Searching for a ideal itinerary spanning two days serving as a pleasant introduction to our beloved city in Italy? You`ve come to the right place – we adore Bologna, thinking it fundamental on any Italy itinerary for a couple reasons. We`ve visited Bologna twice over the past few years, with plans to return in a few months.
We believe Bologna is worth including on a trip to Italy because it offers a different vibe than the other major cities in Italy – a large percentage of the population are students at the University, and the tourists tend to be Italian (or German – they’re everywhere!) – and it happens to be the best Italian city for food connoisseurs.
We have two goals with this guide.
Firstly, we aim to capitalize on our experiences exploring Bologna (and Emilia-Romagna) to effectively assist you in planning an incredible trip.
Secondly, we want to persuade you to allocate an extra day or two in Bologna during your Italy trip (we realize there`s much to experience in Italy, but we firmly think Bologna is worth it!).
This guide will cover everything needed to know to spend 2 days in Bologna. Along the way, we’ll discuss favorite activities, sights, foods, and beverages in Bologna, important logistical details visitors should know beforehand, and more.
Throughout the guide, we’ll share our favorite discoveries and experiences in Bologna based on our trip to help youplan your unforgettable visit.
Does this plan sound agreeable to you? Pack flexible clothing and let’s get started!
Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post, like hotel links, are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we make a little bit of money if you click through and book. That being said, we would never recommend something to you that we don’t stand behind 100%.
Table of Contents
Is Bologna Worth Visiting?
As we have formerly discussed in the introduction, we could potentially be Bologna`s most enthusiastic admirers outside of Italy. Which prompts the consideration surrounding why we have this section here, provided that we evidently accept it`s worthwhile visiting.
It goes back to our second reason for composing this guide – to convince you to add Bologna to your trip to Italy (which inevitably means trimming something else).
Therefore, we must justify why Bologna merits inclusion over, say, extra days in Rome or Florence (or visiting Venice at all).
As our friends can attest, we adore Bologna as a city, telling everyone we meet they must include it on their Italian visit, even if it`s their first time.
Bologna is a city that contrasts with most others commonly visited early in exploring Italy.
For one aspect, it’s a nice change from areas like Rome, Florence, and Venice, where it feels like it’s all visitors and no citizens as you’re strolling around the streets in the core. In Bologna, the blend is more seriously tilted towards locals and, most noticeably, learners.
When traveling, we favor balancing the renowned tourist spots and less renowned cities where people truly reside. And, for us, Bologna fits fairly squarely in that second class.
The other reason to visit Bologna is the food.
Bologna has the finest cuisine city that we’ve visited in Italy, and it’s not even close in our minds.
One of the most compelling parts of visiting Italy is having expectations about “Italian” cuisine entirely transformed.
Here, Italian food (now knowing Italian–American is separate) involves dense sauces with lots of garlic, garlic bread, and chicken parmigiana.
The truth is that Italian food culture differs vastly from region to region, and relies heavily on the fresh ingredients available in close proximity.
For example, in Sicily, you’ll find lots of fresh seafood because of its island location and perpetual proximity to the coast. In Tuscany, it’s olives, wild boar, and sheep cheese (pecorino) because those are the ingredients that are readily available locally.
If we had to pick our favorite Italian culinary region, we`d choose Bologna.
Here’s an exercise: write down your five favorite Italian ingredients (rather than dishes). Chances are at least one of the things you listed comes from Bologna’s region, Emilia-Romagna.
There`s good reason the city is known as “La Grassa” (“the plump one”). It`s about as close to heaven for foodies as you can get.
The Emilia-Romagna region is the birthplace of countless Italian delicacies including Prosciutto di Parma, Parmesan-Reggiano cheese, Balsamic Vinegar from Modena, and some wonderful wines (we love lambrusco, a sparkling light red). And Bologna sits at the heart of it all.
The city is also home to traditional Bolognese Ragù – which is unlike anything you’ve ever tasted before.
It stands in stark contrast to the Americanized Spaghetti Bolognese familiar to many.
I don’t know about you, but my mom made it by browning ground beef and adding canned tomato sauce, which is definitely NOT how a nonna from Bologna would prepare it.
For what it’s worth, we often make it at home using this well-known recipe, and it’s delicious each time.
In essence, yes, Bologna is certainly worth a visit, and there’s good reason we incorporated it into our proposed two week route through Italy over other, more renowned destinations in the country like the Amalfi Coast or Cinque Terre.
Is 2 Days in Bologna Enough?
While Bologna features a relatively compact layout permitting exploration of highlights possibly within a day, that alone does not fully represent the charming Italian atmosphere we feel the city has to offer visitors.
We believe spending 2 days in Bologna achieves a good balance between investing enough time to truly get to know the city while making sure you make the most of your time in Italy.
It allows you to do AT LEAST one guided tour – potentially two tours, if you want to really delve into the food culture – and also ensures enough time to do the climb up to the Santuario Madonna di San Luca, the church on the hill that overlooks the city. According to friends who live in Bologna, this is their favorite activity to do with visitors.” “
There are also some excellent day trips further into Emilia-Romagna like Parma and Modena, that deserve an extra day on your itinerary if time allows.
Spending a single day exploring Bologna may be rushed, missing out on some intriguing aspects that don`t make sense with extremely limited time, as explained in more detail in our guide on spending one afternoon in the city.
For what its worth, we originally visited Bologna years ago on a day trip from Florence, only to find ourselves craving more.
The following year, we returned for a five day excursion, which was a whirlwind of filled pastas, cured meats, and as much Bolognese as we could consume during that time period.
Where to Stay in Bologna
If you’re lucky enough to have an overnight stay in Bologna, you’re going to want to stay in Bologna’s city center. However, there are a couple factors to consider.
First, you want to be within a short 5-10 minute walk of Piazza Maggiore, which is the beating heart of the city center and will be the centerpiece for many of the planned activities on your itinerary (just about everything, with the exception of San Luca, is about 10-15 minutes away from Piazza Maggiore).
Another thing to consider here is street noise. As we learned on our initial two nights in Bologna when we stayed in a guesthouse directly above a well-liked bar.
Bologna is a site of higher education – one of the oldest colleges in the world, actually – which signifies there’s an enormous student population. Specifically on Fridays and Saturdays in particular, they become rowdy. And it can become loud.
If that does not sound appealing to you (we concur!), we would recommend avoiding the area northeast of Piazza Maggiore, which is at the heart of University life in Bologna.
We have an entire guide dedicated to assisting you in determining where to stay in Bologna with FAR more detail. Here’s the basic summary.
For more details, head over to our guide to the linked best places to stay in Seattle, which covers our picks for the best neighborhoods for a variety of travel styles and budgets, complete with pros and cons for each.
It’s essentially a small B&B that takes up one floor on a residential building about five minutes from Piazza Maggiore. The rooms are fairly roomy with comfortable beds and private bathrooms, and it’s a good home base for a few nights in Bologna.
We also located lodging at the Social Hub Hostel in Bologna, a trendy youthful hotel situated in Bolognina close to Bologna Centrale.
While the location is farther away from Bologna’s main attractions, it is a gorgeous hotel with many great amenities (a pool, a nice gym, a bar, an events calendar, and ping pong, among others).
Additionally, it’s about five minutes on foot from the train station, so it’s convenient in that sense.
I will say that it definitely has a younger feel, and almost skews into hostel territory with its amenities and clientele.
If you’re looking for lodging, check out Canonica Suites, which is where I kind of wish we had stayed.
A Perfect 2 Day Bologna Itinerary for First Timers
Over the course of 2 days in Bologna, visitors will admire the architectural details of Bologna, delve into the city’s significance as a major university hub and stronghold of left-leaning politics, and, naturally, indulge in the bountiful variety of foods (and beverages) that Bologna and the broader Emilia-Romagna region have to provide.
Here’s an overview of the agenda you’ll find below:
- Day 1: An Introduction to Bologna (Piazza Maggiore, Quadrilatero, and a Guided Walk)
- Day 2: Places of worship, outdoor corridors, and a culinary adventure
Day 1: An Introduction to Bologna
Spend your first day in Bologna exploring the urban center and major attractions (whatever exists in Bologna`s minimalist style) to immerse yourself before deeper discovery on the second day.
Start your day exploring some of the city`s significant historic sites, prior to enjoying a delicious meal in the renowned Quadrilatero district.
In the afternoon, climb the iconic Asinelli Tower for views over the city, then end your day on a guided walking tour led by a local resident.
But First, Coffee
There’s no better way to start a day in Italy than with some delicious locally brewed coffee. And Bologna is no exception.
Locating good coffee anywhere in Italy is simple. You can’t go wrong with a robust espresso or milky cappuccino, which is offered nearly everywhere in Bologna.
But finding a great specialty coffee can be somewhat hit-or-miss. Thankfully, I (Matt, aka resident coffee specialist) am known for investing the time and research to track down bright and fruity coffee around the world.
My preferred coffee in Bologna came from Aroma Specialty Coffee, a cozy little cafe hidden within the porticoes a few minutes west of Piazza Maggiore.
The café offers both traditional Italian coffee options as well as fun flavored coffee drinks. a selection of freshly baked pastries and cakes are available each morning for breakfast. They also serve coffee roasted from several Italian roasters.”
We frequented Aroma multiple times during our stay in Bologna, such as to purchase a bag of beans from Gardelli, my favorite Italian roaster.
Explore Around Piazza Maggiore
After you’re nourished and energized, head just a few minutes down the street to Piazza Maggiore, Bologna’s main square and the beating heart of the city.
The large piazza is the iconic image representing Bologna and is home to many of its most impressive and important buildings, including the Palazzo d’Accursio (Municipal Palace) and the huge Basilica di San Petronio (which we’ll discuss more later).
Piazza Maggiore is also full of people at all times. You’ll discover many talented street performers in the square throughout the day, each surrounded by a small group, giving the area a fun and lively feel.
One of my favorite activities in Piazza Maggiore is simply taking a seat on the church`s steps for a few moments, basking in the sunshine and watching the world pass by.
Here are a few focal points in the main piazza in Bologna to focus on.
Fontana del Nettuno
While exploring Piazza Maggiore, be sure to visit the nearby Piazza del Nettuno as well. The small connecting plaza houses the renowned 16th-century Fontana del Nettuno (Fountain of Neptune).
The iconic fountain is surrounded by mythical creatures and topped with a large bronze figure of Neptune, the Roman god of the sea.
So what makes this particular fountain exceptional?
Well, Bologna’s famous Neptune fountain holds several secrets. The first of which involves Rather risqué optical illusion…
The fountain was commissioned to symbolize the power of Pope Pius IV at that time, as he ruled the land similar to how Neptune ruled the seas. However, the Pope voiced reservations about the statue and requested the artists make the nude God somewhat less revealing.
The artist, Giambologna, was irritated by the church`s censorship but complied nonetheless and got retribution secretly. He sculpted the statue so that when viewed from a specific angle, Neptune`s thumb makes the God appear remarkably well-endowed.
Visitors standing on the infamous `stone of shame` piazza paving behind the statue can see this optical illusion, so termed locally.
Another, less crude, secret of the statue is that it served as inspiration for the logo of a very famous automobile manufacturer. Can you determine which one?
Neptune’s trident inspired the Maserati brothers, who originally hailed from Bologna. It became the emblem for their very first automobile.
Over a century later, the three-pronged trident remains the logo of one of the world`s most luxury automobile brands, Maserati.
Basilica di San Petronio
Another very important landmark near Piazza Maggiore is the monumental Basilica di San Petronio.
Renowned for its unfinished marble facade, the huge 14th century church exemplifies Italian Gothic architecture as one of the city’s most important buildings.
But why is the exterior only partially finished?
Briefly stated – and in the manner of Drunk History – Bologna attempted to construct an immense church that would surpass all others in Italy, even The Vatican, in grandeur.
Not surprisingly, the Catholic Church did not endorse this idea and put an end to the construction, employing somewhat clandestine tactics. This has resulted in the half-marble, half-brick façade being left unfinished for hundreds of years.
While appreciating its distinctive architecture, Basilica di San Petronio is likewise deserving of an interior visit to view its features. Entry to the church is gratis. But a €2 fee applies for photographic documentation.
From within, you can truly appreciate the magnitude and grandeur of the enormous church. Bologna had already managed to build a lot before construction was halted.
It may be prudent to rent a vehicle if exploring further afield in the greater San Francisco area, but the city`s public transportation will also suffice for getting around.
Cattedrale Metropolitana di San Pietro
The second, less imposing (but more significant) church in Bologna is situated just a brief walk away down the city’s main avenue of Via dell’Indipendenza.
Cattedrale Metropolitana di San Pietro may not be quite as large as Basilica di San Petronio, but as the city’s official cathedral, it’s certainly worth visiting too (plus, it’s free).
The original place of worship dates back to the 10th-11th centuries but has seen significant changes over time. In the 1700s, a striking Baroque red brick facade was added, representing Bologna. One of the city`s nicknames is “La Rossa” (the red one).
The cathedral’s grand interior is also available to freely explore. Inside are many artwork by famous Italian artists, while the church museum holds an abundance of important religious relics from the building’s 1000 year history.
You can also climb the cathedral`s bell tower, standing 70 meters tall and the second highest in the city. It costs €5 to ascend to the summit and enjoy the amazing views from the top.
However, the posted hours did not always match what was actually available – at least not during our visit.
Lunch in Quadrilatero
By the time you’ve finished exploring Bologna’s historic highlights, you will probably have built up quite the appetite. So it is finally time to dive into the city’s famous cuisine.
For lunch, head to the Quadrilatero district, located just off Piazza Maggiore.
This charming little neighborhood comprises of many narrow pedestrian-only roads crammed with countless market stalls, delis, shops, cafes, and restaurants.
Not only are there plenty of great places to grab a tasty lunch, but you can also browse for edible souvenirs to take home with you. We find that food-related gifts are always the biggest hit among friends and family, and this is a good place to find them.
Diners can’t go wrong with any choice in Quadrilatero, but here are a few of our favorites for guidance:
- Zerocinquantino offers a charming small wine bar and eatery renowned for its selections of cured meats and cheeses as well as freshly made sandwiches, piadina, and tigelle (traditional flatbreads from Emilia-Romagna). It`s perfect for those seeking a light local lunch rather than a hearty meal. The bar is consistently busy with locals and visitors alike, so you may need to be assertive to get a table during peak lunch hours.
- Located nearby, Drogheria Gilberto is another wine bar and shop that was appreciated. They focus on small dishes, with a wide variety of Italian meats and cheeses available. This location may appeal more to adventurous eaters – when we inquired about one of the meats, the server cryptically replied before clarifying, leaving the specifics unnamed. For those with a sweet tooth, the shop also offers a fantastic assortment of Italian chocolates and sweets.
- Tamburini is an iconic market and wine lounge (separate areas that are directly alongside one another) that has been a beloved fixture in the Bologna meals scene since it first commenced in 1932. The bar possesses a nice assortment of Italian cured meats and cheeses, along with authentic Bolognese specialties and an array of homemade desserts. The shop is also a great spot to obtain some locally packaged delicacies, like traditional cold cuts, cheeses, and regional wines (we discovered our favorite bottle of Lambrusco here).
Climbing the Asinelli Tower
If you aren’t able to climb the bell tower of San Pietro in the morning, worry not. Your first stop after lunch involves an even taller structure (the tallest in the city!) – the Torre degli Asinelli.
This is the first thing we ever did in Bologna.
With friends visiting from out of town, we ascended the tower in the city where we had lived for a time but somehow never journeyed to the top, similar to disregarding landmarks like the Space Needle until others arrive.
During the Middle Ages, Bologna’s skyline featured numerous slender towers serving defensive and symbolic roles for wealthy families commissioning them.
Over centuries, most of these towers were taken apart (or toppled over), leaving only a handful still standing today. Among them, “Le Due Torre” or “the two towers,” have become iconic features of Bologna’s skyline.
Asinelli is the taller of the two towers at over 97 meters and is the one you can climb for spectacular panoramic views over the city.
The neighboring Garisenda Tower once rose to a matching height but had to be reduced to 47 meters due to increasing lean, earning the nickname “the Leaning Tower of Bologna”. Despite corrective work, climbing is no longer permitted on Garisenda.
To access the top of Asinelli, visitors must ascend 498 steep wooden steps coiled within the tower`s interior passage. Though not an effortless climb, the breathtaking views from above make it worthwhile.
If you aren`t up for that, head over to Icicle Ridge instead, which is less frequently traveled and provides a good alternative option (though, not as spectacular as Colchuck).
When making a reservation, you’ll need to select the time slot you plan on visiting.
Get Introduced to Bologna with a Walking Tour
Wrap up your first afternoon participating in a guided walking tour of Bologna. Joining a walking tour allows you to meander around the city and learn more about Bologna’s enduring and fascinating history from a local resident.
In this particular instance, the availability and schedule of the guided walking tour we wanted to join did not coincide with our plans, so an afternoon self-guided exploration would have to suffice instead!
We participated in this walking tour and it was a superb introduction to the city with Addy, an extremely welcoming guide who has resided in Bologna for many years after falling in love with it during his studies.
Absolutely gorgeous infinity pool on the twenty-seventh floor alongside a very lively bar and lounge.
But you’ll also come across many other areas of the city, like Bologna’s student quarters, the University of Bologna, Piazza Verdi, and the Jewish ghetto.
A guided walking tour also permits you to request anything you wish from a local resident. Whether you have inquiries about the city’s architecture and history or simply want to know where the best spots to eat and drink are, this is your chance.
Make the most of the opportunity provided. The other individuals accompanying your tour are sure to find your inquiries thought-provoking as well.
Dinner & Cremeria La Vecchia Stalla
End your first day in Bologna with some delicious traditional local cuisine from the Bologna region, featuring things like handmade pasta, complex braised meat dishes, and tasty filled pasta.
A few locally-owned eateries in Bologna that we would advocate trying are:
Trattoria di Via Serra: A simple Italian Trattoria with cozy decor and a menu of freshly prepared homestyle Bolognese cuisine made with ingredients from small local producers. Open for dinner from Wednesday to Saturday. The restaurant is small yet busy so it’s best to make a reservation in advance.
Bottega al Pappagallo: A historically significant restaurant that opened in 1919 and has become renowned for its high-quality, traditional, fresh pasta (especially the tortellini). Since 2022 the establishment has shifted its focus to take-away dishes. Not open on Sunday evenings.
Noi at Mercato delle Erbe: A quaint spot selling artfully crafted fresh pasta in Mercato delle Erbe, the largest covered market in Bologna. Also known for its Crescentina Fritte (aka Tigelle, or fried flatbread), and Polpette (meatballs).
If there`s still appetite after dinner, visit Cremeria la Vecchia Stalla. Multiple locals recommended visiting this establishment, and it was found to be a superb suggestion
The ice cream parlor offers a huge assortment of flavors to select from, ranging from more standard choices like pistachio and stracciatella to many unique and intriguing flavor combinations.
We also enjoyed a couple glasses of wine while sitting under the porticoes at Vineria Favalli, which is right across from the ice cream shop. We loved sampling their delicious local wines (despite the slow assistance).
For those who enjoy beer, head to the nearby Birreria Popolare, which provides a wide selection of local and imported beers (both from Italy and beyond).
Obviously, as someone with Celiac Disease, my ability to eat and drink in Bologna is a little more restricted. So for more on where to dine and order drinks, I’d point you over to Coral at Curious Appetite`s website (who also leads food excursions in Bologna!).
Day 2: Churches, Porticoes, and a Foodie Adventure
Begin your second day in Bologna with a stroll around the unusual Seven Churches Complex, before enjoying the best of Bologna’s world-class cuisine with a local food tour or cooking class.
Finish your evening by hiking through the colonnades upward to Santuario Madonna di San Luca then heading to La Serre dei Giardini Margherita for a loosening up night drink.
Breakfast at Forno Brisa
For breakfast, head to Forno Brisa, a small independent bakery chain with 5 locations in Bologna. We visited their store on Via Galliera, which is about a 10 minute walk from Piazza Maggiore.
The bakery sells handcrafted loaves of bread, delicious focaccia, freshly baked pastries, and – most significantly! – great specialty coffee selections.
Perfect for a quick breakfast before a busy day exploring the region. You can grab something to go or sit at one of the small tables inside.
Oh, and don’t forget to pick up one of their famous stickers translating to “forget the diet!” We’ll let you determine the meaning.
The Complesso delle Sette Chiese
Following breakfast, head to the Complesso delle Sette Chiese (Complex of the Seven Churches), an exceptional religious complex comprising interconnected churches, chapels, courtyards, and crypts in central Bologna.
The numerous religious structures were built across multiple centuries and its origins and significance remain mysterious.
One legend claims that the original construction was built by Bishop Petronius in the early 5th century.
He desired something comparable to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, with constructions symbolizing locations in the Holy Land recalling the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Today the unusual complex is a popular sightseeing destination that can be entered free of charge to explore the different periods of Bologna’s history.
Surrounding the complex, traces of Roman, Byzantine, Lombard, Ottonian, and Benedictine cultural influences remain visible. An on-site museum also displays frescoes, sculptures, and works of art spanning various eras.
- Campsites at loop C will be available for reservations two weeks in advance.
We`d advise obtaining it as signage in English has limitations and it`s beneficial to understand what you`re observing – otherwise, you`ll be wandering around rather aimlessly.
Choose Your Own Adventure: Food Tour vs. Cooking Class
By this point, you may be wondering about the delectable foods that have been highly praised.
And yes, we acknowledge that so far this Bologna itinerary hasn’t been very focused on exploring the city’s wonderful cuisine…but don`t fret, today provides an ideal chance to deeply immerse yourself in the world-class culinary options on offer.
We believe there is no superior way to experience a city’s food scene than spending a few hours with a local and seeing it through their perspective.
Experiencing cuisine with a local can help provide deeper understanding of a city`s heritage, culture, and food.
Moreover – most significantly – a resident will take you to eat and drink places you`d never normally come across alone.
Bearing the previous ideas in mind, we have two suggestions for how to spend your second afternoon in Bologna; either joining a local food tour or taking a local cooking class.
Take a Bologna Food Tour
There are truly many wonderful food tour options available in Bologna.
Website: https://www.caronfreres.com/
Regretfully, we were unable to join the tour as Matt has Celiac Disease and cannot consume gluten, which is present in essentially all the foods that would have been eaten during the tour.
The 4-hour tour involves tastings of Balsamic vinegar of Modena and an appetizer of chilled meats, Parmigiano Reggiano, and Lambrusco – a delightful sparkling and light red wine native to Emilia-Romagna.
You’ll also delight in 3 home-cooked pasta dishes for dinner, artisanal Italian gelato, and local natural wine tasting in an old enoteca.
Bologna Cooking Class
Another fantastic way to embrace Bologna’s world-class culinary scene is through a local cooking class.
We love cooking classes as a way to immerse ourselves in the food culture of a place we’re visiting.
We`ve experienced them in Spain, Colombia, Mexico, and here domestically in the US.
Unfortunately, since Matt has Celiac Disease and can’t have even a crumb of gluten, Italy isn’t a great place to do that given the prevalence of pasta, pizza, and various breads (having made gluten free pizza and bread, we know that flour ends up EVERYWHERE).
But you should!
This is the Bologna cooking experience we’d opt for if given a choice. Led by a local innkeeper, this small group class teaches participants how to craft two types of local pasta (tagliatelle and tortellini) and authentic Bolognese ragù in a traditional Italian kitchen.
You’ll also get to sample some local wines from the Emilia-Romagna region while savoring homemade pasta.
Hike up to the Santuario Madonna di San Luca
With the rest of your afternoon, work off your lunch with a leisurely stroll up to the iconic Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca.
The grand baroque church sits atop a hill offering views over the picturesque city of Bologna from an alternate perspective. It is a well-known destination for both locals and tourists seeking spiritual reflection.
To reach the church requires walking through 666 arcades (someone displays a sense of humor) along a lengthy winding pathway extending from the edge of the city. Measuring 3.8 km in length, the covered passage is the longest of its type globally!
Completing the entire ascent to the lookout takes roughly 45 minutes to one hour depending on one`s pace. Along the way, stunning views back toward Bologna and over the surrounding hills are presented.
When reaching the top, the expansive view from the church`s large dome offers the finest perspective.
Inside the church, you can also admire numerous historic works of art, like the sacred depiction of The Madonna of San Luca that gave the church its name.
If the full uphill walk is too strenuous for you, another option is to take the tourist train either one way or both ways.
The San Luca Express is a charming small tourist train that leaves from Piazza Maggiore and travels through the city and up to the Sanctuary. A round trip ticket costs €12 per adult and €6 for kids, and comprises an audio guide.
La Serre dei Giardini Margherita
My mother selected “the Italian garden” which included various herbs. It was a little peculiar, but in a positive way. They provide gelato-making classes at their educational facility nearby.
The greenhouse has been transformed into a cool community gathering area, with an art gallery, event space, children`s section, and restaurant.
The unique establishment serves an all-day menu of delectable dishes using local seasonal ingredients. There’s also a great wine selection!
During the cooler months, you can sit inside the glass-roofed greenhouse. While on warmer summer evenings, grab an outdoor table and soak up the string-light-filled ambiance.
What to Do with More Time in Bologna
As mentioned at the beginning of this itinerary, countless compelling attractions and activities exist to fill several additional days exploring not just Bologna but the wider Emilia-Romagna region.
Eat More!
Our initial recommendation would be to do whichever you didn`t do out of the cooking class and food tour we mentioned previously. Then, consume more tortellini, ragu, and cured meats, and drink more Lambrusco.
Spending every extra day in Bologna gives you an additional 24 hours to eat some of the finest cuisine in Italy. Make the absolute most of each second of it!
Dive Deep into Parmigiano-Reggiano with Claudio
If wanting to learn even more about Italian cuisine, Bologna is a great base for exploring the many farms and producers of the Emilia-Romagna region, aka the culinary capital of Italy.
And this is our second strong encouragement to expand a trip to Bologna, but it didn`t make contextual sense to include within the primary itinerary above since it requires most of a day to experience fully.
During our last visit to Bologna, we participated in an organized day trip to explore a cheese producer in Reggio Emilia, which was an amazing experience.
We would say it was one of the most memorable parts from our recent trip to Italy.
During the tour, they got to learn all about how the famous cheese from Reggio-Emilia (mostly known as Parmesan) is produced.
We went on a tour around an operating dairy farm, saw the cows that produce the milk, and got to sample various aged cheeses, along with other products from Emilia-Romagna like balsamic vinegar, prosciutto, and Lambrusco wine.
And we even went home carrying a vacuum-sealed 500g portion of regional cheese (which usually lasts until returning home based on our experience).
The tour begins at Reggio Emilia AV Station, which visitors can easily reach from Bologna in just 22 minutes aboard high-speed rail (or a slightly longer duration via slower regional trains).
Take a Day Trip to Verona
Situated less than an hour away from Bologna by high speed train, Verona is another one of our favorite cities in Italy and a fantastic day trip destination.
One day in Verona provides ample time to view the city’s primary attractions, like the massive Arena di Verona and hilltop Castel San Pietro. You`ll also have an opportunity to stroll leisurely along the Adige River and sip Prosecco in a lovely piazza.
Verona is renowned as Italy’s “City of Love”, mostly owing to its association with Shakespeare’s romantic tragedy, Romeo and Juliet.
And although promoting itself as a romantic location, we must acknowledge concerns that Casa di Giulietta may disappoint due to a possibly subpar tourist experience quality.
Consider exploring other areas of Verona instead for a more worthwhile use of your time.
Take a Day Trip to Florence
Another great day trip from Bologna is the iconic Tuscan capital of Florence, which sits only 35 minutes away by fast train.
While undoubtedly much busier than locations such as Bologna and Verona, Florence is a city that all should see no less than once in their lifetime. Therefore, why not make the most of this chance to go to?
One day isn’t enough time to experience everything Florence has to offer (2-3 days is better). However, you will still be able to see the main highlights within a day.
With a visit to Florence limited to one day, staying on schedule will be important. We recommend beginning the morning by exploring the Galleria dell’Accademia, where Michelangelo`s renowned sculpture David is housed, and the Duomo cathedral. In the afternoon, spending time at the renowned Uffizi Gallery will allow for taking in many renowned works of art.
Finally, end your day at Piazzale Michelangelo for amazing views over the Tuscan city, before boarding the train back to Bologna.
Catch a Bologna FC Match (Soccer / Football)
If you enjoy football/soccer, don`t neglect the opportunity to witness a Bologna FC match at the team’s historical 100-year-old stadium, Renato Dall’Ara. We attended to see Bologna play during our last visit.
Bologna F.C. currently competes in Italy’s top division, Serie A, which usually spans the later part of August through late May.
Upcoming matches can be viewed on the club’s website to see if a game coincides with your visit.
Tickets can be purchased at the visitor center on Piazza Maggiore, where they will assist you in buying and printing them (I attempted to do it myself and failed, and they were extremely helpful).
The stadium is located on the outskirts of the city and can be reached by local bus in around 10 minutes from the center (although we walked, and it was easy enough).
What to Do with Less Time in Bolonga
If time is limited, follow our one day plan for Bologna, which squeezes the above into one full day of activity and food.
With one day, we’d recommend spending your morning seeing the sights of Piazza Maggiore, like the Basilica di San Petronio church, and climbing the Asinelli Tower.
Then utilize your afternoon to fully experience Bologna’s culinary offerings on a food tour.
Getting Around Bologna
Similar to other smaller Italian cities, the best way to explore Bologna is typically on foot.
Bologna is a city that can easily be explored by foot. The majority of the main attractions are positioned within a 15-20 minute walk from each other.
The covered walkways, for which Bologna is renowned, give much-needed protection from the sun or rain while exploring the city.
We recommend exploring the majority of the recommended attractions in Bologna on foot. There is however the option of using buses (or tourist trains) to reach some farther destinations like the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca.
Bologna has a good public bus network, with numerous lines and routes around the city. You can tap your credit card on the contactless payment kiosk on the bus to ride. We used Google Maps to see the bus schedules (although they don’t always exactly line up with said schedule).
Additional guidance on utilizing public transportation in Bologna can be found here.
Getting to Bologna
Bologna is rather easy to access, whether arriving from inside Italy (it has arguably the best train connectivity of any city in Italy) or from abroad.
From Outside of Italy
If Bologna is your sole or initial stopover in Italy amidst an overseas trip, flying is likely your most practical transportation option for arrival.
If visiting Bologna as part of a broader trip around Italy, I’d suggest flying into a different airport, such as Rome or Milan, which are likely to have more flight connections.
If you’re flying directly into Bologna, your arrival is likely to be at Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ), the airfield serving Bologna and the broader Emilia-Romagna region.
While it is a small airport, there are a few flights each day from most major hubs in Europe. If you are arriving from a smaller airport OR from outside of Europe, you will need to make a connection.
From Within Italy
If you’re traveling from within Italy, you should take the train.
Bologna occupies a rather singular position vis-a-vis train connections in Italy since virtually every long distance route traverses this city positioned strategically in the country`s center.
Routes like Venice to Rome, Milan to Naples, and more all pass directly through Bologna, rendering it an excellent city in regard to connections to other places.
When traveling by train in Italy, you basically have two selections: regional trains (slower but tickets offer flexibility) and intercity trains (faster, pricier, less adaptable).
If you have restricted time, we’d strongly recommend booking an intercity train, which will save you hours of time, depending on the journey.
You can book trains straight through Trenitalia, but you’ll need to know the Italian name of the train station (Bologna Centrale, in this case), which sometimes can be a little perplexing.
You do want to arrange these in advance if possible because discounts are available for scheduling earlier. The tradeoff is being locked into that date and time, which doesn`t allow much flexibility.
The following outlines some connection times from other main cities in Italy on the high speed trains:
- From Florence: 45 minutes
- From Milan: 1 hour 15 minutes
- From Venice: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes
- From Rome: 2 hours
Essentially, you can get from Bologna to most major cities in central and northern Italy in two hours or less, which is excellent.
Getting To / From the Airport
If you’re flying in from outside Italy, you’ll likely land at Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ), the airport that serves Bologna and the broader Emilia-Romagna region.
It’s a small airport and it’s relatively near to the city center.
The best part about flying into this airport is the fact there’s an elevated monorail connecting the terminal to the city center in roughly 8 minutes flat.
The round trip fare is €17 (€9.10 one way), and you can either purchase tickets from machines on the platform, or tap your credit card at the entrance gates, and tap off when you arrive at the other end.
When you get off the plane and head to baggage claim, follow the signs for “train to city center.” There are two stops on the tram, you likely want to go all the way to Bologna Centrale, which is Bologna’s main train station.
From there, you can either walk or catch a taxi to get to your hotel.
You could also take a taxi from the airport, but it will take more time and will be significantly more expensive. Not a good choice unless you have way too many bags to carry, or a group of 4+.
The Best Time to Visit Bologna
Both of our visits to Bologna recently occurred during fall, our preferred season for traveling throughout Italy generally.
Visiting Bologna in the fall allows you to miss summer`s peak heat, making touring the city far more comfortable.
The temperature remains sufficiently warm enough to spend your days exploring and even dining outdoors if you choose. Additionally, the crowds are noticeably thinner than during the school holiday periods of July and August.
Spring is also a good time to visit Bologna. The weather tends to be pleasant and sunny, and the city is livening up after the bleak winter. The winter rain can persist well into March, so late April and May are superior times to visit.
The summers in Bologna can become quite hot. An excessive heat, possibly too intense for those unaccustomed. Fortunate are the miles of porticoes providing shelter from the sun, but the warmth and humidity can still present challenges for exploring midday.
Winter, on the other hand, sees temperatures in Bologna drop drastically to around 40-50 degrees Fahrenheit and sometimes even lower at night. There’s also a chance of rainstorms and occasionally some snowfall.
The only real reason we’d suggest touring Bologna in winter is for the festive celebrations in December.
