14 Things to Do in Bologna, Italy: The Foodie Capital of the World
Are you a foodie? Then, you have to visit Bologna, Italy. It’s known for the most amazing food in all of Italy and even the world I might have to say! I would totally just travel here for the food. In fact, the Emilia-Romagna region in general is known for its delicious cuisine.
But Bologna also has many other amazing things to do. It’s known as the town with the oldest university. Many of the streets are lined with beautiful porticos, which are covered walkways, and they are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Site. I’ve visited this underrated city 3 times discovering its hidden secrets. Read on for the best things to do in Bologna, Italy!
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Best Time to Visit Bologna
The best time to visit Bologna is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is pleasant and the crowds are smaller. Spring brings blooming flowers and mild temperatures, while autumn offers beautiful foliage.
How long do you need in Bologna?
2 to 3 days is enough time to see what Bologna has to offer. In this time frame, you will have time to get a taste for all the delicious food, stroll the medieval streets, and admire iconic landmarks such as the Two Towers and Piazza Maggiore. If you’d like to take some day trips, Bologna is a great base for that. I’d add a few extra days to this so you can see nearby places like Modena, Parma, and more.
Where to Stay in Bologna
- Residenza Palazzo Marchesini – I stayed at this amazing homestay and you can watch my IG video on it. It’s in an old palace with a massive terrace overlooking stunning views of Bologna and homemade breakfast by the most wonderful host. Pictured above is the aperitivo setup on the terrace. Highly recommend. Book here on booking.com
- Grand Hotel Majestic Book here on booking.com
- Scandellari Apartments Book here on booking.com
- Ay Home B&B Book here on booking.com
- Hotel Cavour Book here on booking.com
- Starhotels Excelsior Book here on booking.com
Is it Worth Visiting Bologna?
It is absolutely worth visiting Bologna, especially if you’re a foodie like me. This town is lively and has so much to offer. You will not be disappointed! And if you’re debating visiting Bologna or Verona, check my opinion on which city is better to go to!
How to Get to Bologna
Bologna has its own airport, making it convenient to get here. Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ) is located just a few kilometers northwest of the city center.
From the airport, you can take the Aerobus shuttle, which runs frequently and takes 20 minutes to get to the center. Alternatively, taxis and rental cars are also available at the airport.
Bologna is well-connected by train, with the Bologna Centrale train station being moments away from other popular Italian cities. You can get to Florence in only 40 minutes by train and Rome in 2 hours!
14 Best Things to do in Bologna, Italy
1. Stroll through Piazza Maggiore
This is Bologna’s main square and home to the beautiful Fountain of Neptune. Here you’ll find the pulse of the city. It is a very busy square great for people watching or sitting down with a coffee and watching time pass. Bar La Linea is just the perfect place for that as it faces Basilica di San Petronio. There are also many shops and cafes nearby.
⭐ Fun tip! I did an amazing self-guided food tour where I picked up some vouchers near the square and redeemed them at various places around town at my own pace. It allowed me to try things I never would have thought to try myself! You can book the tour I did here. I sampled balsamic vinegar, pizza, chocolates, and more!
2. Visit the Basilica di San Petronio
The Basilica di San Petronio is of the largest churches in Italy, known for its beautiful facade and impressive interior. It’s located right in Piazza Maggiore.
The church is an extraordinary example of Gothic architecture, which began construction in 1390. Its façade still remains unfinishe,d but you can see it adorned with intricate marble reliefs.
Don’t miss a visit to the inside, which is full of stunning artworks, including frescoes and stained glass windows. It is free to enter and open to visitors year-round from 8 am to 6 pm. Admission to the Terrazza and the Cappella dei Magi, however, costs € 3.
3. See the iconic Torre degli Asinelli (Two Towers)
Note: The viewpoint at the Two Towers is currently closed – Alternative view is the Clock Tower in Piazza Maggiore.
The iconic towers of Bologna are one of the most famous buildings in Italy. One of the towers can be climbed for stunning views of the city. There are 498 wooden steps to the Asinelli Tower. Once up you will be rewarded with panoramic vistas of Bologna.
Sometimes it sells out, so book in advance here. When I visited, it was sold out, and I wasn’t able to go inside, sadly! And when I revisited in 2025, it was closed due to fear that it would collapse. The leaning towers are not stable and are undergoing construction work until 2028.
The towers were originally built by noble families as defensive structures and symbols of wealth and power. It dates back to the 12th century.
Today, the Torre degli Asinelli stands at a height of approximately 97 meters (318 feet), making it the tallest leaning medieval tower in Italy.
4. Climb the Clock Tower for Views of Piazza Maggiore
One of the best things to do in Bologna is to climb the Clock Tower (Torre Dell’Orologio) to see the many views of the different buildings in Piazza Maggiore. On the other side, you will also find views of the quaint orange and red buildings of Bologna. The tickets for the view can be purchased from the Bologna Welcome office opposite the cathedral. It costs €10 and includes a visit to Collezioni Comunali d’Arte, an art museum.
Be aware, there are two different levels with views. The first one requires virtually no stairs, you can even take a lift up. It’s the viewpoint you see pictured above.
The second view requires climbing some steep stairs. There aren’t many stairs, to be honest, but they are steep. You are required to wear proper trainers, or you have to sign a waiver saying you are responsible for any injuries. I climbed in sandals and a long dress and was ok, but do be careful. The views are well worth it!
5. Eat all the Best Food Ever!
Wander through the Quadrilatero, a lively food market district, and enjoy the foodie scene.
Have lunch at 051 Zerocinquantuno and don’t miss the Tigelle and Piadina sandwiches. Tigelle are small, round breads and filled with a variety of meats and cheeses. Piadina looks more like a flat bread. It’s a traditional thing to try.
Head to Mercato Delle Erbe, an indoor market with many stalls to choose from for freshly made food. The market is even selling fresh produce and fresh pasta here. Inside the market, you will also find restaurants. My favorite was Noi, where I tried the most amazing cured meats with Crescentine (fried doughy bread) and the most mouth-watering Lasagna alla Bolognese.
You also have to try Tagliatelle al Ragù at Osteria dell’Orsa. And Tortellini in broth as well as Tortellini with butter and sage from Sfoglia Rina. Sfoglia Rina is a great lunch spot; they have communal tables, which made me feel at ease dining solo. I even met another solo traveler. There is going to be a queue, likely, as it’s a popular place.
Now, you’ll be craving something sweet, so head over to Cremeria Santo Stefano for the best gelato in Bologna. It’s located on Via Santo Stefano. I also tried Cremeria La Vecchia, and it was also really good!
Things to try, Bologna Food Guide:
- Tortellini en Brodo: Small, ring-shaped pasta parcels filled with meat and cheese.
- Lasagna alla Bolognese: Layers of flat pasta sheets, béchamel sauce, Bolognese meat sauce, and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
- Cotoletta alla Bolognese: A breaded and fried veal cutlet
- Crescentine Fritte: Small balls of fried dough.
- Parmigiano-Reggiana
- Prosciutto di Parma
- Balsamic Vinegar
Best Food Tours in Bologna:
- Pasta Making Workshop in a Local Home
- Wine Tasting Experience
- Self-Guided Food Tour
- Walking Food Tour with a Local Guide
6. Check out the Archiginnasio of Bologna
The Archiginnasio of Bologna is a historic building from the 16th century that was once home to the University of Bologna. Visiting is one of the best things to do in Bologna! It features beautiful Renaissance architecture and an impressive anatomical theater.
Its magnificent halls, adorned with intricate woodwork, elaborate frescoes, and thousands of coats of arms belonging to former students and professors, reflect the university’s prestigious past.
It’s really stunning to see in person all the beautiful frescos adorning the walls and ceilings so be sure to take your time here and bring your camera for photo opportunities.
7. See the many Porticos
Porticos are a distinctive architectural feature of the city that has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The porticos are covered walkways that line the streets and connect many of the city’s buildings.
The tradition of building porticos in Bologna dates back to the Middle Ages. They were constructed to expand living space in crowded urban areas. Over time, the porticos became symbolic of Bologna and really adds to the distinct character and charm of the city.
The prettiest one I found was called Portico del Pavaglione (pictured above) and is located right near Archiginnasio (the old university building) and leads you toward Piazza Maggiore. Its ceiling is covered in beautiful frescoes and painted motifs, many of which date back to the Renaissance era.
I also really loved the Portico della Morte, where you’ll find historic libraries and charming little bookshops tucked beneath its arches.
The porticos of Bologna are on just about every street, so enjoy seeing all the different ones and pay attention to all the beautiful details each one holds.
8. Palazzo della Mercanzia
The Palazzo della Mercanzia is a gorgeous Gothic-style palace right on Piazza della Mercanzia. It was built in the 14th century and served as the home of the city’s merchant and trade court. Essentially, it was the place where all business disputes were settled.
Today, it houses the Chamber of Commerce, so you can’t actually enter. However, it’s worth admiring from the outside for its red brick and terracotta arches, ornate windows, and little balconies.
9. Peak through the “Secret” window to a canal
Located on Via Piella this window opens up to a canal resembling Venice. See what it looks like here.
The window, however, isn’t really secret anymore! You’ll find a huge line waiting to take a photo here. It does move pretty quickly, though!
10. Visit the Sanctuary of San Luca
During your stay, head to the Sanctuary of San Luca on an early morning to best enjoy it without crowds and before it gets too hot. It is, afterall, one of the very best things to do in Bologna.
To get there, you can take a walk along the Portico di San Luca, which stretches for 3.8 kilometers from the city center to the hilltop sanctuary. The portico is the longest covered walkway in the world with 666 arches. It offers beautiful views along the way.
Note: The visit to San Luca can take a few hours, depending on your pace and the amount of time you wish to spend at the sanctuary.
Directions to San Luca:
- The easiest way to get there is to take the San Luca express train from Piazza Maggiore (no walk at all). Info here
- Walk from the center (60-75 min. walk)
- Take bus 20 from the center until the bus stop, Meloncello, and then walk up to the church (30 min. walk).
Once you get to the sanctuary, the interiors are absolutely stunning!
11. Watch the Sunset at San Michele in Bosco
San Michele in Bosco is a former monastery perched on a hill just outside Bologna’s center. If you’re into hidden gems, this is it! You can see one of the most stunning panoramic views of the city without too many crowds.
You will spot Bologna’s classic red rooftops, the iconic Two Towers, and even the Apennine mountains in the distance on a clear day.
Even if you can’t see the interiors of the church, it’s still worth a visit for the views. It dates back to the Middle Ages but was rebuilt in the Renaissance. Inside, you’ll find stunning frescoes and artwork.
12. Enjoy Piazza Maggiore by Night
At night, Bologna really comes to life. Piazza Maggiore is filled with people hanging out. It’s the perfect place to enjoy an aperitivo or just relax.
13. Have an aperitivo before Dinner
Apertivo is what all the Italians do, especially in Bologna! So have a drink around 7 pm before a late dinner. It includes, by default, snacks including taralli, olives, chips, etc.
My favorite spots in Bologna for this are:
Le Stanze is one of Bologna’s most unique spots for an aperitivo because it’s set inside a former 16th-century private chapel. The bar still has its original frescoed ceilings and dramatic interiors. It’s got a nice ambience and much different than the casual bars you’ll find around Piazza Maggiore.
Bottega Portici – 2 Torri: They have a secret rooftop which overlooks the Two Towers! You can order off a screen and bring it up to the rooftop.
There are also plenty of wine bars to choose from such as Medulla Vini, Saràvino, or Enoteca al Risanamento.
14. Treat yourself to Gelato
You are in the foodie city of Bologna, so treating yourself to gelato is a must! Cremeria Santo Stefano or Cremeria La Vecchia have really great gelato.
Bologna Best Day Trips
1. Parma
Parma is a quaint town known for parma ham and parmesan cheese. You can get there in an hour by train from Bologna.
2. Modena
Modena is a beautiful city known for its balsamic vinegar and impressive cathedral. It’s easy to get here by train.
3. Ravenna
Ravenna is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning Byzantine mosaics. You can take this tour from Bologna to visit in one day!
📹 See my Instagram video on this town here
📄 Read my full blog post on visiting Ravenna
4. Dozza Imolese
Dozza Imolese is known for its colorful murals. You need a car to get here. If you stay at the hotel I stayed at the host will likely take you as he did for me!
📹 See my Instagram video on this town here
📄 Read my full blog post on visiting Dozza Imolese
5. Comacchio
A hidden gem and replica of Burano with many colorful buildings and canals. This place is also hard to get to and it’s ideal to have a car.
Hopefully, this post has prepared you with the best things to do in Bologna! Feel free to comment below if you have found any nice hidden gems to add to the list!
6. Mantua, Italy
Read my full guide to Mantua, Italy! This stunning hidden gem is 1.5 hours by train from Bologna. Not sure why this city isn’t being talked about. It’s known for its Renaissance Art, and you will find two stunning palaces here: The Ducale Palace and Palazzo Te. It’s such a charming place with few crowds.
📹 See my Instagram video on this town here
📄 Read my full blog post on visiting Comacchio.
