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Democritus University of Thrace

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Democritus University of Thrace

Bologna, Ιταλία - Travel Planner | Travel Planner
Bologna
Bologna, Ιταλία
Ιταλία

Bologna

4.8
(system estimate)

About Bologna

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.

Popular activities

Food tour in the Quadrilatero district
Climb up the Asinelli Tower
Visit to the Archiginnasio and the Anatomical Theatre
Tour of the Basilica of San Petronio
Walk through the San Luca Portico
Fresh pasta making workshop

Travel tips

  • Explore the city on foot, as the historic center is closed to cars (ZTL).
  • Be sure to try local Pignoletto or Lambrusco wine instead of classic Tuscan wines.

Top attractions

Piazza MaggioreDuration: 1-2 hours

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.

Due Torri (Asinelli and Garisenda)Duration: 1-2 hours

The two leaning medieval towers are the most recognizable symbol of Bologna. The Asinelli tower offers breathtaking views of the entire city.

Basilica di San Petronio

Suggested itinerary

Day 1: The heart of the city and medieval treasures

Activities

Morning

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.

  • •Start early in the morning to avoid the crowds.

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.

Noon

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.

Where to eat

Osteria del Sole

Historic osteria · Traditional wines and snacks · €

Local wine and friendly atmosphere where you can bring your own food.

Trattoria di Via Serra

Traditional trattoria · Modern take on local recipes · €€

Fresh handmade pasta with seasonal ingredients.

Sfogino Rina

Pasta workshop · Traditional pasta · €

Tagliatelle with ragù and handmade tortellini.

Mercato delle Erbe

Municipal food market · Street food and local flavors · €€

Variety of cheeses, cold cuts, and fresh fish or pasta.

Getting around

Airport

Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ), with a direct Marconi Express train connection to the central railway station.

Public transport

Tper busesMarconi Express (airport train)Public bike sharing

Rentals

Bicycle rentalsCar sharing services (Corrente, Enjoy)

Walkability

Extremely walkable city, thanks mainly to the huge covered porticoes protecting against rain and sun.

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Quick info

Best 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

Safety and health

Home
Explore
Duration: 1 hour

The massive unfinished brick and marble facade dominates the southern side of Piazza Maggiore. Inside, it houses the world's largest meridian line sundial.

Complesso di Santo Stefano (Sette Chiese)Duration: 1-2 hours

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.

QuadrilateroDuration: 1-2 hours

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.

Afternoon

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.

  • •Ticket reservation in advance is required.
Evening

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.

Where to eat

Breakfast

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

Lunch

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

Dinner

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

Day 2: Hidden churches, porticoes, and a culinary paradise

Activities

Morning

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.

Noon

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.

  • •Be sure to try traditional tortellini in broth.
Afternoon

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

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.

  • •Wear comfortable walking shoes.

Where to eat

Breakfast

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

Lunch

Quadrilatero, Bologna

Quadrilatero, Bologna · Traditional tortellini

Taste handmade tortellini in meat broth at a historic food shop.

Caption: Tortellini in brodo

Dinner

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

Safety tips

  • •Bologna is generally a very safe city for visitors, but watch out for pickpockets in crowded areas such as around the train station and Piazza Maggiore.
  • •Be careful with bicycles moving fast inside the porticoes and pedestrian zones.

Health information

There are excellent public and private healthcare facilities in the city. EU citizens can use the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

Emergency numbers

Police:112
Ambulance:118

Ready to explore Bologna;

Weather nowUpdated 19:18 UTC

15°C

Clear · Feels like 14°

Today 20° / 11°

Humidity 88%Wind 11 km/h
  • Fri

    20° 9°

    Rain 7 mm

  • Sat

    14° 8°

    Rain 1 mm

  • Sun

    16° 7°

Weather data: MET Norway (CC BY 4.0)

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