Tucked between Venice and Florence, Bologna often flies under the radar - but that’s exactly why it should be on your travel list. This travel guide for Bologna (Italy) is packed with tips and real-deal suggestions based on firsthand experience. So toss on your most comfortable sneakers and loosen your belt buckle - there's a lot to see, and even more to eat.
Why Bologna?
Bologna isn’t just another pretty Italian city. It’s one of the best cities to travel to in Italy if you’re after an authentic experience without selfie-stick chaos at every corner. The city is known as La Dotta, La Grassa, La Rossa – The Learned (home of the oldest university in the Western world), The Fat (hello, pasta), and The Red (for its terracotta buildings and political history).
Let’s get into the best things to do in Bologna, with all the important stuff you actually need to know.
1. Climb the Asinelli Tower
Bologna’s skyline is dotted with medieval towers, and the tallest (and most famous) is the Asinelli Tower. At nearly 500 steps, this isn’t a quick jog up a few flights. It’s a sweaty, slightly terrifying climb in a narrow wooden staircase – but the panoramic view at the top makes it worth it all. You’ll get a bird’s-eye view of Bologna’s iconic red rooftops and surrounding countryside.
2. Eat your way through Quadrilatero Market
If you go to Bologna and don’t eat your body weight in food, were you even there?
The Quadrilatero Market, just off Piazza Maggiore, is where your food journey should begin. Packed with fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and handmade pasta, this market has been around since Roman times. Grab a mortadella sandwich (the real bologna), some aged Parmigiano Reggiano, and maybe a glass of local wine while you wander.
3. Wander around Piazza Maggiore
This massive square is the heart of Bologna. Here you'll find:
- Basilica di San Petronio (a cathedral that was almost bigger than St. Peter’s, until the Vatican stepped in)
- Palazzo del Podestà
- Fountain of Neptune (impressive statue, scandalous history)
People-watch, grab a gelato, or just sit on the steps with locals. Everything radiates from this point, so you’ll definitely pass through here a few times.
4. Walk (or bike) the Porticoes
Bologna has over 40 kilometers of porticoes, which are basically long, covered walkways with arches. They were originally built so noble families could expand their houses above street level without blocking the path. Today, they’re your best friends when it’s raining or the sun is cooking the pavement.
One of the best walks is the Portico di San Luca, which stretches nearly 4km from the city to the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca, a hilltop church with great views. Your calves will hate you, but you’ll love the photos to look back on.
5. Visit the University of Bologna
Founded in 1088, this is the oldest university in the Western world. That’s older than Oxford. Older than your favorite pizza recipe. You can explore the Archiginnasio Palace, which used to be the university’s main building. Don’t skip the Anatomical Theatre, a wood-carved lecture hall where students watched human dissections. It’s morbid, but weirdly beautiful.
6. Try traditional Bolognese dishes
Let’s clear up a myth: Spaghetti Bolognese doesn’t exist in Bologna. The locals will fight you (politely) if you bring it up.
What you’re looking for is Tagliatelle al Ragù – fresh egg pasta with a rich, meaty sauce. Other must-try dishes include:
- Tortellini in brodo: Tiny stuffed pasta served in broth.
- Lasagna Verde: Lasagna made with spinach pasta and layers of béchamel and ragù.
- Crescentine: Fried dough served with cured meats and cheeses.
Wash it all down with a glass of Lambrusco (sparkling red wine – don’t knock it till you try it).
7. Explore Bologna’s hidden canals
Venice gets all the canal fame, but Bologna has its own hidden waterways. They’re mostly underground now, but you can peek at them through little windows around the city. Head to Via Piella, where there’s a small window called the Finestrella di Via Piella that opens to a picturesque canal scene.
8. Day trips: Modena, Parma, and Ravenna
Bologna is a great base for exploring nearby spots:
- Modena: Home of balsamic vinegar and Ferrari. Also the birthplace of Pavarotti. Visit the vinegar cellars and taste the real stuff (aged, syrupy, incredible).
- Parma: Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, prosciutto, and elegant streets.
- Ravenna: Known for its mind-blowing Byzantine mosaics.
All are reachable by train in under 90 minutes.
9. Stay out late like a local
Bologna is a university city, which means there’s always something happening after dark. Head to the Via del Pratello area for a more laid-back bar scene, or Via Zamboni for student hangouts.
Aperitivo culture is strong here. For just a few euros, you’ll get a drink and access to a buffet of snacks. It’s not quite dinner, but it might be enough to delay your next pasta craving by an hour or two.
10. Visit the museums
If you're into history, art, or random weird collections, Bologna delivers. Some standouts:
- Museo della Storia di Bologna, a great intro to the city’s rich past.
- MAMbo (Modern Art Museum of Bologna), for contemporary art lovers.
- Museo Internazionale e Biblioteca della Musica, a cool spot if you're into music history.
💡Many museums are affordable or free with the Bologna Welcome Card.
When to go to Bologna
Avoid the August heat if you can – most locals leave, and some shops close.
Spring (April-June) and fall (September-October) are ideal, with mild weather and vibrant street life. Winter is quieter but still enjoyable if you don’t mind a bit of cold.
Where to stay
Stick to the historic center (Centro Storico) for walkability and atmosphere. Hostels, boutique hotels, and Airbnbs are all available. If you're on a budget, Student’s Hotel is popular and stylish without being too expensive.
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