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Town of Bologna has at all times been considered one of my favourite locations in Italy. There are such a lot of enjoyable and scrumptious issues to do in Bologna — this metropolis is overflowing with artwork, structure, and fabulous meals!
Because the capital of the Emilia-Romagna area, Bologna is completely located between Milan, Venice, and Florence — but it’s ignored by most vacationers.
Nevertheless it’s completely value making time for Bologna in your journey to Italy. You’ll discover simply as a lot tradition and historical past as in different Italian cities, however it’s far much less busy than the extra well-liked spots in Italy.
I’ve been touring in Bologna for greater than a decade. In that point, I’ve proudly watched Bologna’s tourism develop to new heights — and a lot of that’s as a result of work we bloggers have been doing on the bottom.
(In actual fact, in considered one of my reader surveys, Bologna was the second-most-popular vacation spot you guys have visited due to me!)
Bologna has had many nicknames: la rossa (the purple), la dotta (the discovered), and la grossa (the fats). Bologna is house to warm-colored buildings and the oldest college on the planet, and has lengthy been a gathering spot for youth activism. Town is younger, enjoyable, and has a lot of low-cost eats to feed hungry college students.
Talking of the meals, Emilia-Romagna is the best food region in Italy. That is the house of conventional balsamic vinegar, Parmigiano Reggiano, prosciutto di parma, and eating places which have a single dinner seating designed to final for hours.
I can’t wait to indicate you why Bologna is considered one of my favourite cities in Italy. Listed below are the perfect issues to do in Bologna!
This publish was printed in April 2024 and was co-written by Adventurous Kate and Dale Peterson.
Greatest Issues to Do in Bologna, Italy
Go on a meals tour
Among the finest issues to do in Bologna is a meals tour — and in a metropolis as food-crazy as Bologna, I believe it’s a should! A meals tour is an effective way to find the specialties of Emilia-Romagna and methods to eat them.
This walking tour takes you on foot by means of Bologna. As you be taught in regards to the metropolis’s culinary historical past, you’ll pattern contemporary pasta, conventional balsamic vinegar, cheese, wine, gelato, and extra. Or you may strive this similar tour with a educated native information.
Alternatively, this full-day experience is the easiest way to immerse your self within the delicacies of Bologna and Emilia-Romagna. You’ll go to family-run factories and native producers, sampling Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, conventional balsamic vinegar, prosciutto, and extra. You’ll additionally take pleasure in an area breakfast and a scrumptious lunch with wine pairings.
And remember to peruse my record of best food experiences in Emilia-Romagna!
Tour Bologna by strolling or biking tour
After you’ve eaten your means by means of town, get out of your meals coma by touring Bologna on foot or by bike. Don’t miss the central Piazza Maggiore, the meals market at Il Quadrilatero, or the Seven Church buildings of Santo Stefano.
If you happen to’re in search of an summary of town, strive this two-hour walking tour. If you happen to’d want to discover town with a non-public information, this is a good option.
And if you wish to discover Bologna and its environment on two wheels, strive this e-bike tour. Bologna is a reasonably flat metropolis, however the e-bike motor will assist you to rise up the occasional hill! Following your native information, you’ll discover Bologna and a few of the surrounding countryside.
Discover Piazza Maggiore and the Fountain of Neptune
Piazza Maggiore is the beating coronary heart on the middle of Bologna. This sprawling piazza is surrounded by necessary and iconic buildings, together with a number of historic palaces and the Basilica of San Petronio.
On the middle of the sq., you’ll discover the Fountain of Neptune, an emblem of Bologna. This fountain was erected within the sixteenth century and depicts the Roman water god Neptune flanked by dolphins, nereids, and angels.
The artwork of the passeggiata, or the early night stroll, is alive and properly in Bologna, and Piazza Maggiore is a good place for people-watching presently of day.
Stroll by means of the porticoes
Exploring the porticoes of Bologna is among the finest issues to do within the metropolis. There are practically 25 miles of historic porticoes all through town middle, and so they have collectively been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Web site.
A few of the porticoes date again to the early twelfth century, whereas others have been constructed later throughout the Renaissance. The porticoes supply wonderful shade from the solar and rain it doesn’t matter what time of yr it’s, and so they’re enjoyable to discover by yourself or with a information.
This guided tour will take you previous lots of the most stunning porticoes in Bologna, in addition to the most important portico, which is situated barely outdoors town in San Luca.
Climb the Torre Asinelli
The Torre Asinelli offers a surprising, panoramic view over Bologna. It’s the taller of two medieval towers within the middle of Bologna, and climbing it is among the hottest issues to do in Bologna.
Simply be ready — you’ll climb 498 steps to achieve the highest of the tower! It is a large climb, and in contrast to a few of the towers in close by Florence, there aren’t platforms to cease alongside the best way. Ensure you’re up for it. Tickets are 5 EUR ($5.50 USD.)
Alternatively, you may climb the Bologna Clock Tower for a 360-degree metropolis view. I don’t have a step depend, however it’s considerably lower than the Torre Asinelli. Tickets for this are 8 EUR ($9 USD.)
No matter you climb, I extremely advocate rewarding your self with a gelato on the bottom!
Discover the markets
Bologna is house to 2 nice meals markets: Il Quadrilatero and Mercato delle Erbe. The Quadrilatero is the oldest market in Bologna, relationship again to the Center Ages. As we speak, this out of doors market on Bologna’s slim historic streets is stuffed with butchers, fishmongers, cheese stands, produce sellers, small wine bars, and different eateries.
You’ll additionally discover small jewellery shops, clothes boutiques, and artisan retailers. The Quadrilatero is a well-liked spot for locals and vacationers alike in Bologna.
Mercato delle Erbe is a sprawling lined market that can be situated within the historic middle of Bologna. You’ll additionally discover loads of contemporary vegetables and fruit, native cheeses, and different meals right here. A part of this market has additionally been reworked right into a meals courtroom with tons of distributors, making it an incredible spot to seize a fast lunch.
Go to the Seven Church buildings of Santo Stefano
The Seven Church buildings of Santo Stefano is Bologna’s most necessary spiritual advanced. This basilica, made up of a number of historic buildings, is situated within the middle of Bologna. It dates again to not less than the tenth century.
Visiting the Seven Church buildings of Santo Stefano is free. It’s open every day, however the timetables could change primarily based on spiritual features and holidays.
Discover the Window to Little Venice
Bologna is house to a number of canals, however not like Venice, they’re largely hidden from view. Since Bologna’s canals run between personal buildings and are largely inaccessible to guests, there are only some locations to catch a glimpse of them.
A type of locations is the so-called “Window to Little Venice.” You’ll find this spot on Google Maps underneath Finestra sul Canale. It’s just a little window overlooking the Canale delle Moline, providing the right view for photographers.
It is a not-so-hidden gem lately as a result of window’s reputation on TikTok, so arrive early if you wish to snap a photograph of the perfect view of the canal with out having to attend in line.
Archiginnasio Anatomical Theatre
One of the distinctive issues to do in Bologna is go to the Archiginnasio Anatomical Theatre. This historic Seventeenth-century corridor was as soon as used for anatomy lectures and shows on the College of Bologna’s medical faculty.
The room itself is fascinating, with intricately carved picket partitions and ceiling.
You’ll be able to go to the Anatomical Theatre for 3 EUR ($3. USD), and your ticket additionally consists of entrance to a number of different historic college rooms.
Parco Giardini Margherita
Parco Giardini Margherita is the most important and finest inexperienced area in Bologna. Within the hotter months, it is a well-liked spot with picnickers and teams of buddies hanging out. Whatever the season, it’s a very good place to go for a stroll.
For a really particular lunch in Bologna, decide up lunch from one of many markets and have a picnic on the grass.
The park is a 20-minute stroll from the middle of Bologna.
Go to Bologna Museums
Bologna is a superb metropolis to go to for artwork, historical past, and tradition. Town is house to many museums, good for exploring on a wet day or when it’s essential stroll off a few of the scrumptious meals you’ve been consuming.
These are a few of the high museums to take a look at in Bologna:
Housed within the Palazzo Pepoli Vecchio, a medieval palace, Museo della Storia di Bologna is devoted to the historical past of Bologna.
The Museo d’Arte Moderna di Bologna (MAMbo) homes a powerful assortment of recent and experimental artwork.
If fashionable artwork isn’t your pace, take within the assortment on the Bologna Nationwide Gallery, which homes works by Raphael, Tintoretto, and extra.
Positioned barely outdoors town, the Ferrari Museum is devoted to the historical past of the Ferrari sports activities automotive model. It’s a must-visit for automotive fans! Extra of a bike fan? Try the Museo Ducati!
A extra offbeat alternative, the Museum for the Reminiscence of Ustica is devoted to the controversial and mysterious Itavia Flight 870 airplane crash of 1980.
Housed within the Fifteenth-century Palazzo Galvani, Museo Civico Archeologico affords a powerful archaeological assortment within the middle of Bologna.
Go Wine Tasting in Bologna
Chances are you’ll consider Tuscany or Piemonte with regards to wine areas in Europe, however right here’s a tip — EVERY area in Italy makes nice wine! Emilia-Romagna makes fantastic wines, and is especially recognized for its glowing purple wines from Lambrusco.
On this wine tour, you may pattern 4 completely different wines and be taught from an area knowledgeable inside the metropolis of Bologna. Or get out of city on this Emilia-Romagna wine tour and luxuriate in wine tasting within the hills surrounding Bologna.
If you happen to’d want to go to Tuscany for wine tasting, you are able to do so on this full-day tour from Bologna that features wine tasting in a fortress! Although truthfully, if you happen to’re visiting Florence later in your journey, save that for Florence.
Tour Bologna by Vespa
Ever since seeing The Proficient Mr. Ripley, I dreamed of zipping round Italy on a Vespa sometime. And you may fulfill that dream within the countryside surrounding Bologna! This Vespa tour will take you out of town and thru the countryside on a panoramic tour.
You don’t have to fret about navigating, as you’ll experience on the again of a Vespa pushed by your educated native information, who will level out the sights round Bologna’s scenic countryside.
Go on an escape sport treasure hunt
Attempt an escape sport treasure hunt for a unusual and offbeat exercise in Bologna. This enjoyable exercise for teams combines exploring Bologna with a fast-paced sport.
This murder mystery escape game will lead you thru the historic streets of Bologna as you clear up a thriller and be taught extra in regards to the metropolis. Or strive this outdoor escape game that reveals untold tales about medieval Bologna.
It’s a enjoyable, fashionable smartphone-oriented sport that makes a pleasant distinction to all of the historic locations you’ll be visiting!
Take a cooking class
I’ve been happening and on about Bologna’s fantastic meals — so wouldn’t you wish to learn to cook dinner it? Taking a cooking class is enjoyable for newbie and skilled cooks alike.
There are a number of choices for studying to cook dinner contemporary pasta with an area Bolognese chef. With Alessia, you may learn to make pasta primarily based on her grandmother’s recipe and with Cesarina, you may put together two pasta dishes whereas sipping on Prosecco. Chef Antonino is an expert chef and knowledgeable in Bolognese delicacies, so anticipate to be taught in regards to the historical past of the dishes you put together with him.
Irrespective of which cooking expertise you select, you’ll end with some selfmade tiramisu.
Go to FICO Eataly World
FICO Eataly World describes itself as a food-centric theme park. And it does form of really feel like a Disney World for foodies, making it a must-visit attraction in Bologna.
At FICO Eataly World, you’ll discover a sprawling advanced with a working farm, hands-on reveals about Italian meals, cooking demonstrations, varied eateries, and pop-up retailers. It’s straightforward to spend a day studying and consuming your means by means of this foodie paradise.
Take a foodie day journey by means of Emilia-Romagna
Whereas Bologna could also be house to a few of the finest eating places and markets in Emilia-Romagna, I believe it’s value getting out of town to discover the place these merchandise are made.
You’ll be able to uncover the area’s finest meals on a day journey like this one, the place you’ll pattern parmigiano reggiano cheese, conventional balsamic vinegar, and Lambrusco glowing wine.
Or strive this private half-day tour, which features a personal tasting tour and a sit-down lunch with native wine pairings.
Find out about supercars in Motor Valley
One other beautiful factor about Emilia-Romagna is that that is the area of Motor Valley, house to well-known names like Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Maserati. Even if you happen to aren’t an enormous automotive fanatic, it’s nonetheless fascinating to be taught extra in regards to the historical past of this area.
This day tour is an effective choice for anybody quick on time as a result of it takes you to a few of the most well-liked automotive factories and museums within the Motor Valley. Even if you happen to’re not tremendous into automobiles, it’s actually attention-grabbing!
And, it should be mentioned…this top-rated excursion provides you the choice to test-drive a Ferrari. How wonderful is that?!
Take a day journey to Parma
As a lot as I like Bologna, there’s one other metropolis in Emilia-Romagna that I like — Parma. Parma is only a 50-minute prepare experience from Bologna, and it’s additionally on the prepare experience to Milan, making it an incredible stopover between the cities.
What I like about Parma is that it feels loads like Bologna, however it’s extra colourful — a lot of purples and greens along with the reds, oranges, and yellows of Bologna. The cathedral is breathtaking, the eating places are superior, and there’s various wonderful procuring, too.
Two of Parma’s most well-known meals are Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and Prosciutto di Parma (often known as Parma ham to the Brits studying this publish). This day tour permits you to be taught extra about each by visiting a dairy producer the place you’ll be capable of pattern cheese and native wine, in addition to a ham manufacturing facility the place you’ll strive prosciutto and extra wine.
Learn Extra: Ultimate Guide to Parma, Italy
Take a day journey to Ferrara
One other nice day journey from Bologna is town of Ferrara, only a 45-minute prepare experience from Bologna. That is one other stunning (and superbly flat) metropolis straightforward to discover on foot, and an incredible place to get misplaced within the streets.
I really spent a while in Ferrara when my expensive buddies let me crash with them as I waited for the Czechs to offer me permission to return to the nation! I strongly advocate getting lunch at my favourite spot, Osteria dei Adelardi, which has an incredible plate of three native pastas. It’s proper by Al Brindisi, the oldest wine bar on the planet.
One factor value exploring is Estense Citadel, proper in the midst of town. This imposing medieval fortress dates again to the 14th century and options 4 dramatic towers, a moat, and a drawbridge.
Tickets to Estense Citadel are 12 EUR ($13 USD) for adults, with reductions out there for seniors, college students, and kids.
Go to different cities in Emilia-Romagna
If you happen to like small cities — and I’m a fan of small cities — you’ll love Emilia-Romagna. Being the transport hub within the area, Bologna is well-connected to different cities within the area by prepare and bus.
My high advice, after Parma, is the mosaic-filled city of Ravenna. The mosaics listed below are beautiful and can knock you off your toes! This tour will take you thru 5 of town’s UNESCO monuments with a educated information. Past the mosaics, the city is beautiful.
An alternative choice is Modena, a foodie city house to its traditional balsamic vinegar, in addition to the city the place Aziz Ansari’s character holed up on Grasp of None. It’s one other stunning city with nice eating places.
And would you want to go to a brand new nation? Why not?! The lovable micronation of San Marino is inside day-tripping distance of Bologna. I like to recommend taking the prepare to the Adriatic seaside city of Rimini, then taking the bus to San Marino from there. The cities work properly collectively as a day journey from Bologna.
Take a day journey to Venice
The enchanting metropolis of Venice is only a 1.5-hour high-speed prepare experience away from Bologna, making it probably the greatest day journeys you may take. You’ll be able to spend a complete day exploring this metropolis of canals and bridges earlier than returning to Bologna within the night.
Is Venice value it if it’s only a day journey? I like to recommend staying just a few nights in Venice if potential, however if you happen to solely have time for a day journey, it’s value it. And a day journey from Bologna is way simpler than coming all the best way from Florence, Milan, or Rome.
Don’t miss St. Mark’s Sq. and the historic Doge’s Palace, and remember to eat some cicchetti — but in addition take a while to get misplaced.
Venice is a metropolis that suffers considerably from over-tourism, significantly day trippers visiting on large cruise ships. Even if you happen to’re solely visiting Venice for a day, I like to recommend making an effort to get off the well-trodden vacationer path — you typically solely should stroll a couple of minutes away from the principle vacationer areas to find quieter areas extra well-liked with locals.
Take a day journey to Florence
Florence is the magnificent metropolis of the Renaissance, with a lot artwork, it appears to spring out of the pavement by itself. Simply 35 minutes away from Bologna by prepare, Florence is a straightforward day journey from Bologna, and I’ve completed it as a day journey myself (although I like to recommend spending just a few days if you happen to’re in a position to).
Florence is enormously well-liked year-round, even within the so-called off season, and it’s crucial to make advance bookings if you wish to go to the three hottest websites: the Uffizi Gallery (house to Botticelli’s Delivery of Venus and so many different nice works); the Accademia (house to Michelangelo’s statue of David), and climbing the Duomo (although I want the view from Giotto’s Bell Tower or the rose backyard, pictured above, as a result of you may’t see the Duomo from the Duomo!).
After you have your necessities booked, prepare for a enjoyable (and really crowded) day. I like to recommend visiting the Ponte Vecchio, Piazza della Signorina, and just lately had a good time on the new-ish Gucci exhibit on the Gucci Backyard retailer. Attempt an unlimited, uncommon bistecca fiorentina if you happen to dare!
How A lot Time to Spend in Bologna
How a lot time do you want in Bologna? Bologna is a smaller metropolis, so two days is an inexpensive period of time to see the websites of Bologna itself.
HOWEVER! Bologna is a superb base for an extended keep — whether or not you might be utilizing it as a base for journeys across the area (which you completely ought to do), or if you happen to’re coming for an extended stint as a digital nomad. I’ve visited Bologna a number of occasions through the years, and particularly cherished once I spent two full weeks right here.
If you happen to’re utilizing Bologna as a day journey base, I believe round 5 days makes a very good time to go to. However me — I believe you’d be thrilled to remain for even longer!
Learn how to get to Bologna
Attending to Bologna is a breeze. It’s considered one of Italy’s most conveniently situated cities, with tons of prepare and bus connections and an airport with direct flights throughout Europe.
Attending to Bologna by prepare is the best choice if you happen to’re already in Italy. It’s a 35-minute high-speed prepare experience from Florence, one hour from Milan, 1.5 hours from Venice, and two hours from Rome. You’ll be able to take a slower prepare to economize, however the quick trains are essentially the most environment friendly alternative for attending to Bologna from different cities in Italy.
Though there are not any direct flights to Bologna from North America, there are quite a few reasonably priced connections from dozens of European cities.
The place to Keep in Bologna
The place do you have to keep in Bologna? You must positively keep within the metropolis middle — wherever inside a 15-minute stroll of Piazza Maggiore is fairly good, although I’d most likely steer clear of the sq. the place the prepare station is. This space generally is a bit tough at night time, as most prepare stations in Europe are — high-quality to go by means of, however I wouldn’t select a resort proper there.
Selecting a centrally-located resort will make it straightforward to discover Bologna’s main websites. These are the perfect locations to remain in Bologna for each funds:
- High-Rated Luxurious Lodge in Bologna: Grand Hotel Baglioni is the perfect luxurious resort in Bologna, with attractive and chic rooms inside an 18th-century palace.
- High-Rated Mid-Vary Lodge in Bologna: If you happen to’re in search of a stable mid-range resort, Aemilia Hotel Bologna is your best option. Positioned a 15-minute stroll from the middle of Bologna, this resort affords comfy, trendy rooms at an inexpensive value.
- High-Rated Finances Lodge in Bologna: For funds vacationers, B&B Mercedes is a good place to remain in Bologna. It’s handy to the prepare station and the remainder of town.
- Find more places to stay in Bologna here.
Greatest Time to Go to Bologna
When do you have to go to Bologna? My absolute favourite time to go to Bologna is throughout the fall, however each shoulder seasons (fall and spring) are beautiful.
Fall is a unbelievable time to go to wherever in Emilia-Romagna — particularly October. It’s harvest season, there are many meals festivals going down, the climate is cooler however not chilly, and everybody appears to be in an incredible temper. I’ve received plenty of images in my Autumn in Emilia-Romagna publish.
Spring brings nice climate, blooming flowers, and fewer vacationers.
Summer time will be oppressively scorching, as Bologna is in the midst of a really flat a part of Italy, and much from the cooling breezes of the coasts. Summer time can be essentially the most crowded time of yr in Italy. I like to recommend avoiding visiting in summer season if potential — although if you happen to can solely go to throughout the summer season, you’ll nonetheless have enjoyable! Use the porticoes for shade.
Winter is the quietest time of yr in Bologna, however it’s additionally a good time to go to, discover, and have a extra native really feel. Bologna has a beautiful, festive environment in December, with Christmas lights and decorations within the metropolis middle. And Carnival, normally in February, is plenty of enjoyable!
Is Bologna Price It?
Bologna is considered one of my absolute favourite locations in Italy. In actual fact, it’s most likely within the high three. I believe it’s such a unbelievable metropolis, so native, and so enjoyable.
Through the years, I’ve despatched so a lot of my readers to Bologna, and it at all times makes my coronary heart sing once I learn how a lot they loved it!
Go to Bologna. You’ll have a unbelievable time.
Planning a Journey to Italy:
Extra Cool Locations in Northern Italy:
Better of Southern Italy:
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- 16 Fun Things to Do in Sorrento, Italy
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- Where to Go in Eastern Sicily
- 23 Fun Things to Do in Palermo, Sicily
- Complete Guide to the Aeolian Islands, Sicily
- Aci Trezza: A Laid-Back Coastal Town in Sicily
- Visiting Sicily in the Winter: Worth it or not?
- 17 Fun Things to Do in Bari, Italy
- 17 Cool Things to Do in Matera, Italy
- The Stunning Trulli of Alberobello, Italy
- 16 Fab Things to Do in Lecce, Italy
- Experiencing the Carpino Folk Festival in Puglia, Italy
Have you ever been to Bologna? Any tricks to share?
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