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

Should you visit Cologne or Bologna?

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

Should I visit Cologne 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.

Cologne

Cologne is a vibrant, colorful, and fun city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Cologne offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping. See Cologne travel costs.

Bologna

Bologna is a beautiful, fun, and historical city. With stunning beauty, Bologna attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Bologna travel costs.

Cologne and Bologna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cologne or Bologna?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cologne than Bologna. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Cologne is very popular for its museums and attractions, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Bologna attracts visitors for its food, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Cologne is more touristy than Bologna and is known for its large and detailed cathedral, its festive Christmas markets, and its location along the Rhine River. It is also well known for The Cologne Cathedral. Bologna is famous for its Terracota buildings, large international student population, and being the birthplace of Bolognaise pasta.

The Cologne Cathedral

How is Cologne different from Bologna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cologne 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 Cologne specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. At the heart of the city is Cologne Cathedral, which is stunningly intricate and highlights High Gothic architecture. It is one of the largest cathedrals in Europe. Other famous sights around town include Cologne City Hall, the Wallraf-Richartz & Ludwig Museums, and Hohenzollern Bridge.

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 Cologne or Bologna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bologna is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Cologne 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).

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Cologne. The food scene consists mostly of brewhouses and pubs, where you'll find local cuisine. There are also a number of international restaurants around town if you want something a little different. In particular, you'll find many Turkish kebab shops near the train station. Local dishes from Cologne include Halve Hahn (an open face sandwich), Hämmche (pork with sauerkraut or potatoes), and Mettbrütche (minced pork bread roll). For a sweet treat, there is no shortage of donut shops with decadently decorated toppings.

Is Cologne or Bologna Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Cologne and Bologna.

Cologne is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. Head to one of the many beerhalls to check out the local nightlife scene. Make sure you try the local beer, Kölsch. Some of the most popular places for night include Ona Mor, Pepe, and Engel & Weiss.

Many people head to Bologna for the nightlife scene. 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 Cologne or Bologna Better for its Old Town?

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

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).

Cologne is a good destination for visiting its old town. The Old Town is large, but its mostly been rebuilt with modern buildings. There are plenty of shopping areas where you can buy name brand clothing or sample sweets.

Is the Shopping Better in Cologne or Bologna?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Bologna and Cologne.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Cologne. There is no shortage of clothing shops around Cologne. You'll find all of the major European chains with many souvenir shops mixed in. Schildergasse is a major shopping street in town, but there are also many shopping malls to choose from. For local markets, head to Wilhemplatz.

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 Cologne or Bologna More Beautiful?

Bologna is well known for its scenery and beauty. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

With stunning beauty, Bologna attracts visitors from all around. It's history and architecture make it among the most beautiful cities in Italy.

Cologne is a gorgeous place to visit. You'll be greeted by the intricately designed Cologne Cathedral as you leave the train station. Old Town spreads out from this square and although many areas have been rebuilt, there city still offers a fascinating beauty.

Is Cologne or Bologna Better for Families?

Cologne 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.

Cologne is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. In addition to the stunning cathedral and impressive bridge, this city has many great playgrounds including Rheinpark, right across the river from old town. Kids who like high places will enjoy the view from the top of KölnTriangle. Popular kid-friendly museums in town include Odysseum and the Chocolate Museum. And if you have a day to spare, head to the indoor waterpark at Aqualand.

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 Cologne or Bologna Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Cologne and Bologna make for a nice place to visit.

Cologne is a good city for couples to visit. The city has a number of activities that couples will enjoy such as walks along the river, dining at nice restaurants, and Rhein River cruises. Also make sure you put a lock on the Hohenzollern Bridge to declare your commitment to each other.

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 Cologne or Bologna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Bologna is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Cologne is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few good hostels around town and many free sights that make this a budget-friendly destination for backpackers.

Is Cologne or Bologna Better for Students?

Bologna is an unbeatable place for students. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

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.

Cologne is very popular with students. The city is large enough to attract international students for all types of studies. It's also well connected to the German train system so it's easy to get out and explore the area.

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

Cologne 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 Cologne can get you around easily. KVB operates the system that includes trains, trams, and buses. The city is also easily connected to other nearby towns so it makes a great base for exploring the entire area.

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

Is Cologne or Bologna a more walkable city?

Cologne and Bologna both are great when exploring on foot.

Cologne is a very walkable destination. If you stick to the Old Town and nearby neighborhoods, you'll be able to explore easily 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 Cologne Worth Visiting? and Is Bologna Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bologna or Cologne?

How long in Cologne or Bologna?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cologne and Bologna. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

Because Cologne is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Cologne or Bologna?

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

Cologne 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 Cologne or Bologna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cologne. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Cologne. 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 Luxury Tours to Germany, The Best Budget Tours to Germany, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Cologne or Bologna?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cologne and Bologna. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cologne this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bologna for the family-friendly experiences.

Cologne is cooler than Bologna in the summer. The daily temperature in Cologne averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Bologna fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bologna this time of the year. Cologne usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during summer. Cologne gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cologne usually receives more rain than Bologna. Cologne gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cologne or Bologna in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cologne as well as Bologna. Many travelers come to Cologne for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, 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 the autumn, Cologne is cooler than Bologna. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cologne in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Bologna averages at about 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Cologne often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Cologne gets 104 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 177 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bologna. Cologne usually gets less rain in October than Bologna. Cologne gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cologne or Bologna in the Winter?

Both Bologna and Cologne are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Cologne in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, 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. Cologne can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Cologne is generally a little warmer than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Cologne average around 3°C (37°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Cologne usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during winter. Cologne gets 43 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cologne usually receives less rain than Bologna. Cologne gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cologne or Bologna in the Spring?

Both Bologna and Cologne during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Cologne for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Bologna because of the natural beauty.

Cologne is cooler than Bologna in the spring. The daily temperature in Cologne averages around 10°C (50°F) in April, and Bologna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Cologne often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Cologne gets 152 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 192 hours of full sun.

Cologne usually gets less rain in April than Bologna. Cologne gets 55 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 Cologne