The culinary capital of Italy, known for its endless covered porticoes and the oldest university in the world. Without the massive crowds of Rome or Florence, the city offers an authentic Italian atmosphere, medieval towers, and unbeatable local cuisine with tortellini and ragù.
The heart of Bologna, framed by important medieval and Renaissance buildings such as Palazzo d'Accursio and Palazzo del Podestà. It is the ideal spot to begin exploring the city.
The two leaning medieval towers are the most recognizable symbol of Bologna. The Asinelli tower offers breathtaking views of the entire city.
Visit to Piazza Maggiore
Piazza Maggiore, Bologna · 1-2 hours
Explore the city's main square and admire the impressive medieval buildings surrounding it. Here you will find Palazzo d'Accursio and Palazzo del Podestà, which serve as the city's political landmarks.
Why it's worth it: It is the ideal starting point to experience the pulse and architecture.
Discovery of the Basilica of San Petronio
Piazza Maggiore, Bologna · 1 hour
Admire the huge unfinished brick and marble facade dominating the southern side of the square. Inside, you will discover the world's largest meridian line sundial.
Why it's worth it: It is located right next to the main square and offers unique religious exhibits.
Tour of the Archiginnasio
Piazza Galvani, Bologna · 1.5 hours
Visit the historic center of the oldest university in the western world and walk through the impressive porticoes. Do not miss seeing the historic Anatomical Theatre where dissections took place.
Historic osteria · Traditional wines and snacks · €
Local wine and friendly atmosphere where you can bring your own food.
Traditional trattoria · Modern take on local recipes · €€
Fresh handmade pasta with seasonal ingredients.
Pasta workshop · Traditional pasta · €
Tagliatelle with ragù and handmade tortellini.
Municipal food market · Street food and local flavors · €€
Variety of cheeses, cold cuts, and fresh fish or pasta.
Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ), with a direct Marconi Express train connection to the central railway station.
Extremely walkable city, thanks mainly to the huge covered porticoes protecting against rain and sun.
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Sign inBest time to visit
April, May, October
Recommended duration
3 days
Estimated cost
120-200€ per person/day
Climate
Continental climate with hot summers and cold, often foggy winters.
Language
Italian
The massive unfinished brick and marble facade dominates the southern side of Piazza Maggiore. Inside, it houses the world's largest meridian line sundial.
A unique complex of religious buildings consisting of different churches joined together. It offers a serene and mystical atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle.
The dense network of narrow streets full of historic food shops, butchers, and greengrocers. It is a foodie paradise and an ideal place for an authentic aperitivo.
Why it's worth it: It is directly connected to the rich academic history that defines the city's identity.
Views from the Asinelli Tower
Piazza di Porta Ravegnana, Bologna · 1-2 hours
Climb the steps of the iconic tower to enjoy panoramic views of the entire city. The two leaning medieval towers are the most recognizable symbol of Bologna.
Why it's worth it: It is a top city landmark and offers the best visual experience from above.
Evening aperitivo in the Quadrilatero
Quadrilatero, Bologna · 1-2 hours
Walk through the dense network of narrow streets full of historic food shops and butcheries. Enjoy a local wine accompanied by cold cuts in a traditional bar.
Why it's worth it: It is the ideal area to experience the vibrant culinary atmosphere in the evening.
Quadrilatero, Bologna
Quadrilatero, Bologna · Italian cafe and pastries
Enjoy a fresh espresso accompanied by a traditional croissant in a historic cafe in the area.
Caption: Fresh espresso and Italian sweets
Piazza Maggiore, Bologna
Piazza Maggiore, Bologna · Traditional local cuisine
Try authentic tagliatelle with ragù in a classic trattoria near the main square.
Caption: Tagliatelle al ragù
Quadrilatero, Bologna
Quadrilatero, Bologna · Local delicacies and aperitivo
Taste local cheeses and cold cuts accompanied by fine wine from Emilia-Romagna.
Caption: Mortadella and local cold cuts platter
Exploration of the Complesso di Santo Stefano
Piazza Santo Stefano, Bologna · 1-2 hours
Discover the unique complex of religious buildings consisting of different churches joined together. Enjoy the serene and mystical atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle of the main streets.
Why it's worth it: It is one of the most distinctive and architecturally interesting spots.
Walking through the historic porticoes
City center, Bologna · 1 hour
Wander under the endless covered porticoes stretching over 38 kilometers. Observe how this architecture protects walks from weather conditions.
Why it's worth it: The porticoes are the trademark of Bologna's urban identity.
Food tour in the Quadrilatero
Quadrilatero, Bologna · 3 hours
Explore traditional food shops and taste fresh pasta and local delicacies. It is the ultimate paradise for foodies looking to experience authentic flavors.
Why it's worth it: This area is the heart of the culinary tradition.
Walk along the San Luca Portico
Portico di San Luca, Bologna · 2-3 hours
Walk along the longest continuous portico in the world leading up the hill. The route offers exceptional views and a unique sense of local tradition.
Why it's worth it: It connects the city to the historic hilltop sanctuary through an impressive route.
Evening stroll under the porticoes
Via Saragozza, Bologna · 1 hour
Take a relaxing evening stroll under the illuminated porticoes of the city. Enjoy the quiet and safe atmosphere of the historic streets.
Why it's worth it: It offers a different perspective of the architecture under streetlights.
Piazza Santo Stefano, Bologna
Piazza Santo Stefano, Bologna · Traditional Italian breakfast
Enjoy coffee and fresh pastries in a scenic spot near the church complex.
Caption: Cappuccino and local cakes
Quadrilatero, Bologna
Quadrilatero, Bologna · Traditional tortellini
Taste handmade tortellini in meat broth at a historic food shop.
Caption: Tortellini in brodo
Historical center, Bologna
Historical center, Bologna · Emilia-Romagna local cuisine
Try classic meat and pasta dishes accompanied by red Lambrusco wine.
Caption: Cotoletta alla Bolognese
There are excellent public and private healthcare facilities in the city. EU citizens can use the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
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