Last Updated on October 13, 2024 by Soumya
This guest post on “The best things to do in Bologna Italy” was contributed by Paul Rought, who has traveled extensively in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy.
Bologna, the capital and largest city of the Emilia Romagna region of Northern Italy, is often overlooked by travelers in favor of famous cities such as Rome, Venice, and Florence or scenic areas such as Lake Garda and Cinque Terre.
However, with a rich history that dates back to the 6th century BC and strong gastronomic traditions, Bologna fully deserves your attention.
Not many people know that Bologna was declared the European Capital of Culture in 2000. Therefore, it makes for a fascinating day trip from Rome or part of a more comprehensive tour of the Emilia Romagna region.
You can combine equally food-centric cities such as Parma, Modena, and Reggio Emilia with the verdant surroundings of the Italian countryside to make this a beautiful weekend trip.
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Best Things to Do in Bologna, Italy
Here are some great recommendations for the 10 best things to do in Bologna, helping you savor the city and its many unique tastes.
Explore Piazza Maggiore & its Stunning Monuments
Dating back to the 12th century, Piazza Maggiore is Bologna’s central square. Therefore, it is the natural place to start any Bologna tourist trail.
The piazza’s grandeur is only enhanced by the many historic buildings that dot its perimeter. Here are some of the most notable ones.
Palazzo del Podesta
Image courtesy: Paul Rought
The impressive Palazzo del Podesta is located opposite the Basilica of San Petronio.
The palace was constructed in the 13th century. Later, the original façade was rebuilt in the Renaissance style, and a bell was added to the tower.
Originally the seat of the local government, Palazzo del Podesta is a stunning exhibition venue today.
Basilica of San Petronio
The Basilica of San Petronio, dedicated to Bologna’s patron saint, is difficult to miss.
It measures an incredible 132 meters by 60 meters and is the world’s fifth-largest church. Situated on the southern perimeter of Piazza Maggiore, it was constructed between the 14th and 17th centuries.
Access to the Basilica is free every day between 8 am – 6 pm. There is a small charge to visit the terrace and Cappella Dei Magi.
You can also visit the small museum on the premises, which is open from 10 am to 5 pm, Tuesday through Saturday.
Palazzo Re Enzo
Image courtesy: Paul Rought
Palazzo Re Enzo was built as an extension to Palazzo del Podesta. It was initially called the New Palace but was later named after Enzio of Sardinia, son of Frederick II, who was imprisoned here from 1249 until he died in 1272.
Palazzo d’Accursio
To the west of the piazza, Palazzo d’Accursio, another wonderful palace dating back to the 12th century.
This palace has been the seat of the city government since 1336 and remains the Town Hall of Bologna.
On the top floor, you will find Museo Morandi, the most extensive public collection dedicated to the painter Giorgio Morandi.
Fountain of Neptune
Another of Piazza Maggiore’s dramatic sights is the Fountain of Neptune. Designed by Tommaso Laureti, the fountain was completed in 1565, although the large bronze of Neptune himself was not added until 1567.
The fountain and statue are so famous that copies exist in other parts of the world. Look out for them on your travels to Brussels, California, and Batumi in Georgia.
Tour the Leaning Towers of Bologna
Image courtesy: Paul Rought
One of Bologna’s most recognizable symbols, the Two Towers date back to the 12th century. But did you know there were nearly 200 similar towers across the city then?
Constructed principally for defense purposes, each tower’s height and grandeur also represented the prestige of the building family.
These two towers are located in Porta Ravegnana Square, a 5-minute walk east of Piazza Maggiore.
Asinelli Tower of Bologna
At 97 metres, Asinelli Tower is the taller of the two and also the tallest leaning tower in Italy. It is hard to believe, but it is almost twice as tall as its world-famous cousin at Pisa.
Built by the family of the same name, the Asinelli Tower is open to the public.
If you are up for it, climb the 496 steps and enjoy some of the best views in Bologna for a small entrance fee.
Garisenda Tower of Bologna
Garisenda Tower is right next to Asinelli Tower but leans more due to land and foundation subsidence. It was lowered during the 14th century to prevent a collapse.
✦ Pro Tip: Curious about leaning towers? Check out our article on the Best Leaning Towers around the World!
Visit the Basilica of Santo Stefano, Bologna
In the east of central Bologna, around 500 meters south of the Asinelli and Garisenda Towers, lies the Basilica of Santo Stefano. This tranquil corner of the city radiates a soulful aura unmissable even for the non-religious.
While the exact origins of the basilica are unclear and sometimes controversial, it is believed that Petronius built the first church on the ruins of a pagan temple.
Today, the Basilica is a complex of seven separate churches constructed between the 10th and 13th centuries. Entrance to the Basilica is free, although a donation is strongly recommended.
Explore the Heritage Porticoes of Bologna
Image courtesy: Paul Rought
As you explore Bologna, you will find it impossible to miss the network of porticoes or roofed arcades stretching an incredible 40 km throughout the city.
Whether you favor the 13th century wooden porticoes of Strada Maggiore or the 14th century ‘beccadelli’ similar to those found to the rear of Palazzo D’Accursio there is no argument that the Bologna porticoes add a different touch to the city, unseen anywhere else in Italy.
A portico walk is probably one of the most unique things to do in Bologna. If you are looking for the most famous stretch, try the porticoes running from Porta Saragozza in the city’s west.
Walk through the Historic Neighborhood of Quadrilatero
One of the most enriching yet free things to do in Bologna is to tour the historic neighborhood of Quadrilatero, immediately east of Piazza Maggiore.
A network of narrow pedestrianized streets, this quaint neighborhood has been home to Bologna’s artisans and craftspeople since the Middle Ages.
Saunter through this neighborhood, browsing through the stalls and boutique stores to spend an ideal afternoon in Bologna.
Image courtesy: Paul Rought
Explore Bologna Archaeological Museum
Housed in the 15th-century Palazzo Galvani, the Archaeological Museum of Bologna houses many collections from the Etruscan, Celtic, Greek, Roman, and Egyptian eras. Each section features hundreds of artifacts on display.
The museum is open 10 am – 7 pm, Wednesday through Monday. It is closed on Tuesdays.
Visit the National Gallery of Bologna
The National Gallery of Bologna, located in the 17th-century St. Ignatius building, is the perfect place to spend a rainy day in Bologna.
Its hugely impressive collection of artwork includes pieces by Raphael, Titian, and Tintoretto.
The gallery is open every day of the year apart from Christmas Day and New Year’s Day between 8:30 am and 7:30 pm.
Take a Walking Tour of Bologna
Home to the world’s oldest university, Bologna boasts of centuries of history and many examples of stunning architecture. We have already spoken about some of them here.
Combine these with character-filled narrow streets and alleyways, and you have the perfect recipe for your own leisurely stroll.
✦ Pro Tip: If you don’t want to do it on your own, try this popular Bologna walking tour and see the best that this Northern Italian city has to offer.
Go on a Food Tasting Tour of Bologna
Image courtesy: Zummolo from Getty Images via Canva Pro
As the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region, Bologna has a special place for food. Take a road trip along the E35 from Milan towards the Adriatic Coast and tour the likes of Bologna, Parma, Reggio Emilia, and Modena for some delightful culinary experiences.
With two millennia of history, sublime food markets, and the quaint neighborhood of Quadrilatero, Bologna makes for a particularly wonderful gastronomic destination. No wonder one of Bologna’s many nicknames is ‘la grassa’ or ‘the fat’.
Food tours are the highlight of any visit to Bologna. Either book a highly recommended guided food tour or arrange your own while looking for these all-time favorites.
Ragù alla Bolognese
This traditional meat based sauce originated in Bologna and is popularly used for dressing flat pasta like tagliatelle and to prepare lasagna all bolognese.
Balsamic Vinegar
Balsamic vinegar is a product of nearby Modena but it is unmissable as you walk the streets of Central Bologna. Make sure to pick your own bottle of black gold to take home with you.
Tortellini
One of the most famous Bologna foods is Tortellini, a fresh egg pasta made with a filling of local meat and cheese. Its shape is supposedly based on the shape of Venus’s navel and there’s an interesting legend behind that!
Tortellini is usually served in a clear chicken broth called brodo.
Mortadella
Italy is known worldwide for its array of cold meats and salamis. While ham belongs to Parma, mortadella belongs to Bologna.
Traditionally made with at least 15% pork fat and flavored with black pepper and pistachios, the Bologna Mortadella is often a lighter color than other salamis. Walk the streets of Quadrilatero, and you’ll be able to sample countless fine ones.
Gelato
Bologna is also known for its gelato expertise, and any food tour worth its salt will inevitably involve an insight into the manufacture of gelato and, of course, a tasting experience. Make sure you try the pistachio flavor, one of my favorites.
✦ Pro Tip: Sample traditional Bolognese delicacies on this excellent guided walking food tour of Bologna.
Join a cooking class
When visiting the capital of the Emilia Romagna region, attending a cooking class should be one of the top things to do in Bologna.
Whether you tour local producers of Balsamic Vinegar or Parmesan Cheese, hunt truffles with farmers and their pigs, or take part in a pasta-making course, you will leave here with an unforgettable experience.
✦ Pro Tip: Book your Bologna Cooking Class now.
Best Hotels in Bologna, Italy
Many tourists often visit Bologna as a day trip from Rome since a train journey only takes 2.5 hours. But this cultural capital deserves so much more, especially because there are so many amazing things to do in Bologna.
So, if you decide to spend a night or two in Bologna, stay in one of these best hotels.
Luxury
- Grand Hotel Majestic gia’ Baglioni: Located within walking distance of major Bologna landmarks, this hotel is one of the most luxurious places to stay in Bologna. The hotel is housed within an 18th-century palace and the rooms are covered with beautiful frescoes and antique furniture. Staying here is quite the royal experience.
Click here to reserve your stay at Grand Hotel Majestic gia’ Baglioni now.
Midrange
- Art Hotel Commercianti: This hotel is located in the historical center of Bologna right next to the San Petronio Basilica and the Fountain of Neptune. Stay here for their medieval rooms, excellent breakfast, and some great views of the city center from the balcony.
Book you stay at Art Hotel Commercianti now.
Budget
- B&B Lame 87: Clean, cozy, comfortable, this bed and breakfast is located not very far away from the city center. Plus, friendly hosts and great coffee make you feel at home as soon as you get here.
Click here to book your stay at B&B Lame 87 now. - Le Ninfee: An excellent location (10 mins walking distance from all major Bologna attractions) and a very helpful host make this place a real steal. And absolute value for money.
Book your stay at Le Ninfee now.
Best Time to Visit Bologna, Italy
Image courtesy: majaiva from Getty Images Signature via Canva Pro
The best time to visit Bologna is between May and October (apart from the hot summer months of July and August). The weather in Bologna, Italy, is warm and perfect for exploring the city.
In spring and fall, you can also experience a number of food and wine festivals in the Emilia Romagna region.
July and August, on the other hand, are extremely hot. Plus, many hotels and restaurants are not equipped with air conditioning.
Surprisingly, winter can also be a good time to visit Bologna if you do not mind the low temperatures. There are plenty of museums to visit indoors, and accommodation is cheaper.
Additionally, after all the harvests are done, winters are a good time to enjoy traditional Bolognese food such as tortellini in brodo and cotechino.
Getting around Bologna, Italy
You can easily get around Bologna by using its efficient bus system run by TPER. Buses run daily from 6:30 am to between 7 pm – 11 pm depending on the route.
You can purchase individual tickets valid for a bus change/return journey within 75 minutes or, depending on your needs, get a Day Ticket or the Bologna City Pass.
Honestly, the best way to explore Bologna’s historic center is on your feet. Walking through those narrow alleyways, cobblestone streets, and labyrinthine roads gives you the experience of traveling in medieval Europe.
Biking is also a great, pollution-free way to see the city.
About the Author, Paul Rought
Paul, from The Two That Do, was born and raised in Solihull, just outside Birmingham in the center of England. Paul’s initial travel experiences were family holidays to the Mediterranean although a school cruise to Greece, Egypt, Turkey and Israel was a childhood highlight.
His next travel adventure wasn’t until 1999 when he went on a backpack trip to Thailand and Hong Kong. It was love at first sight. He was immediately enthralled by Hong Kong, the skyscrapers, the city buzz, the food and the language.
His love for Asia continues to this day although Japan has overtaken Hong Kong in his affections. Paul is definitely a city person and ideally would visit New York, Tokyo, Sydney and London every year. Just don’t push him to pick a favorite!
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