15 Best Free Things To Do In Bologna In 2024
Bologna is a great place to start exploring Italy, especially if you are traveling on a budget. There are plenty of free things to do in Bologna. Keep reading and find out the best free Bologna attractions.
This page may contain affiliate links, which means if you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I will never recommend products and services I don’t trust or haven’t used. Buying through these links will cost you nothing, but will help me maintain the website. For more information, please read my disclosure. Thank you!
Bologna is the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region. It is a beautiful city with a historic center that dates back to Roman times. Bologna is often referred to as “La Dotta, La Rossa, La Grassa,” which means “The learned, the red, the fat”. It is “the learned” because it is home to one of the oldest universities in the Western world. “The red” stands for the red terracotta-colored buildings, part of the city’s amazing architecture. And the nickname “the fat” is well deserved for its great food. Bologna is considered the culinary capital of Italy.
Bologna is one of the Italian cities that has it all: history, culture, and gastronomy, but you don’t have to spend a lot to experience this charming city. This article highlights some of the best free things to see and do in Bologna Italy.
Below you can find useful resources for planning your trip to Bologna. These are brands and services I trust and use myself. Click on the links to check them out.
Book your accommodation at the lowest cost at booking or hotels. Click on the links and book at the best price.
Compare the prices for your flights on skyscanner, although I recommend booking directly with the airline of your choice for better customer service.
Find the best tours and activities on viator and getyourguide. Some of them fill up quickly, so click on the links and secure your spot now.
Avoid paying high roaming charges. Stay connected with an eSIM from airalo.
No matter where you go: Never travel without travel health insurance.
Everything else that you might need to plan your trip to Bologna, you will find on my page of Travel resources.
Piazza Maggiore: The Heart Of Bologna
If it is your first visit to Bologna, a great way to start exploring the city is to go to the city centre, i.e. to Piazza Maggiore. The city’s main square is surrounded by many of the best attractions in Bologna. The magnificent buildings of Basilica of San Petronio, Palazzo d’Accursio, Palazzo del Podestá, Palazzo dei Notai, Palazzo Re Enzo, and Palazzo dei Banchi are all around it.
The Basilica Of San Petronio
The basilica is dedicated to Saint Petronius, Bologna’s patron saint who was the bishop of Bologna in the 5th century. The construction of the Basilica di San Petronio began in 1390 and it has never been finished according to the original plans. Despite being unfinished, it is the tenth-largest church in the world and the sixth-largest church in Italy.
The façade of the church is made of marble and is partly unfinished. The main gates are adorned with a bas-relief depicting scenes from Genesis.
Inside the Basilica of San Petronio, you will find 22 chapels decorated with artwork from the Renaissance. Don’t miss the frescoes by Giovanni da Modena, which depict scenes, inspired by Dante’s Divine Comedy.
On the floor of the Basilica di San Petronio, you can see the longest sundial in the world. In 1655, the astronomer Domenico Cassini created this 66.6-meter-long sundial to determine accurately the length of the solar year.
In the Basilica of San Petronio, you will find another record-breaking object. It is the oldest working organ in the world, which was built in the 15th century.
Palazzo d’Accursio
The historic building of Palazzo d’Accursio or the Town Hall stands on the western side of Piazza Maggiore. This elegant medieval building is made of several structures that have been added over the years.
During the early 13th century, a weekly market was held in the square. If you take a look at the front of the Palazzo d’Accursio, near the Neptune Fountain, you’ll notice the measures utilized by medieval merchants. Under a window on the same wall of the measures, there are two eagles. The window above them dates back to the 16th century. The eagle on the left is believed to be crafted by the young Michelangelo Buonarotti, while the one on the right is attributed to Niccolò dell’Arca. However, the people of Bologna didn’t appreciate the eagle by Niccolò dell’Arca, stating that it looked more like a pigeon. Nevertheless, both authorships remain disputed.
Bologna has many historic buildings that feature picturesque courtyards hidden away behind their grand facades. Take the time to explore these charming spaces. Many of them are open to the public, so step into the courtyard of Palazzo d’Accursio to relax and take some nice photos.
After crossing the courtyard, go to the right and you will find a 16th-century staircase designed for horse carriages. This beautiful staircase leads to Sala Farnese, a baroque masterpiece with magnificent frescoes.
If you want to enjoy a panoramic view of Piazza Maggiore and the historic center, take the stairs on the right or the elevator to climb to the top of the Clock Tower. Note that climbing to the top of the Clock Tower is not free. The entrance fee is 8 euros and the ticket gives you access to the Municipal Art Collections too.
Salaborsa
Sala borsa is the municipal library and is part of the Palazzo d’Accursio. The public library’s main hall is worth a visit for its spectacular architecture. It is open to visitors, but remember to be quiet and respectful of others when entering the library.
You can visit Roman-times Bologna below the library. After entering Salaborsa, turn left and you will find two flights of stairs leading down. Take the right one and follow it to the door to the excavations. Behind the door, you can admire the ruins of ancient buildings, wells, and a cistern. Admission is free, although a small donation is appreciated.
Neptune Fountain
In front of Palazzo d’Accursio, in the center of Piazza del Nettuno, stands the Neptune Fountain. The fountain was constructed in the 16th century, symbolizing the power of the Pope who ruled the world as Neptune ruled the seas. Four angels represent the Danube, the Nile, the Amazon, and the Gang, the largest rivers of the known continents at that time. One of Bologna’s 7 secrets hides in the Neptune Fountain. Giambologna, the author of the statue, was asked to reduce Neptune’s virility to comply with religious laws. He obeyed but designed the statue so that, from a certain angle, Neptune’s finger looks like an erect phallus. If you go behind the fountain of Neptune, you’ll uncover its secret.
Palazzo Del Podestá
The Palazzo del Podestá is located in Piazza Maggiore, opposite the Basilica of San Petronio. You can see thousands of ornamental tiles on the columns, representing flowers, coats of arms, animals, and faces. Legend has it that there are two identical tiles somewhere, but no one has been able to find them yet. If you are interested in solving the mystery, you can try to find the two identical tiles. In the Palazzo del Podestá is located the Bologna Tourist Information Office. Go in to buy your ticket for the Asinelli Tower if you plan to climb it.
Palazzo Re Enzo Street Lamp
Stand with your back to Palazzo d’Accursio and look to the left at the corner of Palazzo Re Enzo on the side of Via Rizzoli. You will see a beautiful street lamp called Lampione dei Neonati. The lamp was installed to announce the birth of a child and was supposed to be lit each time a child was born in the city. No one can tell whether or how long it served its purpose.
Quadrilatero
On the eastern side of Piazza Maggiore is located Palazzo dei Banchi. Go through the pedestrian passage in it and you will find yourself in Quadrilatero, the foodies’ paradise. It is the perfect place to discover why Bologna is nicknamed “the fat” and is considered the culinary capital of Italy. Quadrilatero is the old merchants’ district. Its lively streets and food stalls offer endless culinary delights. You can find fantastic fresh produce such as fresh fruit and vegetables, cheeses, fish, homemade pasta, and other local delicacies. Many of these family businesses have been passed down from generation to generation. It is one of the best places to shop for gifts to take home. While you will most probably be tempted to buy at least a piece of parmesan cheese, window shopping, taking pictures, and enjoying the colorful atmosphere is free.
The Two Towers
Bologna is known as the “city of towers” and Due Torri has become its symbol. The Two Towers are Torre Garisenda and Torre Asinelli. Garisenda Tower was once taller, but part of it was destroyed to prevent it from collapsing. Only Torre Asinelli can be climbed. 498 steps separate you from the breathtaking panoramic Bologna views from almost 100 meters high. While there is a fee of 5 euros to climb the Asinelli Tower, admiring the Due Torri from below is free.
TIP: If you plan to climb the Torre Asinelli, buy your ticket in advance at the Bologna Tourist Office on Piazza Maggiore.
The Church Complex In Piazza Santo Stefano
The Basilica of Santo Stefano is known as the “sette chiese” or “seven churches”. It is a complex of several interconnected churches, chapels, and crypts built in different periods, thus representing different architectural styles from Romanesque to Baroque. Once there were seven churches, but today only four churches remain.
The heart of the complex is the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Chiesa del Santo Sepolcro). This round-shaped church was built in the 5th century over the ruins of an ancient temple of Isis. The Church of the Crucifix (Chiesa del Crocefisso) houses an 8th-century crucifix and frescoes from the 14th century. The Chiesa di San Vitale e Agricola is the oldest one within the Santo Stefano church complex. You can see ancient mosaics and artifacts in it. Pilate’s Courtyard (Cortile di Pilato) contains a replica of the basin where Pilate is believed to have washed his hands. The Basilica di Santo Stefano museum exhibits paintings, sculptures, and works of art from different periods. Admission is free.
Archiginnasio: The Oldest University
Even if it was a long time ago when you were a student, you should visit the University of Bologna. Founded in 1088, it’s one of the oldest universities in the world. You can explore for free the courtyard and the Archiginnasio. The Archiginnasio is a 16th-century building that was once the heart of the university. The courtyard is decorated with frescoes and sculptures. The Teatro Anatomico is also worth checking out, though you’ll have to pay a 3-euro admission fee to enter. It is a 17th-century lecture hall with wooden statues of the human body and a marble table used for dissection. Somewhat creepy and astonishing at the same time.
The Porticoes Of Bologna
You can spend hours wandering under the porticoes of Bologna. These covered walkways stretch for over 60 km, with 40 km in the city center alone. Twelve of the porticoes are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for their unique architecture. The porticoes have been a part of Bologna since the Middle Ages, providing gathering places for socializing and commerce. You’ll find a range of styles as you explore the city, from wooden porticoes like the Casa Isolani to the semi-porticos of Palazzo d’Accursio and Palazzo Ghisilardi-Fava. One of the most famous porticos is that of Bastardini, which was once used as an orphanage. The portico of the Archiginnasio, known as “Pavaglione”, is also very popular. If you’re looking for something unique, check out the four-sided portico of the Basilica of S. Maria dei Servi or the narrowest portico on Via Sanzanome.
Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca
Leave the historic centre and take a short walk under the longest portico to the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca. The Portico di San Luca consists of over 600 arches and stretches for 3.8 kilometers. The view of Bologna and the surrounding countryside from the top of the Basilica of San Luca is spectacular. Admission is free, though the access to the dome is with a donation of 5 euros and to the crypt – 3 euros.
Basilica of San Domenico
The remains of San Domenico rest in the Arca di San Domenico inside the Basilica of San Domenico. The Arca di San Domenico is decorated with sculptures by Michelangelo, Nicola Pisano, and Alfonso Lombardi. One of the three sculptures by Michelangelo is believed to be the prototype of David, which can be seen in the Accademia Gallery in Florence. To find the young Michelangelo’s David, enter the Chapel of San Domenico, on the right side of the Basilica. Walk past the Arca di San Domenico. The sculpture on the right is said to be the prototype of David. The entrance to the Basilica and to the Chapel is free.
Finestrella
Bologna’s canals, also known as La Piccola Venezia (the Little Venice), offer a unique and picturesque view of the city’s historic buildings reflected in the calm waters. La Finestrella or la Ventana al canal (the window on the canal) is a small window in a wall overlooking the canal. This almost unnoticeable window offers a unique perspective of the canal.
Read more: How To Get To Ischia: The Ultimate Guide For 2024
Conclusion
In conclusion, Bologna is the Italian city worth visiting for the enchanting mix of architecture, history, culture, and food. The best way to explore its historic center is on foot and thus discover its numerous Instagram spots and photo opportunities locations. If you are for the first time in the city you will be amazed to find out how many tourist attractions in Bologna are free. By taking advantage of these free attractions and free things to do in Bologna, you can make the most of your visit to the Emilia Romagna region without breaking the bank.
So, book your ticket to Bologna and Buon Viaggio! (Have a good trip!)
Find your preferred accommodation in Bologna by clicking on the map
Plan your trip in and book your activities in advance. Find below the best things to do in Bologna and book them now!
You May Also Be Interested In:
How To Get From Bologna Airport To The City
31 Bologna Photo Spots: Locations For The Best Pictures
15 Non Touristy Things To Do in Buenos Aires: All Free
Find everything you might need for your travels in one place on my Travel Resources page.
