, Volterra is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The town is surrounded by the region of truffles, so you'll find this item included in all kinds of recipes. Pumpkin sauce is also a specialty of the area and there are also many local cheeses. Many restaurants also have bruschetta as an appetizer.

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).

Is Volterra or Bologna Better for Nightlife?

Bologna is well known for nightlife. However, Volterra is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Bologna is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

Volterra doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are cozy bars and cafes where you can sip wine and soak up the atmosphere, but the town isn't known as a nightlife destination.

Is Volterra or Bologna Better for its Old Town?

Volterra 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 Volterra is revered around the world. The walled town is perched on a hilltop and dates back to the 8th century BC. Visitors come specifically to explore its winding streets and stunning setting.

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 Volterra or Bologna?

Bologna is well known for shopping. Also, Volterra is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Bologna is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Volterra. Some of the streets are lined with boutique shops and one of the most popular things to buy in town is Alabaster. You'll also find plenty of Italian wine from the nearby vineyards.

Is Volterra or Bologna Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Volterra or Bologna.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Volterra. If you have a Twilight fan, this town is home to the Volturi, who are the royal family of vampires. For everyone else, its a charming town with medieval walls and wandering alleys that kids will enjoy exploring.

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.

Is Volterra or Bologna Better for Couples?

Volterra 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, Volterra has plenty to offer. It's unique atmosphere, amazing food, and medieval style make for a unique and world class couples destination. While many people visit as a day trip, you can spend the night and soak up the evening atmosphere as well.

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 Volterra or Bologna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bologna is well known for backpackers. Also, Volterra is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Volterra is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's only one or two hostels in town, so if you're looking for a more social backpacker setting, then this may not be your spot. It does make for a great day trip though and if you're more interested in culture than meeting other backpackers, then definitely stop by.

Is Volterra or Bologna Better for Students?

Bologna is terrific for students. However, Volterra 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.

Volterra is not popular with students.

Is Volterra 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, Volterra is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Bologna, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is an efficient and reliable bus system.

Public transit is mostly limited in Volterra. Public transit isn't necessary as the city is best explored on foot.

Is Volterra or Bologna a more walkable city?

Volterra 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 Volterra on foot. Most people explore the town on foot.

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 Volterra Worth Visiting? and Is Bologna Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bologna or Volterra?

How long in Volterra or Bologna?

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

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

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

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

Volterra is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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.

The beautiful city of Bologna offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Volterra or Bologna?

Volterra might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Volterra has to offer.

Bologna is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bologna, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Volterra or Bologna?

Volterra 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 popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Volterra or Bologna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Volterra. Since Volterra is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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.

Bologna is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, The Best Walking Tours in Italy, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Volterra or Bologna?

Bologna has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Volterra. When comparing the sizes of Volterra 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 Volterra 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 Volterra or Bologna in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Volterra and Bologna. The small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Volterra this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bologna for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Volterra is generally around the same temperature as Bologna. Daily temperatures in Volterra average around 23°C (74°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bologna this time of the year. In Volterra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Volterra usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bologna during summer. Volterra gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Volterra usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bologna. Volterra gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Volterra or Bologna in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Volterra as well as Bologna. Many travelers come to Volterra for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Bologna in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Volterra is around the same temperature as Bologna in the autumn. The daily temperature in Volterra averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Bologna fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

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

It's quite rainy in Bologna. Volterra receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Volterra usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Bologna. Volterra gets 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Volterra or Bologna in the Winter?

Both Bologna and Volterra are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Volterra in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, 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 the winter, Volterra is much warmer than Bologna. Typically, the winter temperatures in Volterra in January average around 7°C (45°F), and Bologna averages at about 2°C (36°F).

Volterra usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bologna during winter. Volterra gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

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

Should I visit Volterra or Bologna in the Spring?

Both Bologna and Volterra during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Volterra for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Bologna because of the natural beauty.

In April, Volterra is generally around the same temperature as Bologna. Daily temperatures in Volterra average around 13°C (55°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Volterra often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bologna. Volterra gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 192 hours of full sun.

Volterra usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Bologna. Volterra gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bologna and Volterra