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Town of Bologna has at all times been one among 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 neglected by most vacationers.
However 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, nevertheless it’s far much less busy than the extra in style 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 truth, in one among 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 crimson), la dotta (the discovered), and la grossa (the fats). Bologna is dwelling 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 numerous low-cost eats to feed hungry college students.
Talking of the meals, Emilia-Romagna is the perfect meals area 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 one among my favourite cities in Italy. Listed below are the perfect issues to do in Bologna!
This submit 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 best issues to do in Bologna is a meals tour — and in a metropolis as food-crazy as Bologna, I feel it’s a should! A meals tour is an effective way to find the specialties of Emilia-Romagna and tips on how to eat them.
This strolling 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 recent pasta, conventional balsamic vinegar, cheese, wine, gelato, and extra. Or you possibly can do that related tour with a educated native information.
Alternatively, this full-day expertise is one of the simplest ways 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 a neighborhood breakfast and a scrumptious lunch with wine pairings.
And make sure to peruse my record of finest meals experiences in Emilia-Romagna!
Tour Bologna by strolling or biking tour
After you’ve eaten your method by means of the 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.
In the event you’re in search of an outline of the town, do that two-hour strolling tour. In the event you’d want to discover the town with a personal information, it is a good choice.
And if you wish to discover Bologna and its environment on two wheels, do that e-bike tour. Bologna is a fairly flat metropolis, however the e-bike motor will assist you stand 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 vital 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 nicely in Bologna, and Piazza Maggiore is a superb place for people-watching at the moment 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 the town middle, they usually have collectively been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Website.
Among the porticoes date again to the early twelfth century, whereas others had been constructed later through the Renaissance. The porticoes provide glorious shade from the solar and rain it doesn’t matter what time of yr it’s, they usually’re enjoyable to discover by yourself or with a information.
This guided tour will take you previous lots of the most lovely porticoes in Bologna, in addition to the biggest portico, which is situated barely exterior the 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.
(2024 UPDATE: The Torre Asinelli is non permanent closed (as of April 2024) with no reopen date scheduled. As a substitute, you possibly can climb the Bologna Clock Tower for a 360-degree metropolis view. I don’t have a step depend, nevertheless it’s considerably lower than the Torre Asinelli. Tickets for this are 10 EUR ($11 USD) and embrace admission to the museum subsequent door.)
Simply be ready — you’ll climb 498 steps to achieve the highest of the tower! This can be a huge 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.)
No matter you climb, I extremely advocate rewarding your self with a gelato on the bottom!
Discover the markets
Bologna is dwelling 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 filled with butchers, fishmongers, cheese stands, produce sellers, small wine bars, and different eateries.
You’ll additionally discover small jewellery shops, clothes boutiques, and artisan outlets. The Quadrilatero is a well-liked spot for locals and vacationers alike in Bologna.
Mercato delle Erbe is a sprawling coated market that can also be situated within the historic middle of Bologna. You’ll additionally discover loads of recent vegetables and fruit, native cheeses, and different meals right here. A part of this market has additionally been remodeled right into a meals court docket with tons of distributors, making it an ideal 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 vital non secular complicated. This basilica, made up of a number of historic buildings, is situated within the middle of Bologna. It dates again to at the least the tenth century.
Visiting the Seven Church buildings of Santo Stefano is free. It’s open every day, however the timetables might change primarily based on non secular features and holidays.
Discover the Window to Little Venice
Bologna is dwelling to a number of canals, however in contrast to Venice, they’re largely hidden from view. Since Bologna’s canals run between non-public buildings and are largely inaccessible to guests, there are only some locations to catch a glimpse of them.
A kind of locations is the so-called “Window to Little Venice.” Yow will discover this spot on Google Maps beneath Finestra sul Canale. It’s a bit of window overlooking the Canale delle Moline, providing the right view for photographers.
This can be a not-so-hidden gem as of late as a result of window’s recognition 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
Probably the most 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 wood partitions and ceiling.
You’ll be able to go to the Anatomical Theatre for 3 EUR ($3. USD), and your ticket additionally contains entrance to a number of different historic college rooms.
Parco Giardini Margherita
Parco Giardini Margherita is the biggest and finest inexperienced house in Bologna. Within the hotter months, it is a in style spot with picnickers and teams of associates hanging out. Whatever the season, it’s an excellent place to go for a stroll.
For a very particular lunch in Bologna, choose 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 dwelling to many museums, good for exploring on a wet day or when you could 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 exterior the 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? Take a look at 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
It’s possible you’ll consider Tuscany or Piemonte relating 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 identified for its glowing crimson wines from Lambrusco.
On this wine tour, you possibly can pattern 4 completely different wines and be taught from a neighborhood skilled 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.
In the event you’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 fort! Although truthfully, for those who’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’ll fulfill that dream within the countryside surrounding Bologna! This Vespa tour will take you out of the town and thru the countryside on a panoramic tour.
You don’t have to fret about navigating, as you’ll journey 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 recreation treasure hunt
Attempt an escape recreation treasure hunt for a unusual and offbeat exercise in Bologna. This enjoyable exercise for teams combines exploring Bologna with a fast-paced recreation.
This homicide thriller escape recreation will lead you thru the historic streets of Bologna as you remedy a thriller and be taught extra in regards to the metropolis. Or do that out of doors escape recreation that reveals untold tales about medieval Bologna.
It’s a enjoyable, fashionable smartphone-oriented recreation 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 prefer 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 recent pasta with a neighborhood Bolognese chef. With Alessia, you possibly can learn to make pasta primarily based on her grandmother’s recipe and with Cesarina, you possibly can put together two pasta dishes whereas sipping on Prosecco. Chef Antonino is knowledgeable chef and skilled in Bolognese delicacies, so anticipate to be taught in regards to the historical past of the dishes you put together with him.
Regardless of which cooking expertise you select, you’ll end with some do-it-yourself tiramisu.
Go to FICO Eataly World
FICO Eataly World describes itself as a food-centric theme park. And it does type 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 complicated with a working farm, hands-on displays about Italian meals, cooking demonstrations, numerous eateries, and pop-up outlets. It’s simple to spend a day studying and consuming your method by means of this foodie paradise.
Take a foodie day journey by means of Emilia-Romagna
Whereas Bologna could also be dwelling to a few of the finest eating places and markets in Emilia-Romagna, I feel it’s value getting out of the 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 do that non-public half-day tour, which features a non-public tasting tour and a sit-down lunch with native wine pairings.
Study supercars in Motor Valley
One other pretty factor about Emilia-Romagna is that that is the area of Motor Valley, dwelling to well-known names like Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Maserati. Even for those who aren’t an enormous automotive fanatic, it’s nonetheless fascinating to be taught extra in regards to the historical past of this area.
This present day tour is an efficient choice for anybody brief on time as a result of it takes you to 3 of the preferred automotive factories and museums within the Motor Valley. Even for those who’re not tremendous into vehicles, it’s actually attention-grabbing!
And, it have to be stated…this top-rated tour offers you the choice to test-drive a Ferrari. How superb 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 am keen on — Parma. Parma is only a 50-minute practice journey from Bologna, and it’s additionally on the practice journey to Milan, making it an ideal stopover between the cities.
What I like about Parma is that it feels lots like Bologna, nevertheless it’s extra colourful — numerous 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 glorious buying, too.
Two of Parma’s most well-known meals are Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and Prosciutto di Parma (also referred to as Parma ham to the Brits studying this submit). This present day tour lets you be taught extra about each by visiting a dairy producer the place you’ll be capable to pattern cheese and native wine, in addition to a ham manufacturing facility the place you’ll attempt prosciutto and extra wine.
Learn Extra: Final Information to Parma, Italy
Take a day journey to Ferrara
One other nice day journey from Bologna is the town of Ferrara, only a 45-minute practice journey from Bologna. That is one other lovely (and superbly flat) metropolis simple to discover on foot, and an ideal place to get misplaced within the streets.
I really spent a while in Ferrara when my expensive associates let me crash with them as I waited for the Czechs to present me permission to return to the nation! I strongly advocate getting lunch at my favourite spot, Osteria dei Adelardi, which has an ideal plate of three native pastas. It’s proper by Al Brindisi, the oldest wine bar on the planet.
One factor value exploring is Estense Fort, proper in the midst of the town. This imposing medieval fort dates again to the 14th century and options 4 dramatic towers, a moat, and a drawbridge.
Tickets to Estense Fort are 12 EUR ($13 USD) for adults, with reductions accessible for seniors, college students, and youngsters.
Go to different cities in Emilia-Romagna
In the event you 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 practice and bus.
My high suggestion, after Parma, is the mosaic-filled city of Ravenna. The mosaics listed here are gorgeous and can knock you off your ft! This tour will take you thru 5 of the town’s UNESCO monuments with a educated information. Past the mosaics, the city is beautiful.
An alternative choice is Modena, a foodie city dwelling to its conventional balsamic vinegar, in addition to the city the place Aziz Ansari’s character holed up on Grasp of None. It’s one other lovely city with nice eating places.
And would you want to go to a brand new nation? Why not?! The lovely micronation of San Marino is inside day-tripping distance of Bologna. I like to recommend taking the practice to the Adriatic seaside city of Rimini, then taking the bus to San Marino from there. The cities work nicely 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 practice journey away from Bologna, making it the most effective day journeys you possibly can 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 for those who solely have time for a day journey, it’s value it. And a day journey from Bologna is far 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 make sure to eat some cicchetti — but additionally take a while to get misplaced.
Venice is a metropolis that suffers considerably from over-tourism, significantly day trippers visiting on huge cruise ships. Even for those who’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 need to stroll a couple of minutes away from the primary vacationer areas to find quieter areas extra in style 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 practice, Florence is a simple day journey from Bologna, and I’ve achieved it as a day journey myself (although I like to recommend spending just a few days for those who’re in a position to).
Florence is enormously in style 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 (dwelling to Botticelli’s Delivery of Venus and so many different nice works); the Accademia (dwelling 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 possibly can’t see the Duomo from the Duomo!).
Upon getting your necessities booked, prepare for a enjoyable (and really crowded) day. I like to recommend visiting the Ponte Vecchio, Piazza della Signorina, and lately had a good time on the new-ish Gucci exhibit on the Gucci Backyard retailer. Attempt an infinite, uncommon bistecca fiorentina for those who 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 affordable period of time to see the websites of Bologna itself.
HOWEVER! Bologna is a superb base for an extended keep — whether or not you’re utilizing it as a base for journeys across the area (which you completely ought to do), or for those who’re coming for an extended stint as a digital nomad. I’ve visited Bologna a number of occasions over time, and particularly beloved once I spent two full weeks right here.
In the event you’re utilizing Bologna as a day journey base, I feel round 5 days makes an excellent time to go to. However you understand me — I feel you’d be thrilled to remain for even longer!
Methods to get to Bologna
Attending to Bologna is a breeze. It’s one among Italy’s most conveniently situated cities, with tons of practice and bus connections and an airport with direct flights throughout Europe.
Attending to Bologna by practice is the best choice for those who’re already in Italy. It’s a 35-minute high-speed practice journey from Florence, one hour from Milan, 1.5 hours from Venice, and two hours from Rome. You’ll be able to take a slower practice to economize, however the quick trains are essentially the most environment friendly alternative for attending to Bologna from different cities in Italy.
Though there aren’t any direct flights to Bologna from North America, there are quite a few inexpensive connections from dozens of European cities.
The place to Keep in Bologna
The place do you have to keep in Bologna? It’s best to positively keep within the metropolis middle — wherever inside a 15-minute stroll of Piazza Maggiore is fairly good, although I’d in all probability steer clear of the sq. the place the practice station is. This space is usually a bit tough at evening, as most practice stations in Europe are — effective to move by means of, however I wouldn’t select a lodge proper there.
Selecting a centrally-located lodge will make it simple to discover Bologna’s main websites. These are the perfect locations to remain in Bologna for each finances:
- High-Rated Luxurious Resort in Bologna: Grand Resort Baglioni is the perfect luxurious lodge in Bologna, with attractive and stylish rooms inside an 18th-century palace.
- High-Rated Mid-Vary Resort in Bologna: In the event you’re in search of a stable mid-range lodge, Aemilia Resort Bologna is the only option. Positioned a 15-minute stroll from the middle of Bologna, this lodge affords comfy, fashionable rooms at an affordable value.
- High-Rated Funds Resort in Bologna: For finances vacationers, B&B Mercedes is a superb place to remain in Bologna. It’s handy to the practice station and the remainder of the town.
- Discover extra locations to remain in Bologna right here.
Greatest Time to Go to Bologna
When do you have to go to Bologna? My absolute favourite time to go to Bologna is through the fall, however each shoulder seasons (fall and spring) are pretty.
Fall is a improbable 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 ideal temper. I’ve received quite a lot of photographs in my Autumn in Emilia-Romagna submit.
Spring brings nice climate, blooming flowers, and fewer vacationers.
Summer time will be oppressively sizzling, 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 also be essentially the most crowded time of yr in Italy. I like to recommend avoiding visiting in summer season if potential — although for those who can solely go to through the summer season, you’ll nonetheless have enjoyable! Use the porticoes for shade.
Winter is the quietest time of yr in Bologna, nevertheless 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 quite a lot of enjoyable!
Is Bologna Price It?
Bologna is one among my absolute favourite locations in Italy. In truth, it’s in all probability within the high three. I feel it’s such a improbable metropolis, so native, and so enjoyable.
Through the years, I’ve despatched so lots 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 improbable time.
Planning a Journey to Italy:
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Have you ever been to Bologna? Any tricks to share?
