There are so many amazing things to do in Bologna, you’re in for a treat. Whether you’re a foodie, a history buff, or simply looking for a fun city break, Bologna has something for everyone.
Nestled in the heart of the Emilia-Romagna region, this vibrant city is bursting with charm, culture and incredible cuisine. We recently spent a long weekend exploring Bologna and nearby Modena, drawn by our love of food, cars, and exploring new places.
In this guide we share the must-see attractions and very best things to do in Bologna, perfect for first-time visitors looking to plan their own unforgettable Italian adventure.
Contents: click to jump to a section
Where is Bologna?
Bologna, located in northern Italy, is perfectly positioned between Florence (120 km), Venice (155 km), and Milan (214 km), making it easily accessible from other major Italian cities.
With its own international airport, Bologna is also easy to get to from the UK and other European cities.
How to get to Bologna
The airport, Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ), offers direct flights from major cities such as London, Manchester, and Edinburgh. This makes Bologna an ideal destination for a city break from the UK.
We flew with EasyJet from London Gatwick to Bologna Airport in just 2 hours and 15 minutes, then took the Marconi Express shuttle service to Bologna Central Station.
The Marconi Express is an electric monorail, which operates eight times an hour and takes only about 7 minutes to reach the city centre. You can buy tickets by tapping your contactless card, with a single fare costing just €12.80—it’s that simple! It’s easily the fastest way to travel from Bologna Airport to the central railway station. From there, it is an easy walk into the historic centre.
If you’re traveling from within Italy or elsewhere in Europe, Bologna train station is conveniently located on the Milan-Bologna line.
What is Bologna best known for?
Bologna has nickname which best describes what the city is known for.
“La Dotta, La Rossa, La Grassa”
La Dotta (the learned one) refers to the fact that Bologna is home to the oldest university in the world.
La Rossa (the red one) makes reference to city’s red rooftops.
La Grassa (the fat one) is earned for Bologna’s world-class cuisine.
Best things to do in Bologna
Now let’s dive in and look at our favourite things to do in Bologna.
Piazza Maggiore
A visit to the Piazza Maggiore should be top of your list of things to do in Bologna.
If you’re a first-time visitor to Bologna, start your day at the heart of Bologna’s historic centre, Piazza Maggiore. This bustling square is surrounded on all sides by medieval buildings, such as the Palazzo d’Accursio, Palazzo Re Enzo, and the remarkable Basilica di San Petronio. They all have amazing architecture and admission is free.
As one of the top places to visit in Bologna, it’s no surprise that this spot can attract significant crowds, especially during peak tourist seasons. We found it particularly busy, a stark contrast to the relative quiet of Modena.
However, the cafés tucked under the porticoes at the square’s edge offer a peaceful escape where you can sit back, relax, and soak in the ambiance with a coffee—or perhaps a refreshing beer!
Basilica di San Petronio
Dominating the Piazza Maggiore is the the Basilica of San Petronio, Bologna’s largest church.
From the outside, you’ll notice that the Gothic façade was never finished, leaving a front with half-marble, half-brick. However, inside it has 22 chapels, full of interesting things to see and it remains as one of Bologna’s top attractions.
You don’t need to spend long, but make time to look at the amazing brass sundial, elaborate frescoes, and stunning stained-glass windows.
Admission to the church is free, but visitors should dress modestly and cover your shoulders.
Have a photo by Neptune's Fountain
One of the top photo spots in the Piazza Maggiore is by Neptune’s Fountain (Fontana del Nettuno), one of Bologna’s most iconic sights.
Created by the renowned sculptor Giambologna in the 16th century, this impressive bronze statue features Neptune, alongside a collection of cherubs and mermaids, who are gleefully squirting water from their breasts.
Visit Piazza Santo Stefano
One of our favourite places to visit in Bologna was the charming Piazza Santo Stefano.
This beautiful square, once a thoroughfare for pilgrims heading to the Basilica of Santo Stefano, is now a popular meeting place for locals and visitors alike.
We stopped here for lunch, at the Siette Chiesi Bistro, enjoying a view of the 15th-century Palazzo Bolognini Isolani and Casa Berti.
As you exit the square, don’t forget to look up at the Palazzo Salina Amorini Bolognini, to spot the frieze of terracotta heads underneath the roofline. Keep an eye out for the Demon, which sits in the centre grinning a fiendish smile.
The Seven Churches of Santo Stefano
At one end of Piazza Santo Stefano stands the remarkable Basilica di Santo Stefano, also known as Piazza delle Sette Chiese (Square of the Seven Churches).
This historic site houses a complex of medieval churches, originally built on the foundations of an ancient Roman site. Although only four of the churches remain intact today, visitors can still wander through the serene cloisters and explore the interiors, a peaceful retreat from the city’s bustle.
Admission is free, though voluntary contributions are welcomed.
Enjoy Bologna's culinary scene
Bologna is a paradise for food lovers! After all, it didn’t earn the nickname “La Grassa” for nothing! It is the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region, home to many regional specialities like Parma Ham, Parmigiano Reggiano (Parmesan cheese), and balsamic vinegar from Modena.
Known as the “Food Capital of Italy”, Bologna is also the birthplace of many traditional Italian dishes, including spaghetti Bolognese (known locally as tagliatelli al ragù), tortellini, and mortadella. Luckily, with so many authentic trattorias and vibrant food markets, it’s always easy to find good places to eat in Bologna.
For a deeper dive into Bologna’s gastronomic treasures, you might want to try one of the popular walking food tours with a local guide.
Peep through La Finestrela (the window to the little Venice)
One of the fun things to do in Bologna, is peep through la Finestrella, a cute little window which opens to reveal Bologna’s hidden canals. You’ll get a glimpse of the Canale delle Moline, part of Bologna’s extensive network of waterways, before they were filled and covered with roads.
Located on via Piella, the window is easy to spot form the line of tourists eagerly awaiting their turn! Luckily, the queue doesn’t take long, and it’s certainly worth the wait.
Stroll through the porticoes
One of the loveliest things to do in Bologna is strolling through the famous porticoes, which stretch for over 40km across the city.
These beautiful, covered walkways come in variety of shapes and design and add to the city’s distinct character.
They were built to protect people from sun and rain. However, many of the porticoes are home to shops or cafés, which spill out onto the pavement, creating ideal spots to take a break from sight-seeing.
Take a look at the library
The Biblioteca Comunale dell’Archiginnasio is worth a visit for its stunning interiors. We stumbled upon it by chance, whilst sight-seeing. Even if you don’t go inside, stop for a look at the frescoes in the front courtyard.
It was once the main building of Bologna University, the oldest university in the world. Nowadays, its main attraction is the anatomical theatre, used to teach trainee surgeons in the 17th century. Admission to the theatre is 3 Euros.
Look up at the Two Towers of Bologna
Although Pisa may have the most famous leaning tower in Italy, Bologna boasts two iconic leaning towers of its own – Le Due Torri.
Overall, Bologna is home to around 22 medieval towers, but Torre degli Asinelli and Torre Garisenda are the most famous.
Built by the Asinelli family between 1109 and 1119, Torre degli Asinelli soars over 97 meters, making it the tallest medieval tower in the world. Its shorter neighbour, Torre Garisenda, stands at 47 meters and has a more pronounced lean.
Although the towers were previously open to visitors, the area is currently closed for maintenance. However, you should still include them in your Bologna itinerary, even if it is just to visit Gelateria Gianni, the popular ice cream parlour next door!
Quadrilatero
For anyone seeking an authentic Italian food experience, head to Quadrilatero. It really is a foodie heaven!
The Quadrilatero district is the heart of Bologna’s food scene and a must-visit destination for any food lovers in Bologna.
Known for its traditional food markets, Quadrilatero is packed with vendors selling mortadella, fresh pasta, Parmigiano Reggiano, and balsamic vinegar. It’s one of the best places in Bologna to get an authentic taste of local specialties.
In the evenings, locals flock to the the wine bars (enotecas), as it is one of the best places to enjoy aperitivo. We stopped for a charcuterie board in La Prosciutteria, a charming Tuscan restaurant with cold hams hanging from the ceiling.
Take a day trip to Modena
Just 30 minutes away by train, Modena is a charming, compact city and ideal for a day trip from Bologna.
Whilst smaller and quieter than Bologna, Modena is still brimming with attractions that are easy to see in one day, including its UNESCO-listed cathedral and Ghirlandina Tower. Read our article to discover the best things to do in Modena.
Modena was the birthplace Enzo Ferrari, founder of the luxury supercar and attracts many racing car enthusiasts who flock to see the Ferrari museums.
Lamborghini Automobile Museum
Motorheads might also like a visit to the Lamborghini Museum to discover the history of the Italian supercar. The museum has a collection of iconic supercars, and super sports cars. The museum is on the outskirts of Bologna, in the direction of Modena.
Useful information for your visit to Bologna
Where to stay in Bologna
The best area to stay in Bologna is the Centro Storico (Historic Centre). From here, you’ll be in walking distance of Bologna’s main attractions, shops, restaurants, and nightlife, making it ideal for first-time visitors looking to explore the city.
However, the Centro Storico is a popular choice, especially during the busy summer months, so booking early is recommended to secure the best options and rates.
Accommodation in Bologna
Here are some recommendations for hotels in Bologna with great reviews. You can also see the 4-star hotel, where we stayed.
- Best Luxury hotel in Bologna: The Grand Hotel Majestic gia’Baglioni is an opulent, 5-star hotel in the centre of Bologna.
- Best mid-budget hotel in Bologna: Hotel Cavour has elegant rooms and a great location in the historic centre
- Best hostel in Bologna: Dopa Hostel offers clean, comfortable rooms, close to the city centre
- Where we stayed in Bologna: We stayed in the Royal Hotel Carlton, a 4-star hotel, with an excellent breakfast and location
How long do you need in Bologna?
You can cover Bologna’s main historic sights in a day, but to fully experience the city, exploring its churches, delving into its museums, and indulging in a food tour, you should plan to stay for 2-3 days.
We opted for a one-day whirlwind tour of Bologna, then extended our weekend by spending two nights in nearby Modena, where we visited both Ferrari museums and discovered even more of Emilia-Romagna’s unique charm. This combination made for a perfect long weekend, blending Bologna’s rich history and cuisine with Modena’s cultural and automotive highlights.
Getting around in Bologna
The historic centre in Bologna is fairly compact, making it easy to explore by foot. However, you may prefer to book a Bologna City Walking Tour with a local tour guide, who can provide information on the major sights in the city.
A map of things to do in Bologna
Here is a map of Bologna, with all the best attractions, things to do and places to eat. You can use this when planning your own itinerary.
To save the map to Google Maps on your phone or computer, click on the star next to the title. Once you do this, you’ll be able to find the map in your “saved maps” list on your phone.
To see a list of all the items on the map, click the box with arrow on the left. To enlarge the map, click the box on the right.
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