Travel Budget for Bologna Visit Bologna on a Budget or Travel in Style

Bologna, Regione Emilia-Romagna, Italy
Europe / Italy / Northern Italy /
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Bologna is a culinary city known for the Towers of Bologna, the Porticoes of Bologna, and Palazzo d'Accursio. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. This will help you plan the best trip to Bologna and stay within your ideal travel budget, whether you're eating the delicious cuisine, enjoying the nightlife, or taking in the beauty.

How much does it cost to travel to Bologna?

You should plan to spend around $205 (€188) per day on your vacation in Bologna. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $74 (€68) on meals
  • $23 (€21) on local transportation
  • $189 (€173) on hotels

A one week trip to Bologna for two people costs, on average, $2,868 (€2,632). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $205
    €188
  • One Week Per person
    $1,434
    €1,316
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $2,868
    €2,632
  • One Month Per person
    $6,146
    €5,640
  • One Week For a couple
    $2,868
    €2,632
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $5,736
    €5,264
  • One Month For a couple
    $12,292
    €11,280
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Bologna cost?

A one week trip to Bologna usually costs around $1,434 (€1,316) for one person and $2,868 (€2,632) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Bologna on average costs around $2,868 (€2,632) for one person and $5,736 (€5,264) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Bologna will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Bologna on average costs around $6,146 (€5,640) for one person and $12,292 (€11,280) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Bologna expensive to visit?

Bologna is a small yet captivating city that lures visitors with differing travel styles, spending levels, and budgetary preferences. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.

If you choose to make it so, Bologna can be very pricey, but you can reduce your expenses by eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.

On average, budget travelers spend $87 (€80) per day, mid-range travelers spend $205 (€188) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $449 (€412) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Bologna.

Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Bologna is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Dover or Dijon.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Bologna Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Bologna?

The average Bologna trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Bologna travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Bologna cost?

Bologna on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy 		$41
(€38) 		$94
(€87) 		$185
(€170)
Local Transportation 1 $9
(€8.51) 		$23
(€21) 		$52
(€47)
Food 2 $30
(€28) 		$74
(€68) 		$174
(€160)
Entertainment 1 $17
(€15) 		$42
(€38) 		$100
(€92)
Alcohol 2 $6-19
(€6-17) 		$15-46
(€14-42) 		$37-110
(€34-101)

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

To manage your travel budget, it's important to set realistic expectations. Many people think they can visit Bologna on a cheap budget, but most don't enjoy the limitations of a tight shoestring budget. Consider how you like to travel. Do you enjoy hostels, resorts, hotels, or vacation rentals? Do you want to dine out and explore the major attractions? These decisions will determine your budget and itinerary.

The Truth on Budget Travel

You may believe you're traveling on a budget, but unless you're ready to give up some conveniences, you'll likely spend much more than the $87 daily average that backpackers get away with.

Younger budget travelers often stick to this low budget by staying in dorms, eating inexpensive meals, taking public transportation, and focusing on free activities and sights.

Fortunately, there's plenty of hostels in Bologna, like Combo Bologna, Il Nosadillo Hostel, and Dopa Hostel. Here, you can score affordable dorm accommodation along with a vibrant social scene, though amenities may be lacking. While food is a highlight for many in Bologna, budget travelers often resort to street food or self-catering in hostels, which can lead to missed opportunities for savoring the local cuisine.

Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?

If you're a couple or a family traveling for fun, you'll likely want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at popular restaurants, and visit the major museums and attractions which have entry fees. Most visitors to Bologna will want to visit the Towers of Bologna, the Porticoes of Bologna, or Palazzo d'Accursio. Most activities cost money, after all. Therefore, it's realistic to expect your actual daily budget to be closer to $205 per person, per day.

In Bologna, you'll find a broad range of hotels and vacation rentals. If traveling with companions, you can share accommodations with a partner, friend, or your children, helping to cut costs. Families will want to look for hotels and restaurants that are kid-friendly. Antica Residenza D'Azeglio Room&Breakfast di Charme is a fantastic option for families, and B&B Santo Stefano Bologna is also a great pick. Explore more family and couple-oriented hotels in our hotel guide for Bologna here.

Seeking a Stylish Getaway from the Daily Routine?

If you're looking for an all encompassing trip with every amenity and a higher level of service, then prepare yourself for a price tag closer to $449 per day. To stay in a nicer hotel, eat at award winning restaurants, splurge on extravagant excursions, and take taxis or private drivers to get around the city, you'll need to be prepared for a more "luxury" set of prices. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as Private or semi-private tour of the historic center of Bologna - offered by Viator.

Accommodation Budget in Bologna

In Bologna, hotel prices can swing drastically. Higher-end hotels offer more luxury, but come at a cost, especially in peak summer season when prices are higher. Off-season prices are more reasonable, averaging $101, but during peak season they jump to an average of $188. You can find budget options starting at $69 up to luxury rates at $293. Hostels are typically cheaper, especially dorms. Book early and avoid peak season to save money.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Bologna for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $189 (€173). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $94 (€87) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $94
    €87
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $189
    €173

Hotels in Bologna

Looking for a hotel in Bologna? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.



Actual Hotel Prices in Bologna

The average hotel room price in Bologna based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $101 in the low season and $188 in the peak season. Below are the average prices for each budget category. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

The most affordable highest rated hotels in Bologna include:

  • Savhotel starting at $70
  • Aemilia Hotel Bologna starting at $89
  • Hotel Al Cappello Rosso starting at $113
  • Art Hotel Commercianti starting at $107
  • Savoia Hotel Regency starting at $86
Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Bologna

Bologna offers a good public transit system, so staying farther from the city might save you on accommodation, though the additional cost and time of commuting can add up.

Choosing to travel in the shoulder or low season and avoiding summer will help you save on lodging costs and escape the tourist rush.

Many enjoy discovering Bologna by walking, so it's beneficial to stay in a central spot. However, this convenience could lead to increased costs.

The city's intriguing old town is a top draw for tourists. While hotels in the area might be more expensive, they often offer a lot of charm and easy access to local attractions.


Recommended Properties


Transportation Budget in Bologna

Bologna offers a decent public transit system that reaches many must-see spots. There is an efficient and reliable bus system. For a cheaper and quicker way to explore, public transit is a solid option when it's nearby. Taxis and rideshares are also plentiful in the city.

Explorers who prefer to walk will have a fantastic time here. Most sights are always within a 30 minute walk, and the city itself is very walkable.

Public Transit:  starstarstarstarstar (good)
Walkability:      starstarstarstarstar (great)

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $23 (€21) per person, per day, on local transportation in Bologna. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Bologna is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $23
    €21

Transportation Tips

If you're driving, it's essential to check if your hotel offers convenient parking.

A few of the typical hotel transfers and transportation services include:

  • Ravenna City or Cruise Port to Venice Airport (VCE) -Departure Private Transfer for $113 details
  • Bologna Airport transfer for $47 details
  • Bologna Airport (BLQ) to Ravenna city or Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer for $112 details

Recommended Services


Flights to Bologna
How much does it cost to go to Bologna? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in Bologna
The price of renting a car in Bologna will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.



Food Budget in Bologna

The dining in Bologna is truly world-class, and you should definitely experience it. Be sure to enjoy meals at local restaurants and sample some unique offerings. 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).

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Bologna can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Bologna is $74 (€68) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $74
    €68

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Bologna is around $74 (€68) per person, with previous travelers spending from $30 to $174. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in Bologna are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $7 to $22
  • Lunch: $11 to $30
  • Dinner: $22 to $52
  • Coffee: $6
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $11

Known as the food capital of Italy, it can be hard to decide where to eat, as there are so many options. Proper Italian food usually consists of pizza and pasta with delicious meats, cheeses, and vegetables. Trattoria Del Rosso is a wonderful place to try as it serves many traditional dishes of Bologna. Enoteca Italiana has been voted the best in Italy for sandwiches and wine. For a laid back, home style meal head to Da Gianni. For more of an upscale meal and beautiful terrace to sit on, Zanarini is your best option.

Food in Bologna

Food & Dining Tips

Many accommodations feature breakfast in their rates, while some may charge additional fees for it. The cost and quality can vary significantly from one hotel to another. Knowing this information ahead of time helps you decide if you need to spend extra money. A tasty hotel buffet could be worth the expense, or a nearby bakery or cafe might offer a more affordable choice.

You can save money and appreciate the scenery by enjoying a picnic. Stop by a local grocery store or market, grab some fresh food, and find a lovely park or scenic area to enjoy your meal.

Choose to carry a water bottle instead of buying drinks all day. It's a good choice for the environment.

When planning a tour, don't forget to look into which meals are covered. You may be responsible for some of your own food, which could impact your budget significantly.

If you want to experience the culture in Bologna, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:

  • Felsina Culinaria - Personalised Private Cooking Course for $129 details
  • Learn to Make Bolognese Pasta: Private Cooking Lesson in Bologna with Giovanna for $96 details
  • Private Market Tour and Cooking Class in Bologna with a Local in Her Home for $132 details

Recommended


Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Bologna

Tourists are naturally attracted to Bologna due to its food, nightlife, historical sights, and budget-friendly accommodations.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Bologna typically cost an average of $42 (€38) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $42
    €38

Here are a few of the most popular sights with their prices:

  • The Towers of Bologna for €5
  • The Porticoes of Bologna (Free)
  • Palazzo d'Accursio for €8
  • Piazza Maggiore (Free)
  • Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca (Free)
  • The Archiginnasio of Bologna for €3
  • Basilica di San Petronio (Free)
  • Museo Civico Archeologico for €7
  • MAMbo for €6
  • Palazzo Pallavicini for €14

Museums are plentiful in the city of Bologna. If you wish to see several of these museums, it is wise to buy a museum card. This grants you access to the main museums and gets you a discount at some of the smaller museums around the city. It costs six euros for one day or eight euros for three days. You can purchase this card at a museum or an information office.

The Archaeological Museum is one of the main museums, housed in an old hospital building, with exhibits ranging from Egyptian civilization to historic Roman times. If you wish to take a break from the historical aspects of Bologna, visit the Gallery of Modern Art of Bologna, located at Don Giovanni Minzoni 14. Within the University, which is a sight in itself, are multiple small museums that are interesting to visit.

Piazza Maggiore is the large square located in the old city center where you can see prominent buildings like the Basilica of San Petronio, the Palazzo del Podesta, and the City Hall building. For a view of Bologna from above, the Tower of the Asinalli is the best place to go. It is three hundred and thirty feet tall and has four hundred and ninety eight steps to get all the way up to the top.

If you wish to see beautiful parks and gardens, visit Giardini Margherita, Orto Botanico, or Parco Cavaioni. These are all beautiful gardens and parks with meadows, lakes, various plant species and gorgeous views.



Bologna is known for its food, so spending a day learning to cook would be a great activity while visiting. Cook Italy is located in the city center and offers cooking classes with menus that can be customized to your liking.

There are many events and festivals that happen in Bologna. A film festival takes place in July in the Piazza Maggiore Square. Around October, you can catch the Motor Show Bologna that showcases rare automobiles of Italy. There are also a few car museums in town as well (Ducati Museum, Lamborghini Museum, and Ferrari Museum). Music is another big part of Bologna culture, it is known to many Italians as a hub for alternative, electronic, and rock music. The Estragon and the Link usually have concerts or festivals.

Sightseeing Tips

Historical Sights:
Old Town in BolognaCountless travelers are captivated by the old town's history. The old town is filled with Terracota buildings, which give the city its nickname, La Rossa (The Red).

Shopping:
Shopping in BolognaShopping here is something you definitely shouldn't overlook. 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.

A nice way to explore destinations in Bologna is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:

  • Winetour and tasting on Bologna hills, guided by the wine grower for $37 details
  • Private Bologna Gastronomic Tour with Local Guide for $204 details
  • Food and Wine Experience in Bologna, Italy for $27 details

Recommended Activities

What did other people spend on sightseeing in Bologna?

A few typical prices for sights, activities, and entry fees in Bologna are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers to provide you with an idea how much you might need to spend. Your individual costs will vary based on which activities you do, which attractions or museums you visit, and how often you participate in free or low-cost activities.


  • 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


Nightlife Budget in Bologna

Active and entertaining, the nightlife in Bologna is a hit with visitors who love spending time at local bars, clubs, and parties. 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.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $31 (€28) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Bologna per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $31
    €28

Nightlife in Bologna

Nightlife Tips

The nightlife scene is a lot of fun, but reducing how much you drink can go a long way in keeping your budget on track.

Be vigilant if you're out at night, especially if alcohol is involved. Thieves often target distracted individuals, so it's smart to stay with trusted friends and avoid going off by yourself.

Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Bologna. A few favorites from other travelers include:

  • Montevecchio Isolani wine tasting experience for $54 details
  • Modena area: Lambrusco Wine Tasting Experience for $37 details
  • Parma Hills and Wine Tasting with Food Platter for $53 details

Recommended


Travel cost data last updated: Sep 1, 2024

Budgeting and Travel Tips for Bologna

  • Take advantage of free attractions and activities, such as:
    • The Porticoes of Bologna
    • Piazza Maggiore
    • Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca
    • Basilica di San Petronio
  • During summer, the city experiences higher prices and larger crowds. To keep your expenses down and enjoy a calmer visit, consider traveling during the shoulder or low seasons instead.
  • Adopting a slower travel pace can lead to significant savings, giving you the chance to appreciate the area's beauty. If your schedule is packed with activities, your expenses can add up quickly. Conversely, slowing down often leads to a more enjoyable experience and less money spent overall.

Budgeting Challenges

  • Traveling with young ones usually means you'll want a private vehicle or taxi. Skipping the public transport hassle can make life simpler, but be ready to spend a bit more cash.
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Traveling in Bologna
Bologna Bologna, Italy

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.



Neighborhoods & Around

As stated before, Bologna is part of the Emilia-Romagna region in northern Italy. There are many towns nearby that are great places for taking the train and spending the day. Ferrara is one of the cities and its historical center has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rimini is another town nearby that is great for spending the day at the beach.

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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.


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.
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