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

Should you visit Windsor or Bologna?

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

Should I visit Windsor 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.

Windsor

Windsor is a beautiful, royal, and traditional town. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food.

Bologna

Bologna is a beautiful, fun, and historical city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Windsor and Bologna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Windsor or Bologna?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bologna. Although Windsor and Bologna are both popular with visitors, Bologna has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Bologna is more popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Windsor is known for its museums, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Windsor is more touristy than Bologna and is known for being home to the largest and oldest operating castle in the world. Bologna is popular for its Terracota buildings, large international student population, and being the birthplace of Bolognaise pasta. It is also home to Piazza Maggiore.

How is Windsor different from Bologna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Windsor 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 Windsor specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The main draw is the Windsor Castle, which many people explore in a few hours. Then you can pass some time wandering around the town.

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 Windsor or Bologna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bologna is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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).

Windsor is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are cafes, pubs, and local restaurants that let you sample regional dishes. There are also chain restaurants and international options including Japanese and Thai food.

Is Windsor or Bologna Better for Nightlife?

Bologna is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Windsor has a few options to choose from. There's a low key nightlife scene with local pubs and a theater. Dinner cruises are also a fun activity.

Is Windsor or Bologna Better for its Old Town?

Bologna is well known for its old town. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

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).

Windsor has an old town worth visiting. The old town is opposite the castle and caters specifically to tourists with its restaurants, pubs, and a few shops.

Is the Shopping Better in Windsor or Bologna?

Bologna is well known for its shopping opportunities. However, Windsor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Windsor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Windsor or Bologna Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Windsor or Bologna.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Windsor. Kids will enjoy seeing a working castle when they visit Windsor Castle. While a visit to Windsor Castle is the obvious draw to the town, there are also river cruises, parks, and even the Royal Windsor Maze at the Goswells Park that the whole family will enjoy. There is also a Legoland in the area for those who have more time.

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 Windsor or Bologna Better for Couples?

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

Windsor is a very popular place to visit for couples. Exploring the Windsor Castle, taking a river cruise, and wandering the parks and gardens hand in hand make this a great place for a couples retreat.

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 Windsor or Bologna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bologna is well known for backpackers. However, Windsor is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Bologna is a great city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Windsor is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Windsor or Bologna Better for Students?

Bologna is a world-class destination for students. However, Windsor 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.

Windsor is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Windsor and Bologna.

You'll find some public transit in Windsor, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a bus system around town.

While Bologna offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is an efficient and reliable bus system.

Is Windsor or Bologna a more walkable city?

Windsor and Bologna both are great when exploring on foot.

Windsor is a very walkable town. The town is compact and relatively easy to walk around. There are also several walking routes in the area.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Bologna or Windsor?

How long in Windsor or Bologna?

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

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

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

Windsor is a small town with plenty to do. 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 Windsor or Bologna?

Windsor 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. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Windsor 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 Windsor or Bologna?

Windsor 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 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 Windsor or Bologna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Windsor. Since Windsor is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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 Historical Tours in United Kingdom, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Windsor and Bologna, we can see that Windsor 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 Windsor Expensive? and Is Bologna Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Windsor or Bologna?

Bologna has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Windsor. When comparing the sizes of Windsor 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 Windsor 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 Windsor or Bologna in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Windsor is cooler than Bologna. Typically, the summer temperatures in Windsor in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Bologna averages at about 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bologna this time of the year. Windsor usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during summer. Windsor gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Windsor usually receives more rain than Bologna. Windsor gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Windsor or Bologna in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Windsor as well as Bologna. Many travelers come to Windsor for 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.

In October, Windsor is generally cooler than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Windsor average around 12°C (53°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Windsor often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Windsor gets 107 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 177 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bologna. Windsor usually gets less rain in October than Bologna. Windsor gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Windsor or Bologna in the Winter?

Both Bologna and Windsor are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Windsor in the winter for the museums 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. Windsor can get quite cold in the winter. Windsor is much warmer than Bologna in the winter. The daily temperature in Windsor averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Bologna fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Windsor usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during winter. Windsor gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Windsor usually receives less rain than Bologna. Windsor gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Windsor or Bologna in the Spring?

Both Bologna and Windsor during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Windsor 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 the spring, Windsor is cooler than Bologna. Typically, the spring temperatures in Windsor in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Bologna averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Windsor often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Windsor gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 192 hours of full sun.

Windsor usually gets less rain in April than Bologna. Windsor gets 45 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 Windsor