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The Ultimate Travel Guide to Bologna, Italy

Bologna has this way of sneaking up on you—in the best possible way. It’s not loud or overly touristy, but it’s full of warmth, energy, and character. They call it La Grassa ("The Fat One") for its incredible food, La Dotta ("The Learned One") for its university—the oldest in Europe—and La Rossa ("The Red One") for its endless terracotta rooftops. And honestly, it lives up to all three nicknames. I visited Bologna as a day trip from Florence, and it ended up being one of the biggest highlights of my trip. Spending just one day there gave me a good taste, but also made it really clear: I need to come back and stay longer. From wandering under those endless porticos to eating some of the best pasta I’ve ever had, Bologna completely stole my heart.


Getting to Bologna, Italy


By Train

Bologna Centrale is one of Italy’s major train hubs, and getting there couldn’t be simpler. I took a high-speed Italo train from Florence and was there in under 40 minutes—it was super smooth and comfortable. Both Italo and Trenitalia have fast, reliable options depending on your schedule.







Tip: I personally prefer Italo (the trains feel a little newer and the experience has always been great for me), but if you want to easily compare both companies, the Omio app makes it really easy to find the best times and prices. Plus, if you book early, you can sometimes snag a first-class seat for just a few euros more.


By Plane:

Bologna’s Guglielmo Marconi Airport is really close to the city center. You can grab a taxi or hop on the Aerobus shuttle, which gets you downtown in about 20 minutes.


Tip: If you’re landing with heavy bags or arriving late, I’d recommend grabbing a taxi for a quicker, more relaxed trip into town.


By Car

If you’re road-tripping through Italy, Bologna is an easy stop to add. Renting a car is simple (I usually go with SIXT), but keep in mind that the historic center has a ZTL (limited traffic zone)—and the fines can get hefty.




Tip: Park outside the city walls at lots like Parcheggio Tanari or Piazza VIII Agosto. From there, it’s an easy walk into the old town, and you’ll get to enjoy Bologna the best way—on foot.


Things to Do in Bologna, Italy

Bologna has this perfect mix of history, culture, and real everyday life. You can spend your whole day sightseeing, eating your way through the city, shopping little boutiques—or honestly, just wandering under the endless porticos and soaking it all in. There's no rush here, and that's part of what makes it so good.


Piazza Maggiore

This is the heart of Bologna and the perfect place to start. It’s one of those squares that just feels alive, with people coming and going, street performers, and a constant buzz in the air. I grabbed a seat at one of the outdoor cafés, ordered a coffee, and just sat for a while soaking it all in. You’re surrounded by beautiful old buildings like Palazzo d'Accursio and the massive Basilica di San Petronio—there’s history in every direction, but it still feels so lived-in and real. Adjacent is Piazza del Nettuno, home to the iconic Fountain of Neptune, a masterpiece by Giambologna.



Basilica di San Petronio

You can’t miss this one—it dominates Piazza Maggiore with its huge, half-finished Gothic facade. It’s one of the largest churches in the world, and even though the outside looks a little rough, the inside is absolutely stunning. The scale of it hits you the second you step through the doors.


Tip: You can also climb up to the terrace for an amazing view over the rooftops of Bologna. Totally worth it if you have the time and don’t mind a few stairs!


The Two Towers (Le Due Torri)

You can’t come to Bologna and not see these two leaning medieval towers—Torre degli Asinelli and Torre Garisenda. They’re pretty much the city’s most famous landmarks. Torre Garisenda leans a little more dramatically, but if you’re up for a climb, you can tackle the 498 steps of Torre degli Asinelli.




Tip: The climb is steep and the steps are old and narrow, but the view from the top is so worth it—you’ll get that perfect postcard shot of Bologna’s rooftops and rolling hills beyond. Just be sure to book your time slot in advance if you’re visiting during busy months!


Archiginnasio of Bologna (Anatomical Theatre)

Once the main building of the University of Bologna, this historic palace is now home to the city’s municipal library and the beautifully preserved Anatomical Theatre. The interiors are adorned with intricate frescoes, wooden carvings, and hundreds of student and professor coats of arms—it's like walking through a living piece of academic history. Entry is just €3, which includes access to both the Anatomical Theatre and the Stabat Mater Hall (when not in use by the library). If you have the Bologna Welcome Card, admission is included. ​



Tip: The Anatomical Theatre is open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and it's closed on Sundays. The library itself isn’t open to tourists, but the parts you can visit are more than worth the stop. ​


Santuario di Madonna di San Luca

Sitting on a hill just outside Bologna, this sanctuary is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. What makes it even more special is how you get there—it’s connected to the city by the world’s longest continuous portico, stretching almost 2.5 miles. You can hike up through the covered arches (it’s a bit of a climb but really beautiful), or if you’d rather skip the walk, there’s a tourist train that leaves from Piazza Maggiore, or you can just grab a taxi.


Tip: If you’re up for it, walking the portico is a really special experience, especially early in the morning or late in the day when it’s quieter and cooler.


The Quadrilatero

This historic market district is one of the best places to really taste Bologna. The narrow streets are packed with food stalls, tiny artisan shops, and traditional eateries that have been around for generations. It’s the perfect spot to sample local favorites like fresh mortadella, Parmigiano-Reggiano, handmade pasta, and all kinds of regional treats.


Tip: Come hungry and take your time—it's one of those places where every corner smells amazing and you’ll want to try a little bit of everything.


Porticoes of Bologna

Bologna’s porticoes aren’t just beautiful—they’re part of the city’s soul. Stretching over 24 miles, these covered walkways are now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. They’re not only practical (great for staying dry when it rains or escaping the summer heat), but each one has its own character—some with grand, painted ceilings and others simple and worn from centuries of footsteps.


Tip: Take your time walking through them. Some of the best little cafés, shops, and hidden corners in Bologna are tucked right along these covered paths.



Basilica di Santo Stefano

Also known as the "Seven Churches," this place feels more like a little world within the city. It’s actually a complex of several interconnected churches, each showing off a mix of Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance architecture. It’s peaceful, a little mysterious, and full of hidden corners to explore—definitely a spot that gives you a deeper sense of Bologna’s rich religious history.


Tip: Take your time wandering through the courtyards and quieter chapels—it’s one of the most unique and calming places in the city.


Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna

If you’re into art, this gallery is a must. It’s packed with an incredible collection of Emilian paintings from the 13th to 18th centuries, including works by legends like Giotto, Raphael, and the Carracci brothers. The layout makes it easy to wander at your own pace, and you really get a sense of how Bologna played such a big role in the Italian art scene.




Tip: If you want a quieter experience, try visiting in the late morning or mid-afternoon—it's usually less crowded, and you’ll have more space to take it all in


Museo Civico Archeologico

Set inside a beautiful 15th-century palace, this museum is packed with history. It takes you through Bologna’s ancient Etruscan roots, its Roman past, and even has one of the most important Egyptian collections in Europe.

It’s one of those places where you can really feel the layers of history that built the city.




Tip: If you're a history lover, give yourself plenty of time here—there’s a lot more to see than you might expect just walking in.


Botanical Garden and Herbarium

Founded in 1568, this botanical garden is one of the oldest in Europe and such a peaceful spot to explore. It’s home to over 5,000 plant species, including medicinal herbs, ancient trees, and all kinds of exotic plants from around the world.

It’s the perfect place to slow down for a bit and enjoy a quieter side of the city.


Tip: If you visit in spring or early summer, the garden is especially beautiful with everything in full bloom—and it’s a great break if you need a little time away from the busy streets.



Finestrella di Via Piella

This tiny window is one of Bologna’s hidden gems. When you peek through it, you get a perfect little view of the city’s “Little Venice,” where narrow canals wind between old medieval buildings. It’s quick to visit, but really charming—and one of those little surprises that make exploring Bologna so fun.


Tip: It can get a little crowded, so try to swing by early in the morning or later in the evening for a quieter moment.


Torre dell'Orologio (Clock Tower)

Sitting right above Palazzo d'Accursio, this tower gives you some of the best panoramic views of Piazza Maggiore. Inside, you can also check out the fascinating 15th-century clock mechanism that’s still ticking away.




Tip: The climb isn’t too tough, and the views are totally worth it—especially if you want a different perspective of the city’s rooftops and main square.


MAMbo – Museo d'Arte Moderna di Bologna

If you’re into contemporary art, MAMbo is the place to be. Housed in a repurposed industrial building, the museum has a great collection of modern artworks and rotating exhibitions that always keep things fresh.




Tip: Check their event calendar before you go—they often host cultural events, talks, and temporary shows that are worth catching if the timing works out!


Where to Eat in Bologna, Italy

Bologna is known as Italy’s food capital—and honestly, it completely lives up to the hype. I pretty much spent the whole day eating my way through the city, hopping from one incredible meal to the next without a single regret.


Tip: Don't leave without trying tortellini in brodo and lasagna verde—they're true Bolognese staples.


Osteria dell'Orsa

If you’re looking for the real deal when it comes to tagliatelle al ragù (the original Bolognese sauce), this is the spot. It’s casual, affordable, and packed with locals—which is always the best sign. The food is simple but made with so much heart, and the atmosphere feels like one big, lively Italian kitchen.




Tip: It’s popular and doesn’t take reservations, so try to go early or be ready to wait a little—it’s totally worth it.



Trattoria di Via Serra

A little off the main tourist path, but absolutely worth the extra effort. This cozy spot serves up incredible homemade pasta in a warm, welcoming setting that feels like you’ve been invited into someone’s home. The menu changes with the seasons, and everything is made with so much care and love.




Tip: It’s a popular spot with locals, so definitely make a reservation if you can—it’s one of those meals you’ll be thinking about long after you leave.


Sfoglia Rina

This modern pasta bar is a dream if you’re craving fresh, handmade pasta without the fuss. They serve up classics like tortellini, tagliatelle, and lasagna verde, all made fresh right in front of you. It’s casual, delicious, and super popular—so you’ll probably see a line, but don’t worry, it moves fast.




Tip: If you can, try to go a little earlier for lunch to beat the biggest crowds. Either way, it’s more than worth the wait!



Tamburini

Just a short walk from Piazza Maggiore, Tamburini is a legendary spot that’s part deli, part restaurant, and all kinds of delicious. It’s a great place to grab a charcuterie board piled with local meats and cheeses, or sit down for a hearty, traditional lunch.




Tip: If you’re short on time, you can also grab something to go from the deli counter and have a little picnic nearby—perfect if the weather’s nice!



Best Coffee Shops in Bologna, Italy

Caffè Terzi

This was hands-down my favorite coffee spot in Bologna. It’s small, stylish, and they take their coffee seriously—in the best way. I’m a cappuccino girl through and through, and theirs was absolutely perfect—creamy, rich, and just the right balance.


Tip: It’s a tiny place, so it’s more of a stand-at-the-bar kind of experience, but that just makes it feel even more authentically Italian.


Pasticceria Impero

If you’re looking for a proper Italian breakfast, this place is a must. Their cornetti are fresh, buttery, and just the right amount of sweet—basically everything you want first thing in the morning.


Tip: Grab a cappuccino with your pastry and do it the Italian way—standing at the bar for a quick, delicious start to your day.



Café Rubik

This spot is cool, quirky, and has such a fun, laid-back vibe. The walls are covered with old cassette tapes and retro touches, and the atmosphere feels more like a hangout than a traditional café. The coffee is great too—whether you’re grabbing a quick cappuccino or hanging around for a while.


Tip: It’s a great place to stop if you’re looking for somewhere a little different and full of character.


Where to Stay in Bologna, Italy

Even though I visited Bologna as a day trip, if you have time to stay overnight, there are some fantastic places to base yourself. Staying a night or two would give you the chance to really soak in the city’s energy once the day-trippers leave—it gets quieter, cozier, and even more charming.


Grand Hotel Majestic "già Baglioni"

Bologna’s most luxurious hotel, located right near Piazza Maggiore. Elegant rooms, marble bathrooms, historic charm, and impeccable service. Perfect if you're looking for something truly special.


Art Hotel Commercianti

Charming and historic, set in a medieval building steps from the Basilica di San Petronio. Cozy rooms, great breakfast, and an unbeatable location tucked right into the heart of the old town.



Hotel Corona d'Oro

Elegant boutique hotel with modern touches and a beautiful interior courtyard. It’s close to the Two Towers, making it a perfect base for sightseeing and walking everywhere.


Hotel Touring Bologna

Stylish, welcoming, and famous for its rooftop terrace overlooking the city. It’s peaceful but still close enough to all the main attractions. A great mix of comfort and location.


Best Time to Visit Bologna, Italy

I visited Bologna in April, and it was such a perfect time to go—mild weather, everything in bloom, and the piazzas full of life without feeling overwhelming. Bologna is a year-round destination, but here’s what to expect depending on when you visit:

  • Spring (April–June): Mild temperatures, blooming flowers, and lively piazzas. It’s a great time for wandering, people-watching, and eating outside.

  • Fall (September–October): Ideal for food lovers—cooler weather, wine harvests, and the start of truffle season.

  • Summer (July–August): Hot and a bit quieter, since a lot of locals head out on vacation. The city is still beautiful, just be ready for the heat.

  • Winter (November–March): Cozy trattorias, hearty dishes, festive lights, and a slower, magical vibe. It’s colder, but the city feels extra charming during the holiday season.


Tip: If you're visiting in August, just know that some restaurants and shops may close for Ferragosto (Italy’s big summer holiday), so plan ahead if there are certain spots you don’t want to miss!



Bologna completely captured my heart. It’s the kind of city where you can slow down, savor every meal, wander under endless porticos, and actually feel like you’re living there—not just visiting. Even though I only spent a day, it left me wanting so much more. Next time, I’m definitely staying longer. If you’re planning an Italy trip, add Bologna to your list—you’ll be so glad you did. Have you been to Bologna? I’d love to hear your favorite spots!


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