A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers The Hague vs. Bologna for Food, Nightlife, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit The Hague or Bologna?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between The Hague and Bologna can help you decide which place is right for you.

The Hague

The Hague is a global, international, and bustling city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Other popular activities here include nightlife, live music, and food. See The Hague travel costs.

Bologna

Bologna is a culinary, beautiful, and fun city. Bologna is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Bologna travel costs.

The Hague and Bologna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in The Hague or Bologna?

You'll generally find more things to do in The Hague than Bologna. The Hague is bigger than Bologna, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. The Hague is better known for its music and big city activities, while Bologna is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Bologna is more touristy than The Hague and is popular for its Terracota buildings, large international student population, and being the birthplace of Bolognaise pasta. The Hague is well known for its large international population and its roll in international politics and diplomacy. Also, The Hague is famous for The Peace Palace.

How is The Hague different from Bologna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in The Hague or Bologna?

Bologna is very good for its museums and history. However, The Hague does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

The Hague does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in The Hague or Bologna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bologna is an amazing city to visit for its restaurants. Also, The Hague is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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).

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit The Hague. The city has a diverse population and the large number of ethnic restaurants reflects that.

Is The Hague or Bologna Better for Nightlife?

Both The Hague and Bologna have very good vibes after the sun sets.

The Hague has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. Many of the city's restaurants turn into clubs at night. Head to The Grote Markt for some of the most energetic nightlife.

The people in Bologna know how to have a good time. 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 The Hague or Bologna Better for Music?

The Hague is a well-known place for its music scene. However, Bologna is not a live music destination.

The music scene in The Hague is very popular with diverse venues. There's an active music scene here and the city actually played an active role in the development and popularity of electronic music.

Bologna is not a live music destination.

Is The Hague or Bologna Better for its Old Town?

Bologna is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town. However, The Hague does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Bologna. The old town is filled with Terracota buildings, which give the city its nickname, La Rossa (The Red).

The Hague does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in The Hague or Bologna?

Shoppers can find a variety of very good stores in both The Hague and Bologna.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting The Hague. There's a dynamic shopping scene with indoor malls, outdoor markets, and a number of neighborhoods that have shops that sell eclectic items.

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.

Is The Hague or Bologna More Beautiful?

Bologna is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, The Hague 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.

The Hague is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is The Hague or Bologna Better for Families?

You'll find notable kid-friendly activities in either The Hague or Bologna.

The Hague is a family-friendly city. This city has a bit more of a family-friendly vibe than nearby Amsterdam. Kids enjoy exploring by bike or heading to the Scheveningen Beach Resort.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Bologna. 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 The Hague or Bologna Better for Couples?

Both The Hague and Bologna are notable destinations to visit as a couple.

The Hague is a nice destination for couples. Couples can enjoy the diverse restaurants and the busting atmosphere that the city offers.

Bologna makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 The Hague or Bologna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bologna is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, The Hague is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Bologna is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit The Hague. While most backpackers head to the more popular city of Amsterdam, The Hague has a fun atmosphere with a diversity of activities and restaurants.

Is The Hague or Bologna Better for Students?

Both The Hague and Bologna are fantastic destinations for students.

Students come from all over the world to visit The Hague. This is a very popular study abroad destination so you'll find plenty of international students living here. It's an internationally oriented city so everyone feels right at home.

Bologna is a great destination 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.

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

The Hague is a well-known place 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.

Many visitors use the public transit system in The Hague. There are bus and tram lines throughout the city.

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

Is The Hague or Bologna a more walkable city?

Bologna is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. Also, The Hague is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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

The Hague is a somewhat walkable place. There are a number of walk tours through the city center.

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

Should I spend more time in Bologna or The Hague?

How long in The Hague or Bologna?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both The Hague and Bologna. In our opinion, Bologna has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Bologna than The Hague. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Because The Hague 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Bologna. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bologna has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in The Hague or Bologna?

Because The Hague 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 The Hague has to offer.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the culinary destination of Bologna. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in The Hague or Bologna?

The Hague 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the culinary city of Bologna. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the food. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in The Hague or Bologna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in The Hague. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting The Hague. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Bologna is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between The Hague and Bologna, we can see that The Hague is more expensive. And not only is Bologna much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bologna would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bologna 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 The Hague would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in The Hague than you might in Bologna.

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

Which is Bigger, The Hague or Bologna?

The Hague has a larger population, and is about 28% larger than the population of Bologna. When comparing the sizes of The Hague 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 The Hague or Bologna?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit The Hague or Bologna in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to The Hague as well as Bologna. The summer months attract visitors to The Hague because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bologna this time of year.

In July, The Hague is generally cooler than Bologna. Daily temperatures in The Hague average around 17°C (62°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bologna. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in The Hague this time of the year. In the summer, The Hague often gets less sunshine than Bologna. The Hague gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 316 hours of full sun.

The Hague usually gets more rain in July than Bologna. The Hague gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit The Hague or Bologna in the Autumn?

Both Bologna and The Hague are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to The Hague this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bologna for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

The Hague is much colder than Bologna in the autumn. The daily temperature in The Hague averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Bologna fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

The Hague usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during autumn. The Hague gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bologna. In October, The Hague usually receives less rain than Bologna. The Hague gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit The Hague or Bologna in the Winter?

Both Bologna and The Hague during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to The Hague for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bologna in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Bologna can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in The Hague. In the winter, The Hague is around the same temperature as Bologna. Typically, the winter temperatures in The Hague in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Bologna averages at about 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, The Hague often gets less sunshine than Bologna. The Hague gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 105 hours of full sun.

The Hague usually gets less rain in January than Bologna. The Hague gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit The Hague or Bologna in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both The Hague and Bologna. Many visitors come to The Hague in the spring for the activities around the city. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bologna for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, The Hague is generally much colder than Bologna. Daily temperatures in The Hague average around 8°C (46°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The Hague usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during spring. The Hague gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, The Hague usually receives less rain than Bologna. The Hague gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bologna and The Hague