The Best Things To Do In Bologna In 1-2-3 Days
Looking for the ultimate list of things to do in Bologna? This charming Italian city, often overshadowed by Florence, Rome, or Lake Como, is a hidden gem filled with world-class cuisine, medieval towers, UNESCO-protected porticoes, and a lively university atmosphere. Whether you’re visiting for one, two, or three days, this guide covers all the must-see attractions, hidden corners, and mouthwatering experiences to make your Bologna trip unforgettable.
You’ll find plenty of free things to do in Bologna, which is a nice surprise and a good reason to include Bologna in your trip to Italy.
💡Quick Tip: Book your accommodation early, especially for spring and fall. Compare the best hotels and apartments here.
What Is Bologna Famous For?
Bologna, Italy, is a gem worth knowing about. When you think of Bologna, a few things should pop into your mind.
First off, it’s Bologna food. Nicknamed La Grassa (“The Fat One”), Bologna is the gastronomic capital of Italy. It’s the birthplace of tagliatelle al ragù (true “Bolognese” sauce), mortadella, and tortellini.
The city also boasts the world’s oldest university (founded in 1088), giving it a vibrant, youthful feel.
Add in leaning towers, 60 km of UNESCO-listed porticoes, vibrant piazzas, and a rich music and art scene, and you have a city that is authentic, elegant, and full of life.
Culturally, Bologna is rich too. It has a strong tradition in music, with its opera houses and as a UNESCO City of Music. And if you’re into history, you’ll love wandering through its medieval center, visiting the Piazza Maggiore, and stepping into ancient churches like San Petronio.
So, Bologna is all about incredible food, ancient academia, stunning architecture, and a lively cultural scene.
💡Getting There: Fly into Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport. For easy transfers and regional trains, check my guide on how to get to Bologna from the airport.
What To Do And See In Bologna
Piazza Maggiore
The beating heart of the city, surrounded by the Basilica di San Petronio, Palazzo d’Accursio, and historic cafés. Start your exploration here.
The Basilica di San Petronio dominates one side with its massive, yet unfinished façade.
On another side, you’ll see the Palazzo d’Accursio, which houses the city’s municipal offices. It’s a lively spot where locals and tourists alike gather, making it perfect for people-watching and soaking in the city’s atmosphere.
Palazzo del Podestá, Palazzo dei Notai Palazzo Re Enzo, and Palazzo dei Banchi are all around Piazza Maggiore.
Basilica Of San Petronio
A massive church famous for its unfinished façade and the world’s longest indoor sundial. Step inside to admire its Gothic interior.
Inside, the basilica is equally impressive, with 22 beautiful chapels and stunning frescoes.
On the floor of the Basilica of San Petronio, you’ll find the longest sundial in the world. It was created in the 17th century by Domenico Cassini and stretches an impressive 66.6 meters.
Inside the Basilica of San Petronio, there is yet another world record to be found – the oldest functioning organ, which dates back to the 15th century.
Palazzo del Podestá
Test the “whispering gallery” effect—speak at one side of the arch, and your voice carries clearly to the other side.
Palazzo del Podestá is another stunning piece of medieval architecture in Bologna.
It sits right in Piazza Maggiore, opposite the Basilica of San Petronio. The palace is adorned with thousands of ornamental tiles on its columns, featuring flowers, coats of arms, animals, and faces.
There are over 7,000 unique tiles, and legend says that somewhere among them are two identical ones, but no one has ever found them.
Palazzo d’Accursio
The Palazzo d’Accursio, also known as the Town Hall, stands proudly on the western side of Piazza Maggiore.
This elegant medieval building is a blend of several structures added over the years. Its intricate architecture and detailed façade make it a must-visit spot in Bologna.
Back in the early 13th century, a weekly market was held in the square. On the façade of the Palazzo d’Accursio, near the Neptune Fountain, you can still see the measures used by the merchants.
Look for the two eagles under a window on the same wall. The window itself dates back to the 16th century.
The eagle on the left is thought to be the work of a young Michelangelo Buonarroti, while the one on the right is attributed to Niccolò dell’Arca. Interestingly, the people of Bologna didn’t like Niccolò’s eagle, saying it looked more like a pigeon. However, both authorships are still up for debate.
Neptune Fountain
The fountain was built in the 16th century and symbolizes the Pope’s power, likening it to how Neptune rules the seas. At Neptune’s feet, you’ll see four angels representing the major rivers of the known world at that time: the Danube, the Nile, the Amazon, and the Ganges.
The Neptune statue hides one of the Seven Secrets of Bologna.
The Two Towers: Torre degli Asinelli & Torre Garisenda
You can’t visit Bologna without seeing the famous Towers of Bologna.
The two famous leaning towers in Bologna are the Asinelli Tower and the Garisenda Tower. The Garisenda Tower was originally taller, but a part of it was destroyed to prevent it from falling.
Only the Asinelli Tower can be climbed, with tickets available for 5 euros at the entrance or in advance at the Bologna Welcome Tourist Office.
Climb 498 steps up Torre degli Asinelli for stunning panoramic views. A quintessential Bologna experience.
You’ll get a panoramic look over the red rooftops of the city and the surrounding countryside. It’s a bit of a workout, but the view and the sense of history make it worthwhile.
The Porticoes of Bologna
Bologna is a city of porticoes. They stretch over 60 kilometers, with most of them in the city center. Twelve of these porticoes have been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
They were originally built to extend the second floors of buildings and provide shade and shelter for pedestrians.
UNESCO chose them because they perfectly represent the rich architectural history that has flourished in Bologna, unlike anywhere else. The porticoes have been a part of the city since the late Middle Ages, with some dating back ten centuries.
This long history has led to a remarkable variety of architectural styles that have shaped the city’s unique landscape over the years. Out of the nearly 62 kilometers of porticoes, around 40 kilometers are in the city center.
Since the 1100s, as the University of Bologna grew, there was a need for new urban spaces, which led to the development of these porticoes as both private and public areas for socializing and commerce.
These open-air spaces are a symbol of the city’s hospitality. As you walk the streets of Bologna, you’ll notice different types of porticoes. Some are wooden, like the ones at the 13th-century Casa Isolani in Strada Maggiore and the porticoes of Via Marsala.
Others are semi-porticos without columns, such as those found on the back façades of Palazzo d’Accursio and Palazzo Ghisilardi-Fava from the 14th century.
The iconic arched walkways protect you from the sun and rain, and stretch for miles. Don’t miss walking the longest portico to the San Luca Sanctuary.
Archiginnasio
One of Bologna’s hidden gems—home to ancient lecture halls and an intricate anatomical theater used by medical students centuries ago.
Bologna is home to one of the oldest universities in the world and the oldest in the Western world. The University of Bologna was founded in the 11th century, and its historic building is truly impressive.
The Archiginnasio, a 16th-century structure, used to be the main building of the university. Its beautiful courtyard is decorated with stunning frescoes and sculptures, making it a fantastic spot to soak up the historic atmosphere of the city.
Best of all, admission is free.
The Anatomical Theater
The Teatro Anatomico is a beautifully ornate lecture hall from the 17th century, crafted entirely from wood. It was designed for teaching anatomy and features intricate wooden statues of the human body. In the center of the room, there’s a marble table where students used to perform dissections.
The entrance fee is 3 euros.
Santuario della Madonna di San Luca
A short walk from the city center will take you to the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca. The best way to get there is by walking along the Portico di San Luca, which has over 600 arches and stretches for 3.8 kilometers. The view of Bologna and the surrounding countryside from the top is absolutely stunning.
The Basilica of San Luca and the Portico di San Luca offer some of the most breathtaking views in Bologna. For a unique experience, take the time to capture the beauty of the arcade as you walk along it toward the Sanctuary.
Admission is free, but if you want to access the dome, there’s a 5-euro donation, and it’s 3 euros to visit the crypt.
Piazza Santo Stefano
Santo Stefano in Bologna is often called “sette chiese,” or “seven churches,” because it’s a complex of several religious buildings that were built at different times. While there were originally seven churches in the complex, only four remain today, including the crypts.
The most striking of these is the Chiesa del Santo Sepolcro, which was built in the 5th century on the site of an ancient Temple of Isis.
Inside the complex, there’s a museum that showcases paintings, sculptures, and artworks from various periods. Best of all, entrance to the complex is free.
Canals of Bologna
One of the coolest things to see in Bologna is its canals, sometimes called La Piccola Venezia. They provide a charming and picturesque glimpse of the city. You can see the historic buildings beautifully reflected in the calm waters, making for a unique view of the city.
Quadrilatero Food Market
Bologna is often called “la rossa,” “la grassa,” or “la dotta,” which translates to “the red,” “the fat,” and “the learned” in English.
The nickname “the red” comes from the city’s many red buildings. “The learned” refers to Bologna being home to the oldest university in the Western world. As for “the fat,” you’ll really get a sense of why when you visit Quadrilatero, the old merchants’ quarter behind Piazza Maggiore.
Quadrilatero is the oldest market in Bologna. It dates back to the Middle Ages. Even if you have only one day in Bologna, you shouldn’t miss it.
Quadrilatero is full of charm and the delicious scents of Bolognese food culture. The vibrant streets and food stalls in Quadrilatero are one of the best places for experiencing the city’s culinary delights.
You’ll find stalls selling fresh produce like fruits, vegetables, cheese, fish, homemade pasta, and other local specialties. Many of these family-run businesses have been around for generations. Quadrilatero is Bologna for foodies and one of the best photo spots in Bologna.
💡Food Tip: Book a gourmet food tour or pasta-making workshop:
Mercato delle Erbe
You’ll love Mercato delle Erbe for its lively atmosphere and the wide range of fresh, local produce and specialty foods. It’s a bustling spot where you can find everything from vibrant fruits and vegetables to tasty cheeses and cured meats.
It’s a great place to dive into the local culture and maybe grab a bite from one of the food stalls or cozy eateries inside.
Mercato di Mezzo
Mercato di Mezzo is the perfect spot to try a range of delicious local dishes, from fresh pasta and savory Bologna street food to sweet treats. The tempting array of food stalls and eateries makes it hard to resist sampling everything.
A visit to Mercato di Mezzo is one of the best ways to experience a variety of Italian foods in one place. If you’re in Bologna and want to immerse yourself in the city’s food scene while enjoying a vibrant market atmosphere, this is definitely a must-visit.
TIP: If you’re only visiting Bologna for a day or two, consider taking a food tour and a walking tour. Although Bologna isn’t a large city, booking a tour of Bologna will save you time and give you the opportunity to see the best of Bologna in a short time.
Ready to explore Bologna on foot? These are the best Bologna walking tours I’ve personally handpicked for you — discover the city’s history, hidden gems, and local flavor with expert guides.
👉 Click below to find your perfect tour and secure your spot today!
Bologna Itineraries For 1,2, and 3 Days
1 Day in Bologna
- Morning: Piazza Maggiore → Basilica di San Petronio → The Two Towers
- Afternoon: Lunch at Quadrilatero Market → Archiginnasio → Aperitivo at Piazza Santo Stefano
2 Days in Bologna
- Add: Walk to the Sanctuary of San Luca via the Porticoes → Explore the university district and dine at Via del Pratello
3 Days in Bologna
- Day trip: Visit Modena (balsamic vinegar tastings) or Parma (cheese and ham delights)
💡Transport Tip: Rent a car on Rentalcars.com or prebook regional trains on Omio.
Most of Bologna’s main attractions are within easy walking distance, and one place I highly recommend for dinner is Va Mo La. I celebrated my birthday there on my last visit, and it was unforgettable. Be sure to make a reservation, as it fills up quickly in the evening.
Where to Stay in Bologna (Near the Action)
- Luxury: Grand Hotel Majestic già Baglioni – Elegant, historical, and centrally located
- Mid-range: Hotel Porta San Mamolo – Cozy boutique hotel with garden views
- Budget: Dopa Hostel – Stylish and modern hostel experience
💡Accommodation Tip: Stay near Piazza Maggiore or Bologna Centrale for easy access to the best things to do in Bologna.
Final Travel Tips for Bologna
- Best time to visit: April–June and September–October
- Payments: Credit cards are widely accepted; keep some cash for small vendors
- Safety: Bologna is safe, but stay alert as you would in any urban area
- Stay Connected: Use an Italy eSIM from Airalo to avoid high roaming fees.
- Travel Protected: Get flexible travel insurance from Ekta for peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Bologna is renowned for its gastronomy, medieval towers, endless porticoes, and its world-class university.
Absolutely! You can see major landmarks, taste local dishes, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, all within a day.
Don’t miss tagliatelle al ragù, mortadella, tortellini in brodo, and crescentine with cold cuts.
Take the Marconi Express monorail (7 minutes) or a taxi (€20–25). Prebook transfers via Welcome Pickups.
Yes! Walking tours, food experiences, and skip-the-line sightseeing tours offer deeper insights into the city.
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Plan Your Trip to Bologna with These Trusted Travel Resources
🛏️ Accommodation: Find the best deals on hotels and apartments through Booking.com or Hotels.com. Compare options, read verified reviews, and book confidently at the lowest rates.
✈️ Flights: Use Skyscanner to compare airfare across airlines. For the best flexibility and customer service, we recommend booking directly with the airline once you’ve found the best route.
🚆 Train & Bus Tickets: Travel between Italian cities with ease. Book your bus and train tickets in advance on Omio to compare prices, timetables, and seat options in one place.
🚗 Car Rental: Want more flexibility? Rent a car through Rentalcars.com for the best rates from trusted providers. Ideal for day trips from Bologna to Modena, Parma, or the Emilia-Romagna countryside.
🎟️ Tours & Activities: Discover the best things to do in Bologna and beyond with Viator and GetYourGuide. From food tours to skip-the-line tickets, many experiences sell out fast—secure your spot early!
📶 Stay Connected: Avoid high roaming charges abroad with a travel eSIM from Airalo. Set it up in minutes and stay online from the moment you land.
🛡️ Travel Insurance: Travel smart—protect yourself with affordable and flexible travel medical insurance from Ekta. A must for peace of mind on any international trip.
To Wrap It Up
Bologna will charm you with every step, with its delicious cuisine, medieval ambiance, and authentic local vibe without overwhelming tourist crowds. By following this guide to the best things to do in Bologna, you’re set for an unforgettable Italian journey full of flavor, culture, and timeless beauty.
