Bologna, located in the heart of Emilia Romagna, is an ideal city to use as a base when visiting some of Italy’s top attractions. The majority of Bologna’s basilicas and piazzas are located in the city center and are accessible by foot via a network of walking streets. Climb Asinelli Tower from Piazza Maggiore for panoramic views of the city. Browse the Quadrilatero or follow the aroma of freshly baked goods to historical markets with an Italy tourist visa, where you can also sample one of Bologna’s prized cured meats. This list will help you find the best things to do in Bologna.
Where is Bologna, Italy?
The Emilia-Romagna region in northern Italy is centered in Bologna. It is conveniently reachable by train and situated between Florence to the south and Venice to the north.
When to go to Bologna?
Bologna, like other towns in Europe, comes to life in the May through October pleasant months when it’s not too hot outside and there’s not much rain.
The usual July and August temperature is about thirty degrees, which may be a bit too warm to enjoy a leisurely exploration of the city.
Thus, June or September are the ideal months to visit Bologna because of the long, pleasant days that are neither oppressive nor too hot!
Bologna Fun Things to Do
1. Marvel at the Architecture
Beautiful churches, monuments, and civic buildings can be found in Bologna’s compact medieval centre. While exploring the city, take advantage of its many porticoed sidewalks, which make window shopping even more enjoyable. The hilltop Santuario di Madonna di San Luca (Sanctuary of the Madonna of San Luca) and the Basilica di San Giacomo Maggiore (Basilica of San San Giacomo Maggiore), which have both Renaissance and Baroque influences, are must-see churches with your Italy visit visa. The Archginnasio of Bologna, which was once the main building of the University of Bologna, now houses the Biblioteca Comunale dell’Archiginnasio (Archinnasio Municipal Library) and the Teatro Anatomica (Anatomical Theater), where academics used to dissect human corpses for study.
2. Investigate the Main Squares
You can square-hop between the beautiful central squares of Bologna, such as Piazza Maggiore, which houses the Gothic Basilica of San Petronio, the Palazzo dei Notai, and the Archaeological Museum. In the center of Piazza del Nettuno is an ornate 16th-century fountain surrounded by medieval civic buildings. Make a point of visiting the interior of the Salaborsa Library. As you wander through the Bologna squares, you can also opt for captivating street art tours in Italy.
3. Explore the Piazza Santo Stefano
Piazza Santo Stefano, also known as Piazza delle Sette Chiese (the Square of Seven Churches), is a unique collection of interlocking Romanesque churches. The church of Santi Vitale e Agricola, the oldest, is said to have been built on the ruins of Roman temples and columns. The church is named after two saints who were martyred in Bologna during the reign of Roman Emperor Diocletian and are thought to have died here. There’s also a fascinating courtyard with a maze of small chapels.
4. View the Art at the Bologna National Pinacoteca
One of Italy’s top museums is the Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna (National Art Gallery of Bologna). The museum has welcomed visitors since 1885 and is housed in a former Jesuit structure from the 17th century. It has a sizable collection of medieval paintings from the 13th century and significant pieces from the Renaissance, Mannerism, and Baroque eras. Before going to the art gallery’s temporary exhibitions, view works by Italian artists like Raphael, Titian, and the Carracis. Consider going to the Academy of Fine Arts, housed in the same building, after your visit.
5. Explore the World’s Oldest University
Bologna is a legendary part of the history of Italy and here is the proof. The University of Bologna, founded in 1088, is the world’s oldest university. You don’t have to be a student to visit the Palazzo Poggi Museum, which has exhibits on military architecture, ancient maps, natural history, physics, and human anatomy. You can also visit the Botanic Garden and Herbarium, which was founded in 1568 and is one of Italy’s oldest botanic gardens. If you want to learn more about the university’s history, you can sign up for a tour, but a simple stroll through campus is also a pleasant way to spend an afternoon.
6. Enjoy your Aperitivo
Aperitivo, or the time to have a drink before dinner, begins between 6:30 and 7 p.m. throughout Italy. Via Pescherie Vecchie, just off Piazza Maggiore, is the best place in Bologna for an Aperol Spritz or Negroni. The street is lined with bars and restaurants offering outdoor seating, wine by the bottle or glass, delectable appetizers, and excellent people-watching opportunities. Mercato Delle Erbe, a food market by day, transforms into a vibrant nightlife destination after dark, with a slew of restaurants and food stalls circling a central dining hall.
7. Ascend Asinelli Tower
Bologna Tower in ItalyAfter a large meal, get some exercise by walking up the 498 steps to the top of Asinelli Tower, which stands 97.2 meters (319 feet) tall. It is the world’s tallest leaning medieval tower and the highest point in Bologna, built by the Asinelli family in the 12th century. From the top, you can see all of the city’s major landmarks as well as the surrounding countryside. Nearby is the Garisenda Tower, which is 47 meters (154 feet) shorter and, like its sister, leans slightly. Bologna’s “Two Towers” are made up of two structures. Garisenda Tower does not allow visitors due to its steep incline.
8. Discover the City’s Hidden Canals
Venice may be the most famous city in Italy for canals, but that could be because Bologna’s are hidden behind buildings. You can get a glimpse of some of these canals by visiting the window on Via Piella, which offers a view of the Canale delle Moline with your Italy visa. Alternatively, consider booking a hotel or vacation rental with views of the water.
9. Enter San Petronio church which has such extensive dimensions
The Basilica di San Petronio, which is in Piazza Maggiore, is the oldest and most steadfast church in the city. But its construction which began in 1390 and the opening, which was consecrated some six centuries later under the guidance of Saint Petronius, its patron saint, was not till 1954. See the city’s oldest musical institution, the Music Chapel of San Petronia, within its boundaries. Its 552-year-old organ is still in service today. The astronomer Cassini constructed the world’s longest sundial, measuring 67.27 meters, and the basilica is home to the Cappella Bolognini, or Chapel of the Three Kings, which features frescoes by Giovanni da Modena on its walls.
10. Explore the Longest Portico in the World.
The longest portico in the world is the Portico di San Luca, spanning 3.8 kilometers (2.4 miles) and featuring 666 arches. Built-in the 1700s and 1700s, it begins at Porta Saragozza and ascends the Colle della Guardia hill to the Sanctuary of the Madonna of San Luca. With 666 arches—a number typically linked with “the beast”—it was constructed to shield the sanctuary’s icon from rain during the yearly Feast of the Ascension, symbolizing the Madonna’s triumph over the devil. Although the church is now accessible by car, taking a stroll along the route is a truly authentic Bolognese experience
11. Climb The Orological Torre
In the magnificent Palazzo d’Accursio, the major city board and art collections are located and put near Bologna’s huge Piazza Maggiore. On the other hand, we posted to catch something besides a view of the city that is among its top-rated.
This area has been home to Bologna’s historic monument, the Torre dell’Orologio, since 1250. Torre dell’Orologio has a long and interesting history. Originally constructed as a tower house by professor and jurist Accursio di Bagnolo, it was later purchased by the municipality, who ordered that it be converted into a clock tower in 1444. The clock has been keeping track of the passing of time for the Bolognesi family ever since.
Does Bologna Make a Good Trip?
I sincerely hope you will think about visiting Bologna on your upcoming trip to Italy. It is well worth the journey.
You may easily combine it with other popular travel sites, like Florence and Venice, and take advantage of the chance to sample all that delectable food while getting away from the hordes of tourists.
What Makes Bologna Well-Known?
Bologna is recognized for three different things reflected in its nicknames.
La Dotta, or The Aware
Flowing in the stream of students were the people from everywhere in the world to be part of that first student body of Bologna institution, the ancient one, situated in 1088 and was the first in the Western world.
La Grassa, or “The Fat”
Bologna has hosted various traditional dishes and therefore it has been a favorite to many people. In the Emilia-Romagna region is the meat product for mortadella ham, balsamic vinegar, and parmesan cheese.
Markets’ are excellent, and the dishes are superstitiously divine and full of irresistible flavors!
La Rossa, or “The Red,”
Originally, “The Red” was a reference to the city’s terracotta tiled rooftops, which are most visible from Asinelli Tower.
It also hinted at the city’s socialist political orientation in subsequent years, particularly during and after World War II when it was a center of the resistance movement against Nazism.
Porticos
Bologna is also unique in that nearly every structure has a large number of porticos extending from it.
Originally constructed in the late Middle Ages to provide more living space, these charming arches now have the added benefit of providing shade from the heat and rain while exploring the city.
At about 4 kilometers, Bologna has the world’s longest portico. It begins just beyond the city gates and climbs the hill to Santuario di Madonna di San Luca, one of Bologna’s top tourist destinations
Activities for Foodies in Bologna
1. Try the Local Specialties
The cuisine of the Emilia-Romagna region is among the best in Italy, and Bologna is a great place to sample it. Beyond spaghetti bolognese, there’s a plethora of other classics to try, including lasagna and tagliatelle drenched in ragu—a slow-cooked meat sauce—as well as handmade stuffed pasta like tortellini. Salami and mortadella are also popular in the city. There are numerous excellent restaurants in Bologna, but for a special occasion, make a reservation at I Portici, the city’s (surprisingly) only Michelin-starred restaurant.
2. Experiment with New Flavors Along Via Clavature
The area along Via Clavature east of Piazza Maggiore has several small, interesting food stalls, as well as a number of small markets on side streets. Pescheria Brunelli, for example, is the town’s oldest fish market and well worth a visit with your Italy visa. If you’re pressed for time and looking for a quick bite, stop by Mercato di Mezzo. This covered market is ideal for purchasing edible or drinkable souvenirs and dining at a casual restaurant. You can also go for food walking tours.
3. Purchase Food at the Quadrilatero
One of the city’s most atmospheric neighborhoods is the Quadrilatero. Since the Middle Ages, this collection of winding lanes off the main square has served as Bologna’s market. It is still crowded with delis and vendors offering enormous wheels of parmesan, legs of ham, and immaculate stacks of fruit and vegetables.
One of the most charming streets is Via Pescherie Vecchie, which features yellow and terracotta houses, antique street lighting, vintage signage, and restaurant tables that overflow into the sidewalk.
Fish from the canals was once sold at these stores, but these days, fresh pasta and cheese pieces are more common.
4. Explore the Mercato Delle Erbe Through Food
Although the Quadrilatero is a nice place to buy cheese and cured meats, I liked the Mercato Delle Erbe, a food market in Bologna, more for fresh vegetables.
Most of the gorgeous fruits and vegetables that you may find here are imported from Italy. The fact that strawberries were in season in April in the Basilicata region will thrill you.
There’s also a fancy food court where you may have an entire meal or just a few sandwiches, piadina, or pizza slices.
How Much Time Is Allotted in Bologna?
Even with only one day in Bologna, you may explore all the main attractions in the old center, such as those listed in the section above on old Things to Do in Bologna, and still have time for a delectable lunch and gelato.
However, a longer stay is well worth it in the city. Bologna is growing in popularity as a weekend getaway from the UK and other European cities.
You might explore all the historical sites in two or three days and still have time for shopping, a culinary tour, and a stroll up to San Luca, not to mention many delectable dinners.
As we did, you should ideally stay in Bologna for a week to provide time for day trips throughout the city.
Final words
To be honest, walking through Bologna’s historic centre is the best way to explore it. Walking through those narrow alleyways, cobblestone streets, and labyrinthine roads transports you to medieval Europe. Biking is also an excellent, non-polluting way to explore the city.