How to Spend a Perfect Day in Bologna | Italy’s Food Capital

Planning to spend a day in Bologna? You’re in the right place!😍 Bologna is the historic capital of the Emilia Romagna region and home to some of Italy’s richest cuisine. If you’re looking for a vibrant city or are a foodie, this city is a must-visit — even if it’s just for a day!

Bologna has three nicknames: La Rossa, La Dotta, and La Grassa—the Red One, the Learned One, and the Fat One.

Each nickname celebrates a defining part of Bologna: its warm red architecture, its centuries-old university, and its rich, indulgent food culture.

Bologna is just one hour by train from Florence and two hours from Rome, making it the perfect day trip — especially for foodie lovers.😋

I grew up in Modena, only 30 minutes from Bologna, and I can easily confirm the food of Emilia‑Romagna is among the best in Italy.

Bologna and Modena alone are home to many, iconic Italian foods — including Ragù (meat sauce), Lasagne, Parmigiano Reggiano, Balsamic Vinegar, and so much more.

Ready for the perfect one‑day Bologna itinerary? Let’s go!!☺️👇

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Table of Contents

How to Spend the Perfect Day in Bologna, Italy

Don’t have time to read yet? Grab my Quick Recommendations!👇

🔥 Activities to Book ASAP: 3-Hour Secret Food Tour OR Walking Food Tour with a Local Guide

🇮🇹 Guides: Things to Do in Bologna, Bologna Food Guide, Best Gluten Free Restaurants

🗺️ Insurance: Protect yourself on your trip with Travel Medical Insurance.

📱 Connect: Always stay connected, and do so seamlessly, with a Italy eSim!📱

🧳 Got bags? Use Bounce (my favorite) to find the perfect spot to drop them off & travel light!

🚄 Need to book a train to Bologna? My favorite platform is Omio – shows every option available!

Breakfast

There’s no such thing as a “perfect” day that doesn’t include a delicious breakfast.

Being in the Food Capital of Italy, you honestly can’t go wrong with where you go. But, if you want some local-approved inspiration, Gambero Rosso — Italy’s trusted food and wine guide — has a list of the best cafes in Bologna to check out.

If you’re celiac, Bar Meso’s is a small cafe that sits a short walk from Piazza Maggiore. It offers gluten free and celiac safe pastries and savory foods so you can start your day fueled and worry-free.

A traditional breakfast in Bologna is a simple pastry and a cappuccino.

Piazza Maggiore

Welcome to Bologna’s main and largest square, Piazza Maggiore!

This historic square is home to several of the city’s main attractions, including the city’s UNESCO-listed Basilica di San Petronio and the Torre dell’Orologio.

Before stepping inside anywhere, take a moment to slowly walk around the square and admire all the beauty surrounding you – including the basilica’s unfinished façade and the incredible Neptune Fountain.

Basilica di San Petronio

Once you’re done walking around Piazza Maggiore, enter the Basilica di San Petronio.

Dating back to the late 14th century, the Basilica di San Petronio is one of the largest Gothic churches in the world — and (supposedly) the largest brick Gothic church in Europe.

What’s fascinating about this basilica is its unfinished façade. Some say it was due to a lack of funds in the 16th century, while others claim Pope Pius IV stopped construction to prevent it from surpassing St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome

Should you want to contribute, you can actually “adopt a brick” to help with restoration efforts. It costs 50 euros and you will receive a certificate.

The church is free to enter, though there is a small path of three important chapels that you need to pay a small fee to walk.

Important Note: This basilica has a very strict dress code. If security deems your outfit inappropriate, you’ll be asked to purchase a paper coverup for €2 — card accepted.

Clock Tower (or vice versa)

A historic brick building, Palazzo d'Accursio and the Torre dell'Orologio (Clock Tower) with arched windows and a central clock tower stands against a blue sky in a busy square, with people walking and shops on the ground floor. This is a must visit when spending one day in Bologna.

Once you’re done with the Basilica di San Petronio, head to Palazzo d’Accursio, Bologna’s historic town hall and political center for centuries.

Here you’ll find the Torre dell’Orologio, “Clock Tower”.

Dating back to the 13th century, the Clock Tower’s clock has a 5 meter diameter and is one of the biggest mechanical clocks in Italy.

When you book your tickets, you gain access to both the tower and the Collezioni Comunali d’Arte — a small museum showcasing civic art from the Middle Ages to today.

At the top of the tower, you’ll enjoy 360° panoramic views over Piazza Maggiore and Bologna.

Note: The Clock Tower is closed on Mondays.

Archiginnasio

Ornate library hall with wooden bookshelves full of books, decorative painted crests and murals on the upper walls, and a portrait above a sign reading “Sala Rusconi.” Marble floor and vaulted ceiling visible. This is the oldest library of Bologna and is within the Palazzo Archiginnasio. — Views of Archiginnasio Library from Stabat Mater Hall

Did you know that Bologna is home to the oldest university in the Western world (1088)?🤯

The Archiginnasio was the first official seat of the Università di Bologna.

The courtyard, lined with elegant porticoes, is free to visit. For $10 euros you can enter the Anatomical Theater and the Stabat Mater Hall.

The Anatomical Theater is a a stunning 17th-century lecture hall carved entirely from spruce wood, where medical students once learned anatomy using a marble dissection table.

The Stabat Mater Hall is where composer Gioachino Rossini first debuted Stabat Mater, in 1842 — a hymn dedicated to Virgin Mary and her suffering during Christ’s crucifixion.

From the Stabat Mater Hall you can even take a peek into the university’s historic library, the oldest of Bologna. This library is off limits for tourists.

Lunch at Pan8 or Quadrilatero

A round sandwich filled with sliced mortadella on a wooden plate, labeled "Pan8 Panini e Taglieri," sits beside an orange cocktail with ice and a straw on an outdoor café table. People walk by in the blurred background.

A bakery display in Mercato di Mezzo case with various types of focaccia bread, some topped with olives or onions, and pizza slices labeled with prices on small chalkboard signs.

Now that your eyes have done plenty of “feasting”, it’s time for your stomach to do the same!🤪🍽️

Bologna doesn’t receive the nickname La Grassa, “the fat one”, or Food Capital of Italy, for nothing.

This city is home to some of Italy’s richest cuisine — from Tagliatelle al Ragù (what you might call Spaghetti Bolognese), to Lasagna, and more.

Given you’re in the city for a full day, I would personally recommend grabbing a typical street food sandwich for lunch and saving a traditional Trattoria meal for dinner. By doing this, you’ll get to experience both sides of Bologna’s cuisine and flavors.

For a quick but delicious lunch, I recommend Pan8, a small sandwich shop just five minutes from Piazza Maggiore and the Old Market of the Quadrilatero.

Pan8 offers gluten free bread and can make most of its menu gluten free — great for both celiacs and gluten-eaters alike.

For a more bustling vibe, head to the Quadrilatero Market, where you can wander stalls piled high with cured meats, cheeses, sandwiches, and fresh pasta.

😋 Celiac? Here are the Best Gluten Free Restaurants in Bologna

Walk Around the Historic City Center

A stone statue of a standing figure on a pedestal is in the center of a sunny plaza, Piazza Galvani, surrounded by potted trees and historic buildings with arched windows and warm-colored facades.

People walk under a historic portico in Bologna with ornate, colorful frescoes on the arched ceiling. Yellow columns and sunlight create a warm, inviting atmosphere in this outdoor gallery.

After lunch, let yourself wander aimlessly around Bologna’s medieval streets and endless porticoes.

Bologna’s porticoes aren’t just covered walkways — their ceilings are often decorated with paintings or stuccos, making them mini art galleries. Always take a second to look up🤩

One other thing to love about Bologna is the city’s warm palette of reds, oranges, and yellows — hence the nickname La Rossa, “the Red One”.

If you have the time, stop by the Santo Stefano complex, also called the “Seven Churches.” This collection of religious buildings dates back to the 5th century and offers one of the city’s most serene courtyards.

Admire the Due Torri, Torre Asinelli and Torre Garisenda

Le Due Torri, Two tall medieval brick towers, Torre Garisenda and Torre Asinelli, and a green-domed building rise against a clear blue sky, viewed from below with surrounding historic buildings and intersecting overhead wires. These are a must visit when spending one day in Bologna.

Even though they’re closed until 2028 for restoration, the Due Torri, “Two Towers” — Asinelli and Garisenda — remain must-see landmarks.

Le Due Torri, “the Two Towers”, together are one of the most iconic landmarks of Bologna. The two towers have their own names – La Garisenda and Asinelli.

Torre Garisenda is the shortest of the two towers, exactly half the size of Torre Asinelli. At 4 degrees, this tower leans more than the tower of Pisa, which is why they are currently working on it.

Torre Asinelli is 97 meters tall and is one of the tallest medieval towers in Italy. Due to the works on the Torre Garisenda, the city shut down Torre Asinelli for safety.

This tower has 498 steps and offers the highest panoramic views over Bologna – making it a must-visit when it opens back up, hopefully in 2028. I personally feel like I should start training already.😂

The heigh of the Asinelli Tower is truly impressive, so make sure you go admire it!

Free Time | Visit Other Attractions or Take a Guided Tour

A narrow European street lined with historic buildings, an Italian flag hanging on the left, a person riding a bicycle, parked scooters, and people walking under bright sunlight.

A small tourist train is parked on a narrow cobblestone street in Bologna lined with tall historic brick buildings under a blue sky. A group of people stands on the left side of the street.

With this itinerary, especially with the Torre Asinelli being closed, you have a few hours of free time.

You can take this time to walk around the city, sit down and enjoy either merenda or aperitivo, or even go on a guided tour or visit a museum.

🤩 Need more inspiration? Here are 16 Incredible Things to Do in Bologna!

If you’re looking for a guided tour, whether it’s a city walking guided tour or foodie guided tour – here are three of the best-rated Bologna tours! The 3-Hour Secret Food Tour and Walking Food Tour with a Local Guide are GetYourGuide traveler favorites.

Pick your favorite and book your spot before they sell out.👇

Dinner at a Trattoria

A white bowl filled with gluten free fusilli pasta coated in a ragu alla bolognese sauce, topped with a generous sprinkle of grated cheese, sits on a light-colored tablecloth. — Gluten Free Pasta with Ragù Bolognese

A cozy restaurant dining area with wooden chairs and tables covered in white and brown tablecloths. Wine glasses and napkins are set on each table. Warm wall lights and wooden paneling create an inviting atmosphere. — Inside Rosteria Luciano’s restaurant

What better way to end your perfect one day in Bologna than by indulging in the city’s most iconic food in a traditional trattoria?😍

Personally, if you’re visiting Bologna with at least one other person, I strongly recommend doing some teamwork: order different dishes so you can try as many as possible. #TeamWorkMakestheDreamWork 😂🍽️

If you’re celiac, here are all the best gluten free restaurants in Bologna!

One restaurant I personally loved (closed until September 4) is Rosteria Luciano, about a 10 minute walk from Piazza Maggiore.

This is where I tried my first ever Ragù Bolognese (I’ve grown up with Ragù Modenese) and the dish was so spectacular I felt butterflies. I genuinely could not stop smiling.

Rosteria Luciano is not a gluten free restaurant, but they have gluten free pasta and naturally gluten free options. As a celiac, I personally felt safe eating here.

One Day in Bologna FAQs

Is one day enough to see Bologna?

One day is enough to see and admire the historic city center. Bologna is a big city, but most of the main attractions are all very concentrated in the city center – making it easy to see it all in one day.

What is the most famous thing in Bologna?

Bologna is famous for several things, and it receives three nicknames for three main icons: Cuisine, Education, and Red (colorful) architecture.

In terms of the main attraction in Bologna, besides food it would be the Basilica di San Petronio and the Piazza Maggiore.

Is Bologna a walkable city?

As it goes for most cities in Italy, Bologna couldn’t be a more walkable city!

The historic center is very walkable and the perfect size to see it all in just one day, without rushing.

Is Bologna nicer than Florence?

I’ll likely write a comparison article (stay tuned) to give you all the details. As a short answer, Bologna and Florence are both incredible cities that will appeal more to one person or the other based on your own preferences.

For example, if you’re looking for the ultimate culinary experience and plan to eat until you drop – Bologna is the city to visit.

On the other hand, if you are a Renaissance lover who’s looking for jaw-dropping architecture and art – Florence is the city to visit.

Both have breathtaking historic centers full of medieval architecture. Personally, Bologna felt a bit more medieval than Florence.

Map of Bologna’s Best Things to Do

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A travel collage with Aperol Spritz, a mortadella sandwich, ornate architecture, and art in Bologna, Italy. Text reads: "How to spend the perfect one day Bologna, Italy. Foodie day trip from Rome or Florence.

I have to ask…

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One Day in Bologna Itinerary: How to See (and Taste) the Best of the City