Things to Do in Bologna
27 curated spots from Bologna itineraries
Activities & Attractions
14 curated experiences
Archiginnasio of Bologna & Teatro Anatomico
Explore the former seat of Europe’s oldest university, with frescoed courtyards and the 17th‑century wooden Anatomical Theatre used for dissections.[2][3]
1h 15m · $4-6
Basilica – Santuario di Santo Stefano (Seven Churches Complex)
Wander through interconnected Romanesque churches and cloisters around a quiet piazza, with layers of medieval history and shaded courtyards.[3][6]
1h 15m · Free (donation appreciated)
Basilica di San Petronio
Visit Bologna’s vast, unfinished-front basilica to see its chapels, monumental interior, and meridian line; if open, consider the modestly priced terrace for rooftop views.[2][4][10]
1h · $5 or Free (main church usually free, small fees for chapels/terrace)
Le Due Torri (Two Towers) – Piazza di Porta Ravegnana
Walk to Bologna’s leaning towers, photograph them from under the porticoes, and, if you’re up for a climb, ascend the Asinelli Tower for city views.[3][6]
1h · $6-12 (street level free, tower climb ticketed)
Night Photography Under the Porticoes
Use the evening to photograph lit porticoes, arcades, and side streets; focus on stretches near Via Rizzoli and the lanes of the Jewish Ghetto for atmospheric shots.
1h · Free
Piazza Maggiore & Due Torri
Start at Fountain of Neptune and Basilica di San Petronio, then climb leaning Asinelli Tower (498 steps, moderate fitness) for photos and views.
2h · $20 or Free
Piazza Maggiore & Fontana del Nettuno
Explore Bologna’s main square, admire the Basilica di San Petronio and the Palazzo del Podestà, and photograph the Neptune Fountain and surrounding terracotta buildings.[1][6]
1h 30m · Free
Piazza Maggiore & Fountain of Neptune
Stroll Bologna’s main square, admiring Palazzo d’Accursio, Palazzo del Podestà, and the iconic 16th-century Fountain of Neptune, then duck under the surrounding porticoes for photos.[1][3][10]
1h · Free
Quadrilatero Market Lanes
Browse narrow food-filled streets lined with salumerie, pasta shops, fishmongers, and produce stands, sampling local specialties as you go.[4][3]
1h 30m · Free to wander (food purchases extra)
Quadrilatero Market Streets
Wander the narrow lanes off Piazza Maggiore filled with salumerie, fresh pasta shops, cheese counters, and produce stands; pick up mortadella, Parmigiano, and tortellini to snack or take home.[4][6]
1h 30m · $10-25 depending on what you sample
San Luca Portico Hike
Hike 2.5 miles up the longest covered portico (3,760 arches) to hilltop sanctuary; bus #20 from center (15 min), wear sneakers, moderate fitness; panoramic photography spot.
2h 30m · $5 bus or Free
Saragozza Portico Walk toward San Luca
Walk under the long portico that begins near Porta Saragozza and heads toward the Santuario di San Luca; you can do just a short, scenic segment rather than the full climb.
1h 30m · Free
Shopping Time in Centro Storico
Head back toward Via dell’Indipendenza and nearby streets for clothing boutiques, food shops, and small design stores; pick up edible souvenirs like aged balsamic or local wines.[1][6]
2h · $20-60 depending on purchases
University Quarter Walk
Stroll Via Zamboni and Piazza Verdi, passing university buildings, bookshops, and political graffiti that reflect Bologna’s ‘La Dotta’ and ‘La Rossa’ character.
1h · FreeRestaurants & Food
13 local favorites
Sfoglia Rina
Beloved pasta spot known for handmade tagliatelle al ragù and tortellini in brodo; expect a casual, busy atmosphere and excellent value plates.[8]
1h 15m · $20-30 per person
Aperitivo in Quadrilatero Wine Bar
Return to the Quadrilatero for aperitivo: order a spritz or local Lambrusco and enjoy the small snack plates (olives, chips, bruschetta) that come with your drink.[3][7]
1h · $10-18 per person
Cafe in Saragozza
Start at a neighborhood café near Porta Saragozza with a simple espresso and pastry at the counter, watching the quieter local morning routine.
30m · $5-10 per person
Casa Merlò
Cozy, well-regarded restaurant in the city center with a modern take on Bolognese classics; reserve ahead and try the tasting menu or seasonal dishes with local wine.[8]
2h · $35-55 per person
Casual Lunch near Via dell’Indipendenza
Pick a casual trattoria or café just off Via dell’Indipendenza for salads, simple pasta, or piadina with local cured meats.
1h · $18-28 per person
Gamberini
Historic pasticceria for a classic Italian breakfast—order a cappuccino (before 11am) and a fresh cornetto or a slice of torta.[8]
45m · $8-15 per person
Le Stanze
Aperitivo with mortadella platters, spritz, and live music vibes; modern twist on local cuisine.
1h 30m · $30-45 per person
Local Bar on Via Zamboni
Pick a busy student bar along Via Zamboni, stand at the counter, and order espresso and a brioche for a quick, local-style start to the day.
30m · $5-10 per person
Osteria dell'Orsa
Classic Bolognese tagliatelle al ragù and tortellini in brodo; cozy spot in medieval market area.
1h 15m · $25-40 per person
Pasticceria Impero
Classic pasticceria for cappuccino and a fresh cornetto or krapfen at the counter; stand at the bar for the local experience.
30m · $5-10 per person
Tamburini
Historic salumeria with a cafeteria-style counter for plates of salumi, cheeses, and simple hot dishes; ideal for a tasting-style lunch or hearty aperitivo.
1h · $15-25 per person
Traditional Osteria in Centro Storico
Choose a classic osteria within a 10-minute walk of Piazza Maggiore for hearty Bolognese dishes—lasagne, cotoletta alla bolognese, and regional desserts—with a carafe of local wine.
2h · $25-40 per person
Trattoria di Via Serra
Cozy, highly regarded trattoria serving seasonal Bolognese classics; book ahead, and try the tortellini and slow-cooked secondi.
2h · $30-45 per person