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

Should you visit Brussels 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 Brussels 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.

Brussels

Brussels is a authentic, colorful, and multicultural city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping. See Brussels travel costs.

Bologna

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

Brussels and Bologna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Brussels or Bologna?

You'll generally find more things to do in Brussels than Bologna. Brussels is bigger than Bologna, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Brussels is better known for its museums and attractions, shopping, and big city activities, while Bologna is more popular for its food, nightlife, and impressive beauty. Brussels is well known for its beautiful architecture, grand squares, diverse population, and delicious waffles. Also, Brussels is famous for La Grand Place (Grote Markt). Bologna is well known for its Terracota buildings, large international student population, and being the birthplace of Bolognaise pasta.

La Grand Place (Grote Markt)

How is Brussels different from Bologna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Brussels 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 Brussels specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Popular sights include Saint-Michel Cathedral, Place Royale, and the Belgian Royal Museum of Fine Arts. The city is filled with impressive architecture, fascinating art museums, and innovative science and technology museums.

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 Brussels or Bologna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bologna is renowned for its restaurant scene. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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).

Brussels has a huge number of terrific restaurants. While the city is most known for its waffles and fries, the diversity of dishes and international restaurant selection continues to grow. There are Lebanese, Japanese, and Indian restaurants among others. Popular local dishes include moules-frites, waterzooi (a stew), and stoemp (made with mashed potatoes and vegetables).

Is Brussels or Bologna Better for Nightlife?

Bologna is well known for nightlife. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Brussels has a few options to choose from. The city's nightlife is quieter and more mellow than some other major cities around Europe. That doesn't mean there aren't plenty of dance clubs and bars where you can hang out. Keep your wits about you after the sun goes down as some areas are a bit rougher than others.

Is Brussels or Bologna Better for its Old Town?

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

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Brussels. The old town in the city center is where you'll find the greatest concentration of historic sights. The area is surrounded by tree-lined boulevards and is easy to explore.

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 Brussels or Bologna?

Brussels is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Bologna is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.

Brussels is a world class destination for shoppers. Although it's famous for diamonds, the city also has many shopping streets where you can find designer brands, vintage shops, and other unique boutiques that are fun to explore.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Is Brussels or Bologna More Beautiful?

Bologna is well known for its scenery and beauty. However, Brussels is not a destination known for its beauty.

Bologna is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's history and architecture make it among the most beautiful cities in Italy.

Brussels is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Brussels or Bologna Better for Families?

Brussels 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.

Brussels is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of unique kid-friendly activities including a Mini-Europe Museum, a Comic Strip Museum, and Train World. The city is also a chocolate lover's dream with many factories and chocolate shops around town.

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 Brussels or Bologna Better for Couples?

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

Brussels is a very popular place to visit for couples. From beautiful buildings and museums to shopping, dining, and chocolate shops, there are plenty of romantic spots around town. There's a vibrant nightlife scene and many diverse restaurants that couples can enjoy exploring.

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 Brussels or Bologna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brussels and Bologna are high quality places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Brussels. The city has an active nightlife and a number of hostels that are great for backpackers, but do take note that some areas can get a bit rough at night, so make sure you understand where you are.

Many 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 Brussels or Bologna Better for Students?

Bologna is renowned for students. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Brussels is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The city has a number of universities that attract students from around the world. The multicultural setting is great for students of the world.

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

Brussels is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Bologna is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Brussels can get you around easily. Transit options include train, tram, metro, bus, and waterbuses.

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

Is Brussels or Bologna a more walkable city?

Brussels and Bologna both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Brussels is very walkable. If you stay in the historical area, it's easy to walk around and many boulevards are being converted to pedestrian areas.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Bologna or Brussels?

How long in Brussels or Bologna?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Brussels and Bologna. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Brussels than in Bologna. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Brussels, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bologna.

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

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

One day in Brussels or Bologna?

Because Brussels is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. 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.

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 Brussels or Bologna?

Because Brussels is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 shopping. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Brussels 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 Brussels or Bologna?

Brussels is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Brussels has to offer. 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 Brussels or Bologna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Brussels. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Brussels. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Belgium, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Belgium, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Brussels or Bologna?

Brussels has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Bologna. When comparing the sizes of Brussels 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 Brussels 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 Brussels or Bologna in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Brussels and Bologna. Many travelers come to Brussels for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bologna in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Brussels is generally cooler than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Brussels average around 18°C (65°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bologna this time of the year. Brussels usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during summer. Brussels gets 186 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Brussels usually receives more rain than Bologna. Brussels gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Brussels or Bologna in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Brussels as well as Bologna. Many visitors come to Brussels in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, most visitors come to Bologna for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Brussels is cooler than Bologna in the autumn. The daily temperature in Brussels averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Bologna fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Brussels often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Brussels gets 114 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 177 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bologna. Brussels usually gets less rain in October than Bologna. Brussels gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Brussels or Bologna in the Winter?

Both Bologna and Brussels are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Brussels for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, 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. Brussels can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Brussels is much warmer than Bologna. Typically, the winter temperatures in Brussels in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Bologna averages at about 2°C (36°F).

Brussels usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during winter. Brussels gets 49 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Brussels usually receives less rain than Bologna. Brussels gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Brussels or Bologna in the Spring?

Both Bologna and Brussels during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Brussels because of the activities around the city. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Bologna this time of year.

In April, Brussels is generally cooler than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Brussels average around 10°C (49°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

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

Brussels usually gets less rain in April than Bologna. Brussels gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bologna and Brussels