Asking yourself – Is Bologna worth visiting? I’m impressed! Not many go beyond Rome, Florence, Venice and Milan. The others will likely explore Naples, the Amalfi Coast, and Cinque Terre. No wonder, those are always so crowded.
You are different though. You are an explorer who loves discovering new places, or maybe a foodie who has heard Bologna is the true food capital of Italy.
Well, let me answer that question by just saying this:
Part of me wants to tell you that Bologna is not worth visiting, so I can get in all the best restaurants without ever queuing nor having to book. But that’s not what Italy with an Italian is about – sharing the best of Italy and anything Italian with you!
Keep reading and I will help you understand why you need to visit this Italian city asap.
Table of Contents
Why Visit Bologna? 5 Reasons You Should.
Visiting Bologna is like going to your Italian grandma for lunch. It feels comfortable yet a little exciting. Here are 5 reasons to visit it:
1. Visit it now before it gets as popular as Rome and Venice. Right now, it’s mostly Italians, a few Europeans, and mostly foodies who are coming to Bologna. But I promise that the crowds will start catching up with the more famous cities.
2. Do it to eat the best antipasti and pasta in all of Italy. I especially urge you to visit these other cities that have even more genuine restaurants than the regional capital – Modena, Parma, Ferrara, and Reggio Emilia.
3. Bologna has a very unique architecture. Perhaps, you’ve heard they call it La Rossa (the red one) because of its red bricks. Well there’s more to that. It’s also the city with the most porticoes in the world, and has very old yet colorful buildings that are raw and real, but so beautiful and full of history.
PS: The apartment I stayed in had a plaque telling you all about the story of that building, and its owners and uses throughout the centuries. How awesome is that?
4. Go to Bologna and take as many day trips as you want to explore Emilia Romagna. It only takes a maximum of one hour to reach the furthest cities, but most of them are just 20 or 30 minutes away. That means you can do what we did, and stay in Bologna for the morning, and go explore a different city in the afternoon. Then stay for dinner, and come back after. The train tickets are also really cheap. The maximum we paid for one person per way was €10.
If you want a quick itinerary for all the other must visit cities around Bologna, and the best dinner spot in town, read these separate guides:
Bologna to Modena
Bologna to Parma
Bologna to Reggio Emilia
Bologna to Ferrara
5. Bologna is a great base because it has one of the fastest ( if not the fastest) train stations in Italy. You can reach Rome, Venice, Milan, and the Dolomites in around 2 hours.
Here’s a wonderful itinerary idea for your next trip to Italy: 10 to 14 days split between Bologna and Trentino Alto Adige. You could take 5 days to visit Bologna and the surrounding cities, and spend the rest of your time in nature up in the Dolomites.
How To Get To Bologna?
If you are coming from the US, or anywhere outside Europe, the best option is to fly into Rome or Milan. Those are usually the cheapest options in terms of flights.
From there, you can take am express train to the main train station (provided you landed in the main airport – Malpensa & Fiumicino are the best) and then take a train to Bologna. Flying into Rome is going to be the cheapest option, but the train will take two hours to get to Bologna, as opposed to one hour from Milan.
If, on the other hand, you are coming from a European country, I suggest Ryanair. The airline flies to Bologna from most main cities like Berlin, Vienna, Copenhagen, and Manchester.
Moving around Bologna & Emilia Romagna
Since we are within the topic, let me give you some information on how to move around once you get there.
Bologna is a very walkable city, and if you don’t mind getting in your steps, and maybe doubling them, you can see it all on foot.
The only exception is if you want to visit sights like the San Luca Monastery. For that I am going to advise a better way than walking 1.5 hours uphill later on in this post.
Unless you are staying very close to the main train station, I would suggest taking a taxi whenever you take a train. It will cost you up to €20, and that’s the maximum we paid with an Uber Black. The train station cabs usually cost around €12 on average.
A final note I want to share with you is that you don’t have to worry about booking regional trains for your day trips. You can do that at the train station just before taking the train. It’s very easy, and never fully booked. Alternatively, you can use the Trenitalia website or App.
Where To Stay In Bologna
We stayed in the San Vitale area and loved it. It has a young, slightly trendy vibe, and it’s also a mix of cultures when it comes to the restaurants and shops that are located there, but the architecture is old and gorgeous, and there are plenty of porticoes to walk underneath.
In case you didn’t know, the famous Two Towers of Bologna are located at the end of San Vitale street.
Another area I would consider is Santo Stefano, which is famous for the seven churches but is not that crowded.
The most crowded area in my opinion is anything around Piazza Maggiore, but you could still stay towards the other side of the Saragozza area. I would choose Via d’Azeglio, with its boutique shops and gourmet restaurants.
If you are looking for hotel recommendations, these are the two I would pick from: Hotel Corona d’Oro 1890 (luxury at a great price), or Hotel Touring Bologna (more modern and budget friendly).
My husband and I prefer staying in private accommodation when visiting Italy and Europe. If you like that too, and want to get the best recommendations of beautiful looking apartments, located in the center, that are also well priced, I suggest you subscribe to my email list. I am creating a collection of the best Airbnbs in Italy, and I will release it there soon.
Best Things To Do In Bologna
1. Eat the best food ever
So you arrived in Bologna, got yourself settled into your accommodation, what do you do now?
Unless you are arriving late at night, you are likely to want to eat first. If so, have a look at this article to find the best food spots in Bologna.
Don’t worry though, I will share more about food throughout the rest of this article, but for where to eat it you want to reference my separate Food Guide. Consider that your food bible for Bologna!
2. Head to the Two Towers
Now that your belly is full and happy, you can take a walk and see the Two Towers of Bologna. Unfortunately, we only got to see the top part, as there was construction work when we visited around Easter 2025.
The Two Towers of Bologna, Torre degli Asinelli and the leaning Torre Garisenda, are iconic medieval skyscrapers built in the 12th century by noble families as symbols of power. Torre degli Asinelli, the taller of the two, can be climbed for sweeping views over the red rooftops of Bologna, while Garisenda famously leans at a dramatic angle, even referenced by Dante in the Divine Comedy.
3. Visit Piazza Maggiore
Piazza Maggiore is the heart of Bologna, and also the most crowded area. You can find great restaurants in the side streets, but with so many you will need a guide to help you out. Remember, you can read my Bologna Food Guide after this article.
Piazza Maggiore is the grand central square of Bologna, surrounded by historic buildings like the Basilica di San Petronio, Palazzo d’Accursio, and Palazzo del Podestà, reflecting the city’s medieval and Renaissance past.
4. Enter the Basilica di San Petronio for free
Don’t be intimidated by the line. It usually only takes 5 minutes to get inside!
The Basilica di San Petronio is Bologna’s largest church and one of the biggest brick Gothic churches in the world, originally intended to be even larger than St. Peter’s in Rome. Though its façade remains unfinished, the interior is striking, housing impressive chapels, art, and a massive meridian line on the floor used for astronomical calculations.
I especially love the external architecture of this building – particularly the shape and ornate facade, but also the brick and the shades of white and pink. The colors remind me of Lucca’s Cathedral. Have you visited that one?
5. Fountain of Neptune and Salaborsa Library
Created in the 16th century by sculptor Giambologna, the bronze statue of Neptune symbolizes papal power—strong, commanding, and centered in a pool surrounded by sea creatures and sirens.
Behind it, you’ll see Palazzo Re Enzo, once a prison for a captured king, and nearby, the Biblioteca Salaborsa, a public library housed in the former stock exchange building, with glass floors revealing ancient Roman ruins underneath.
We wanted to visit Salaborsa but it was closed on the two days we spent most of our time exploring Bologna. I really recommend visiting it as the library’s interior stuns with its grand glass ceiling, marble mosaic floors, and a central glass panel revealing ancient Roman ruins beneath.
6. Stroll along Via d’Azeglio
I already mentioned this street in the section about where to stay in Bologna. We didn’t spend much time in this area, but the two boutiques I entered were my favorite of the trip, and so was the restaurant we ate at.
It’s a long and relatively narrow street, full of old red buildings, beautifully restored and maintained, that leads onto Piazza Maggiore on one side and Porta San Mamolo on the other. They call it the living room of Bologna, and it’s apparently one of the most exclusive areas, without feeling overly pretentious. No wonder I loved it so much!
Lucio Dalla’s home is located here, and is now a foundation in his name. You can also find notable medieval buildings, including Palazzo Bevilacqua, and Palazzo Marsigli – the former Ospedale degli Innocenti, which hosted orphans and young mothers in need between 1797 and 1860.
7. Try these Sweet Delicacies:
Raviole with Mostarda Bolognese – moon shaped sweet pastries filled with a local jam made with a mix of fruit – usually pears and apples, citrus peel, and ginger.
Torta di Riso – a fluffy and milky rice cake aromatized with dried citrus fruits.
If you are feeling like something sweet but don’t need a drink or a bathroom break, you can grab one of these and enjoy it on the go. You will find the best spot in my Bologna Food Guide.
8. Don’t Miss Piazza Santo Stefano and the Seven Churches
This is one of my favorite areas in Bologna in terms of sightseeing. I really loved the square, and the fact you could visit the Seven Churches for free.
It somehow feels secluded and out of the way, while being central and easy to reach. We only went through it twice during our visit, and we walked everywhere. That what makes it less crowded and peaceful.
There are plenty of restaurants and cafes in the square you can sit at and have an aperitivo. Just be aware that the streets in this area are peppled, and it’s best to wear comfortable shoes.
The Seven Churches are a cluster of interconnected religious buildings that grew over centuries, originally meant to recreate the holy sites of Jerusalem. Walking through them feels like moving through layers of history—from Romanesque to early Christian to Lombard influences.
While not all seven structures remain intact today, there’s something incredibly special about this sight. I think it might well be one of my favorite religious spots in Italy after the Vatican.
9. Archiginnasio
The Archiginnasio used to be the main building of the world’s oldest university. Inside, you’ll find walls covered in colorful coats of arms and a beautiful old lecture hall called the Anatomical Theatre, where medical students once learned anatomy by watching dissections under a ceiling painted with symbols of knowledge.
This was the only paid museum I put on my itinerary, simply because we only had time for one. We’ll visit the others next time, starting with the Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna.
We really enjoyed the visit. It was relatively quick, and we spent most of the time sitting in the Anatomical theater. It’s a grand room with a cosy feel. If you love this type of architecture, make sure to also visit the Teatro Farnese in Parma.
10. San Luca Sanctuary and the Trenino
The Santuario di San Luca is a stunning hilltop sanctuary located just outside Bologna, offering breathtaking views of the city and surrounding countryside. It’s most famous for the Portico di San Luca, the longest covered walkway in the world, which leads up to the church—nearly 4 kilometers of arches with 666 arches in total, creating a dramatic and scenic path to the sanctuary. Inside, the church is home to a revered painting of the Madonna, said to have miraculous powers.
You can reach ot on foot by walking uphill for about one hour and half along the same street and hundreds of porticoes. Or you can do what we did.
I suggest taking the San Luca Express, which is a cute small sightseeing train that departs mainly from Piazza Maggiore and takes you right in front of the Sanctuary, and back for just €13 per person.
Once you get there, you have to take the stairs up to enter the church, but if you watch my video on TikTok @alessiaitalianlife, I will share a stairs-free option.
It takes between 30 to 40 minutes to get there and back, and the visit only lasts 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how long you want to stay. Getting there and back by train is also a fun way to see other areas of Bologna, you wouldn’t otherwise see.
You can download the timetable and book your tickets here.
11. Piazza Cavour and Luxury Shopping in Galleria Cavour
I couldn’t end the article without sharing the best shopping mall in Bologna, right? If you love designer shopping, this is the place to be. Not only will you find plenty of high end shops, from Prada to Louis Vuitton, but there are even more shops on the opposite side of Via Farini.
And while you are there, don’t miss the chance to take a stroll around Piazza Cavour, which is not your usual piazza but has been turned into a small park, which is the perfect spot to sit down and enjoy a gelato.
While you sit you can admire the statue of Camillo Benso, Count of Cavour. He was a key figure in the unification of Italy—a brilliant statesman and the first Prime Minister of the newly united country in 1861. The statue reflects Bologna’s strong support for the unification movement—after all, the city joined the new Kingdom of Italy in 1860, just a year before Cavour became Prime Minister.
12. Visit at least one Food Market
I suggest visiting both Mercato di Mezzo and Mercato delle Erbe, but if you your aim is eating, the first is the place to go. We visited but didn’t eat there, as we had too many restaurants on our list to try.
An option would be to come here for a small aperitivo, and then go to dinner after. I suggest a gnocco fritto sandwich with mortadella!
13. See the Canals in Bologna
I am sure you wouldn’t have guessed Bologna had canals, well it does! There’s one street that has canal views on both sides, with just one crucial difference. One one side there’s a small charming window you can open and look into the street overlooking the canal. That side is the Instagram side, so expect to queue for half an hour to get to the window and take your picture.
The other side has no wall, no window, and no queue, but a very similar view.
Which one will you choose?
14. Have one of the best dinner of your life!
If you are coming to the gastronomical capital of Italy, you must eat the best food, and that’s going to be the most local delicacies!
What will it be – a classic lasagna, pumpkin tortelloni, the famous tortellini in a cream of parmesan, or the local Gramigna with sausage and elbow shaped pasta?
Whatever you choose, make sure it’s pasta, because why would you come to Bologna and not eat fresh pasta?
But before, you must indulge in a platter of local hams and cheese, preferably with some aged parmesan and balsamic vinegar. It will likely be served with Tigelle – not my favorite, but if you have the option I would strongly suggest asking for Gnocco Fritto.
PS: Tigelle are small, round, grilled bread discs with a dense texture, while gnocco fritto are light, puffy fried dough squares—both from Emilia-Romagna but cooked and eaten differently. The first is meant to be spread and filled, while second serves more of an accompaniment to the hams and cheeses.
If you like these food recommendations, make sure to read my Bologna Food Guide next.
Bologna FAQ
In case you still have questions, here are a few common ones I can answer for you.
Where is Bologna located?
Bologna is in northern Italy, in the Emilia-Romagna region, roughly halfway between Florence and Venice. It’s easy to reach by train from major cities like Milan, Florence, and Rome.
What is Bologna Italy known for?
Bologna is best known for its amazing food, medieval towers, and portico-lined streets. It’s home to the oldest university in the Western world and dishes like tagliatelle al ragù—or what you would call “spaghetti Bolognese” abroad.
Is Bologna Italian?
Yes, Bologna is very much an Italian city! But if you’re thinking of the ham, the “Bologna” lunch meat you find in the U.S. is only loosely inspired by real Italian cold cuts. The authentic version is mortadella, a deliciously smooth pork sausage dotted with fat cubes, originally from Bologna and protected under Italian food laws.
Is Bologna expensive to visit?
Not at all—it’s actually one of the most affordable cities I’ve visited in Northern Italy. Even high-end restaurants are reasonably priced, and regional train tickets are very cheap since cities in Emilia-Romagna are close together. Museums and activities are also well-priced. Just be aware that accommodation can get expensive, so it’s best to book in advance. Overall, it’s absolutely possible to enjoy a fantastic trip here on a budget.
Is Bologna safe?
We found Bologna incredibly safe. We walked around late at night and felt totally comfortable, even if there were a few homeless people around. Of course, like anywhere, stay aware of your surroundings—especially if you’re alone or it’s very late—but overall, Bologna felt welcoming and secure throughout our stay.
Should you visit Bologna in August?
Honestly, I wouldn’t recommend visiting Bologna—or most of Italy—in August unless you’re specifically going for a beach trip and love intense heat. Cities get really hot and locals often leave on holiday. We visited in late April and loved it. March, May, October, November, and December are also great months for comfortable weather and fewer crowds.
Is three days in Bologna enough?
Yes, three days is the perfect amount of time to explore the city, enjoy the incredible cuisine, and even fit in a day trip to one of the nearby towns or cities.
More Bologna Resources
Did you love this article about Bologna? If so, give it a heart and share it with a friend.
If you are sold on visiting this city, make sure to check these other resources:
Bologna Food Guide
One Day in Modena
3 Tasty Day Trips from Bologna
Curious about what to wear in Bologna, to look like an elegant local? I am sharing videos of my outfits on TikTok @alessiaitalianlife. You can also see what my husband wore. See you there!
Ciao,
Alessia
