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Haven't visited either, but "Narvik" has a funny sound to it. In my ears.

On the whole, towns aren't very interesting in Norway. For the tourist, they serve mainly as access points to the nature which is worth seeing. These two are a particular case in point, a couple of functional, modern towns of no particular elegance, and in the case of Narvik distinctly industrial. The main point of going to Bodo is the access it provides to the Lofoten islands, and other attractions of the region. The main point of going to Narvik is the access it provides to adjacent mountains for hiking in the border areas with Sweden, and, by train, to the interior of northern Sweden itself.

So the question arises, what are you there for and do you have enough time for it.

Bodoe is a cute little place, it's main attraction will be access to Lofoten/Vesterålen area and birdwatching on small islands off the coast, near Lofoten. Have spent a couple of weeks there, working. Wouldn't mind going back. Haven't been to Narvik, so I can't really give any advice about going there.

OP try to take a look at Google Earth - there is even Street View for narvik at least - maybe/probably for Bodø too. And several photos if you zoom sufficiently in without starting Street view. Then you can form your own impression.

IMHO - not much reason for a tourist to visit the these towns as such unless it is on the way to something else like Lofoten

Both places are really only leaps to somewhere else as the other posters have mentioned. Both are quite small and will be easily explored in a couple of days, depends on what you like to do.

I had a great time in Narvik, dived the wrecks, took a boat trip on the fjord, walked to the top of the mountain for a spectacular view as well as going to the brilliant WWII museum. After 2 days I was done and I got the bus to Å on the Lofoten islands. I have never spent 7 1/2 hours on a bus looking out the window going wow and never wondering are we there yet? ............ are we there yet? I then spent 4 days slowly making my way back to Narvik so I could get the train to Abisko. The Victoria hotel (on Dronningens gate 58) has a hostel part that was really good! The info centre was pretty handy as well with timetables etc.

In Bodo, I went to the Aviation Museum and to the Salten Museum. I was pretty much done in 1 1/2 days. If you like walking there are some great trials close to town. I didn't get to do too much as I was saving myself for the Kungsleden from Abisko.

Good luck with your decision.