Which place is cheaper, Bologna or Braga?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Braga or Bologna?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Braga 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.
Where Should I go: Braga or Bologna?
Braga
Located in the Cavado Valley of Northern Portugal, Braga is a medium sized city with both historical and modern characteristics. There is a university in town, known as Universidade do Minho, which gives the city a young feel with a lot of life. There are also many bars, clubs, and activities around to keep you entertained.
Bologna
Bologna is the capital city of the northern region of Italy, Emilia-Romagna, with a population of 380,000. It is a historical city known well by Italians, however, not as well known among foreigners. The locals of Bologna speak little to no English. The city is most known for having the oldest university in the West. Another reason many visit this city is because of its exquisite cuisine. Many Italians would consider it one of the most beautiful cities in the entire country because of its impeccably preserved historic centers. The best time to visit Bologna is usually between March and October, although bare in mind that July and August can get quite hot.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Porto, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Portugal, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.
-
Braga Prices
Portugal PricesBologna Prices
Italy Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBraga €142Bologna €188
The average daily cost (per person) in Braga is €142, while the average daily cost in Bologna is €188. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Braga and Bologna in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBraga €54Bologna €87
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBraga €108Bologna €174
Compare Hotels in Braga and Bologna
Looking for a hotel in Braga or Bologna? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Braga Hotel Prices and Bologna Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Braga €20Bologna €21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Braga
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Braga:
- Esposende Private Transfer to Porto: $45
- Braga Private Transfer to Porto: $60
- Private Sedan Transfer from Braga or Guimaraes City to Porto City: $66
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bologna
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bologna:
- Bologna Airport transfer: $54
- Bologna Private Transfer from Bologna city centre to Bologna Airport: $65
- Arrival Transfer Bologna Airport BLQ to Bologna City by Sedan: $67
- Departure Transfer Bologna City to Bologna Airport BLQ by Van: $89
- Bologna Airport Transfers : Bologna City to Bologna Airport BLQ in Business Car: $125
- Arrival Private Transfers: Bologna Airport BLQ to Bologna City in Business Car: $125
- Bologna Airport (BLQ) to Bologna - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $131
- Private Transfer from Bologna Airport to Bologna city: $131
- Bologna Airport (BLQ) to Ravenna Cruise Port - Arrival Transfer : $159
- Private Transfer from Bologna (BLQ) Airport to Sant'Agata Bolognese: $168
- Airport Transfer: Bologna Airport BLQ to Bologna by Luxury Car: $196
- Day Tour Parmigiano, Ferrari Museum, Balsamic, Lambrusco, Lunch with Transfer: $203
Is it cheaper to fly into Braga or Bologna?
Prices for flights to both Bologna and Braga change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
-
Food Meals for one dayBraga €70Bologna €68
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Braga
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Braga.
- Authentic Braga Food Tour with Lunch & Local Guide 3 Hours: $106
- Local Heritage Food Tour Gastronomy and Culture of Viana: $154
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bologna
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bologna.
- Palermo cooking class: $30
- Bologna Private Food Tour Eating around the Centre: $72
- Pasta and Tiramisu Small Group Cooking Class with Wine: $82
- Bologna Walking Food Tour and Highlights with a Local Guide: $82
- Bologna Local Pasta Cooking Class: Ragu, Spritz & Mr. Gelato: $88
- Dinner, Wine & Tastings Walking Tour: $89
- Tagliatelle & Ragù Home Cooking Class with wine: $90
- Dining experience at a local's home in Predappio with cooking demo: $101
- Dining Experience at a local's Home in Forlimpopoli with Show Cooking: $101
- Dining Experience at a local's Home in Lama Mocogno with Show Cooking: $101
- Dining Experience at a local's Home in Castelnuovo Rangone with Show Cooking: $101
- Bologna on the plate, Cooking Class with Alessia: $104
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Braga €16Bologna €38
Tours and Activities in Braga
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Braga are as follows:
- Braga Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $3.59
- Braga Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tourer Hunt: $4.49
- Medieval Guimarães and Legends Exploration Game and Tour: $7.15
- Roman Heritage of Self-Guided Puzzle Adventure: $7.16
- Guimaraes Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: $8.98
- High Ropes Adventure at Bravaes Kayak Park: $18
- A Guimarães Hidden Gems Walking Tour Experience : $24
- Tree and Slide Adventure in Lamas de Mouro at PNPG: $26
- Private Stand Up Paddle Experience in Vila do Conde: $38
- Guimarães Old Town Private Walking Tour: $59
- Small-Group Braga Half-Day Tour with Bom Jesus Sanctuary: $70
- E-Bike Tour: $72
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bologna
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Bologna are as follows:
-
Food Tour (for 2)€31
-
Wine Tasting Tour (for 2)€115
-
Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour (for 2)€67
-
National Gallery Museum Bologna (for 2)€12
-
Archaeology Museum of Bologna (for 2)€12
Tours and Activities in Bologna
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bologna are as follows:
- Bologna Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $5.72
- Bologna Secrets Quest: Self-Guided Hidden Gems Adventure: $6.56
- Bologna's Ancient and Recent History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
- A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Porta Galliera to Le Tre Frecce: $12
- Bologna Audio Tour: Bologna Audio Tour Adventure: $15
- Bologna Guided Tour of the Basilica Di San Luca: $18
- Tower and Power, Virtual tour in Medieval Bologna: $22
- Entrance ticket to the Lamborghini Museum in Bologna : $22
- InfernoDante: experience 4 iconic songs in first person with Virtual Reality: $22
- Lamborghini Museum Guided Tour and Entry Ticket: $27
- Archiginnasio Small Group Guided Tour in Bologna: $27
- Bologna : Small Group Guided Tour: $29
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayBraga €21Bologna €28
Sample the Local Flavors in Braga
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Braga:
- Customized Wine Tasting: Your Choices: $30
- Wine Tasting & Lunch | Quinta de Santa Cristina Vinho Verde: $62
- Wine tour at Mosteiro de Tibães with an exclusive wine tasting: $66
- Tour of the Green Wine villages and wine tasting.: $119
- Green Wine Ponte Lima Region-Small Group tour-Lunch,Wine Tastings: $161
- Private Culture and Wine Tourism Tour: $245
Sample the Local Flavors in Bologna
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Bologna:
- Bologna Pub Crawl to meet people: $19
- Private wine tasting of Palazzo di Varignana: $21
- Wine tasting on the hills of Bologna in Dozza: $36
- Modena area: Lambrusco Wine Tasting Experience: $42
- Parma Hills and Wine Tasting with Food Platter: $58
- Montevecchio Isolani wine tasting experience: $60
- Bologna Food & Wine tour with a local Chef: $75
- Eating Bologna Food and Wine Tour: $112
- Food and Wine Tasting Tour in Bologna with Local Guide : $129
- Cook Fresh Pasta + Wine Tasting (Includes 4-Course Meal): $147
- Bologna Exclusive Italian Wine Tasting in the centre: $155
- Bologna Full Day Food Factory Tour and Wine Tasting: $238
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Braga and Bologna, we can see that Bologna is more expensive. And not only is Braga much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Braga would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Braga 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 Braga.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Braga Expensive? and Is Bologna Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Braga or Bologna?
Bologna has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Braga. When comparing the sizes of Braga 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 Braga 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 Braga or Bologna in the Summer?
Both Bologna and Braga are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Bologna for the family-friendly experiences.
Braga is cooler than Bologna in the summer. The daily temperature in Braga averages around 21°C (69°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 Braga. Braga usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bologna during summer. Braga gets 308 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Braga usually receives less rain than Bologna. Braga gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyBraga 21°C (69°F)Bologna 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Braga or Bologna in the Autumn?
Both Bologna and Braga during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Bologna in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Braga is around the same temperature as Bologna. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Braga in October average around 17°C (62°F), and Bologna averages at about 16°C (61°F).
In the autumn, Braga often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bologna. Braga gets 184 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Braga. Braga usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Bologna. Braga gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBraga 17°C (62°F)Bologna 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Braga or Bologna in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Braga and Bologna. 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 January, Braga is generally much warmer than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Braga average around 10°C (50°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).
Braga usually receives more sunshine than Bologna during winter. Braga gets 124 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.
Braga gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Braga usually receives more rain than Bologna. Braga gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBraga 10°C (50°F)Bologna 2°C (36°F)
Should I visit Braga or Bologna in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Braga as well as Bologna. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Bologna because of the natural beauty.
Braga is around the same temperature as Bologna in the spring. The daily temperature in Braga averages around 14°C (56°F) in April, and Bologna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Braga this time of the year. In the spring, Braga often gets more sunshine than Bologna. Braga gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 192 hours of full sun.
Braga receives a lot of rain in the spring. Braga usually gets more rain in April than Bologna. Braga gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilBraga 14°C (56°F)Bologna 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Bologna and Braga
| Braga | Bologna | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (50°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Feb | 11°C (51°F) | 169 mm (6.7 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (56°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| May | 16°C (60°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (69°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Aug | 20°C (69°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Sep | 20°C (67°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Oct | 17°C (62°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 123 mm (4.8 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 124 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 11°C (51°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.