16 Best Things to Do in Bologna, Italy

Planning to visit Bologna, Italy? I could not be more excited for you!😍 Known as the Food Capital of Italy and home to stunning medieval and Renaissance architecture, this city is a true wonder for everyone.

Having grown up in Modena, a small town 30 minutes from Bologna, I can attest to the warmth and charm that towns and cities in the Emilia-Romagna region offer.

Furthermore, due to my recent trip to Bologna, I can confirm that it’s an incredible city to visit with all sorts of fun things to do.

From strolling under endless arcades to wandering large cobblestoned squares, admiring historic buildings and eating until you can’t physically walk – get ready to have the best time ever!

Without further ado, here are all the best things to do in Bologna, Italy!😍👇

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Incredible Things You Can’t Miss in Bologna + Map

Eat Up in The Food Capital of Italy!

Bologna is home to the famous and beloved Bolognese sauce, as well as several cured meats, such as Mortadella, Tortellini in Brodo, and Lasagna.😍

As a Third-Culture-Kid who’s grown up in Torino, Modena, and (technically) Rome, I can confirm just how much cuisine changes from region to region.

It’s interesting how just one city could earn this nickname, but then again – Bologna and the region, Emilia Romagna, easily deserve the title.

Celiac? I got you! Here are the best Gluten Free Restaurants in Bologna.😋

When in Bologna, you simply must let yourself indulge in all the incredible food surrounding you, from restaurants to food markets, or even food tours!

If you’re looking for the perfect foodie experience where you can skip all the planning, walk around and eat – this best-selling guided food tour might be perfect for you! Book your spots before it sells out.😋🔥

Piazza Maggiore

Piazza Maggiore is the main square of Bologna. It’s a beautiful, and the largest, cobblestone plaza of the city and home to all sorts of landmarks – including the Basilica di San Petronio and the Torre dell’Orologio (Clock Tower).

When I visited this July, the square was taken over by a large screen and endless chairs. At first it was a bit sad to not see the square in its full glory, but when I realized Bologna was hosting free, open air movie nights, that quickly changed!

Basilica di San Petronio

Built in honor of Bologna’s patron saint, Saint Petronius, the Basilica di San Petronio is the largest and most important church of Bologna.

Dating back to the 14th century, this beautiful basilica showcases Gothic architecture, and is apparently the largest brick Gothic church in the world.

This church has three naves, over 20 chapels, showcasing all sorts of stunning, religious artworks, and is even home to the oldest still-in-use organ.

This basilica has a peculiar façade that was never completed due to lack of funds. As a matter of fact, during my visit I saw that you can “adopt” a brick to help with the restoration.

To adopt a brick, you need to contribute a minimum of a 50 euro donation – something I personally won’t be doing, but it’s a unique thing to do.

Visiting the Basilica di San Petronio is free, but inside there’s a small pay-to-enter section. In addition, if you don’t follow church-appropriate dress code and don’t have a cover up, you’ll need to pay 2 euros for a paper cape (you can pay with card).

Dress Code: you cannot show any bit of shoulders, stomach, or thighs. This means, fully-covering tops and midi/long skirts or pants. If you are wearing something “inappropriate” definitely bring your own scar or coverup to avoid the 2 euro charge.

Torre dell’Orologio (Clock Tower)

Located in Piazza Maggiore, inside Palazzo d’Accursio, the Torre dell’Orologio is a 13th‑century clock tower with a massive 5‑meter diameter mechanical clock—one of Italy’s largest.

You can climb the tower Tuesday through Sunday for a 360° panoramic view of Piazza Maggiore and the city.

The entry ticket gives access to both the tower and the Collezioni Comunali d’Arte – which exhibits civic art from the Middle Ages up to the present.

Most visits take about 40 minutes, and a regular ticket costs 10 euros.

You can book your tickets through the official page, here.

Admire Le Due Torri: Garisenda e Asinelli

The Due Torri, “Two Towers”, are the most iconic medieval landmarks of Bologna.

Both built in the 12th century, Garisenda is the shortest tower and Asinelli is the tallest – beating Garisenda by twice the height. As a fun fact, the Torre degli Asinelli is considered the world’s tallest leaning medieval tower. (Due Torri Bologna)

At this moment, due to Garisenda’s dramatic lean – more dramatic than the Tower of Pisa – it is currently under restoration and fenced off, but still worth checking out from afar!

While you used to be able to climb Asinelli Tower for €5, it’s currently closed due to structural work on Torre Garisenda. Fingers crossed for a 2028 reopening!🤞

Note: The Torre degli Asinelli has 498 steps to climb, so when it reopens – make sure to physically prepare yourself.😅

Archiginnasio | First Seat of the World’s Oldest University

Built in the 16th century, the Palazzo dell’Archiginnasio was the first, official seat of the University of Bologna, known as the oldest university in the world.

The Archiginnasio is a stunning palace that features a courtyard outlined by a portico with 30 arches, endless frescoes, and historic rooms and library.

You can enter the courtyard of the Archiginnasio for free, but have to pay 12 euros to access two of its most important rooms: Stabat Mater Hall and the Anatomical Theater.

The Stabat Mater Hall is the room where this religious hymn, written by Gioachino Rossini, was first performed back in 1842.

The Stabat Mater is a hymn to the Virgin Mary, portraying her suffering during Christ’s crucifixion.

The Anatomical Theater, built in the 17th century, is a gorgeous, wooden amphitheater where students learned anatomy.

Another famous aspect of the Archiginnasio is its historic library, which you can get a sneak peek of from the Stabat Mater Hall. The library, which is Bologna’s main library, is off limits to tourism and tourists.

Walk Via Ugo Bassi

Via Ugo Bassi is a pedestrian street lined up with shops, cafes, and more. This is an area that blends Bologna’s historic charm and today’s youthful energy.

Walk under (and look up) the Porticoes

With my childhood, I thought I had seen all the beauty that Porticoes offer, but Bologna takes them to the next level!

How? The ceilings of most porticoes have frescoes to admire, and they are so beautiful you almost want to walk with your neck tilted at a -90 degree angle. Don’t recommend it though, that’s a good way to bump into people.😂

Get lost in the Quadrilatero

Dating back to the Middle Ages, the Quadrilatero is a neighborhood in the heart of Bologna’s historic city center.

This is where you’ll find everything from open-air markets and traditional food shops to artisan boutiques and traditional trattorias serving fresh pasta and cured meats.

It’s chaotic in the best way—just stroll, feast, and soak it all in.😍

Visit the Markets and Food Halls

Would Bologna be allowed to keep the title Food Capital of Italy if it didn’t have a fair amount of food markets?😉

The three most famous markets are the historic daily markets, Mercato delle Erbe and the Quadrilatero, and the more modern, Mercato di Mezzo.

Mercato di Mezzo is actually located within the Quadrilatero neighborhood, and is a great place to grab lunch, aperitivo, or dinner. Here you will find everything from Bologna’s traditional foods, to eat directly or buy to cook later,

The Quadrilatero, on the other hand, is more of a neighborhood than a single market. It is the oldest market of Bologna, and is where you’ll find everything from artisan products to fresh produce, and restaurants.

If you want to dive deeper into Bologna’s foods and markets, this best-rated guided tour might just be what you’re looking for!

This 3-hour long tour includes a visit to the Quadrilatero market and lets you taste some of Bologna’s best dishes, including fresh, handmade pasta and a Secret Dish. Not only will you be feasting, but you’ll also be learning!

If this sounds like the perfect tour for your trip to Bologna, book your spot before it sells out!😍👇

Check out Bologna’s Street Art

During my trip I didn’t come across too much street art, but I did find some fun gems once in a while. My personal favorite was a large sticker of two people dancing, but they had tortellini (Bologna’s iconic pasta) faces.

Attend Seasonal Events

As mentioned earlier, the city of Bologna will organize fun events for the locals and tourists to come together and enjoy – such as the “Sotto le Stelle del Cinema”.

This free, 2-month long (June-August) outdoor movie series in Piazza Maggiore, screens a different film every evening.

Check out Bologna’s official Culture Calendar!🗓️

Go on a Guided Tour

Going on a guided tour is the perfect way to dive deeper and learn more about the city you’re visiting.

I didn’t have time during my recent visit, but I’m excited to book a guided tour for my future trip back to Bologna. During my time there, whenever I’d come across a few group tours and I would slow my pace to listen in on some bits.😂

If a guided tour sounds like your cup of tea, here is the best-rated Bologna walking guided tour! from walking to food tours.

Lasting 2 to 3 hours depending on the tour you pick, this city center walking tour brings you to Bologna’s main attractions while telling you all about their history and expert insights. This tour does not bring you inside the attractions.

Book your spot before it sells out!😍👇

Take a cooking Class

As I always say, there is no better souvenir than learning how to cook a recipe or two from the destination you visit. Why? Because you’ll always be able to “travel back” when you prepare that new dish at home.😋

While there are many incredible recipes to learn, what better place to learn how to make fresh pasta and Bolognese sauce than Bologna?🤩

This top-rated cooking class teaches you exactly that! During these three hours, you will learn how to make Tagliatelle (similar to Fettuccine), traditional Ragú Bolognese, and Spritz.

This class sells out quickly, so make sure to book your spot today – or sooner than later!👇🍽️

7 churches of the Santo Stefano Complex

If you’re religious or just love visiting historic churches, the Santo Stefano Complex is a must.

Although it’s no longer made up of seven distinct churches, the nickname Sette Chiese (“Seven Churches”) lives on thanks to its layered history and interconnected structures.

This is Bologna’s most unique complex and oldest religious site, with origins dating back as early as the 5th century.

This complex features quiet chapels, cloisters, and atmospheric corners like the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre and the Courtyard of Pilate.

The architecture and components reflect the layered history of the Santo Stefano Complex, with elements from the Roman era through the early Middle Ages.

Just a short walk from Piazza Maggiore, this peaceful complex offers a spiritual, architectural break from the city bustle.

Santa Maria della Vita

I came across this beautiful church while walking around aimlessly, and I was so glad my feet brought me here!😆

Santa Maria della Vita is a 13th-century baroque church and home to one of the most emotionally intense sculptures, the “Compianto sul Cristo Morto” by Niccolò dell’Arca.

While the church is free to enter, you’ll need a ticket for the small museum, which houses the Compianto sul Cristo Morto, and other religious artworks and relics.

Being a small museum, an average visit lasts about 30 minutes.

Museums

If you’re looking for even more incredible things to do, Bologna has all sorts of museums. Whether you’re into art, history, or medieval architecture – there is something for everyone to check out!

One of the most famous museums is the Museo d’Arte Moderna di Bologna, also known as MAMbo. Housed in a former bakery, this contemporary museum tends to highlight modern Italian artists, as well as international works and temporary exhibitions.

Some other notable museums are:

• Museo Civico Archeologico – museum packed with Roman and Etruscan artifacts
• Museo della Storia di Bologna – great for diving deeper into the city’s past. Right inside Palazzo Pepoli.
• Museo Civico Medievale – Focused on armor, manuscripts, and Gothic sculpture.
• Pinacoteca Nazionale – Bologna’s national art gallery with Renaissance highlights.

If you plan to visit multiple attractions, the Bologna Welcome Card is worth considering. Depending on how long you’re in the city, this city card helps you save on attractions and museums with discounted or “free” access.

Bologna FAQs

Is Bologna, Italy worth visiting?

Abso-freaking-lutely! Whether you treat Bologna as a day trip from Florence or Rome, or as a longer stay – this city could not be more worth visiting!

Full of charm, fun things to see and experience, and the most delicious food, Bologna is a city that everyone is bound to fall in love with.

What is Bologna Italy best known for?

Bologna is best known for its culinary scene as the Food Capital of Italy, its medieval atmosphere, and for being home to the world’s oldest University.

What to do in Bologna for a day?

With one day in Bologna, you’ll be able to visit most of the historic center’s attractions and indulge in delicious food.

Most of these best things to do are all nearby each other, making it easy to visit the majority in just one day.

Stay tuned for my One Day in Bologna itinerary…😍👀

Is 2 days enough for Bologna?

2 days in Bologna is enough to visit all the main attractions and even enjoy a tour or activity that helps you dive deeper in Bologna’s culture.

Map of Bologna’s Best Things to Do

Planning for your Italy trip? Don’t miss these helpful guides:

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• How to Spend 3 Days in Rome, Italy | A Local’s Itinerary
• 28 Best and Unusual Things to Do in Rome | Local’s Guide
• 25 Best HIDDEN GEMS of Rome That You Cannot Miss
  

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I have to ask…

Let me know in the comments which of these best things to do in Bologna you’re most excited to do, or see!👇🤩

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