The Top Things to Do in Bologna: How to Best Spend Between 1-3 Days in Italy’s Leading Food Destination
Bologna is many things: the capital of Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, home to the oldest operating university in the world, and also a foodie nirvana. This guide explores the best things to do in Bologna, from the medieval city center to the surrounding countryside.
This itinerary is organized by day, with day #1 covering Bologna’s top highlights, plus hidden gems and day trips for those with additional time in the region.
Jump to:
- Overview of Bologna
- How Many Days to Spend in Bologna?
- Day #1: Top Bologna Highlights
- Days #2-3: Day Trips and Hidden Gems
Overview of Bologna
History of Bologna
The city of Bologna has been a regional powerhouse since the time of the Etruscans, and later the Romans.
Today, you’ll find the historic old town appearing much the same as it did during the Middle Ages, with an extensive network of medieval and Renaissance buildings enclosed in the footprint of the original walled city.
(Fun fact: Bologna is still the second largest city center in Europe!)
Porticos
The city is also famous for its porticos, which have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The porticos were originally built to help alleviate medieval overcrowding, permitting second-floor dwellings to expand over the street below.
Over the centuries, the arcades have grown to cover 38 km (!) of pedestrian walkways. Many kilometers of the archways are decorated with intricate frescoes and paintings, which come alive with their nightly illumination.
A nighttime stroll underneath the storied porticos is truly an enchanting way to end any evening in Bologna.
Italy’s Bread Basket
Anyone coming to Bologna should expect to eat both well and often. Food is the heart and soul of Bologna, with the fertile Emilia-Romagna region rightfully earning its moniker of “Italy’s bread basket.”
Much of Italy’s produce and grains come from Emilia-Romagna’s rich plains, and many of the country’s most famous dishes originate here. As the home of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, balsamic vinegar, and prosciutto, it’s no wonder that Bologna’s nickname is La Grassa (“the fat”).
In recent years, the city’s rich culinary history has also made it a mecca of sorts for foodies. You’ll find its gastronomy on display everywhere from local markets and cheap eats, to Michelin-starred restaurants.
How Many Days to Spend in Bologna?
You can spend as little or as much time in Bologna and Emilia-Romagna as your schedule permits.
While you can check off Bologna’s most famous landmarks in one full day, much of the charm is found in savoring the culinary flavors of the region. To fully immerse yourself in Bologna and its environs, we recommend 2 – 3 days.
2 – 3 days will provide ample time to explore the depth of Bolognese culture, including its history, cuisine, and perhaps a day trip out to the surrounding countryside.
Day #1: Top Bologna Highlights
Morning: Piazza Maggiore (9:00 a.m.)
Begin your time in Bologna at its literal and metaphorical heart: the 15th century Piazza Maggiore, which pulses with energy at all hours of the day and night.
This sprawling town square has remained largely unchanged for five centuries. It’s anchored by the basilica on one side, and two 13th century palazzi on the other.
Whether you linger now or return later, it’s worth posting up on the steps of one of the perimeter buildings, people-watching and simply soaking up the atmosphere.
Basilica di San Petronio (9:15 a.m.)
Dominating the south side of Piazza Maggiore is the Basilica di San Petronio, dedicated to Bologna’s patron saint. This massive Gothic church is the sixth-largest in Europe, and perhaps one of its most fascinating.
Originally constructed towards the end of the 1300s, additions continued in subsequent centuries. Bologna wanted the completed basilica to be larger than St. Peter’s in Rome, but the Vatican immediately thwarted those plans. They cut funding and commissioned another building on the side of the church, to limit its available footprint. As a result, the exterior of the basilica remains incomplete to this day.
Inside the church is a gilded meridian line that runs at a diagonal across the floor, with intricate zodiac symbols and a large sundial. This diagram ultimately led to the creation of the leap year, after it helped demonstrate the subtle inaccuracies of the Julian calendar.
In more recent history, the church has been the object of several planned terrorist attacks, thanks to a 15th century fresco depicting Muhammad. Armed police are now a constant, quiet presence to circumvent further threats.
Fountain of Neptune (10:00 a.m.)
Make your way to the northern periphery of Piazza Maggiore and you’ll find the Fountain of Neptune. This iconic statue has become the preeminent symbol of Bologna. (Maserati, native to the region, even derived its company logo from Neptune’s trident).
Designed in 1566 by Giambologna, the statue created controversy before it was even finished. The pope, finding the statue obscene, ordered that Giambologna make Neptune’s genitals smaller. The artist obliged, but he still got the last laugh. He revised Neptune’s hand to extend at just the right angle, to create a particularly phallic shadow each afternoon.
The fountain has plenty of other off-color details too, including water sprouting from lactating sea nymphs. But it is also just a genuinely exquisite work of Renaissance art. There is plenty to admire, for lovers of art history and sophomoric jokes alike.
Be sure to snap a photo of this prominent icon of Bologna, and perhaps even grab the more suggestive photo angle too. (There will be plenty of giggling tourists doing the same, proving that immature humor transcends both cultures and centuries).
Santa Maria della Salute (10:30 a.m.)
We’re adding a quick detour into this tiny neighborhood church, since it’s halfway between Piazza Maggiore and Santo Stefano (the next stop on the itinerary). It won’t take you long to visit, but being on your way, it’s worth popping into this hidden gem.
Humble Santa Maria della Vita doesn’t set out to draw the tourist crowd. It’s simply the neighborhood parish, set in a circular footprint with ornate Baroque details and a soaring domed ceiling.
Even if your time in Italy has you feeling “churched out,” 5 minutes in Santa Maria will take your breath away.
Basilica di Santo Stefano (11 a.m.)
Late morning brings you to Santo Stefano, one of the oldest existing structures in Bologna.
It’s a fascinating step back in time, where the weight of history seems to emanate off the walls. It’s a feeling that appears shared by all visitors, creating an added reverence to Santo Stefano.
Nicknamed the Sette Chiese (“Seven Churches”), the basilica is actually a complex of seven edifices centered around an enclosed courtyard.
The accepted belief is that Santo Stefano was built on the ruins of an old Roman temple to Isis, with the oldest building in the compound dating back to the 5th century.
Interestingly, Dante frequently visited Santo Stefano while studying in Bologna, and even took inspiration from the basilica for his future Inferno.
There is no cost to tour the basilica or its grounds. A few days each month, volunteers also lead free guided tours of the complex. You can view the current schedule of docent tours here.
Lunch (12 p.m.)
Your first lunch in Bologna is a perfect time to dive into the local cuisine that the city is so famous for.
You can either grab a quick panino filled with local prosciutto and cheeses, or opt for a sit-down restaurant and tuck into a plate of tagliatelle or tortellini.
A good option not far from Santo Stefano is Vagh in Ufezzi. The husband-and-wife team whip up traditional, no frills Bolognese dishes that have earned nods by Eater and other foodie outlets.
Cooking Class (2 p.m.)
In this region so renowned for its cuisine, many residents now offer private cooking classes out of their homes.
It’s a fun peek into the home life of ordinary Bolognese. You’ll learn to make pasta as the host’s nonna taught them, before sitting down at their kitchen table to enjoy eating the fruits of your labor.
There are enough cooking classes offered in Bologna to make your eyes glaze over. We recommend starting at Viator’s Bologna cooking classes page, and filtering for your particular preferences. You’ll find multiple options for mid-afternoon, if you’re following this sample timeline.
Quadrilatero (5:30 p.m.)
The ancient Quadrilatero food market has been feeding Bologna since the Middle Ages.
It’s not just a market, but rather an entire neighborhood, with tiny shops jam-packed into narrow medieval streets. You’ll find everything from fresh bread and produce, to local meats and cheeses, regional wines, and the day’s fresh fish catch.
The tight quarters only add to the Quadrilatero’s spirited atmosphere, where you’ll jostle with both locals and tourists alike, in stores that have been passed down within families for generations.
While exploring the Quadrilatero is one of the most popular things to do in Bologna at any hour, we recommend going in the late afternoon or early evening.
Take some time to meander between shopfronts, which each specialize in one particular product. It’s a market structure that has remained unchanged for nearly a thousand years.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, grab a table at one of the buzzing local cafés for aperitivo hour.
Zerocinquantino is a great “small bite” place in the heart of the Quadrilatero. They’re famous for tigelle, a toasted flatbread that’s filled with meat, cheese, or veggies. Alternatively, we found La Frasca al Vicolo to satiate bigger appetites, serving both aperitivi and larger portions of regional specialties.
You can also shop for your own foodstuffs, enjoying the authenticity of hopping between multiple stores to complete your meal. (For example, we made our own tigelle, before taking them to eat on the steps of Piazza Maggiore, for a quintessential Bolognese evening).
If you need inspiration, start at Salumeria Simoni. The family-run grocery store cuts quality cured meats and cheeses to order. Then, pick up fresh baked bread (and perhaps a pastry) down the block at Paolo Atti & Figli.
Dinner (8 p.m.)
As gastronomic as Bologna is, you’d be doing yourself a disservice to just grab dinner at any old tourist haunt.
A few moderately-priced favorites that locals recommended to us (and did not disappoint) include Trattoria da Me, Osteria Bottega, and Cesare.
Otherwise, you can splurge on a Michelin Guide nod like Vicolo Colombina, al Cambio, or Vivo Taste Lab.
Wherever you go, just aim to book a reservation in advance. With eating being one of the most popular things to do in Bologna, tables fill up quickly.
Stroll the Porticoes (9:30 p.m.)
The best time to appreciate Bologna’s famous porticoes is at night, when the sumptuously-painted arcades are illuminated in a warm glow. It makes for a dreamy after-dinner stroll, and a perfect nightcap to your evening.
Some of the most beautiful and elaborately decorated porticos are those surrounding Piazza Cavour (directions).
Days #2 – 3: Day Trips and Hidden Gems
With more than one day at your disposal, the options of things to do in Bologna expand to include the surrounding countryside and neighboring towns.
You can either choose to stay in Bologna for a more in-depth exploration of the city itself, or head out to the hills of Emilia-Romagna.
We’ve included sample itineraries for both options, to help you choose your own adventure today.
Option #1: Bologna
Climb the Asinelli Tower (9 a.m.)
The Asinelli Tower is the highest medieval tower in Italy, and climbing its 498 steps remains one of the most popular things to do in Bologna.
During the Middle Ages, Bologna was nicknamed the “city of towers.” The town had over one hundred of them – no small feat, for the time – as a display of both wealth and defensive power.
Today, less than 20 of these towers remain, with the most famous being the “Two Towers” of Asinelli and Garisenda.
While the Garisenda now leans too dramatically to be structurally sound for visitors, you can still ascend the Asinelli.
The Asinelli Tower feels unchanged from its 12th century origins, with a narrow wooden staircase winding up the interior of the brick shaft. It’s easy to imagine centuries of footsteps having gone before you.
Once you climb the nearly 500 medieval steps, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of Bologna’s terracotta rooftops, church domes, and the Apennine hills beyond.
It’s best to do early in the morning, before either the crowds or the day’s heat arrive. The views from the top are also swathed in softer morning light, adding a subtle beauty to your photos.
You can get tickets in advance on the Due Torre website.
La Finestrella (10:30 a.m.)
Arguably the most Instagrammable spot in Bologna, La Finestrella (“little window”) sits on the covered walkway of Via Piella. Open the small, shuttered window and you’ll catch an alluring glimpse of the city’s medieval “Little Venice” canals.
The canals were built in the 12th century to support Bologna’s thriving trade network. Not many canals are left, which makes the enduring Canale delle Moline even more special.
Unfortunately, in today’s quest for the perfect social media photo, you’ll often find a line of people stretching down the block, waiting to capture the shot. Luckily, the line moves fast, and usually isn’t more than a 10–15-minute wait. Directions.
University District (11:00 a.m.)
The University of Bologna is the oldest continually-operating institute of higher education in the world (even older than Oxford and Cambridge), with classes dating back to 1088.
Strolling the famed university district is a fascinating look into the juxtaposition of tradition and modernity. You’ll find hoodie-clad students, clutching iPhones and lattes as they head to class. The scene is no different from any other university around the world, until you remember that the classroom is almost a thousand years old.
To explore the university district, begin at the Palazzo dell’Archiginnasio. This is one of the main university buildings, dating to the 16th century. It now houses the spectacular university library, as well as the Anatomical Theatre, where medical students attended lectures on the human body.
(Interestingly, the Anatomical Theatre was largely destroyed by an air raid during World War II, but was painstakingly reconstructed using the original materials recovered from the rubble).
Tickets to the Anatomical Theatre are €3 and can be purchased online. It’s strongly recommended to get your tickets in advance (and mandatory, on Saturdays and holidays).
From the Archiginnasio, head to the Palazzo Poggi. Now a university museum, it houses a wide range of both historic and oddball collections, ranging from natural science to human medicine to naval history. You can learn about current exhibits and buy tickets here.
Close by is the Pinacoteca Nazionale, one of the city’s top art museums. Specializing in Bolognese works from the 14th – 19th centuries, you’ll find pieces by Raphael, Titian, and more. Tickets are available on the museum website.
Once you’re looking to rest your feet, the Orto Botanico, or university botanical gardens, provides a serene escape from the bustle of college life. It’s one of the world’s oldest botanical gardens, and has been collecting plants since the 16th century. They now boast over 130,000 different varietals.
Lunch (1 p.m.)
With lunchtime looming, wrap up your time in the university district by doing as the students do, and grab a cheap bite close to campus.
We personally like Ragu, a casual spot for dine-in or takeaway, close to La Finestrella. They specialize in hearty local pasta dishes (tagliatelle and tortellini being favorites) but you can also grab satisfying panini or vegetarian options.
Free Exploration (2 p.m.)
Take this second afternoon to round out your time in Bologna with what interests you personally.
For those who want more sightseeing, we’ve included a few ideas below. Or, you can enjoy some down time relaxing at a local wine bar or coffee shop.
Libreria Nanni (Bologna’s oldest bookstore)
Bookworms will enjoy a trip to Libreria Nanni, a local staple since 1825 and the city’s oldest bookstore still in existence.
Tucked onto a quiet side street just off Piazza Maggiore, the bookstore’s wares spill out onto the covered portico in front. It’s a delight to peruse their open-air offerings, including rare and antique books, postcards, and art posters.
Still styled like bookstores of old, the interior of Libreria Nanni has a centralized counter where you go to request titles, rather than peruse the sprawling shelves yourself. Staff are friendly and attentive, and will happily provide recommendations.
Palazzo d’Accursio and a Bird’s Eye View of Piazza Maggiore
The 14th century Palazzo d’Accursio anchors the northwest corner of Piazza Maggiore, and now holds the Municipal Art Collections. You’ll find everything from paintings and furniture, to textiles and other décor, dating from medieval to contemporary times.
Your ticket also grants you access to climb the palace clock tower for a unique perspective overlooking Bologna’s main piazza.
Tickets are €10 for adults, and include both the museum and the clock tower. You must purchase tickets in advance and select a time slot to visit – late arrivals may be denied entry.
Sanctuary di San Luca (and the longest portico in the world)
The Sanctuary of San Luca rises prominently above the hills outside town, with an iconic silhouette that has come to serve as a symbol of Bologna.
However, its most unique claim to fame is the 17th century Portico di San Luca – the longest portico in the world.
The famed portico is nearly 4 kilometers long, sheltering visitors all the way from Bologna. It spans over 600 archways, and deposits you at the entrance of the elegant, baroque Sanctuary. A recently-added 180° terrace also provides panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
To reach the Sanctuary from Bologna, you can either take the traditional route and walk the 4 km underneath the porticos, or catch more modern transportation.
The San Luca Express is a tourist “train” that leaves from Piazza Maggiore. You can also catch a taxi or bus (the line 21 from Piazza Malpighi is the most direct route)
Mercato delle Erbe, 5 p.m.
With a second evening at your disposal, head to Bologna’s other famed food market for aperitivo hour tonight.
Local Bolognese have been shopping at this bustling indoor/outdoor market since 1910, with food stalls offering a wide variety of produce, bread, meats, cheeses, and other foodstuffs.
But after an extensive renovation in 2014, Mercato delle Erbe now has restaurants and wine bars on site, as well. The lively atmosphere makes a popular evening gathering spot for both locals and tourists.
Dinner or Cooking Class (7 p.m.)
For your second dinner in Bologna, you can either treat yourself to another satisfying meal in one of the city’s outstanding restaurants, or perhaps join a cooking class if you missed the opportunity yesterday.
Option #2: Day Trips
If you’d rather use your second day in Bologna to explore the surrounding Emilia-Romagna region, there are numerous day trip options, ranging from a few hours to a full day.
We’ve highlighted some of the most popular side trips below.
Food Tours
Arguably one of the most popular things to do in Bologna is take a food tour out in the surrounding countryside. Most food tours last about 4 hours, making it a perfect half-day activity.
On a food tour, you’ll get a much more comprehensive peek (and taste) into the gastronomy of Emilia-Romagna, sampling Parmigiano Reggiano, balsamic vinegar, prosciutto and more at their origin.
For what it’s worth, we booked a tour through Andomya Adventures and had a first-rate experience.
Parma
Parma is one of the most famous cities near Bologna, and just over an hour train ride away. It’s also very compact, making it easy to see all the top highlights within a few hours.
Begin at the Duomo, Parma’s crown jewel. This stunning Romanesque cathedral was built just after 1100, with brightly-painted frescoes covering nearly every inch of the interior. It’s enough to dazzle even the most ardent cynic.
Next door to the Duomo is its equally-famous Baptistery, constructed in a circular style with pink Verona marble.
While the Duomo is free to enter (for groups numbering 5 and less), the Baptistery requires tickets purchased in advance.
A short walk from the Duomo will bring you to Palazzo della Pilotta, a sprawling complex that takes up an entire city block.
The Renaissance-era palace is now most famously home to the Teatro Farnese, one of only three theaters from the era still in existence, and the Galleria Nazionale. At the National Gallery, you’ll find art by Da Vinci, Correggio, and other masters.
You can learn more about current events and get tickets at the Palazzo della Pilotta website.
Beyond these grand edifices, much of Parma’s charm is found in just strolling the quaint city streets and perhaps posting up at a streetside coffee shop or café. You’ll also find plenty of the namesake prosciutto di Parma here, ripe for the tasting.
Modena
Tiny Modena sits halfway between Bologna and Parma, on the same train line. It’s easy to see both Parma and Modena in one day, employing a “hop on, hop off” approach to the regional train.
As with Parma, there isn’t a ton to see here, but foodies and car afficionados will find plenty to marvel over, as Modena is the home of balsamic vinegar, Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Maserati.
Balsamic Vinegar
Modena’s famed balsamico has as much nuance as a fine wine, and you’ll find that the same amount of care goes into cultivating and aging a barrel of aceto balsamico tradizionale di Modena.
Enjoy tasting this prized condiment in its ancestral home – you can either pop into a tasting room in town like the family-run Acetaia di Giorgio or trendy Acetaia Malpighi Showroom, or venture out to an acetaia for a more comprehensive tour.
You’ll learn the full process of producing and aging balsamic, before moving to a tasting room where you can sample the difference between 12, 24, and 36-month ages, for example.
Outside of town, we had a great experience at Acetaia Picci (directions), while some other top acetaie include Acetaia Cavedoni, Acetaia La Vecchia Dispensa, and the 400-year-old Acetaia Giusti.
Top Landmarks
In Modena proper, one of the most famous landmarks is the Romanesque Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with accompanying bell tower that provides panoramic views of the city rooftops.
The cathedral also borders the main Piazza Grande, a great spot for people-watching. You can pick up lunch or snack fixings at the Mercato Albinelli indoor food market, before bringing them back to the piazza to nibble as you watch the world go by.
Luxury Automobiles
For such a small town, the concentration of luxury automobile brands in Modena feels almost unfair.
Within a 30-minute radius of the old town, car enthusiasts will discover four different museums devoted to either Ferrari, Lamborghini, or Maserati.
The Museo Enzo Ferrari is located in Modena’s city center, and is a convenient option for those without transportation.
Or, if you’re able, you can venture to the Ferrari Museum in Maranello (under 30 minutes away) for more extensive exhibits that include F1 simulators and test driving. You can learn about both museums, including their current collections and experiences, here.
A half hour’s drive in the other direction is the Lamborghini Automobile Museum, a shrine to the brand and its legacy, with vast collections of Lamborghini models from inception to present day, along with driving simulators and other interactive exhibits. Explore more at the museum website.
Lastly, the Maserati Factory offers an in-depth look into the creation of the prized automobile. The hour-long tour includes a brief history of the brand, before moving on to the production line. You can book tickets online.
