Nestled within the coronary heart of Italy’s Food Valley in Emilia-Romagna sits the historic metropolis of Bologna. Although first-time guests to Italy typically overlook Bologna in favor of cosmopolitan Milan, Venice, Rome and Florence, vacationers “in the know” take the time to go to Bologna — a vibrant and foodie heart of Italy. There is quite a bit to see and much more to eat, however you possibly can “do” Bologna in someday, whether or not you might be visiting on a day journey or staying in a single day in “La Grassa” (the fats one.)
A visit to Bologna ought to be in your “must-see” Italy listing. Even if you’re quick on time, you and your loved ones can simply navigate compact and charming Bologna in someday. If you might be questioning what to see in Bologna, effectively it’s chock stuffed with medieval towers, gorgeous colonnades, atmospheric cafes, Renaissance structure, and the tastiest pasta round.
If you are taking an additional day whereas transiting between Florence and Venice, you’ll enjoyment of exploring certainly one of Italy’s greatest meals cities. And, when you can spend two days in Bologna, you possibly can eat, I imply see, much more.
I’ve put collectively this 1 day in Bologna itinerary to make planning your journey simple. It cowl what to see in Bologna, the perfect excursions in Bologna, the place to remain in Bologna, and a few locations to eat that you just don’t wish to miss in your go to. Plus, I’ve added some foodie bonuses you probably have somewhat extra time in Bologna.
Is Bologna Worth Visiting?
The quick reply is sure, Bologna is effectively value at the least a brief go to, particularly if you’re seeking to expertise extra of Italy’s meals tradition. But Bologna isn’t simply in regards to the meals. It can also be the house to the oldest constantly working University on the earth, with the University of Bologna relationship again to 1088. Don’t be shocked when you see younger individuals parading round with wreaths on their heads to point they’ve simply completed their coursework on the University.
With over 90,000 college students, Bologna is an lively and thriving “student city” that feels way more like a metropolis the place individuals stay, work, and research, than different Italian cities that appear like they’re largely populated by vacationers. This can provide a little bit of a chaotic vibe, with college students on bikes zipping right here and there, disregarding the visitors guidelines, and making cross the road really feel a bit like a recreation of Frogger.
So if you’re searching for an genuine Italian expertise, with nice meals and a wealthy historical past and progressive tradition, put Bologna in your Italy itinerary!
Bologna first got here on my radar over 10 years in the past when a buddy shared images of the attractive porticos in Bologna. At the time I assumed, if I ever go to Bologna, I would like to seek out out the place these porticos are to verify I see them. Later I discovered that there are 42 kilometers of porticos within the historic metropolis heart of Bologna, so discovering some to {photograph} shouldn’t be a problem.
Some of those had been broken throughout bombings in World War II. Even then, Bologna was an anti-fascist capital (resulting in the nickname as a “red” metropolis even in the present day with left-leaning tendencies). These are actually protected and since 2021, Bologna is called the “City of Porticoes” following its nomination as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In 2006, Bologna was additionally named the UNESCO “City of Music”, which contributes to a wealthy musical custom and a vigorous nightlife.
The meals. The frenetic power. The schooling. The music. The tradition. There are many causes that make Bologna value visiting.
What to See In Bologna in One Day
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With 24 hours in Bologna, you possibly can tour town, eat your approach by city, store underneath intricate porticos, and even have fun with locals. And if you’re staying longer, be sure you try this first-timer’s information to Bologna.
Morning: tour town
Exploration of town of Bologna virtually at all times begins in Piazza Maggiore, the beating coronary heart of town. This is the place you will see that The Basilica di San Petronio, Palazzo del Podesta (a civic constructing with a quiet courtyard), and the well-known Neptune’s Fountain.
Piazza maggiore
By the way in which, when you go to with a information, be sure you ask them to point out you the angle of Neptune that’s sculptor Giambologna’s little FU to the Papacy that commissioned the fountain, however who later objected to its Pagan sensuality.
The Basilica di San Petronio is the most important within the metropolis (and the sixth largest in Europe), devoted to Petronio, the Patron Saint of the City, who was a Bishop within the fifth century. This church dominates the sq. however shouldn’t be town’s official cathedral, that’s the Duomo di San Pietro (not the identical saint), simply down the street. While the facade of the church is unfinished, this was at all times meant as a public house for the individuals and the church truly wasn’t even consecrated till 1954. Just keep in mind that when you go to, you will have lined knees and shoulders for entry.
BOlogna Tours
It is simple to discover these landmarks by yourself, however for a extra in-depth take a look at Bologna and its historical past, I’d advocate taking a metropolis tour.
There are some ways to discover Bologna’s highlights and hidden gems. I took a three-hour strolling tour within the morning with WithLocals. My information was Margherita and she or he was full of data and enjoyable tales, serving to me get my bearings and be taught a bit extra in regards to the lengthy and fascinating historical past of Bologna. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Foreign Languages & Cultures in Bologna and nice perception into the outdated streets, stunning monuments, Medieval towers, church buildings, museums, and the meals traditions of Bologna.
Another option to discover, which is very enjoyable with teenagers is by segway! Lisa and her daughter took a BolognaAway City Tour to zoom round this spectacular Italian metropolis. Their energetic and cute tour information, co-owner Vanessa, expertly led them by this colourful metropolis on petite Ninebot-like transporters. (Note: contributor Lisa and her daughter got complimentary excursions for functions of evaluate.)
These slighter smaller and lighter weight Segway sort machines make metropolis maneuvering really easy…and a lot extra enjoyable for teenagers (and adults too). This firm prioritizes security, ensuring that we felt snug utilizing the Segway earlier than setting off by the streets.
I’d additionally advocate a personal strolling tour of Bologna with LivTours, certainly one of my favourite companions for small-group and personal excursions in Italy.
TIP: Schedule a tour early within the day so you possibly can orient your self and determine the place you wish to spend the remainder of your afternoon.
Most excursions will cowl the primary highlights of what to see in Bologna, however you’ll want to verify the tour description to see when you merely see these sights from the surface or have a guided tour of the within as effectively. This will typically rely on how lengthy your tour is (and clearly you aren’t going inside many locations with a segway!)
Whether you tour by yourself or with a information, there are a couple of must-see sights in Bologna that you just wish to squeeze into your someday in Bologna. You can match many of those into one morning.
Two Towers
After beginning on the Piazza Maggiore and seeing the Neptune fountain the Basilica di San Petronio, it’s five-minute stroll to the Asinelli Twin Towers. These constructions had been constructed by rich Bolognese households to show their wealth, which is why you may have two proper subsequent to one another — attempting to compete to be the tallest. Today these towers lean barely and aren’t in a position to maintain an elevator.
So if you wish to climb the Asinelli tower, which was constructed between 1109 and 1119, you will have to return again after your tour and climb 498 steps to the highest. Just be sure you e-book your tickets a couple of days upfront! When I visited in October, it was nonetheless fairly heat and I had no need to get scorching and sweaty climbing to the highest. (Tip: if you would like one other view with out fairly as many energy strains from the cable vehicles, you may as well climb to the panoramic terrace on the Basilica di San Petronio.)
Seven Churches
From the Two Towers, it’s a 5 minute stroll to the complicated of the Seven Churches at Basilica di Santo Stefano and Piazza Santo Stefano, one of many prettiest squares in Bologna. The entrance to this complicated of church buildings begins on the Church of the Crucifix (Chiesa del Crocifisso). Your information can discover the distinctive historical past of how these church buildings happened and their distinctive histories.
In between the assorted buildings you possibly can take a peaceable break within the Pilato Courtyard and medieval cloister.
Teatro Anatomico
From the Seven Churches it’s a seven-minute stroll over the Teatro Anatomico. At first I assumed, why on earth would I wish to see an outdated anatomical theater, the place college students discovered to function utilizing cadavers? But not solely is that this room an architectural marvel, its historical past, in excessive distinction with the management of the church and papacy which was decidedly anti-science, was equally fascinating. This is a tiny glimpse into Bologna’s buzzing University Quarter.
This amphitheater was was designed in 1637 for anatomical classes and it was constructed by the Bolognese architect Antonio Paolucci. The partitions are fabricated from spruce wooden and festooned with statues depicting twelve well-known physicians. The ornate wooden ceilings are a masterpiece. As gory because the historical past of the room may be, you’ll want to sit and take time to understand the small particulars.
By this time you’ll in all probability be getting hungry for lunch. There are extra landmarks to see however these are the highest highlights and can depart you loads of time to discover the attractive streets by yourself later. Some excursions can also embody a go to to the Bologna’s “secret window” that gives a view of the “Venice of Bologna.”
Just remember the fact that these canals in Bologna are generally drained to be cleaned throughout the fall, so your view might not be as fairly as it’s at different instances of 12 months.
Afternoon: Eat and Explore Some More
After all that strolling you can be hungry so attempt to beeline it over to Sfoglia Rina. This famend pasta store may have a line out the door by midday. If you get there late and aren’t ready to attend, there are many tempting cafes to be discovered at each nook. But ready at Sfoglia Rina is value it.
The girls at Sfoglia Rina make tortellini by hand. You can select recent pasta to go on the counter (no wait) or sit within the cafe, opened in 2010, and revel in a scrumptious meal. I’d extremely advocate the easy dish of tortellini in brodo, which is simply the small stuffed pasta in a wealthy hen broth that’s higher than any tortellini soup you may have ever had.
The desserts are additionally scrumptious. I attempted a fig cheesecake that was unbelievable. Once your abdomen is full, it’s time to discover extra of Bologna. Maybe it’s time to climb these 498 steps up the Medieval Asinelli tower to burn off these energy.
Other highlights embody the gorgeous Library of Archiginnasio, stroll by the previous Jewish ghetto, or simply benefit from the many miles of porticos!
For a style of the oldest buying space, meander alongside the Via Drapperie and discover the atmospheric Quadrilatero space. If your loved ones prefers to buy till you drop, take a break from sightseeing and stroll underneath the porticos buying in stunning boutiques.
Early Evening: Take a Food Tour!
An absolute should in Bologna is to eat and eat and eat some extra. This culinary epicenter of Italy has a bounty of tasty treats. To be taught extra in regards to the foodie tradition of this area, Lisa joined proprietor of Delicious Bologna, Mattia Tozzoli, on his expertly curated mouth-watering meals tour to point out us the place to eat in Bologna.
From hidden, small family-owned gourmand shops, to sitting right down to share a tasty meal, 4 hours with Mattia leaves visitors educated about wine, home-made pasta, pizza, native cured meat, cheese, balsamic vinegar, espresso, and small batch gelato!
This tour allows you to pattern all kinds of Bolognese merchandise in just some hours. If your loved ones want to go to an operational pasta manufacturing unit as a part of the expertise, try Delicious Bologna’s morning tour.
A spotlight on our meals tour was our stress-free sit down dinner at a neighborhood conventional trattoria sampling hundreds (actually heaping plates) of assorted native pastas. Owner Mattia’s ardour for meals and his roots within the surrounding Emilia Romagna area are instantly evident! This gastronomic tour contains hidden spots and fascinating historic tidbits.
When I went to Bologna, I wasn’t in a position to match a tour with Delicious Bologna into my schedule so I booked a Bologna meals tour with Taste Bologna as a substitute. It was a shorter, much less formal tour with stops in a bakery, butchery, cheese store, the well-known Osteria del Sole (see beneath), a stroll by a neighborhood meals market (Mercato del Herbe), a sampling of assorted pizza, and ending with a cease at an artisanal gelato store.
Luckily there are lots of meals excursions to select from in Bologna together with:
Anytime: Hang Out with the locals
Bologna is the final word faculty city and the youthful vibe that permeates town is contagious. Our spotlight was visiting throughout the world-famous Sotto Le Stelle Del Cinema or open-air film pageant positioned within the heart of town, Piazza Maggiore.
You will pay to order a seat upfront or mimic the locals grabbing some takeout pizza and gelato and lounging on the church steps picnicking throughout the movie. Some nights, such because the night time we visited, even function English-language films.
A priceless reminiscence for us was ending our go to to this magical metropolis experiencing what it’s wish to be a neighborhood on this area of Italy.
Another enjoyable option to socialize with locals is by selecting up some mortadella, cheese, and bread on the markets and head over to Osteria del Sole, the oldest enoteca in Bologna. Welcoming locals since 1465, this osteria doesn’t serve meals however you possibly can carry your personal picnic. This no-frills atmosphere is a real native institution.
More Food Experiences
If you may have extra time in Bologna, you may have time for extra meals experiences!
Cooking Class with Cesarine
On my second day in Italy, I made a decision to take a cooking class. There are many choices, however I needed to attempt a cooking class with Cesarine, a community of over 1,500 dwelling cooks throughout Italy who train cooking lessons utilizing their household recipes of their houses. I met my information and instructor Paola in Piazza Maggiore. From there we toured the markets, selecting up substances that we might use throughout our cooking demo. We then walked to her charming residence simply exterior of the historic heart.
Over the course of the following couple of hours, I discovered to make piadina, a comfortable Italian flatbread that we later served with cheese and meats that we picked up on the markets as an apertivo. Next, we made the dough for tagliatelle pasta — certainly one of my favorites. After making ready a tiramisu for dessert and taking a break for the apertivo, I discovered (or tried at the least) how you can roll out the pasta by hand to that good, delicate thinness essential to make the proper pasta bolognese.
We didn’t make the bolognese meat sauce within the class, since that takes hours to simmer, however Paola did share her personal recipe and we used the bolognese that she ready earlier than I arrived. When all the pieces was ready, it was time to eat! While I took a cooking class alone, this is able to even be such a enjoyable exercise to do with a household or associates. I extremely advocate attempting to slot in a cooking class while you’re in Bologna!
Tour Food Valley
From Bologna, I continued on to Parma, from which I took a full day tour of the Food Valley, however you may as well take this tour from Bologna. If you may have ever seen the Bologna episode of Stanley Tucci’s Searching for Italy, you’ll respect this tour as you might be principally following in Stanley’s footsteps!
My tour with Food Valley Travel was unbelievable! I began out visiting a cheese manufacturing unit and obtained to see how parmesan cheese (and a few ricotta) is made and aged, which was fascinating and a glimpse into the place meals comes from. Of course, every cease ended with a tasting (belief me there was no want for dinner after I was lastly deposited again on the resort.) Our subsequent cease was at a parma ham producer and wow, I’ve by no means seen a lot pork in my life.
Even although I used to be already getting full, it was subsequent time for lunch at a neighborhood vineyard with wonderful views of the meals valley. There was wine, there was cheese and meats, and, after all, pasta. Luckily the following cease was at a Balsamic vinegar producer at a household vineyard, since tasting small quantities of this liquid gold is nice in your digestion. Getting to style the assorted agings of each cheese, ham, and vinegar was such a implausible foodie expertise!
Fico Eataly World
Sadly, each Lisa and I weren’t in a position to go to FICO Eataly World (positioned simply exterior town) after we had been in Bologna both for lack of time or as a result of they had been closed on these days. Eataly has been described a theme park-like sprawling campus devoted to the tradition, traditions and craftsmanship of Italian meals (free entry, pay per exercise).
Your household can take insider excursions of culinary factories, join cooking lessons, and actually style your approach by all of Italy’s culinary delights. Eataly provides many family-friendly actions for all ages.
Getting to Bologna
You can typically discover reasonably priced flights to Bologna that join by Europe to G. Marconi Airport Bologna (BLQ). Getting from the airport to town heart is simple utilizing the brand new People Mover practice from the airport to the Central Station (Stazione Centrale). This high-speed practice takes solely seven minutes and is sort of reasonably priced (you should purchase tickets utilizing contactless cost on-site.)
If you favor to go on to your resort with no need to tug your baggage by busy streets, a taxi from the practice station will take roughly 15-Half-hour and value about 20 euro. There are taxis out there on the airport however if you wish to organize a switch out of your resort to the airport with out worrying about ready time, I might advocate scheduling a visit with Welcome Pickups.
Many guests arrive in Bologna by way of practice into Stazione Central from cities throughout Italy. Personally, I discovered the practice from Verona to Bologna very simple to make use of, at the same time as a solo traveler with giant baggage. From the practice station, it’s a 15-20 minute simple stroll to the middle of city. However, when you don’t wish to drag your baggage, you possibly can simply seize a taxi. Just remember the fact that that practice station in Bologna is sort of giant, so when departing you wish to give your self time to get to the best platform.
Where to Stay in Bologna
Lisa discovered the well-centered boutique Art Hotel Novecento to be the perfect base for our keep in Bologna. This resort nestled within the historic heart of town at Piazza Galileo is simply across the nook from the vigorous Piazza Maggiore.
The included bountiful breakfast buffet that includes native culinary merchandise supplied us with a hearty begin to our every day adventures. The employees at this contemporary resort went above and past to reply all our questions and assist us map out our day’s plans.
When I visited Bologna in October, I stayed on the Grand Majestic Hotel “Glia Baglioni”, a 5-star property in a superb location within the metropolis heart. While it’s pricier than different accommodations I stayed at in Northern Italy, for a brief keep and luxury, the placement cannot be beat. My room wasn’t giant nevertheless it was pretty, with a view searching on the Duomo di San Pietro.
The Grand Majestic Hotel is a part of American Express’ assortment of Fine Hotels, which implies when you e-book by American Express Travel utilizing your AmEx Platinum, you’ll obtain sure perks like a possible improve and a $100 meals and beverage credit score, which I used at I Carracci, a wonderful eating restaurant within the resort. At that point, I used to be additionally in a position to obtain a $200 credit score for reserving a Fine Hotels Collection property on my AmEx Platinum, which made this luxurious resort very reasonably priced for a brief keep.
It is well-worth spending someday in Bologna (or extra.) I’d wish to return to attempt extra eating places and get somewhat extra off-the-beaten-path. At the identical time, I’ll admit that I take pleasure in a number of the quieter cities like Parma and Verona a bit extra, however I’d nonetheless say to go, at the least as soon as.
This article was initially written by Lisa Grabelle and I’ve since revised and up to date it primarily based alone expertise spending two days in Bologna. Lisa is a journey author for Hilton Suggests and has been touring all her life. You can observe Lisa on Twitter or Instagram.
