tourist information about bologna

The Lonely Planet guide to Bologna

Dec 4, 2023 • 6 min read

Find out where to eat, how to get around, and the best things to see and do in Bologna © RossHelen / Getty Images

Lovingly referred to as La Grassa (the fat one, for its hearty food traditions), La Dotta (the learned one, a nod to its famed university, founded in 1088) and La Rossa (the red one, for both its terracotta-hued buildings and its famously left-wing politics), Bologna presents a tantalizing trifecta of medieval might to visitors.

First and foremost, the city’s glorious food legacy, from which arose one of Italy’s most heralded dishes, ragù (please don’t call it bolognese), is arguably the country’s most coveted. Its university (known as Unibo) has ensured a steady stream of culture, innovation and forward-thinking enlightenment for nearly 950 years. And its medieval historic center, a stunning confection of UNESCO-listed porticos and boundless architectural gems, cements the entire easy-on-the-eyes patchwork together.

When is the best time to visit Bologna?

Being at heart a big university town, Bologna is a dynamic city with plentiful cultural attractions, bars and restaurants that stay lively year-round. And with over 61km (38 miles) of porticos (nearly 40/25) in the center itself), the city is more manageable in inclement weather than most. But if we're talking ideal, then April (pleasant weather but not swarming with high-season crowds) and September to October (most of the crowds have thinned out) fit the bill. Avoid August when the city is hot, muggy and mostly closed – many Bolognesi flee the city for their summer holidays in more touristy locales.

One of the benefits of a summer visit, however, is Sotto le Stelle del Cinema (mid-June to mid-August) when Europe’s largest outdoor projection screen is set up in Piazza Maggiore for nightly movie sessions (book ahead!).

Is it easy to get in and around Bologna?

Bologna is Italy’s seventh largest city, but its medieval city center is best enjoyed on foot. From its western boundary at Porta San Felice to its eastern boundary at Porta Maggiore, it’s just 2.6km (1.6 miles) across. If you’d rather rely on public transport, the TPER bus system is well-connected throughout the city center and outlying suburbs. Tickets may be purchased at any tobacco shop (known as a tabaccheria ) or on board with coins and/or credit cards (including contactless). A 10-trip City Pass is €14.

Top things to do in Bologna

Bologna’s best and most unique attractions are intrinsically linked to the city. Casa di Lucio Dalla , for example, is the fascinating home museum of legendary Italian singer-songwriter and Bologna native Lucio Dalla. Following suit with the city’s designation as a UNESCO Creative City of Music, San Colombano – Collezione Tagliavini is an extraordinary assembly of musical instruments amassed by the late octogenarian organist Luigi Tagliavini housed in a stunningly restored church. 

The Teatro Anatomico , part of the world’s oldest continually-operating university, is a jarring throwback to 17th-century medical school dissections. And don’t miss a wander around the atmospheric Quadrilatero , the city’s medieval market area, home to food stalls, greengrocers, delis, and divey wine bar Osteria del Sole , which has been slinging vino since 1465. Unfortunately, the city’s iconic twin towers, Torre degli Asinelli , were closed indefinitely in 2023 in order for engineers to evaluate their structural integrity.

Bologna’s aforementioned centuries-old porticos , one of Italy’s newest UNESCO World Heritage sites (2021), are everywhere you turn in the city. Besides providing cover for those on foot, these remarkable arched arcades are also historic feats of ingenuity and engineering, with representations spanning hundreds of years: medieval wooden porticoes, Gothic and Renaissance porticoes, 14th century beccadelli (semi-porticoes without columns) and 19th-century porticoes featuring court-architecture) among them. An organized tour of the most significant porticos is well worth investing an afternoon.

Another unmissable draw of Bologna – in cahoots with nearby Modena – is Motor Valley, home to a who’s who of legendary sports car manufacturers and their incredible museums. While only Museo Ducati is within the city itself, heavyweight luxury sports car icons Lamborghini is within easy reach on public transport (while Ferrari , Maserati and Pagani sit on the Modena side). For anyone big on cars or Italian design, these emblematic museums are imperative stops on any itinerary to the region.

What to eat in Bologna

Where to begin? With pizza, risotto and gelato being notable exceptions, nearly all of Italy’s most widely-adored contributions to the global dinner table hail from Bologna and/or the surrounding region of Emilia-Romagna. Lasagna, tortellini, ragú (with tagliatelle, not spaghetti), mortadella, prosciutto (Parma), balsamic vinegar (Modena) and Parmesan cheese top the list, but there’s plenty more where that came from. 

Among the less famous (but every bit as delicious) dishes born in Bologna and/or Emilia, polpette con piselli (meatballs with peas), tortelloni di ricotta con burro e salvia (ricotta-stuffed pasta with butter and sage), gramigna alla salsiccia (pasta with sausage) and crescentine/tigelle (fried dough/bread rounds, stuffed with cheese, salumi etc) top the list. Sfoglia Rina is a great spot to acquaint yourself with local specialties but arrive early or settle in for a wait (they do not take reservations). Long dinner short, this is the land of egg pasta and all manner of pork! Vegetarians notwithstanding, Bologna is irrefutably one of Italy’s best cities for food and is in fact the main reason people visit.

How to get to Bologna?

The quickest way to reach Bologna is by air; the city is well-served by an international airport with flights from throughout the EU and beyond.

Arriving in Bologna by air

Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ) welcomes flights from around the EU as well as locations further afield such as London, Dubai, Istanbul and Casablanca, among others. A taxi to the city center runs between €15-20; and the Marconi Express people mover heads direct to the train station in under eight minutes for €11.

Arriving in Bologna by train

Bologna Centrale is a major high-speed rail station on Italy's main train line and most big cities of note are reachable on direct trains. Approximate travel times on Italy’s fastest train, Frecciarossa 1000, include Milan (one hour), Florence (38 minutes), Rome (two hours) and Naples (3.5 hours). The train station is a 15 to 20 minute walk from most locations in the center.

Arriving in Bologna by car

Like the train station, Bologna sits along Italy’s longest and most important highway, the A1 (Autostrada del Sole), which dissects the country from Milan to Naples. It’s part of the greater European routes E45 (Norway to Italy) and E35 (The Netherlands to Italy).

My favorite thing to do in Bologna

Bologna is wonderfully walkable and first and foremost I love meandering through the medieval center, admiring the rusty-red architecture and popping in and out of the city’s UNESCO-listed porticos. My favorite piazza is undoubtedly Piazza Santo Stefano. The city’s most unique religious destination, Basilica di Santa Stefano , anchors the piazza, but it's otherwise just a superbly atmospheric and oddly triangular-shaped square lined with bars and cafes – ideal for an aperitivo . A perfect night for me would be local craft beers at Il Punto followed by dinner at my favorite in-the-know spot for traditional cuisine, Trattoria Bertozzi .  

How much money do I need for Bologna?

• Hostel bed: around €50
• Basic room for two: between €80–150
• Self-catering apartment (including Airbnb): from €150
• Public transport ticket: €1.50 for a single ride, €6 for a day ticket
• Coffee: €1.10
• Pint at a craft beer bar: €6
• Tagliatelle with ragú: €12
• Dinner for two with a bottle of local wine: €60

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12 Top Things to Do in Bologna, Italy

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson

Located about halfway between Florence and Milan, Bologna is the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region in northern Italy. An old university city with lavish porticoed walkways and squares, fine historic buildings, and a storied medieval center, Bologna is well-known for its beauty. But it's also famous for its left-wing politics, as it's home to the former Italian communist party and its newspaper, "L'Unita." Of course, most people come here for the city's food scene. Because it's in the heart of the Emilia-Romagna, widely considered the greatest food-producing region of Italy, Bologna is nicknamed La Grassa—the fat one—which is also a play on the city's prosperous economy.

Bologna can be visited any time of the year although it may be pretty cold in winter and very hot in summer. The city is a transportation hub for several train lines, with easy access to Milan , Venice , Florence , Rome , and both coasts.

Try the Local Specialties

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The cuisine of the Emilia-Romagna region is some of the best in Italy, and Bologna is one of the best places to sample its range. There is so much more to try beyond just spaghetti bolognese, and at many restaurants, you can find other classics such as lasagna and tagliatelle drenched in ragu—a slow-cooked meat sauce—as well as handmade stuffed pasta like tortellini. The city is also known for its salami and mortadella. There are tons of excellent restaurants in Bologna , but if you're looking to celebrate a special occasion, book a reservation at I Portici , the city's (surprisingly) only Michelin-star restaurant.

Seek Out Architecture

Tripsavvy / Michaela Sieman

Bologna's compact medieval center has several beautiful churches, monuments, and civic buildings. As you explore the city, you can also enjoy its many porticoed sidewalks, which make window shopping all the more pleasant. The must-visit churches are the hilltop Santuario di Madonna di San Luca (Sanctuary of the Madonna of San Luca) and the Basilica di San Giacomo Maggiore (Basilica of San San Giacomo Maggiore), the latter of which has both Renaissance and Baroque influences. Other notable buildings include the Archginnasio of Bologna , which was once the University of Bologna's main building; today, it houses the Biblioteca Comunale dell'Archiginnasio (Archinnasio Municipal Library) and the Teatro Anatomica (Anatomical Theater), where the academics used to dissect human corpses for study.

Explore the Main Squares

TripSavvy / Michaela Sieman

While visiting Bologna, you can square-hop between the beautiful central squares like Piazza Maggiore, which houses the Gothic Basilica of San Petronio , the Palazzo dei Notai , and the Archaeological Museum . In Piazza del Nettuno, you'll find an ornate 16th-century fountain in the center that is surrounded by medieval civic buildings. Make sure you go inside the Salaborsa Library to admire the interior.

Try New Flavors Along Via Clavature

East of Piazza Maggiore, the area along Via Clavature has several small, interesting food stalls, where you'll find a number of small markets on side streets. For example, Pescheria Brunelli is the oldest fish market in town and is well worth a visit. If you're short on time and looking for a quick bite, head inside Mercato di Mezzo . This covered market is a great place to pick up some edible or drinkable souvenirs and sit down at a casual restaurant.

Wander Around the Piazza Santo Stefano

In Piazza Santo Stefano, also called Piazza delle Sette Chiese (The Square of Seven Churches), you will find an unusual cluster of interlocking Romanesque churches. The oldest, the church of Santi Vitale e Agricola, is said to have been built on the ruins of Roman temples and columns. The church is named after two saints who became martyrs in Bologna during the era of Roman Emperor Diocletian, and are believed to have died on this site. There is also an interesting courtyard with a maze of little chapels.

See Art at Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna

The Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna (National Art Gallery of Bologna) is one of Italy's best galleries. Housed in a former 17th-century Jesuit building, the museum has been open to the public since 1885. It contains a large collection of oil paintings dating back to the 13th century, with several important works of art spanning the Renaissance, Mannerism, and Baroque periods. See paintings by Italian artists such as Raphael, Titian, and the Carracis, before making your way to the art gallery's temporary exhibitions. After your visit, consider paying a visit to the Academy of Fine Arts , located within the same building.

Visit the World's Oldest University

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Founded in 1088, the University of Bologna is the world's oldest university. You don't have to be a student to visit the Museum of Palazzo Poggi, which is filled with interesting exhibits on military architecture, ancient maps, natural history, physics, and human anatomy. Or, you can wander around the Botanic Garden and Herbarium; founded in 1568, it is one of the oldest botanic gardens in Italy. You can sign up for a tour if you want to take a deeper dive into the university's history, but a simple stroll through the campus is also a pleasant way to spend an afternoon.

Enjoy Aperitivo

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Throughout Italy, the aperitivo, or the time to have a drink before dinner, starts sometime between 6:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. The best place to go in Bologna for an Aperol Spritz or Negroni is Via Pescherie Vecchie, just off Piazza Maggiore. The street is lined with bars and restaurants offering outdoor seating, wines by the bottle or glass, tasty appetizers, and great people-watching. Mercato Delle Erbe , a foodstuffs market by day, becomes a lively nightlife destination after dark, with a bevy of restaurants and food stalls surrounding a central dining hall.

Climb Asinelli Tower

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After helping yourself to a big meal, you can get your exercise in by walking up the 498 steps to the top of Asinelli Tower , which stands at 97.2 meters (319 feet) tall. Built by the Asinelli family in the 12th century, it is the world's tallest leaning medieval tower and the highest point in Bologna. From the top, you'll be able to see each of the city's major landmarks in addition to the surrounding countryside. Nearby is the Garisenda Tower, which is much shorter at 47 meters (154 feet) and, like its sister, leans slightly. Together, the two comprise Bologna's "Two Towers." Due to its steep incline, Garisenda Tower does not allow visitors. You can buy tickets in advance to climb Asinelli Tower on its official website .

Find the City's Hidden Canals

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Venice might be the most famous city in Italy for canals, but maybe that's because Bologna's are hidden away behind the buildings. You can get a peek into some of these canals by visiting the window on Via Piella , which allows viewers to look out over the Canale delle Moline. Or, consider booking a hotel or vacation rental that offers views looking down into the water.

Step Inside the Basilica di San Petronio

The Basilica di San Petronio, located off of Piazza Maggiore, is the city's oldest church. Dedicated to Bologna's patron saint, Saint Petronius, it was built starting in 1390, although it wasn't until 1954 when the basilica was officially consecrated. Within its walls, pay attention to the Music Chapel of San Petronia, the city's oldest musical institution, which features a 552-year-old organ that is still in use today. The basilica also houses the world's longest sundial, a 67.27-meter instrument built by the astronomer Cassini, as well as the Cappella Bolognini (Chapel of the Three Kings), whose walls display frescos by Giovanni da Modena.

Walk the World's Longest Portico

The Portico di San Luca, which runs for 3.8 kilometers (2.4 miles) and bears 666 arches, is the longest portico in the world. Constructed between the 17th and 18th centuries, it travels from Porta Saragozza up the Colle della Guardia hill, ending at the Sanctuary of the Madonna of San Luca . It was built so as to protect the sanctuary's icon from rain during the annual Feast of the Ascension, with the 666 arches—a number that is usually associated with "the beast"—intended to symbolize the Madonna's victory over the devil. While you can drive up to the church today, walking the route is a quintessential Bolognese experience.

No, Bologna is part of the Emilia Romagna region, which borders Tuscany.

The capital of the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, Bologna is one of the world's top food cities and serves as a great jumping-off point to explore the culinary delights of the surrounding area. It's also home to the oldest university in the world, the University of Bologna, which was founded in 1088.

Spring and fall are the best times to visit Bologna, when the weather is mild and pleasant and you can find great deals on hotels and airfare.

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13 Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in Bologna

Written by Barbara Radcliffe Rogers and Lana Law Updated Jul 12, 2024 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Bologna, for all its size and importance as the capital of its province and of Emilia-Romagna, is an easy city to visit, and many visitors find it one of Italy's most appealing. Those who enjoy good food certainly do; it has a reputation as Italy's gastronomic capital .

Among Bologna's main industries are the manufacture of pasta and sausages, so be sure to try some while you're here. Along with visiting Bologna's tourist attractions, spend time absorbing the city's unique character: stroll beneath its long arcades, peek inside its elegant old shops, notice its architectural quirks and interesting brickwork, sip a cappuccino in one of the numerous cafés, and soak up some of the exuberance of its many students.

Most of its popular places to visit are within walking distance of Piazza Maggiore, and the arcaded streets make walking in Bologna pleasant in all kinds of weather. Find the best things to do in the city with our list of the top attractions in Bologna.

See also: Where to Stay in Bologna

1. Piazza Maggiore and Piazza del Nettuno

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It may seem as though everyone in Bologna meets friends at the same time in these two adjoining squares in the heart of the city. Conversation and laughter blend with the sound of water splashing in the magnificent Neptune Fountain , which gives Piazza del Nettuno its name.

Created by Giambologna in the 16th century, it is one of the finest fountains of its period. Nearly every major attraction in the city is within a few minutes' walk, as are the most important streets - among them the busy shopping street, Via dell'Indipendenza , and Via Galleria with its many old aristocratic mansions.

Elegantly arcaded Via dell'Archiginnasio runs alongside the great Basilica of San Petronius ; its still unfinished facade dominates one side of Piazza Maggiore. On the north side is the former Palazzo del Podestà (Governors Palace) with a tower, Torre dell'Arengo , dating from 1259. Under its vaulted dome, people whispering on one side can be heard by those on the opposite corner.

When construction of the massive church that dominates one side of Piazza Maggiore began in 1390, it was designed to be even bigger than St. Peter's in Rome, but never quite made it. In fact, it was never finished, and the facade remains incomplete. In the tiny museum at the back of the church, you can see the designs that were submitted for the facade, including those by the great architect Andrea Palladio.

The interior, which was finished, is often referred to as the epitome of Gothic architecture in Italy , and each of the side chapels seems like a small church. Look for the strange line cutting across the floor of the nave; it is a meridian line.

Address: Piazza Maggiore, Bologna

While Bologna has no shortage of interesting and art-filled churches, Santo Stefano is the oldest and the most atmospheric. The complex of eight buildings could be called the cradle of faith in Bologna, built by the Benedictines between the 10th and 13th centuries to house the remains of Bologna's early martyrs, Saints Vitale and Agricola.

Chiesa del Crocifisso, the principal church, has a 12th-century external pulpit and a crypt dating to 1019; octagonal Santo Sepolcro opens onto a pillared courtyard adjoining a two-story cloister. In the simple third church, look for the capitals of various styles recycled from previous Roman and Byzantine buildings and for the 6th-century mosaic floors.

Address: Via Santo Stefano 24, Bologna

Pisa's may be more famous, but Bologna has a pair of towers that appear to tilt even more alarmingly because of their narrow shape. And, in fact, the Garisenda Tower does tilt at a slightly more extreme angle than Pisa. They are the best-known of the 20 towers that remain of the more than 100 that formed Bologna's 12th-century skyline.

Although they were necessary as both watchtowers and places of refuge in case of attack, their height also became status symbols for the noble families that built them. The 48-meter Torre Garisenda leans by more than 13 meters . Up until October of 2023 you were able to climb the 498 steps inside the 97-meter Torre degli Asinelli for bird's-eye views of Bologna. However, due to safety concerns, public access has been discontinued as the city undertakes a 20-year plan to stabilize the towers. Fortunately, standing at the base of the towers looking up is an impressive sight.

Address: Piazza di Porta Ravegnana, Bologna

The basilica stands atop a hill that commands views across the city and the Po Valley landscape, its classical interior highlighted by the striking floor of inlaid black, white, and red marble floor. The chancel is lined in equally striking variegated black and white marble.

But what distinguishes this basilica from all the others in Italy is the 3.8-kilometer covered arcade that connects the sanctuary to the city . This monumental structure is the longest portico in the world , with 666 arches, and was built between 1674 and 1793 to protect the Byzantine Madonna with Child icon in its annual procession into Bologna. The icon, said to have been painted by Saint Luke, has traveled this route to Bologna's Cathedral of San Pietro since 1433, when it was brought from a hilltop convent in the hope of a miracle to stop harvest-threatening rains.

This scenic walk, beginning at Piazza di Porta Saragozza, is a favorite - and free - thing to do in Bologna on Sundays, or you can take the San Luca Express, a tourist "train" from Piazza Maggiore. For even wider views, the San Luca Sky Experience is a panoramic terrace reached by climbing into the basilica's cupola.

Address: Via di San Luca 36, Bologna, Italy

Perhaps Bologna's greatest appeal to tourists, and the source of its fame throughout Italy, is its reputation as a culinary center. It's known for tortellini, tagliatelle, and other pastas , and its classic dish, tagliatelle al ragu, is known elsewhere simply as tagliatelle Bolognese. Cured meats are a local specialty, and this region is the home of the incomparable Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.

You can experience and savor Bologna's culinary heritage. A good place to begin is in its markets and food shops . The narrow streets of the Quadrilatero, an area between Piazza Maggiore, via Rizzoli, via Castiglione, and via Farini, has been a market since Roman times, filled with little shops and outdoor stands selling all kinds of food, from garden produce, cheese, and fish to freshly made pastas and baked goods.

Opportunities to learn from Bolognese chefs and home cooks abound, from group classes to individual lessons on forming perfect tortellini. Another thing to do is join a specialized tour led by a local foodie . These will likely include visits to food markets and a number of traditional food shops, including a bakery, chocolatier, salumeria (deli), pasta maker, and gelato shop where you can sample some of Bologna's specialties.

Once the main building of the University of Bologna, the Archiginnasio is now home to one of the most unusual places in Bologna, the classroom where medical students learned anatomy by watching as corpses were dissected. It's not this bizarre aspect that fascinates today so much as the exceptional interior and its unusual wood carving.

The highlight is Ercole Lelli's Spellati (Skinless), a life-sized wood sculpture of a man with the musculature and skeletal structure rendered in minute detail. Also in this building is the Stabat Mater lecture hall, its walls decorated with coats of arms. The University of Bologna, founded in the 11th century, is the oldest university of the Western world.

Address: Piazza Galvani 1, Bologna

Official site: http://www.archiginnasio.it/english_index.html

Visitors to Bologna can't help strolling under the portici, the arcades that line so many of its streets. They are a welcome relief from traffic, summer sun, and shelter from the rain, as well as providing extra space to shops, which often display goods under them.

They began in the 11th century as overhanging upper stories of buildings in the growing city center, adding more living and storage space over the shops and businesses on the street level. As they became larger, they needed support beams and posts, and gradually the arcades grew. In the 13th century, new arcades were required to be tall enough for a rider to pass through on horseback, a rule that led to the elegant arched arcades we see today.

These portici are one-of-a-kind, constructed at different times and in different styles, often embellished with stone carving or other decoration. In all, Bologna has about 40 kilometers of these portici , the longest of which is 3.8 kilometers, and leads from the city to the hilltop Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca. Bologna's portici are a candidate for 2021 UNESCO World Heritage Site designation.

At the death in 1221 of Saint Dominic, in this convent of the order he founded, work began on the church that took several centuries to complete. The marble tomb that enshrines his remains is reason enough to visit, carved in minute details by the greatest artists of the day, including Michelangelo and Nicola Pisano . The church's art treasures don't end here.

The outstanding wood inlay by intarsia master fra' Damiano da Bergamo in the choir was hailed by Renaissance contemporaries as the eighth wonder of the world. Each first and second Saturday of the month, at 10:30am and 3:30pm, free guided tours are offered to the chapels, choir, Inquisition rooms, St. Dominic's cell, and other places not usually open to the public.

Address: Piazza di San Domenico 13, Bologna

Even those who normally tune out at museums of antiquities will enjoy this remarkably up-to-date display of prehistoric and Etruscan finds from the surrounding area , as well as outstanding treasures from the Celtic, Greek, Egyptian, and Roman civilizations. There are only two other museums in Italy that can match its Egyptian collection .

The 15th-century Palazzo Galvani, close to Piazza Maggiore, has been skillfully repurposed to house the collections; no dry jumble of dusty relics here, but a modern museum of brilliantly displayed artifacts.

Address: Via dell'Archiginnasio 2, Bologna

Climb the stairs to the room above the church to find one of Bologna's unsung treasures, a small oratorio decorated in Baroque paintings, frescoes, and gilded carvings. Avoid a stiff neck by taking advantage of one of the benches to stretch out and look up at the perfectly splendid ceiling.

Around the room stand a group of 15 terracotta statues, Death of the Virgin , created by Alfonso Lombardi in the early 16th century. Watch for announcements of musical programs, which are held here because of the room's excellent acoustics.

Address: Via Clavature 8, Bologna

The cathedral of San Pietro has undergone many changes since its founding in 910, including the addition of a choir by Pellegrino Tibaldi in 1575 and a nave, remodeled in the grandeur of the 17th-century Baroque style.

A door at the end of the side aisle on the left leads to a collection of artistic treasures donated over the centuries to use in religious celebrations. These include items belonging to several popes and a splendid processional cross given as recently as 1996.

Address: Via Indipendenza, Bologna

The Pinacoteca has a unique mission: to preserve and display works by artists who have lived and worked in Bologna and the Emilia-Romagna region, especially from the 13th to the early 19th centuries.

Some of the works have histories of their own, many have been rescued from churches that were closed or turned to other uses, and others have been returned to Bologna after Napoleon I carried them off to the Louvre in Paris . The museum collections include works by Raphael, Perugino, Tintoretto, and other Renaissance artists.

Address: Strada Maggiore 44, Bologna

Piazza Maggiore and Piazza del Nettuno, the Basilica, the excellent Archaeological Museum, and the pair of leaning towers that lead Bologna's list of tourist attractions are all clustered within a very short distance. Two major churches, Santo Stefano and San Domenico, are only a few blocks away, making Bologna easy to visit from any central lodging. Here are some highly rated hotels in Bologna:

Luxury Hotels :

• The gleaming Grand Hotel Majestic Gia Baglioni , adjacent to the Basilica and Piazza Maggiore, has generous, well-decorated rooms in a beautifully restored historic building.
• In the middle of the old town, just under famous medieval towers, the boutique Hotel Corona d'Oro 1890 has rooms with parquet floors, marble baths, and balconies - some with tower views.
• Just off Piazza Nettuno and handy to shopping and restaurants, Art Hotel Orologio has traditional rooms in a converted historic mansion.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• The Phi Hotel Bologna is a quirky hotel just off Piazza Maggiore. The trade-off for the hotel's great location is small rooms and bathrooms.
• With bright, attractive rooms dressed in sleek, modern decor, Metropolitan Hotel is less than a five-minute walk from Piazza Maggiore, surrounded by restaurants and shops.
• Close to the train station and within easy reach of the central attractions, NH Bologna De La Gare offers 156 soundproof rooms, including nine spacious suites on the top floor with beautiful views of the city.

Budget Hotels:

• Filling the fourth floor of a classic building just off Piazza Maggiore, Panorama Hotel has large rooms with well-maintained shared baths.
• Only a short walk from the Piazza Nettuna, Albergo Centrale Bologna is a 3-star hotel with compact but comfortable rooms in the center of the city. Breakfast is included, and the hotel is surrounded by restaurants.
• The recently restored Il Canale Hotel overlooks the river and has a rooftop terrace with views over the city. An easy walk from Piazza Maggiore, the hotel has family-sized rooms.

Like most cities in Italy, the historic center is closed to automobiles. If your hotel is within this area - called the ZTL zone - be sure to ask them where to park before your arrival. The usual procedure is that they will put your license number on the ZTL whitelist for the period of your stay, which allows you to drive to and from the hotel.

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Nearby Food Capitals: After sampling the local delicacies of Bologna, you may want to explore the Reggio-Emilia region's other food capitals. You can visit the home of the world-famous Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, and see the top attractions of Parma and its surrounding towns . On the way (a major highway connects Bologna and Parma) stop in Modena , home of the best balsamic vinegar.

Exploring the Adriatic Coast: When you are in Bologna, you are within easy reach of a city whose art treasures are unique in Italy. Ravenna is filled with magnificent Byzantine mosaics, most of them in eight buildings that have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Not far south on the Adriatic coast are Rimini's well-preserved Roman sites and beaches . For more general ideas to help plan your trip, see our article on the best places to visit in Italy .

More on Italy

Emilia-Romagna

Bologna, the delightful capital of emilia-romagna, is a lively city, with its blend of fascinating culture, history and delicious traditional food.

Nestled among vast plains, gentle, winding valleys and rolling hills with unique and unparalleled panoramas, Bologna may be a young city, but it has an enchantingly rich history. Treat yourself to a relaxing trip, immersed in art, music and good food.

What to see in Bologna

• To be visited

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The Porticoes of Bologna: a stroll through history

Bologna's Mortadella

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San Petronio Basilica

Bologna Municipal Theater

Botanical Garden of the University of Bologna

Mercato Ritrovato

The Garisenda Tower

Piazza del Nettuno

Fountain of Neptune

FICO World Eataly

Mercato di Mezzo

Sanctuary Madonna di San Luca

Santa Maria dei Servi Basilica

Vintage cars and motorcycles in Bologna

Ferrara Buskers Festival

Young, cultured and welcoming

Bologna is known as the learned, the fat and the red: three historic nicknames that emphasise its university roots, its rich and tasty cuisine, and its enchanting architecture with its beloved and iconic red roofs. Animated, bustling and youthful, Bologna bears witness to the past while looking towards the future.

Bologna, the delightful capital of Emilia-Romagna, is a lively city, with its blend of fascinating culture, history and delicious traditional food. Nestled among vast plains, gentle, winding valleys and rolling hills with unique and unparalleled panoramas, Bologna may be a young city, but it has an enchantingly rich history. Treat yourself to a relaxing trip, immersed in art, music and good food.

Piacenza, welcoming and sumptuous; Emilian, but not to excess The end of the ancient Via Emilia and geographical epicentre of the Po Valley, the city of Piacenza stands on the right-hand bank of the river Po and is - due to its position on the north-western border of the region - the least Emilian of the provincial capitals of Emilia Romagna. A compulsory stop for travellers Halfway between the Apennines and the plains, nestled between valleys and waterways, Piacenza built its fortunes on its vocation as a place of passage: Leonardo da Vinci, who made an unsuccessful bid to design the bronze doors of its cathedral, was among the first to appreciate its crucial territorial role, describing it in the Codex Atlanticus as “Terra di Passo” (land of passage), a compulsory stop for anyone on their way to Milan. An innate nature that still explains the city's irreducible vocation for welcome and hospitality. Amid arcades and secret gardens, by bicycle The etymology of the Latin name, placentia, which alludes to the capacity to please, is a successful compendium of the city's soul: pleasant, elegant and full of discreetly guarded treasures. Because of its relaxed pace and compact size, it is an ideal place to visit on foot or by bicycle, roaming through arcades and churches, capturing the beauty of the hidden courtyards of stately palaces. The horses of the Farnese family So, are you ready to begin? The ideal tour of Piacenza, amidst art and history, has to start at the popular Piazza Cavalli, the city's epicentre. It is so called because of the presence of the infamous pair of equestrian monuments honouring Ranuccio and Alessandro Farnese, father and son, once Dukes and Lords of Parma and Piacenza. Carved in the 17th century in the Baroque style by the Tuscan sculptor Francesco Mochi, they stand directly in front of the beautiful Town Hall in terracotta and white marble, known as “il Gotico”, which is said to have hosted Petrarch: they are the emblem of the town. If you hear people say “i noss cavaj”, our horses, this is what they are referring to. The ducal tour The “Farnese” tour leads to the historic Palazzo Farnese, now home to the Civic Museums, in whose picture gallery one can admire, among other works, a Tondo of the Virgin and Child by Botticelli. The archaeological wing, meanwhile, preserves the famous Fegato di Piacenza, or Piacenza Liver, a bronze model of a sheep's liver with Etruscan inscriptions, used by haruspices as a guide for prophecies. The tour is wrapped up with a visit to the Farnese Walls that encircled the historical centre in the 16th century. The Duomo, combining Romanesque and Gothic The real attraction of the city, however, is its Duomo, or Cathedral: dedicated to Saint Mary of the Assumption and Saint Justina, it brings together the original architecture, an admirable example of Emilian Romanesque, with Gothic elements of a later restructuring, and houses a dome frescoed by Guercino. But there are several other medieval churches in Piacenza worth discovering, starting from St Anthony, the city's patron saint, a compulsory stop for pilgrims on the Via Francigena, to St Savino, of early Christian origin, with mosaic floors, passing through St Mary of Campagna, with its dome frescoed by Pordenone. Here, it is said, Pope Urban II announced his intention to order the First Crusade to the Holy Land. A walk around the muntä di rat A visit to Piacenza's museums, meanwhile, has to include the Alberoni Gallery, which houses Antonello da Messina's Ecce Homo, and the Ricci Oddi Modern Art Gallery, with its works from the 19th and 20th centuries. Iconic places in the city to visit, before leaving, include the Municipal Theatre, whose façade was redesigned by Alessandro Sanquirico based on inspiration from La Scala in Milan, and the steps that connect Via Mazzini to Via San Bartolomeo, which everyone here calls the muntä di rat. This is because during the flooding of the Po, legend has it that rats used it to escape the water. Amidst hills and medieval villages: in search of food & wine delights and Bellocchio's film sets Other wonders are in store for you in the surrounding countryside, among the renowned valleys of the Piacenza hills: Val Trebbia, Val Nure, Val Tidone and Val d'Arda, to name the best known, with their scenic itineraries and food and wine delights. Not forgetting the medieval villages and castles: Castell'Arquato, Grazzano Visconti, Gropparello, Rivalta, to name but a few. For film buffs we recommend a trip to Bobbio, a delightful village in the Trebbia Valley and the setting for many films by Marco Bellocchio, who founded his Film School and a Festival dedicated to the Seventh Art here. For those who love outdoor sports, we suggest trying their hand, on foot or by bicycle, at a few stops along the Via Francigena, the ancient pilgrimage route that led from northern Europe to Rome and from there to the Holy Land.

Rich Parma seduces with art, music and unparalleled food and wine tradition Parma is the second largest city in Emilia Romagna and a rare pearl: with its prestigious history, young nightlife, and its many characteristic cultural points of interest, it is also a popular destination for savouring its ancient culinary tradition that is recognised the world over.

Reggio Emilia

Culture, nature and food and wine tradition The province of Reggio-Emilia is the destination par excellence when one thinks of a weekend away. Culture, nature and food and wine traditions make this area a unique place and certainly rich in opportunities. Reggio-Emilia is located about 50 kilometres from Bologna in the centre of the Po Valley. Known as the City of the Tricolour, as the birthplace of the Italian flag, it has a very elegant historic centre and a quality of life with few equals in Italy. Here, the most futuristic buildings are designed by Calatrava, you can get around by bike or on foot and there is no shortage of things to see. Seeing the many squares is a must, the Temple of the Beata Vergine della Ghiara and the Panizzi Library, hold your heads up, as the ceilings are magnificent. At the gates of the city, the Pista del Crostolo, a green route ideal for cycling, jogging or relaxing walks, begins. Don't miss a visit to the Matildic castles of Canossa, Rossena and Bianello. Plan a trip to the Po River and visit the Don Camillo and Peppone Museum in Brescello, a place of pilgrimage for lovers of black and white films. Correggio, a prestigious small Renaissance court, and Scandiano with the evocative Rocca dei Boiardo are among the not-to-be-missed stops. The table cannot be complete without cappelletti reggiani or caplètt, Parmigiano Reggiano and Traditional Balsamic Vinegar, as well as erbazzone, rice cake and a glass of Lambrusco wine.

A city of art and architecture, fine food and legendary engines, Modena is truly enchanting. A jewel in the heart of Emilia Romagna where art, architecture and fine dining and wine express Italian excellence in all its glory. Modena wins all visitors’ heart through their stomach, with its priceless treasures appreciated all over the world, and of course the timeless myth of Ferrari.

A small jewel of the Emilia-Romagna plain, Ferrara hosts historical and artistic wonders in a relaxing urban environment. With all the charm of a capital from the distant past, it offers boundless beauty that straddles the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Ferrara lets you take an authentic journey back in time, exploring the old town on foot or by bicycle – the locals’ favourite means of transport. Not forgetting the traditional cuisine – to call it mouth-watering is an understatement!

Ravenna: an all-round holiday of art, culture, sea, nature and adrenaline Tourists choose Ravenna because it offers everything you could ever want in a holiday. Relaxation and the sea? The beautiful Adriatic coastline is just a few kilometres away. Art and culture? Ravenna is home to fascinating UNESCO World Heritage monuments, including the Basilica of San Vitale, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia and the Mausoleum of Theodoric, alongside other equally popular tourist sites, such as the Tomb of Dante Alighieri and the Ravenna Art Museum. Looking for some entertainment? You don’t have to travel far to enjoy the Mirabilandia amusement park or the nightlife of the Riviera Romagnola. Hungry for some fantastic food? Choose from crescione romagnolo flat bread, cappelletti pasta with ragu and passatelli pasta in broth. Sport and nature? You will find countless cycle paths and endless greenery both inside and outside the city centre. And that’s not all! This treasure trove of art and culture boasts a grandiose history, traces of which we can still discover today. Ravenna has been a capital city three times since the 5th century, first under the Western Roman Empire, then during the reign of Theodoric's Goths between 493 and 526, and finally from 553 to 751 under Byzantine rule. A historic centre of rare beauty These three periods of great splendour left their mark on the historic centre of Ravenna forever, with indelible traces such as the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, constructed in 402 under Emperor Honorius in honour of his sister Galla Placidia, adorned inside with beautiful mosaics. The Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo and the Mausoleum, which housed the sovereign's remains until the arrival of Emperor Justinian I, who had them dispersed and consecrated this monument to Orthodox worship, date back to the period of Theodoric the Great. The construction of the Basilica of San Vitale, a masterpiece of early Christian and Byzantine art in the heart of the city, also dates back to this period. The magic of Ravenna, however, did not end with the Byzantines. From a municipality to a signoria ruled by the Papal State, Ravenna experienced another period of great prosperity, thanks in part to Guido Novello da Polenta, who welcomed to the city Dante Alighieri, who spent his final years in Ravenna. The remains of this great poet are preserved in a small neoclassical temple at the Basilica of San Francesco, while the nearby Dante Museum offers visitors a journey through the works, life and memory of the Father of Italian Literature. The Region's most beautiful sea, just a stone's throw from the city After a city tour of delightful art, culture, and food and wine, the sea awaits you just half an hour by bus, or 20 minutes by car, from the historic centre of Ravenna: 35 kilometres of coastline with nine beaches where you can relax, play sports by the sea, be pampered in hotels with all mod cons, swim, or enjoy the sunrise amid music and nightclubs. From Casalborsetti to Marina Romea, from Porto Corsini to Marina di Ravenna, down to Punta Marina Terme, Lido Adriano, Lido di Dante, Lido di Classe and Lido di Savio: you will be spoilt for choice. Greenery and nature throughout Ravenna Ravenna has no shortage of greenery. In the city, you can shelter from the sun and immerse yourself in nature in the large Public Gardens (while you're there, we recommend visiting the fascinating Planetarium) or in the Rocca Brancaleone community garden. If you are looking for unspoilt nature, you only have to travel a few kilometres in any direction to immerse yourself in enchanting landscapes. To the north, you will find the Oasis of Punte Alberete with the pine forest of San Vitale and, further up, the enormous Po Delta Park, one of Italy's most picturesque oases. To the south, be sure to take a few hours to explore the vast pine forest of Classe and visit the Basilica of Sant'Apollinare in Classe. This expansive green space covers 900 hectares and is home to magical places such as the Ortazzo and Ortazzino oases and the mouth of the Bevano River. Looking for some fun? There’s something for everyone Ravenna is the ideal stopover for anyone seeking a fun-filled holiday at any time of the day or night. The great amusement park of Mirabilandia is just a few minutes from the city, offering high-adrenalin attractions such as the Katun, the iSpeed and the park's two iconic towers, as well as plenty of options for visitors seeking quieter adventures and equipped spaces for families and children. If you like to have fun in the pool, navigating slides and rapids aboard an inflatable, Mirabeach is located behind Mirabilandia and is open every day in the summer. When it’s time for dinner, you can choose from the many restaurants in the historic centre of Ravenna or the Darsena area near the railway station. If you’re not ready for bed yet, we recommend checking out the famous Adriatic Riviera nightlife: open-air discos, trendy clubs and concerts are sure to make your holiday experience unforgettable.

Forlì Cesena

A province to explore, among medieval fortresses, vineyards and olive groves Forlì-Cesena is a province of significant artistic and cultural interest in the southeast of Emilia Romagna. When in Forlì, be sure to visit the Romanesque Church of San Mercuriale and the Castle of Ravaldino, which is also known as the Fortress of Caterina Sforza, named after the woman who commissioned its construction. Currently, you can only admire the citadel from the outside, but you can visit the Malatesta Fortress in Cesena, overlooking Piazza del Popolo, and the Malatestiana Library, with its impressive array of books, manuscripts and incunables. Also known as “the city of the three Popes” because Pius VI, Pius VII and Benedict XIII were born there, Cesena boasts beautiful countryside dotted with vineyards and olive groves. Every year in spring when the weather starts to improve, some local venues organise picnics immersed in nature, ideal for a romantic date or with friends. The most characteristic villages in the area include Bertinoro, also known as the “Balcony of Romagna”, Rocca di Castrocaro, Predappio, a small town linked to Mussolini but with a delightful medieval centre, and Rocca San Casciano, a very small village built around the main square. During the atmospheric “Bonfire Festival” at the end of April, the village bursts into life with dancing, floats, music and, of course, spectacular fires.

Close to the sea and a byword for nightlife, Rimini is also a city rich in history and culture. More than two centuries of history have left unforgettable traces in the centre of Rimini, where in just a few steps you can pass from ancient Rome to Renaissance splendours and the charm of Fellini's settings. This is all just a short distance from the beaches, nightlife venues and the most popular amusement parks of the Romagna Riviera in Italy.

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Home » Travel Guides » Italy » 15 Best Things to do in Bologna (Italy)

15 Best Things to do in Bologna (Italy)

Bologna serves as the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region of Northern Italy and has a current population of approximately 387,000. with a greater metropolitan population of just over 1 million inhabitants. Bologna occupies a central location in Italy and lies to the north of Florence, to the South of Venice and to the South East of Milan. Throughout history, Bologna has served as a major cultural and economical hub in Italy and has been ruled by the Etruscans, Celts and Romans respectively.

From the 18th century onwards, this city was part of the Papal States until the Napoleonic area in the 1700’s. Major economies in Bologna include the manufacturing industry, and a strong financial sector. Furthermore due to its location, the city also serves as a major transport hub. As a major university city and its long history, Bologna has a wonderful array of cultural sights, fantastic architecture and high quality museums.

Lets explore the best things to do in Bologna :

1. Piazza Maggiore

As the central square in Bologna, the Piazza Maggiore is located right in the centre of the city and serves as an important historical place.

This square is packed full with important buildings including the Pallazo d’Accursio, the Palazzo del Podesta, the Basilica di San Petronio and the Palazzo Comunale.

Furthermore to the north west of the square sits the Piazza del Nettuno that contains the famous Fountain of Neptune.

Admire the fantastic architecture, visit the palaces and basilica, or sit and enjoy a fine Italian meal at one of the restaurants nestled in the Porticos.

A fantastic vibe and atmosphere can be found at the Piazza and open air movies and concerts are sometimes held here.

2. The leaning towers of Bologna

Who would of thought that the famous tower at Pisa is not the only leaning tower? Bologna actually has a pair of leaning towers and one is taller than the iconic campanile! Bologna actually has a myriad of towers, but the two tall examples standing in the Piazza di Porta Ravegnana are the most legendary.

Asinelli and Garisenda are two tall towers that stand next to each other and are both named after important Italian families.

Asinelli stands at 97.2m and was used as a prison and a stronghold.

Garisenda stands only at 48m but has an extremely noticeable tilt and overhang of 3.2m.

Climb the towers for unparalleled views of Bologna and see the epic landscapes stretching for miles around.

3. San Petronio

This immense structure stands as the 10th largest church in the world by volume and presents a domineering presence in the centre of the Piazza Maggiore.

Dedicated to Saint Petronius who is actually the patron saint of Bologna, the church has a Gothic design and it is noted for both it sheer size and its unfinished front facade.

Originally constructed in 1388 through to 1479, the church has never been truly finished and its front facade is quite bizarre – the lower half features coloured marble stone work, whilst the top half remains bare and contains exposed brown brickwork.

Inside the church feels truly epic – The large brick columns adorned with decoration seem to stretch forever and the main altar draws your attention as you walk down the central aisle.

4. Archiginnasio

Listed as one of the most important buildings in Bologna, the Archiginnasio was once the main buildings of the University of Bologna and now houses the famous Anatomical Theatre.

This fantastic building was created in the 16th century and is located on the Piazza Galvani.

As a piece of historical architecture, the Achiginnasio is fantastic in its own right, but the Anatomical Theatre is undoubtedly the centre piece.

Created completely in wood, this small room has an immense amount of wood panelling and carved statues of famous medical practitioners.

Furthermore, in the centre of the room surrounded by seating platforms lies an ornate anatomical table.

This is the place where university students would have learnt about the human anatomy and watched dissections and demonstrations of surgery etc.

5. Bologna Archaeological Museum

A fine museum in the heart of Bologna, the Archaeological Museum offers a fantastic insight into the history of the city throughout the ages.

Located on the Piazza Maggiore, the museum is easily accessible and is a fascinating place to visit.

The museum hosts a huge range of collections and is split into 9 different sections, these include: Prehistoric, Etruscan, Celtic, Greek, Roman, Egyptian and Numismatic.

Each collection contains a superb display of different artefacts such as Bronze Age tools, skeletal remains, pottery, weaponry, china and marble statues.

Due to the large collection and its variety, you could spend hours admiring the displays and learning about the ancient history of the region.

6. Bologna National Gallery

Whilst some galleries display works from a variety of countries, the Bologna National Gallery contains works that are related someway to the Emilian region and the city – These paintings range in age as far back as the 13th century, up to the 18th century.

Located within the confines of the old university complex, the museum is within easy reach of the city centre and the main Piazza Maggiore.

Split into two main sections, the museum contains the Accademia Clementina and the Gallery of the Academy of Fine Arts; the first of which contains a myriad of fantastic 13th century Byzantine paintings and the latter contains later works.

Notable pieces include the Ecstasy of St. Cecilia by Raphael and Christ and the Good Theif by Titian.

7. La Piazzola Market

This historic market has been held in Bologna for hundreds of years and continues to prove increasingly popular with both the locals and tourists.

Located in the Piazza dell Agosto which can be found to the north of the city centre, the market features over 400 different stalls and is a truly fascinating sight to witness.

Here you can find practically anything for sale from clothes, shoes, fashion accessories, flowers, pottery and jewellery.

You will find the atmosphere captivating – The locals will haggle and shout, you will smell the different foods, spices and creations, and you will see the wider variety of different colour on display.

8. Monte della Guardia

The longest portico in the world leads up to the top of Monte della Guardia.

This forested hill provides a fantastic escape from the city and reaches a height of approximately 300m.

You can find the hill to the south west of Bolongna in close proximity to the Reno River.

Walk the length of the portico and climb the slopes to reach the top of this wonderful hill.

At the top you will be greeted with unparalleled panoramic views of Bologna and the surrounding regions.

Furthermore, the delightful Sanctuary of the Madonna of San Luca is perched on top of the hill and is a fantastic church to visit in its own right.

9. Santuario di Madonna di San Luca

As one of the oldest churches in Bologna, the Sanctuary of Madonna was first created in 1194 but not finished until 1765. This church sits on top of the Monte della Guardia and offers great views of the city of Bologna.

Towering over the surroundings, the main building features a central basilica and is created from an orange/pink material with green domes; its style is considered to be Baroque.

Inside, the sanctuary features a plethora of fantastic decoration and detailed frescos that depict important religious scenes.

Furthermore the is also an icon of the Virgin Mary that was supposedly painted by Luke the Evangelist.

10. Torre Prendiparte

As previously mentioned, Bologna was once full of tall, narrow stone towers during the Middle Ages – Only a handful still remain today in their original shape and design, one of which is the Torre Prendiparte.

This particular tower was constructed during the 12th century and stands at 59.50 metres high.

Located on the Piazza Prendiparte, the tower lies close to the two leaning towers and the Piazza Maggiore.

It now hosts a bed and breakfast establishment which offers a unique experience, but the levels of the tower are also still open and you can climb to the top and explore this wonderful building.

11. Oratory of Battuti

This small chapel located within the church of Santa Maria della Vita features a tremendous amount of design and decoration and is one of the rarely seen finds in Bologna – Many people simply forget it is there.

The Oratory was constructed in 1604 and was designed by Floriano Ambrosini.

Contained within the Oratory is a myriad of sculptures included statues of St. Proculus and St. Petronius, and also a variety of beautiful frescos.

If you tilt your head back, the ceiling presents you with a stunning depiction of the ascension of Madonna, and the walls feature other religious iconography.

12. Museo per la Memoria di Ustica

A slightly haunting and sombre attraction, but nonetheless an important part of the history of Bologna – The Museum for the Memory of Ustica is dedicated to the fateful Ustica Disaster.

In 1980 a Douglas DC-9 filled with 81 passengers that was heading to Palermo was torn in pieces and crashed, killing all the people on board.

This disaster remains a true mystery and the cause of the crash is still under investigation and debated highly.

Inside this museum, you can see the reconstructed remains of the DC-9 place together with a collection of photographs and possessions from the unfortunate victims.

This dedicated museum is tastefully constructed and allows you to pay tribute to those who lost their lives during the Ustica disaster.

13. St. Stephen Basilica

This historical religious complex is located in the Piazza Santo Stefano and features several different buildings including the Church of Saint John the Baptist, The Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the courtyard of Pilate.

As you walk through the first church, you might think that it is just one building, but as you step into the main arched courtyard you can see the various different buildings.

Each church has its own character, design and artwork and there is also a free museum that contains historical information about the complex.

14. Try a local dish of Tortellini

Tortellini is one of the most popular traditional Italian foods in Bologna and most local restaurants will serve this tantalizing dish.

Traditionally, Tortellini ring shaped pasta is filled with various stuffing’s such as pork, prosciutto and cheese, and served in a form of chicken or beef broth.

Mystery and intrigue surround the origins of this food but Bologna is considered to be one of the best places to experience an authentic Tortellini dish.

Consider frequenting one of the restaurants surrounding the Piazza Maggoire, or venturing down the side streets to find a local eatery not geared towards tourists.

15. Explore the Porticoes

Bologna is famed for its extensive Portico – A Portico is essentially a partially enclosed walkway that is lined with arches and columns.

As Bologna grew as a university city, so did the amount of Porticos present in the city.

It is reported that within the confines of the city centre, you can walk through 40km of corridors.

There are numerous different porticos scattered around the city but the most famous are the Bonaccorsi Arch and the walkway leading to the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca.

Walk through the porticos and admire the wonderful ancient architecture.

15 Best Things to do in Bologna (Italy):

• Piazza Maggiore
• The leaning towers of Bologna
• San Petronio
• Archiginnasio
• Bologna Archaeological Museum
• Bologna National Gallery
• La Piazzola Market
• Monte della Guardia
• Santuario di Madonna di San Luca
• Torre Prendiparte
• Oratory of Battuti
• Museo per la Memoria di Ustica
• St. Stephen Basilica
• Try a local dish of Tortellini
• Explore the Porticoes

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The 13 best things to do in Bologna

Looking for great things to do in Bologna? Check out our comprehensive guide to the best attractions, events and sights.

There is no doubt about the fact that one of the best things to do in Bologna (if not  the best thing to do) is to eat here. And, since the most delicious food in the world is Italian and the best food in Italy is in the norteast region of Emilia-Romagna, you are in for a treat.

In addition to the amazing restaurants in town, the capital of Emilia-Romagna si famed for its legendary university, swelteringly hot summers and as home to the most quintessential of all Italian dishes: spaghetti bolognese.

So pack your stretchiest sweats and head to beautiful Bologna. 

Done something on this list and loved it? Share it with the hashtag #TimeOutDoList and tag @TimeOutEverywhere. Find out more about  how Time Out selects the very best things to do all over the world .

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

Best things to do in Bologna

1.  università di bologna.

What is it?  The oldest university in Europe.

Why go?  Established 930 years ago, Università di Bologna holds the title of world’s oldest university in continuous operation, and the city is built around its student population. Head to the east of the city to soak up the atmosphere. Wander around the beautiful university buildings and pop into one of the student bars with a copy of Dante’s ‘Inferno’ under your arm and see if you can blend in.

2.  Pizzeria Ristorante Nicola’s

What is it?  A friendly pizzeria loved by locals.

Why go?  The home of pizza might be 350 miles away in Naples, but the melanzane pizza from Nicola’s gives the Southerners a run for their money. Low prices, unassuming decor and al fresco dining in the summer make for a budget-friendly treat. Meat eaters should try the Bolognese staple tortellini in brodo soup for starters, and there are a quite a few veggie options here too.

3.  The Museum of Modern Art, Bologna

What is it?  A large gallery packed with contemporary Italian art from the past 70 years.

Why go? MAMbo is a welcome tonic for when you’ve seen one too many Renaissance frescoes. When you’re done with the experimental art and special exhibitions, head to the bar for a hugo (a northern Italian cocktail made with prosecco, gin and elderflower cordial) among the city’s cultural elite.

4.  Il Pappagallo

What is it?  The perfect stop off for a fancy lunch, this joint’s been serving up perfect pasta since 1919.

Why go?  Pappagallo turns simple pasta dishes into a fine dining experience. Take a table outside after a long day of sightseeing, order a soothing glass of wine and tuck into a lasagne that ain’t your mama’s cookin’. Small portions mean you can order more courses, right?

5.  Santuario di SanLuca

What is it?  A basilisco on a forested hill outside of the cit. It’s got views-a-plenty.

Why go?  Take a trip out of town to visit this beautiful basilica, where the journey is as impressive as the destination. Bologna is home to almost 40km of porticoes (archway-covered pathways), some of which date back to the Middle Ages, all of them with a height of seven feet – room for a horse and rider. Walk the 3.8km, under 666 arches to the church on top of the Monte della Guardia and enjoy the simply stunning views.

6.  Piazza Maggiore

What is it?  Bologna’s elegantly designed main square.

Why go?  It’s home to the gothic Basilica di San Petronio, an unfinished behemoth that includes 22 side chapels. Impressive. It’s also the perfect spot to watch the world go by with an aperitivo after the walk back from San Luca on the hill. Negroni, anyone?

7.  Due Torri

What is it?  The most recognisable landmark of Bologna.

Why go?  The Two Towers have stood sentinel in the city since 1119. Leaning in a way that surely only Italian towers can, the pair has been name-checked by the likes of Dante and Carducci. For just €5 you can climb the 498 stairs to the top of Asinelli (the taller tower) and enjoy some pretty special views of the city.  

8.  Pizzeria Due Torri

What is it? A hole-in-the-wall pizza place.

Why go? After climbing the towers, treat yourself to a €2 slice of pizza the size of your head. Cheap, cheerful, constantly busy – you could eat here three times a day for a week and still be left greedy for more.

9.  Trattoria Anna Maria

What is it? Traditional trattoria serving up Bolognese favourites.

Why go? Rule number one in Bologna, never call it spaghetti bolognese. It’s tagliatelle al ragu. And some of the best ragu is at Anna Maria’s - a traditional trattoria, run by Anna Maria whose name has been above the door for more than 30 years. The walls are plastered with pictures of the legion of famous Italians who have dined there and if it’s good enough for them...

10.  Trattoria Battibecco

What is it?  A classy choice for a sophisticated meat-heavy dinner.

Why go?  Tucked away behind Piazza Maggiore, Battibecco prides itself on chic decor, super service and a simple menu of good food done well. Vegetarians beware – this is a meat and fish-heavy menu – ut for carnivores, whatever you order won’t just taste good it’ll look great in the ‘gram too.

11.  Gelateria Cremeria Mascarella

What is it?  Traditional gelateria serving experimental flavours.

Why go?  If you go to Italy and don’t gorge on gelato, did you even go? Bologna is home to dozens of delicious gelaterias but head up into the historic Ghetto Ebraico neighbourhood to try flavours like tequila and lime or blood orange and Campari.

12.  Centro Storico

What is it?  Where to head for some retail therapy.

Why go?  The area around Piazza Maggiore is a shopping haven, especially for visitors who want to take a taste of Bologna home with them. Explore the cobbled streets between Via Rizzoli and Via Clavature to pick up fresh pasta, handmade jewellery and… an Aperol spritz or three. Why not, eh?

13.  Giardini Margherita

What is it?  Bologna's largest city park, spanning 26 acres. Curiously it’s inspired by English parks.

Why go?  After climbing towers and hills around town, take a stroll around this city park and see if you can spot some of its cutest inhabitants – turtles! Stop off at the Le Serre café for aperitivo, live music and a breath of fresh air in the heart of the city.

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BOLOGNA: 20 Best Things to Do & Places to Visit

As a tourism powerhouse, Italy is usually on the list of priority countries for international travelers to Europe. Rome, Venice, Milan, Florence, and Naples are some of the cities that tourists look forward to. And then, there’s Bologna .

Bologna might be well-known among the locals, but it is often overlooked by foreigners. The capital of the Emilia-Romagna region, it is a famous food destination with many gastronomic wonders waiting to be discovered. It has a history that dates back to the time of the Etruscans and ancient Romans. The historic center is home to many centuries-old towers and churches, vestiges of a storied past. The city is also home to the University of Bologna which is the oldest university in Europe.

Bologna is an interesting place to explore because of its rich culture, delicious food, and long history. If you’re interested to visit Bologna, here are some activities and tourist spots to consider for your itinerary.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

1. FREE Walking Tour of Old Town

The old town of Bologna is full of charm. Once you walk into it, you’ll be transported to another epoch. Its 12 gates in various states of repair are like portals into a different time. You may enter through any of these gates to get to the old town proper. Like in many places in Italy, you’ll find centuries-old churches mingling with beautiful terra cotta buildings.

If budget is an issue, you can join a FREE walking tour. The tour we joined was run by this company and will take you to the key spots around the Old Town including the following:

• Piazza Maggiore
• Basilica di San Petronio
• Basilica Santo Stefano
• Archiginnasio (Anatomical Theater and Library)
• Jewish Ghetto

A tour guided will be with you the entire time, explaining the stops and giving insights along the way. But in case you’re not aware: FREE walking tours aren’t exactly free. It is free, in theory, but you are expected to give a tip at the end, which is the only way the guides can make some money.

Schedule: Saturday/Sunday 11am Meeting point: Piazza di Porta Ravegnana (at the base of Asinelli, one of the two towers) Duration: 2 hours

2. Piazza Maggiore

The Piazza Maggiore is a central square in the old town; it’s full of history and beauty. The square dates back to the 1200s, but the name ‘Piazza Maggiore’ only became official in 1945.

Some places of interest in the square include the Palazzo dei Banchi , Basilica of San Petronio , and Palazzo d’Accursio just to name some. In the adjacent square stands the Fountain of Neptune (Fontana di Nettuno), a civic Mannerist monument built in the 16th century.

Address: Piazza Maggiore, 40124 Bologna BO, Italy Nearest Train Station: Bologna Centrale Nearest Bus Stop: Piazza Maggiore Stop (Bus A, C, 29, or T2)

3. Basilica of San Petronio

The construction of Basilica di San Petronio began in the 14th century and finished in the 15th century, except for the facade which is yet to be completed up to this day. Named and dedicated after Bologna’s patron saint and located at Piazza Maggiore, this Gothic-style church is considered an important landmark of the city. The Basilica also features an ancient sundial and a museum. It also houses some relics and 22 chapels.

Address Piazza Galvani, 5, 40124 Bologna BO, Italy Nearest Train Station: Bologna Centrale Nearest Bus Stop: Piazza Maggiore Stop (Bus A, C, 29, or T2) Opening Hours: 7:45 AM – 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM (Daily) Entrance Fee: FREE; €2 (Taking photos inside)

4. San Petronio’s Terrace

Located at the back of the huge Basilica of San Petronio, facing Piazza Galvani, Terrazza di San Petronio is another draw of the church. This serves as a view deck for those who want to get another perspective of the city and the surrounding structures. There’s a lift that will take you up the deck for €3.

Address Piazza Galvani, 5, 40124 Bologna BO, Italy Nearest Train Station: Bologna Centrale Nearest Bus Stop: Piazza Galvani Stop (Bus A or 29) / Piazza Maggiore Stop (Bus A, C, 29, or T2) Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM (Monday – Thursday); 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:30 PM – 6:00 PM (Friday – Sunday) Entrance Fee: €3

5. The Two Towers

These two-centuries-old towers are iconic landmarks of Bologna. There were many towers built during the medieval ages, but many collapsed or were demolished. Le Due Torri are just some that are still standing. The construction of these structures sometimes takes up to a decade to finish. The use of these varies from prisons to houses to shops. The two famous towers are Torre degli Asinelli and the shorter Garisenda Tower. These structures date back to the 1100s and are a symbol of the city. You can further explore Asinelli Tower by climbing to the top.

Address: Piazza di Porta Ravegnana, 40126 Bologna BO, Italy Nearest Train Station: Bologna Centrale Nearest Bus Stop: Piazza Di Porta Ravegnana Stop (T1 or T2 buses) / Rizzoli Stop (Bus 11, 13, 14 or 30) Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Daily) The entrance is scheduled every 30 minutes. Entrance Fee: €5 (Adult); €3 (Reduced)

6. Portico di San Luca

One of the elements that give Bologna its defining characteristics is the presence of porticoes. And it’s not surprising that the longest network in the world is found here. Portico di San Luca connects the city center to Bologna’s religious and cultural landmark, Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca. Via Saragozza meets Via Portico di San Luca at Arco Del Meloncello, the usual jump-off point for those who want to experience it on foot. Portico di San Luca stretches almost 4km and features over 600 porticoes.

Address: Via di San Luca, 36, 40135 Bologna BO, Italy Nearest Bus Stop: Meloncello Stop (Bus 20, 58,94, 671, 672, 686, 706, 826, or 856) / Bivio San Luca (Bus 20) / Basilica di San Luca (Bus 58)

7. Santuario di Madonna di San Luca

Perched atop the 300m Colle della Guardia hill, this 18th-century Santuario di Madonna di San Luca is a famous pilgrimage site and tourist destination in Bologna. It is located just southwest of the old town with Porta Saragozza as the nearest gateway. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, an annual religious procession happens, starting at Basilica di San Petronio all the way up to the Santuario di Madonna di San Luca, covering the Portico di San Luca. The dome’s observation deck is also a great spot to get a panoramic view of the city. San Luca Express tourist train shuttles tourists from Piazza Maggiore to the basilica. The fare for a roundtrip ticket is €10.

Address: Via di San Luca, 36, 40135 Bologna BO, Italy Nearest Bus Stop: Meloncello Stop (Bus 20, 58,94, 671, 672, 686, 706, 826, or 856) / Bivio San Luca (Bus 20) / Basilica di San Luca (Bus 58) Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 2:30 PM – 6:00 PM (Monday – Saturday); 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Sunday) Entrance Fee: FREE; €5 (Observation Deck)

8. Archiginnasio of Bologna

Founded in 1088, the Alma Mater Studiorum – Università di Bologna is the oldest university in Europe. Today, its headquarter is the Palazzo Poggi. But for over two centuries since 1563, the main university building was the Palazzo dell’Archiginnasio .

One of the Archiginnasio’s rooms is Teatro Anatomico (Anatomical Theater and Library), where public body dissections took place for university lessons. At times, the dissections were also done while Inquisition priests watched. You’ll find tiered wooden seats and a table with a marble top, surrounded by ornate walls and ceilings. It is also within walking distance from Piazza Maggiore.

Address: Piazza Galvani, 1, 40124 Bologna BO, Italy Nearest Train Station: Bologna Centrale Nearest Bus Stop: Farini Stop (Bus 11, 29, 30, or 39) / Piazza Galvani Stop (Bus 29, A, or C) Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Monday – Friday); 10 AM – 7:00 PM (Saturday); 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Sunday/Holidays) Entrance Fee: FREE; €3 (Anatomical Theater and the Lecture Hall)

9. Piazza Santo Stefano

The plaza is a triangular-shaped one that is named after the Basilica di Santo Stefano , which is located in that area. Also called the Seven Churches Square, it is known for the historical structures surrounding it aside from the Basilica di Santo Stefano.

Some of these are Palazzo Isolani, Palazzo Bolognini Amorini Salina, and Casa Berti. The plaza is a favored venue for concerts, cultural events, and fair trades. From Piazza Minghetti bus stop, walk along Via Farini towards Via Santo Stefano. From Strada Maggiore bus stop, walk towards Via Gerusalemme until you reach Via Santo Stefano.

Address: Via Santo Stefano, 40125 Bologna BO, Italy Nearest Train Station: Bologna Centrale Nearest Bus Stop: Piazza Minghetti Stop (Bus 11, 13, or T1) / Strada Maggiore Stop (Bus 14, 19, 25, 27, or 62)

10. Eat Ragú Bolognese

Ragú Bolognese is a signature dish of Bologna that is usually paired with flat, wide pasta, particularly tagliatelle .

The traditional Ragú Bolognese is slowly cooked using a variety of ingredients like meat (pork and/or beef), onion, celery, carrots, tomatoes, milk, and white wine. The sauce is rarely paired with spaghetti, which is common outside Bologna.

11. Eat Tortellini, Tortelloni, Tortelacci

Is this some kind of a tongue twister? Well, it’s not. Haha.

Tortellini is a round-shaped pasta, also called belly-button pasta, and resembles a dumpling. It is usually stuffed with meat and cheese. Tortellini en brodo is a pasta dish that you should try while in Bologna. It’s basically tortellini in a broth or soup.

Tortelloni bears the same shape but bigger in size and is often stuffed with leafy vegetables and cheese. Tortelacci is also a stuffed pasta that is much bigger than tortelloni.

12. Eat Mortadella Bologna

Mortadella is like a sausage on steroids. This kind of sausage is HUGE. It’s made of finely ground pork with incorporated fats that make it appear marbled. This savory heat-cured sausage is usually seasoned with myrtle berries.

There are many versions of mortadella but the widely popular is the Mortadella Bologna .

13. Old market in the Quadrilatero

Qudrilatero is strategically located at the heart of Old Town Bologna. It dates back to Medieval times, making it the oldest food market of Bologna. The narrow streets of the old market, lined with shops and restaurants, are reminiscent of the old times. Some of the landmarks near Quadrilatero are Piazza Maggiore, Two Towers, Basilica di San Petronio, and Teatro Anatomico to name a few. It is bordered by Via dell’Archiginnasio, Via Farini, Via Castiglione, and Via Rizzoli.

Nearest Train Station: Bologna Centrale Nearest Bus Stop: Piazza Maggiore Stop (Bus A, C, 29, or T2) / Piazza Galvani Stop (Bus 29, A, or C) / Piazza Minghetti Stop (Bus 11, 13, 90, or 96) / Rizzoli Stop (Bus 11, 13, 14 or 30)

14. Torre Prendiparte

Also called Torre Coronata , this 60m-high 12th-century tower used to be a defense tower. It is situated in the old town and is one of the well-preserved historical structures in Bologna. It also became a seminary and, later on, a prison for those who committed crimes against the church and the religion.

At present, all 12 floors are accessible and a parapet serves as a viewing deck for those who want to get a panoramic view of the city and the nearby landscapes. It also functions as an events venue.

Address: 40126 Bologna, Metropolitan City of Bologna, Italy Nearest Train Station: Bologna Centrale Nearest Bus Stop: Indipendenza Stop (Bus 11, 27, 62, A, or F); From here, you can walk towards Via del Monte. When you reach the end, turn right to Via Carbonara. You’ll spot the tower when you reach the end of the street and turn left. Opening Hours: Observation Deck 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Monday – Saturday); CLOSED (Sunday) Entrance Fee: €5 (Prendiparte Tower Sky Observation Deck)

15. The National Art Gallery of Bologna

If you like or know something about paintings, a stop at Pinacoteca Nazionale is a possible addition to your itinerary. It has a collection of various Emilian paintings over the centuries (13th to 18th). It’s located in the University district, northeast of the city center.

Address: Via delle Belle Arti, 56, 40126 Bologna BO, Italy Nearest Train Station: Bologna Centrale Nearest Bus Stop: Porta San Donato Stop (Bus 20, 25, 27, 28, 36, 37, 61, 89, etc). You can walk to the gallery from here. Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 7:30 PM (Tuesday – Sunday); CLOSED (Monday) Entrance Fee: €5 (Adult); €2 (Reduced)

16. Archaeological Museum

Located near Piazza Maggiore along Via dell’Archiginnasio and just across Basilica di San Petronio, Museo Civico Archeologico cradles important archaeological artifacts unearthed in and around Bologna that tell the local origin from prehistoric to Etruscan to the Roman period.

It also houses significant Egyptian relic collection. The museum, inside the 15th-century Palazzo Galvani, was opened to the public in September 1881.

Address: Galleria Cavour, Via dell’Archiginnasio, 2, 40124 Bologna BO, Italy Nearest Train Station: Bologna Centrale Nearest Bus Stop: Piazza Maggiore Stop (Bus A, C, 29, or T2) / Piazza Galvani Stop (Bus A or 29) Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Monday & Wednesday); 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM (Thursday); 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Friday); 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Saturday); 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Sunday); CLOSED (Tuesday) Entrance Fee: €6 (Adult); €3 (Reduced). Recommended to book in advance online.

17. Santa Maria della Vita Church

Located on the northwest portion of Quadrilatero behind Palazzo dei Banchi, Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Vita is another noteworthy stop in old town Bologna. The church’s history can be traced back to the 17th century.

The facade was added in the early 20th century. Some of the outstanding features are the Museum of Health and Assistance (Museo della Sanità e dell’Assistenza), the Lamentation over the Dead Christ (Compianto sul Cristo Morto), and the 17th-century Oratory of Battuti (Oratorio dei Battuti).

Address: Via Clavature, 8/10, 40124 Bologna BO, Italy Nearest Train Station: Bologna Centrale Nearest Bus Stop: Piazza Maggiore Stop (Bus A, C, 29, or T2) Opening Hours: Sanctuary 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Tuesday – Sunday), CLOSED (Monday); Lamentation over the Dead Christ 10:30 AM – 6:30 PM (Tuesday – Sunday), CLOSED (Monday); Museum of Health and Assistance 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Tuesday – Sunday), CLOSED (Monday); Oratory of Battuti Tuesday 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM (Tuesday – Sunday); July and September 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM, CLOSED (Monday) Entrance Fee: €5 (Adult); €3 (Reduced)

18.Museo d’Arte Moderna di Bologna (MAMbo)

Originally part of Galleria d’Arte Moderna until the 1990s, Museum of Modern Art of Bologna became a separate institution to accommodate the growing number of collections and exhibits.

Relaunched as MAMbo in 2007, the museum displays and exhibits contemporary artworks and installations, focusing primarily on experimental art. One of the celebrated section is the Museo Morandi. It’s located along Via Don Giovanni Minzoni, near the Piazza dei Martiri.

Address: Via Don Giovanni Minzoni, 14, 40121 Bologna BO, Italy Nearest Train Station: Bologna Centrale Nearest Bus Stop: Don Minzoni-Mambo Stop (Bus 33 or 35) Opening Hours: 2:00 PM – 6:30 PM (Tuesday – Friday); 11:00 AM – 6:30 PM (Saturday, Sunday, Holidays); CLOSED (Monday) Entrance Fee: €6 (Adult); €4 (Reduced)

19. Museum for the Memory of Ustica

Opened in 2007, the Museo per la Memoria di Ustica was founded in memory of the 81 passengers of an aircraft that was struck down up in the air in June 1980. Up to this day, the investigation leads to a dead-end.

The vast hangar serves as the exhibit area for the permanent installation of what remains of the aircraft. Apart from the wreckage, the exhibit is equipped with 81 lights, speakers, and mirrors representing each of the victims. The museum is located outside the old town of Bologna and north of Bologna Centrale. The entrance is through a garden along Via di Saliceto.

Address: Via di Saliceto, 3/22, 40128 Bologna BO, Italy Nearest Train Station: Bologna Centrale Nearest Bus Stop: Cignani Stop (Bus 25) Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM (Saturday & Sunday, Holidays) Entrance Fee: FREE

20. Parco della Montagnola

Commissioned by Napoleon I in the early 1800s, the original design of Montagnola Park is drawn by Giovanni Battista Martinetti. The park is built on the grounds where a 14th-century castle used to be.

Additional features are the circular basin and the historical flight of stairs, the Scalinata del Pincio, built in the late 1890s. It is a short walk from Bologna Centrale.

Address: Via Irnerio, 2/3, 40126 Bologna BO, Italy Nearest Train Station: Bologna Centrale Station Nearest Bus Stop: Autostazione Stop (Bus 36, 37, 87, C) Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM (Sunday – Thursday); 6:00 AM – 12:00 AM (Friday & Saturday) Entrance Fee: FREE

SAMPLE BOLOGNA ITINERARY

This is a sample 3D2N Bologna itinerary with budget breakdown. Make the necessary changes to suit your preferences and plans.

DAY 1 – ARRIVAL & SAN LUCA 10:00 am – Arrival at Bologna Airport 11:00 am – Bus to city center, 6€ 11:45 am – Drop bag at hotel 12:30 pm – Quick lunch, 10€ 01:30 pm – San Petronio Basilica, 2€ photo fee 02:15 pm – Piazza Maggiore 02:45 pm – San Luca Express, 10€ 03:35 pm – Basilica di Madonna di San Luca, 5€ 04:45 pm – Walk via Portico di San Luca 06:30 pm – Buy food from supermarket, 20€ 07:30 pm – Hotel check-in, freshen up 08:00 pm – Dinner at hotel

DAY 2 – BOLOGNA OLD TOWN 10:00 am – Brunch/early lunch at hotel 11:00 am – Free Walking Tour, tip: 5€ 01:30 pm – Archiginnasio, 3€ 03:00 pm – Grab snack, 7€ 04:00 pm – Asinelli Tower, 5€ 07:00 pm – Dinner, 20€ 09:00 pm – Back to hotel

DAY 3 – DEPARTURE 08:30 am – Pack up 10:30 am – Early check out, leave bags – Settle tourist tax, 12€ 11:00 am – Early lunch, 10€ 12:00 pm – Leave for airport/station, 6€

TOP APARTMENTS & GUESTHOUSES IN BOLOGNA

• Residence Railway by Studio Vita. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• B&B Casa Faccioli. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Casa Isolani, Piazza Maggiore. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Le Stanze degli Angeli, Room & Breakfast. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• La finestra sul canale. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Attico di Via d’Azeglio. Check Rates & Availability! ✅

Search for more Bologna Hotels!

Edited by Asta Alvarez 2020 • 8 • 29

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19 Top Places to See & Best Things to Do in Bologna, Italy (+Map & Tips)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: April 23, 2024

Visiting Bologna, Italy, for the first time and wondering what to see and do in the city? In this guide, we share the top places to see and the best things to do in Bologna coupled with our experience-based tips and practical advice to help you plan your trip. Find out!

The capital city of northern Italy’s Emilia Romagna region, Bologna is one of the largest and most interesting cities to visit in Italy . Ruled at various times by Etruscans, Celts, and Romans – and part of the Papal States until the 18th century – it has a rich and fascinating history.

With its beautiful UNESCO heritage-listed porticoes, incredible medieval buildings, and a distinctly authentic feel, Bologna is a unique and often underrated city just waiting to be explored.

However, surrounded by so many grand and world-known cities and other famous places in northern Italy, Bologna is often overlooked by international visitors planning a trip to Italy. But it’s absolutely worth a visit, also because you will find a much more authentic atmosphere here than e.g. in Venice or even in Florence …

In this guide, we share the main landmarks and top experiences in Bologna that make it well worth a visit, even if you are traveling from the other side of the world. Take a look!

Interesting to know: Some of the best reasons to visit Bologna may be summed up by its three unique nicknames – La Rossa, La Grassa, and La Dotta – The Red, The Fat, and The Learned.

La Rossa (The Red) refers to the city’s distinctive terracotta-tiled rooftops and the flaming red color you’ll see decorating many of its walls. But the name also reflects Bologna’s political leanings. The city was strongly anti-fascist during the Second World War and the center of Nazi resistance, after which it became a Communist stronghold.

La Grassa (The Fat) pays homage to the excellent food you can experience in the region. Home to Parma ham, parmesan cheese, tagliatelle al ragù, mortadella, and balsamic vinegar, Bologna’s culinary scene is a food lover’s dream and the main reason some people come to visit.

La Dotta (The Learned) refers to the city’s university, which was founded in 1088 and is the oldest in the Western world. Bologna is a real student town with a great atmosphere, and also a dynamic and edgy appeal.

Good to know: Our list below is sorted starting with the most famous, must-see places in Bologna firs t. So if you are short on time, concentrate on the top 10 – 12 sites on the list (you should be easily able to cover all of these in a day). In addition, don’t miss #19 on our list – no visit to Bologna would be complete without experiencing its food! We share some restaurant recommendations as well.

For each of the main attractions in Bologna, we include some practical information and tips that you may want to know before your visit. In addition, we also created a MAP indicating all the best places in Bologna. You can find this interactive map at the bottom of the article.

TIP: If your time in Bologna is limited or if you want to get a good introduction to the city before you explore deeper, I highly recommend taking this highly-rated city walking tour . We did this tour first thing upon arrival and it was a great way to get the feel of the city and hear some stories and tips from a local guide.

Some of the people in our group were only in Bologna for a few hours or visiting Bologna for a day from Florence , others – like us – for a few days. We all found that this introductory city tour was well worth it.

Here are the very best things to see and do in Bologna:

1. Piazza Maggiore

The vibrant heart of the old city center, the public square of Piazza Maggiore is the main meeting point for locals and tourists alike. If you are visiting Bologna for the first time, this is an absolute must-see. Many other landmarks and most important places to see in Bologna are located just nearby too.

Piazza Maggiore is one of the best places to simply walk around and absorb Bologna’s lively atmosphere. It is lined with bustling cafes and surrounded by some of the city’s oldest and most impressive buildings. You’ll see grand palaces here, like the Palazzo d’Accursio (once Bologna’s Town Hall), along with Palazzo dei Notai, Palazzo del Podestà, Palazzo d’Accursio, and Palazzo dei Bianchi.

The Basilica di San Petronio is located on the other side of the square and to the northwest you’ll find the Piazza del Nettuno, home to the stunning Fountain of Neptune (more info about these sights is below). Just a few blocks to the east from here, you’ll see Piazza di Porta Ravegnana, the site of Bologna’s famous leaning towers.

The starting point for many of the city’s tours , Piazza Maggiore is also home to the Welcome Bologna visitor information center and the Biblioteca Salaborsa (Public Library).

In this central area, you can easily while away many hours, whether shopping, dining, or exploring the sights. If you’re lucky you may even catch an open-air movie or concert during your visit.

Be sure to pop back at night and enjoy an Aperol spritz as the crowds of the day give way to the laid-back buzz of the evening. The buildings are beautifully illuminated after dark and look quite stunning.

2. Fountain of Neptune

The Fountain of Neptune is another must-see in Bologna. Built by Flemish sculptor Giambologna and located in the Piazza del Nettuno , this controversial stone and bronze artwork dates back to the mid-16th century. Depicting a naked Neptune surrounded by lactating mermaids, it is a structure that still raises eyebrows today for its sexual explicitness.

Originally commissioned by Cardinal Carlo Borromeo to beautify the Piazza Maggiore, the fountain was constructed where the cardo and the decumanus – Bologna’s main streets – intersected. Legend has it that some local women were so scandalized by the sight of the naked Neptune that he was fitted with bronze pants to save their blushes!

It was also customary for students to walk anti-clockwise around the fountain twice, to bring them luck before exams. Depending on when you’re visiting, you can still see students celebrating their graduations beside this iconic fountain today.

Good to know: Next to the main fountain there is a smaller one with drinking water where you can refill your bottles.

TIP: Whilst visiting the Fountain of Neptune, look towards the east-facing wall of the Palazzo d’Accursio. Here you will find the very moving Sacrario dei Partigiani (the Partisan Wall). This is a memorial to all those partisans who were executed there by the Nazis for their involvement in the city’s WWII resistance movement.

3. Garisenda & Asinelli Towers

Did you know that Pisa isn’t the only place in Italy with a leaning tower? Bologna actually has two – the Asinelli and Garisenda Towers , locally known as the Due Torri .

Iconic symbols of the city, the towers were built in the 11th century by the Asinelli and Garisenda families. At the time of their construction, they would have been at the entry point of the ancient Via Emilia, serving as a warning to anyone thinking of invading!

It is likely that they were also built as a display of the families’ considerable wealth and importance! That being said, there were a lot of towers in the city at the time – 180, in fact. Today, only 20 remain, including the Prendiparte tower and the Galluzzi tower. The Asinelli and Garisenda Towers, however, are the tallest and most famous. They are located on Piazza di Porta Ravegnana in the old town.

The Garisenda Tower has a particularly steep overhang because the foundations have subsided. It has previously been lowered to prevent its collapse and is currently being restored. You cannot climb this tower.

But you can climb the Asinelli Tower and it’s definitely one of the best things to do in Bologna! The climb involves almost 500 very narrow, wooden steps, and is not for the faint-hearted. But if you are physically capable, it’s something you simply have to experience.

The 360° views from the top are incredible, with the entire city at your feet. You can see Piazza Maggiore and Basilica of San Luca to the west, the Roman road via Emilia to the southwest, and the verdant Emilia Romagna hills to the south. You also get a great view of the Garisenda Tower and Piazza de Porta Ravegana directly below.

See further for practical information for visiting the Asinelli Tower.

Good to know: Torre degli Asinelli is the most popular tourist attraction in Bologna and is open daily throughout the year, except on Christmas day. If you want to climb the tower, you have to reserve a timed slot in advance .

You can find more information and reserve your tickets on the official site . It’s also possible to buy a timed entry ticket in combination with some local food tasting . This ticket offers very good value and has the advantage that you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance if your plans change.

How much time do you need: The climb to the top took us less than 10 minutes, and about the same to get back down. Including the time to enjoy the views, we spent about half an hour at the Asinelli Tower. Also, you should arrive at least 5-10 minutes before your designated entry time.

TIP: If you are booking the combi ticket , do it in the morning (+-10-11.30 am). That way, you can use the food vouchers for lunch. If you are visiting Bologna in the high season, it’s also easier to do the climb early, before it gets too warm. We visited in May and went at 2 pm and it was really hot. In any case, be sure to take a bottle of water with you!

4. Clock Tower & Municipal Art Collections

Right on the Piazza Maggiore, you can visit another tower of Bologna – Torre dell’Orologio (the Clock Tower). The tower is part of Palazzo d’Accursio (or Palazzo Comunale), Bologna’s Town Hall . This impressive palace also houses the Municipal Art Collections .

If you want to climb at least one tower in Bologna and find the height of Asinelli Tower intimidating, then the Clock Tower might be a better option. It’s not nearly as high, but the views are really nice too. From the terrace at the lower level and also from the top of the tower, you have a unique aerial perspective of Piazza Maggiore and Bologna rooftops.

In addition, the ticket also includes entry to the Municipal Art Collections which are really impressive. Set inside the apartments of the former cardinals of Bologna, this is a combination of an art museum and palace chambers with some original decorations and furnishings. You can also see some important wooden crucifixes.

Good to know: You only need about 15-20 minutes to visit the Clock Tower and you can quickly walk through the museum in about the same time too. All in all, I recommend planning 1 hour for a quick visit. We visited both – the tower and the museum – and spent about 50 minutes inside.

Practical information: You can get a ticket for the museum only or a ticket that includes entry to the museum and the tower (recommended). The tower entry is timed and can be reserved in advance, whereas if you are only interested in the museum, you can easily visit without any advance booking.

For more practical information and tickets see here .

It’s possible that you can visit the tower without booking in advance as well, but it will depend on the season/ day. Just to be sure, we booked our tickets in advance, but it wasn’t busy at all when we visited. Despite its super central location, it seems as if many tourists just pass by the Town Hall without visiting inside… And yes, it’s totally worth it; one of the top places to see in Bologna.

5. Quadrilatero Neighborhood & Mercato di Mezzo

Quadrilatero neighborhood is home to the Mercato di Mezzo (Middle Market) and is an area you really have to experience in Bologna.

Foodies will say that this is the true heart of Bologna. The streets here are alive with stallholders shouting their wares and cafes spilling out onto the pavements. This is a noisy and vibrant area, an eclectic mix of sounds, smells, and colors.

Located just steps from the Piazza Maggiore, Quadrilatero has always been at the center of Bologna’s culinary scene. There were markets and food stalls here dating all the way back to the Middle Ages.

Nowadays, the area is the place to come for the very best regional specialties. These include locally produced balsamic vinegar, freshly prepared pasta, traditional cheeses, and some of the finest charcuterie you’ll ever experience.

Be sure to take a stroll down Via Pescherie Vecchie . Lined with restaurants and food stores, it is one of the prettiest streets in the area, with picture-perfect yellow and terracotta buildings and decorative old street lamps.

If you are looking for a nice quick meal, check out Mercato di Mezzo . This is not really a market, but a food court where you will find stalls selling all kinds of local specialties.

TIP: When in Bologna, be sure to try the crescentine fritte – delicious, pillowy rectangles of fried dough that are usually topped with cheese and prosciutto. I’d go back to the city just for this!

Good to know: Come here for lunch or in the afternoon as that’s when the area is at its liveliest.

6. Seven Churches – Santo Stefano Complex

Piazza Santo Stefano is a triangular open space often used to host concerts and other cultural events. With Casa Berti, Palazzo Isolani, and Palazzo Bolognini Isolani on one side – and the 16th century Palazzo Bolognini Amorini Salina on the other – it is dominated by the Basilica of Santo Stefano .

Basilica of Santo Stefano ( Basilica Santuario Santo Stefano – Complesso delle sette chiese ) is a must-see in Bologna. This historical religious complex includes several different buildings, chapels, and courtyards, plus a free museum where you can learn more about its history.

The site has been restored multiple times. Despite its name, there are only 4 churches left rather than the original 7.

You start your visit at the 8th-century Church of the Crucifix , where you can see the 14th-century crucifix that gives the church its name. There is also an 18th-century sculpture depicting the “Lamentation over the Dead Christ” in the left nave, and a fascinating crypt under the presbytery stair.

From there you exit through a side door to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre – the complex’s oldest building. It contains a shrine holding the relics of San Petronio (recovered here in 1141) and a natural spring symbolizing the River Jordan. You’ll see people crawling on their knees through a small hole in order to see the relics inside – it’s really special.

Next is the church dedicated to Vitale and Agricola – a master and servant who became the city’s martyrs when they fell victim to persecution by Diocletian in 305 AD. Here you can see the remains of a mosaic floor and the two decorated sarcophagi of Vitale and Agricola.

Finally, you exit into the “Courtyard of Pilates” – named for the spot where Jesus was sentenced – and move on to the Church of the Trinity , containing a wood sculpture depicting the Adoration of the Magi.

The tranquility and beauty of these buildings really must not be missed – and be sure to take a stroll around the peaceful cloisters at the end of your visit.

Good to know: The Basilica of Santo Stefano and most other sights here are open daily from early morning until around 7-7.30 pm. There is a 2-hour lunch closure between 12.30 and 2.30 pm.

There is no entrance fee and you don’t need any advance reservations in order to visit here.

This is one of the most unique religious sites in Bologna, it’s right in the heart of the old town, and really easy to visit. Definitely, one of the top places not to miss in Bologna!

We came here with our walking tour of Bologna’s highlights. It was nice to have a local guide who could tell us more about what we were seeing and quickly guide us through the labyrinth of different buildings of this impressive religious complex.

7. Teatro Anatomico & Palazzo dell’Archiginnasio

Teatro Anatomico is one of Bologna’s most curious attractions. It is also one of the most popular places to visit, and is absolutely worth a few minutes of your time. Just to make things clear – this is not a theater , but a 17th-century anatomical lecture hall of Bologna University.

The Anatomical Theatre is located in the Archiginnasio Palace , the most impressive building of Bologna’s University in the heart of the old town. Palazzo dell’Archiginnasio was built in the 16th century and served as the seat of Bologna University until 1803.

Part of the city’s old medical school, Teatro Anatomico was damaged by bombing in WWII. It has been painstakingly restored using its original pieces. Built entirely from spruce wood and decorated with statues and astrological symbols, this lecture hall is really impressive.

The scene is dominated by the throne-like seat for the professor, flanked by the rather grisly Spellati (skinless) statues with their bodily anatomy exposed. There is a marble table in the middle of the room which – although it’s only a copy of the original – makes it easy to visualize how it was once used for the dissection of cadavers. You can take your place on the tiered seating and imagine how it must have felt to be a medical student at the time.

See if you can also see a spy hole in the wall. It was used by the church to make sure that classes were not teaching anything immoral.

Good to know: Everyone is free to walk around and visit the impressive courtyard and several hallways of Palazzo dell’Archiginnasio. But you will need a ticket if you want to visit Teatro Anatomico or the library inside .

Be sure to also take a look at the beautiful library. You can only visit Stabat Mater Hall and not the actual library. But you can take a peek at the impressive library through an open door.

The entrance fee includes access to Teatro Anatomico and Stabat Mater Hall and is just a few euros. You only need 10-20 minutes for a visit. However, the number of people they allow inside at any given time is limited. So if you didn’t reserve a specific time slot in advance, it’s possible that you will have to come back a few hours later.

Practical information: Teatro Anatomico is open daily except on Sundays and some public holidays. You can reserve your ticket in advance here . It’s not a must but can be helpful if you want to visit at a specific time (which makes it easier to plan your day).

8. Basilica di San Petronio & Terrazza di San Petronio

Basilica di San Petronio located on Piazza Maggiore is another place that you really should visit in Bologna. This is NOT the official Cathedral of Bologna, but it’s the most impressive church if the city.

One of Bologna’s most important buildings, the San Petronio Church is the 10th largest church in the world and the 6th largest in Europe. Dating back to the late 14th century, its unfinished front facade is a strange mixture of marble and brickwork – the result of a rivalry with Rome.

The church is dedicated to Saint Petronius – Bologna’s patron saint – and has many unique and distinctive features. These include the world’s longest indoor Meridian – which accurately marks the passing of days and seasons – and 22 smaller chapels. Inside one of these – the Cappella Bolognini – you can see an original depiction of heaven and hell inspired by Dante’s Divine Comedy.

There are also some magnificent frescoes here, plus two ancient organs – one of which is the oldest functioning organ in the world.

TIP: If you are looking to do something unique in Bologna, see if you can visit Terrazza di San Petronio . This is a temporary viewing platform located on the outside at the back of the church. This part of the building is being renovated and they had to install metal stairs for the workmen to be able to reach the upper parts of the church. To help finance the renovation, they also added a small ‘terrace’ at the top of these metal stairs, from where tourists can enjoy unique views of Bologna.

Good to know: The Basilica is open daily from 8.30 am to 1.30 pm and from 3 to 6.30 pm and the entrance is free of charge. They ask you to pay a small fee if you want to take pictures inside or visit Cappella Bolognini.

The panoramic terrace is only open on the weekends and holidays (when there are no construction workers) and only while the construction works last. There is a small fee and you can get a ticket on the spot. For more practical information and opening hours, see here .

I’m not sure how much longer these renovation works will be going on. But if you are visiting Bologna on a weekend, take a look if the terrace is still open. The views are well worth a short climb.

9. Former Jewish Ghetto

Bologna’s former Jewish ghetto ( Ex Ghetto Ebraico ) lies in the heart of the medieval center. A network of covered bridges, suspended bridges, and alleyways, the area looks much as it did in ancient times.

Just as in most other places all over Europe, the ghetto was created following a 1555 order by Pope Paul IV that Jews be separated from the rest of the population in all territories of the Papal State.

The old ghetto in Bologna is a small area north of Via Rizzoli and between the streets of Via Oberdan and Via Zamboni. You only need 15-20 minutes for a visit here. It’s definitely worth passing by!

The area is really picturesque, with colorful houses and interesting street art. You’ll also find lots of artisan workshops and cool bars here, as the old ghetto has gradually become popular with Bologna’s younger crowd.

In addition, you can visit the Jewish Museum of Bologna ( Museo Ebraico di Bologna ) inside the ghetto to learn more about the area’s history.

Good to know: At various places in the ex-ghetto, you’ll see informational signs with a hand-shaped map of the area.

These maps indicate some of the main points of interest in the neighborhood (see the picture below). Following their recommendations and reading all the info along the way, you can learn more about the ghetto’s history.

10. Sanctuary of Madonna di San Luca

The iconic Sanctuary of San Luca sits on top of the Monte della Guardia overlooking the city and is one of Bologna’s must-see attractions. However, it’s located quite far from everything else and so you’ll need to foresee a bit more time if you want to visit here.

Santuario di Madonna di San Luca is a place of worship dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It sits on the site of a 12th-century hermitage that developed into a monastic community. Their purpose was to guard an image of Mary and her child, which was said to have been painted by Luke the Evangelist (and explains the sanctuary’s name).

The interior of the Basilica is quite stunning. Inside the sanctuary, you can see beautiful frescoes and imposing columns, with the highlight being the icon of the Virgin Mary with the infant Jesus. This sacred image is much revered in Bologna as it is believed to protect the city. It is carried down each May on a canopy to the Cathedral as part of a solemn religious ceremony.

For a higher-angle view, you can visit an observation deck for which you need to buy a ticket. It involves climbing a narrow spiral staircase of 110 steps into the church’s cupola and onto a small outdoor terrace. The view is nice with Bologna center in the distance and rolling hills that make you think of Tuscany… However, you only have partial side views and the terrace is tiny. It’s nice to see but not really a must.

Getting there: The easiest way to get to the Sanctuary is by boarding the ‘San Luca Express’, a little tourist train from Piazza Maggiore. It runs daily the whole year round, with frequent departures. You can hop off at the sanctuary, visit it, and take the next ‘train’ back to the center. But many people just look around, take a few pictures while passing by, and don’t even get off.

You can get tickets for this little train on the spot or book this ticket that includes food tasting as well. Either way, you’ll have to see what the next available time is and if it’s busy, you may have to wait half an hour or even longer. Talk to the staff and see if you can put your name on the list for the specific departure. In the meantime, you can visit other places in the Bologna center.

Alternatively, you can take a taxi or even walk to the Sanctuary. Some even find the journey to reach the Sanctuary of Madonna part of its appeal. The route follows the beautiful, covered path of Portico di San Luca – the longest portico in the world.

It begins at Via Saragozza and then starts to rise at the Arco del Meloncello elevating you above the traffic. The incline is 10% so it can certainly be challenging, especially taking into account the long series of steep steps at the end! The walk gives you the chance to enjoy some really good views, including the soccer stadium, the city’s historic center, and the Colle dell’Osservanza.

TIP: If you have a few hours to spare and are looking to get a bit off the beaten path in Bologna, take a tourist train or a taxi to the sanctuary, visit inside, and afterwards walk back via the Portico di San Luca. This way you are walking downhill and it’s much easier. Still, the distance between the Sanctuary of San Luca and the city center is about 5 km (3 miles) and the walk will likely take you at least 1 hour. You’d need about 1.5 hours if you would do the same walk in the other direction.

Our experience: We took the tourist train to the sanctuary and walked back. In all honesty, I don’t know if I’d do it again. Instead, I would just check out the Portico of San Luca and maybe walk down for a couple of minutes – just for the experience. But I’d take the tourist train back to the center rather than walking all the way. There are better things to do in Bologna, and definitely, if your time is limited.

11. Bologna Porticoes

Bologna’s UNESCO world-heritage-listed porticoes are an intrinsic part of the city’s landscape. In the city center alone, you’ll find an incredible 40 km (about 25 miles) of arched walkways.

Originally built from wood in the late Middle Ages, these covered walkways were designed to create additional living space. Nowadays, they provide sheltered paths for strolling around the city, which is very convenient. If it’s hot, you can always find some shade, and if it rains, you can see and do a lot without ever needing an umbrella.

Good to know: There is not one ‘best’ place to see the Bologna porticoes. It’s something you will see all over the city. The longest portico is the one leading up to Santuario di Madonna di San Luca (see above).

However, some of the most noteworthy are the original wooden porticoes of Via Marsala and Casa Isolani on Strada Maggiore, and the porticos of Piazza Santo Stefano. You can also find some really pretty porticoes around Piazza Cavour.

12. Finestrella

‘Finistrella’ is Italian for window – and this may be one of the most unique views through a window in the city!

Located in Via Piella (see also our map further below for the exact location), the small ‘Canal Window’ looks out onto one of the few remaining sections of Bologna’s historic canals. Otherwise obscured from view, this section of Canale delle Moline is lined by colorful houses and is quite lovely. It almost looks like a picture come to life!

However, it’s worth noting that the canal sometimes dries up in the summer months, and some people find it’s not worth going out of your way to visit it. We found that it was totally worth a small detour, especially if you are visiting the Jewish Ghetto which is just nearby too.

Good to know: A hidden gem in the past, Finestrella is nowadays one of the most famous ‘instagrammable’ places in Bologna. Sometimes, you’ll see a long queue of people waiting to take a peek through this little window…

When we arrived, we had difficulties finding where Finestrella actually is and walked past it without realizing it. When we passed here on another occasion, there was a huge line and you really couldn’t miss it.

If you are also looking for it, the Finestrella is located to the right of the entrance of Trattoria dal Biassanot. It’s hidden in a colorful wall, under one of the typical Bologna porticos that is also used as a restaurant terrace. Normally, this little window is closed and since it has the exact same color as the wall, it’s easy to miss it if there’s nobody else around.

13. Mercato delle Erbe

Mercato delle Erbe is another food court/market in Bologna city center and is a popular spot for dining.

Whereas the Quadrilatero is the best choice for its aged cheese and cured meats, Mercato delle Erbe excels in fresh, local produce and seafood. There is an actual market here, so not just restaurants or food stalls as in Mercato di Mezzo.

Housed in an attractive historic building whose foundation once belonged to a church, the market is filled with boxes of colorful fruits and vegetables. It also has several really nice restaurants.

Good to know: The building remains open after the market has closed and is a great place to enjoy an aperitivo along with the locals at the end of the day.

TIP: If you want to bring home some of the delicious local cheese, head to Formaggeria Barbieri. They will shrink-wrap it for you, making it easier to travel with. For lunch or dinner, I highly recommend NOI at Mercato delle Erbe. This restaurant serves delicious local food including the best crescentine fritte we had in Bologna. For dinner, it’s best to reserve a table in advance (this is the case in most restaurants in Bologna).

14. Basilica of San Domenico

Located a bit outside the main tourist area, Piazza San Domenico is a small cozy square, home to the Basilica of San Domenico . It’s well worth visiting if you have some extra time, but not a must if your time in the city is limited.

This Basilica is considered one of the most beautiful churches in Bologna. But the main reason to come here is to see the tomb of St. Dominic , founder of the Dominican Order. This monumental sarcophagus is called Arca di San Domenico and is absolutely impressive.

The tomb contains the three statues of Buonarroti. Often considered forgotten treasures because so few people know of their existence, these statues were made by Michelangelo. They include the candle-holder angel, the statue of San Petronio, and the statue of San Procolo.

Good to know: The Basilica is open daily in the morning (except Sundays) and in the afternoon. Just as most churches in Italy, it closes for a few hours around noon.

15. Museo Civico Archeologico

A visit to Bologna’s Archaeological Museum makes a great way to learn about the city’s development and progress throughout the years. It is located in the 15th-century Palazzo Galvani, just a short walk from Piazza Maggiore.

The exposition is divided into different eras – including Prehistoric, Celtic, Roman, and Greek – with various fascinating artifacts in each collection. But the most impressive part to visit is the Egyptian collection , which is considered among the most important in Europe and the third-largest in Italy. You can see some Egyptian mummies and other artifacts from ancient Egypt.

Other exhibits include those previously housed at the former Museo Universitario, along with a collection belonging to the painter Pelagio Palagi. You can also see items excavated locally between the end of the 19th century and the early 20th century.

When we visited, a big part of the museum was closed due to renovation works, and we found it a bit underwhelming. On the other hand, the Egyptian collection alone was worth seeing, and in the meantime, the rest of the museum is open again. So I’ll leave it up to you to decide if it’s worth it.

The good thing is that this museum is very centrally located and it doesn’t require much time. So if you are looking for additional things to do in Bologna, it’s worth considering.

Good to know: The museum is open daily except for Tuesdays. For practical information, see their website , or simply pop inside once you are in the city. You don’t need to buy tickets for the museum in advance; only if you would be interested in a specific temporary exhibition. Their website suggests booking in advance in order to avoid long lines, so maybe it can get busy at times. When we visited, it wasn’t busy at all.

16. Giardini Margherita

Located just south of the city center, Giardini Margherita is the most popular park in Bologna. It retains much of its original layout, inspired by the classic and romantic parks of England.

Though the boating lake, zoo, and funicular railway it once contained are now gone, it is still a beautiful green space in which to relax. You’ll find several nice cafes here, a small lake with paved paths, plus multiple trails for walking or running.

During your visit, be sure to check out Kilowatt (known to the locals as Le Serre ) on the western side of the park. Formerly the park’s municipal greenhouses, the site has now been transformed into a multi-functional space. You’ll find co-working facilities here, a restaurant, a vegetable garden, live music, and lots more. It really is quite a unique venue and well worth visiting if you are looking to explore the more local side of Bologna.

17. Pinacoteca Nazionale

The National Art Gallery of Bologna is a museum is located in the former Saint Ignatius Jesuit novitiate, within the complex of the old university. Unlike other galleries which tend to display pieces from all over the world, this museum focuses on work with a connection to the Emilia Romagna region and the city of Bologna.

There are some incredible pieces to see here, some dating as far back as the 13th century. They are divided into two sections. The first – the Accademia Clementina – is filled with fascinating and ancient Byzantine paintings, whilst the second – the Gallery of the Academy of Fine Arts – contains later works.

Paintings to look out for include Titian’s ‘Jesus Christ and the Good Thief’ , Vasari’s ‘Feast of St. Gregory the Great’ , and the ‘Ecstasy of St. Cecilia’ by Raphael. There is an entire room devoted to the work of Giotto and another dedicated to the Baroque painter Guido Reni.

Good to know: The museum is open daily except on Mondays. For more practical info, see their website .

18. FICO – World Eataly

Update: FICO is currently closed. They say that they are working on an even bigger project. We will do our best to update this guide when there is more news. In the meantime, there are many other great opportunities to enjoy local food in Bologna – see further below!

FICO  – Italian Food Theme Park – is one of the more ‘local’ places to visit in Bologna. This is a theme park with a difference, devoted entirely to celebrating the diversity of Italian food.

Vast in scale, this unique attraction’s main focus is to show its visitors how food is made. With a motto of ‘dal campo alla forchetta’ (from field to fork), it takes you through the production processes of a variety of foods.

There is a big emphasis on agriculture and you can visit a huge outdoor area where the crops grown range from cereal and olives to fruit and truffles. You can also see stables with some 200 farm animals.

The rest of the attraction is indoors and is truly a foodie’s dream! In addition to 40 food factories, there are more than 40 kiosks or restaurants and plenty of shops to buy and taste all kinds of Italian produce.

On the other hand, often, the place feels a bit deserted and too big for the number of people coming here. So your experience will highly depend on when you visit and what your expectations are. I’d say it’s definitely not a must, but can be something nice to do in Bologna with kids or for people who have lots of extra time and are looking to get a bit off the beaten path.

Good to know: FICO is located on the outskirts of Bologna and is not a place you visit in a hurry. There’s an entrance fee, plus you have to pay extra for food.

19. Local Food

No guide to the best of Bologna would be complete without mentioning its food . The entire Emilia Romagna region is known as the foodie destination in Italy, and its capital city Bologna is a paradise for those who want to experience some of the best Italian food.

Some of the must-try regional specialties in Bologna include tagliatelle al ragù (the actual version of the world-famous spaghetti bolognese which originated in Bologna), lasagne bolognese, tortellini in brodo , Parma ham, mortadella sausage, parmesan cheese, and balsamic vinegar. Also the earlier-mentioned fried bread crescentine is not to be missed.

There are so many amazing places where you can eat in Bologna that it’s almost impossible to find a bad meal. If I can give you one piece of advice is to try to eat at as many different places as possible. From food courts, markets, or kiosks to local trattorias or high-end restaurants – food in Bologna is an experience in itself.

Here are some restaurant recommendations – 3 of our absolute favorites from all the places we ate in Bologna:

• Ristorante Da Cesari . Simply the best meal of our entire trip to Florence and Bologna. Reserve in advance!
• Osteria dell’Orsa . This is a very popular low-key restaurant. Great price-quality ratio. It’s a nice place for those looking for an authentic local experience. They don’t take reservations, so be prepared to queue, but it moves quickly.
• NOI at Mercato delle Erbe – for the best crescentine in Bologna (the rest of the food was great too!). If you want to have dinner here, be sure to reserve. For lunch, come as soon as they open (or reserve).

For a quick lunch , try Mò Mortadella Lab. This is a very popular sandwich shop. However, they have no seating. For a really good gelato in the city center, check out Cremeria la Vecchia Stalla, Oggi gelaterias, or Cremeria Cavour. We indicated all these places on our map below.

TIP: If you are short on time and want to try some traditional specialties in Bologna , one of the best ways to do that is by joining a local food tour. There are quite a few food tour options , sometimes in combination with some city highlights. If you are mostly interested in food, then this tour is the best option.

If you rather keep your flexibility but want to take advantage of local tips, you can also opt for a self-guided food tour where you get instructions and vouchers for different tastings in various local shops and restaurants in the city center.

With an extra day: One of the best excursions to do from Bologna is taking a gastronomic tour of the Emilia Romagna region. I recommend a tour that combines several places/foods in one. For example, this gastronomic tour visits a dairy factory (Parmigiano Reggiano cheese), a vinegar-production site (Modena vinegar), and a wine cellar (Lambrusco wine). Another popular option is a day tour to Parma where you visit factories specializing in Parmigiano Reggiano and Parma Ham.

Where to stay in Bologna

Bologna city center is rather compact so you can explore almost everything on foot. The best area to stay in Bologna is within 5-10 minutes walking distance from Piazza Maggiore.

Here are some hotel recommendations in this area:

• 5* luxury: Grand Hotel Majestic gia’ Baglioni .
• More-affordable luxury: Hotel Corona d’Oro .
• One of the nicest price/quality/location 4* hotels: Art Hotel Commercianti .
• Mid-range 3*: Hotel Accademia .
• Lower budget: Albergo Garisenda .

Good to know! Bologna accommodation options are rather limited compared to places like Florence or Venice, so lodging here tends to be more expensive. Price/quality-wise, Bologna can be really expensive. Furthermore, it’s a university town and also a place that’s popular for meetings and corporate events. It might be hard to believe but it happens quite often that all the accommodations in the city center are fully booked.

We met an American solo traveler in Bologna who said he was only visiting for a day because he couldn’t find any accommodation in Bologna for that night. And when we were looking for a hotel for our trip about 2-3 months in advance, there was hardly anything available in the center. We opted for Hotel Accademia , not because it was our top choice, but because there was simply not much else to choose from within a short walking distance of the main attractions.

So if you want to stay in town, be sure to book your hotel in Bologna as soon as you know your travel dates. Alternatively, you can always visit Bologna from Florence for a day too. It’s just a short train ride away.

LEARN MORE: Florence to Bologna Train Info & Itinerary

Map of Bologna attractions

To help you plan your time, we created this map indicating all the best places to see in Bologna. We also indicated the restaurants mentioned in our guide.

As you will see, many of Bologna’s landmarks and best sites are located really close to each other. So you can see a lot in a short time and many people just visit Bologna for a day.

On the other hand, Bologna is a city that is worth exploring deeper and it’s worth staying longer just for the food too. So if you can, plan 2-3 days for Bologna – you won’t regret it.

How to use this map:  Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

So, this is our guide to the very best of Bologna. I hope that this inspired you to visit Bologna and also to spend more time in the city. But even if you only have (half) a day in Bologna, it’s absolutely worth a visit too!

I also hope that our personal, experience-based tips will help you make the most out of your time in Bologna. It’s an incredible town with such a unique atmosphere that we haven’t experienced anywhere else in Italy. Have a great trip!

TIP: If you are looking for more travel inspiration around Bologna, take a look at our 3-day Emilia Romagna itinerary . It takes you to some really beautiful places in the region – many of which are undiscovered by mass tourism and offer a much more authentic experience.

Some of our favorite places in Northern Italy:

• Florence and Venice (must-sees, of course!)
• Best places in the Dolomites
• Best Towns in Tuscany
• Siena and Montepulciano
• … For more destinations, travel guides, and itineraries, please see our Italy travel guide . If you are wondering how to visit many of the best places in Italy in one trip, see our suggested 2-week Italy itinerary .

If you found this post useful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images!

More guides and inspiration for visiting some of the most popular Italian cities:

• Tips for Visiting Rome
• Where to Stay in Rome
• How to Get to Rome City from the Airport
• Best Things to Do in Rome
• Hidden Gems of Rome
• Best Views in Rome
• Ancient Rome Sites & Landmarks
• Colosseum Levels & Tickets
• Rome Underground: Best Places to See
• 1 Day in Rome  
• 2 Days in Rome  
• 4 Days in Rome
• Best things to do in Venice
• 1 Day in Venice
• 3 Days in Venice
• Doge’s Palace, Venice
• Gondola Ride in Venice  (what to expect & tips)
• Visiting Venice with a baby or a toddler
• Visiting Venice by car
• Best Things to Do in Florence  
• 1 Day in Florence  
• Florence Rooftops with Best Views
• Florence to Bologna Travel Info & Itinerary
• Best Things to Do in Milan
• 1 Day in Milan
• Best Things to Do in Naples
• 1 Day in Naples
• Where to Stay in Naples
• Best Day Trips from Naples
• How to Get from Naples to Amalfi Coast
• How to Visit Mt Vesuvius

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Wednesday 6th of March 2024

WOW, this is our first trip to Bologna and we are already loaded with a milllion things to see and taste, great work guys

Thursday 7th of March 2024

Glad to help, Glenn. Have a wonderful trip and enjoy all the amazing food. The food in Bologna is amazing!

John Signorelli

Sunday 15th of October 2023

I used numerous articles on your site for the trip I just completed with my wife. Bologna was not on my list before reading this article and boy would that have been a mistake to pass this up.

Of particular note was Basilica of San Domenico. I think there were 8 people in the church, including my wife and I. We also loved Osteria dell'Orsa as you described.

Your advice in all of your articles were awesome, and they made our trip perfect. Thank!!

Monday 16th of October 2023

Glad to hear that, John! And yes, Bologna is well worth a visit! I'd go back in a heartbeat, even if just for the amazing food...

Tuesday 18th of April 2023

Hello - thank you for posting this wonderful and informative site. We're hoping to visit Italy in May and are English speakers. We know polite words in Italian but should we postpone our trip until we become better versed in the language?

Hi Kelli, no, there is absolutely no need to postpone any trip because of the language. We don't speak much Italian either, nor Spanish, Portuguese, Icelandic, or Chinese..., but that never stopped us from traveling the world. You'll be just fine with English, and a few words of Italian plus a smile goes a long way. Enjoy your trip!

Monday 3rd of October 2022

After I finish planning next years trip I will start planning our trip to Italy/Greece. I am saving all of your Italy articles for that trip.

Sunday 9th of October 2022

You'll love Italy and Greece, Michael! Both are amazing places to see in Europe. Happy travels!

Reading: Bologna > Tourist Info

Tourist Info

Tourist infopoint of Bologna ? Thanks to Bologna-Guide.com you have all the information you need at your fingertips!

Users vote: 4.6/5 – (5 votes)

• Aggiornato il 13 February 2024
• Already read by 559 people

• Before Departure

How to save money

Traveling by car.

It is good to have information at hand even before your departure, in order to make your stay in the city unforgettable.

What to know before Your departure

• Car: Getting to the city by car is very easy. Thanks to the connections with the A1 , A13 and A14 motorways , the city is easily accessible from any part of Italy. The entries and exits of the bypass then help you to easily reach the areas of the city you prefer.
• Train: Bologna central station is among the largest and well-connected ones in Italy. With several high-speed trains , which travel under the beautiful Emilian capital, you will surely find the one that’s right for you. Not for nothing is it the most popular method of travel among visitors, also considering that in less than 20 minutes on foot you are in Piazza Maggiore .
• Airplane: Marconi airport has connections with 95 destinations , of which 14 are national and 80 are international. Certainly the preferred means of transport for foreign tourists, thanks to the many direct flights and the many offers of the various airlines. It is very easy to reach the city center in a few minutes thanks to the taxi service and the dedicated bus or the brand new shuttle connected to the central station.

Museums closed on Mondays

For those wishing to visit one of the city’s museums it is useful to know that on Mondays they are closed.

Book restaurants before your departure

Some restaurants in bologna are so famous that they are besieged, especially on weekends, and for the local people themselves it is sometimes difficult to find a free table. Booking your table weeks in advance is certainly a wise choice.

Choose your hotel based on the city area and how you intend to move

It is good to choose your accommodation in Bologna in advance and wisely, so that you can enjoy your trip as much as possible. It is useful to understand immediately which area is most suitable for you, also counting your means of transport and what you want to visit and to do

A hotel in the city center is certainly the best choice to discover the history of the city and all the main monuments without effort, moving only a few steps. However, we remind you that the center is easily accessible, both on foot and by public transport, even from neighboring areas, that may be preferred by those traveling by car in order to avoid ZTL , the limited traffic area, and possible parking difficulties.

We have already helped thousands of people find the perfect accommodation .

Don’t risk it, read our tips!

The best 5 Bed and Breakfasts in Bologna

The 10 Best Hotels In Bologna city center

Hotel Nearby Bologna Fair – Here’s where to stay!

Hostel in Bologna

Plan how long you will stay in town

It will be useful to plan how many days to stay in the city from the very first moments of organizing the trip. We recommend this choice especially to get a better price when booking your accommodation. Some accommodation facilities may in fact apply discounts to those staying for several days, it could certainly be cheaper than extending your overnight stay at the last minute.

We suggest you make your choice also taking into consideration the various events or guided tours that you could book in the city.

Stay in Bologna to visit nearby cities

From Bologna there are many beautiful Italian cities that can be easily reached thanks to the easy rail connections or the short distance by car. Often the city has been chosen and discovered by  many tourists for this reason, and then remains in their hearts.

More than 250.00 people have already found inspiration for their journey on the Bologna Guide pages.

Porta San Vitale, Bologna City Gate

The Cathedral of San Pietro in Bologna

Porta Lame, city gate

Palazzo della Mercanzia In Bologna

There are many ways to visit the city while saving money

Choose your means of transport in advance

For example, you can book train and plane tickets as early as possible to save considerably. Or if you are traveling by car, understand in advance where to park it and how much it costs, so as to avoid expensive expenses.

If you travel on foot, and you are planning to use the buses in the city to move to the most distant points, it might be useful to buy a 10-ride ticket in order to save money. Tickets for the 10-ride bus are easily found at any tobacco shop and are cheaper than buying a single ticket.

Book your accommodation months in advance, trying to avoid trade fairs or peak seasons

Booking your hotel in advance will surely help you to get better prices . Without forgetting that Bologna is full of trade fairs , during which finding free accommodation could become very difficult. To save money, it is useful to inquire about the most important business events and not book on those dates.

It is useful to know that July and August are usually the months where it is easier to find offers and lower prices, unlike in other cities. September, on the other hand, can be considered  the high season, also given the various conferences and fairs that take place in that period.

Free self tours and pre-selected guided tours

The symbolic places of the historic center can be easily reached on foot. Thanks to our articles, on what to see in the city, you can decide what to see in advance and for many attractions you don’t even need a ticket!

You can organize self-guided tours such as the Seven Secrets one.

If you prefer to take a guided tour , we recommend that you see our suggestions on the dedicated page. Booking a guided tour in advance will allow you to have more choice, and find the one most in line with your idea of savings.

Free public museums on the first Sunday of the month

If you intend to visit the museums in the city this information could be useful, certainly a great way to save.

Bologna is very well connected to the motorway network . The exits from the motorway are different and divided by area, so as to allow you to reach your destination more easily.

For those traveling by car it is important to find out about the restricted traffic areas and where to park , as you can learn more in our dedicated articles. Choosing the hotel also based on any free parking offered could, for example, be a useful choice to avoid incurring additional expenses.

Rent a Car in Bologna: all you need to know!

There are so many rental companies operating in the city and you will surely find the right car for you. But not before taking the right steps to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Free Wifi in Bologna – visit the city staying online

Are you looking for free Wi-Fi in Bologna? Here’s how to connect to the wireless network! Find out all the access points on the map

ZTL – Limited Traffic Zone in Bologna

If you have decided to travel by car or if you are planning to rent one, it is good to know how to get around Bologna by car, some information could be really useful!

Taxi in Bologna – Telephone numbers and useful information

To get around in Bologna with a taxi is really easy, you just should known some simple informatios about the taxis services. Here you can find a couple of useful tips. Charges and fares and priority taxi for people with disability.

Get to Bologna by plane, Guglielmo Marconi Airport

To get to Bologna by plane you can use the Guglielmo marcomi airport, headed by the Italian scientist. This has become an international airport over the years, today it offers flights to a multitude of destinations, there are connections to major European cities and worldwide. Marconi is the seventh most used airport in Italy.

Parking in Bologna (Airport, station & center) – Best car park

Getting to the center with the car is not easy, if you want to enjoy your trip without too much troubles, you can leave your car in a car park and walk comfortably on foot or by bus. You just need to know which are the best car parks!

• Accommodation
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William Saliba gives verdict on Riccardo Calafiori’s Arsenal debut and new partnership

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William Saliba believes new Arsenal signing Riccardo Calafiori will have an instant impact at the Emirates this season.

Calafiori made his first appearance for his new club on Sunday afternoon as the Gunners eased to a 2-0 win over Lyon in their final friendly match before the start of the new Premier League season.

Arsenal begin their campaign against Wolves on Saturday, looking in fine form as they cruised past the Ligue 1 side with Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes on the score sheet from close range.

Calafiori, who joined the club from Bologna in a £42million deal , came on for his debut after 64 minutes, intiially taking up a role at left-back after replacing Oleksandr Zinchenko .

He moved inside to centre-half following the introduction of youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly, partnering Saliba late on in the contest.

The France international was impressed with what he saw from the Italian during their time together on the pitch.

‘Yeah, I’m so happy for him,’ Saliba told Arsenal’s official website.

‘I think it’s only the beginning, he’s a really good player, young as well. We’re so happy to have him with us and I hope he’ll have a really good season with us.’

Mikel Arteta was also impressed with Calafiori’s debut performance.

‘He brings a lot of versatility because he can play in two or three different positions and especially in attack, occupy different spaces because he’s a real defender,’ the Arsenal manager said.

‘When you see his press and physicality, how he goes into duels, it’s unbelievable. And then obviously he’s done a lot last year, he’s a player than can improve us.’

While David Raya’s loan move was made permanent, Calafiori is Arsenal’s only new signing to date with their new season underway this week.

The Gunners remain in the market for a new midfielder with Real Sociedad’s Mikel Merino thought to be their top target.

MORE : Matthijs de Ligt speaks out as he travels to complete Manchester United transfer

MORE : West Ham will be bubbling under the Premier League frontrunners and could finish in the top four

MORE : Chelsea confirm £54,000,000 signing during pre-season clash against Inter Milan

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Is a Disney Theme Park Vacation Still Worth the Price?

As Disney has raised the cost of tickets and hotel rooms at its theme parks, and added pricey, difficult-to-navigate tools, even its most loyal fans are asking themselves if they should rethink their vacations.

By Tariro Mzezewa

Earlier this year, Jake Williams, a filmmaker and content creator in Toronto, made his long-awaited return to one of his favorite places on earth: Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla. After traveling to Disney World and Disneyland multiple times a year since childhood and becoming an annual pass holder as an adult, Mr. Williams hadn’t been to a Disney park since 2019.

“As someone who went all the time, it’s crazy to me that I hadn’t gone to a Disney park in that long,” he said in a phone interview. “It’s a special place. ”

Before his trip, Mr. Williams heard about some changes at Disney World, but he didn’t anticipate how different things would be, starting at the airport. Since his last visit, the company had gotten rid of the Magical Express, a free bus that for more than 15 years shuttled people from Orlando International Airport to their Disney resorts. Guests must now take a shuttle that costs between $23 and $30 per adult each way, depending on the time of year, use a ride share service or rent a car.

To Disney-goers, the end of the Magical Express speaks to a larger issue: The cost of being at the happiest place on earth is going up while the perks are going away. As the company has raised the price of tickets and hotel rooms, and added costly, difficult-to-navigate tools to book rides as replacements for previously free products, even its most loyal fans are asking themselves if it’s still worth it.

Mr. Williams said that a day in the Orlando parks and a one-night stay at Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort cost a “jaw-dropping” $886.34 for two adults. He decided to calculate how much the same trip cost in 2017 — a year when he visited the park several times. The cost: $567.90. Even accounting for inflation, he was stunned.

“It’s hard to justify going to Orlando rather than, like, Iceland,” he said. “When you have a budget like this, you can go a lot of places and see and do a lot of things. You could even do a Disney cruise for less than that.”

Epcot’s Italy, or Italy?

He’s not alone. Len Testa, president of Touring Plans , a site that helps travelers organize Disney trips, and a co-author of “The Unofficial Guides to Walt Disney World and Disneyland,” said that he increasingly hears from Disney lovers who are now planning other types of vacations.

“At some point a Disney vacation starts competing with ‘Let’s go see Europe’ and I think that’s what a lot of people are doing,” Mr. Testa said. “I’ve had a number of people in the last few years say, ‘We priced it out and we could take our children to eat pizza in the Italy pavilion in Epcot or for the same money we could actually go to Italy for two weeks. We’re going to go to Italy for two weeks.’”

For Mr. Testa, collecting data about Disney is a passion. In the late ’90s, as a graduate student in computer science he decided he wanted to build a computer program that could help people navigate Disney World as efficiently as possible. That research continued through his Ph.D and the program he created turned into Touring Plans. His team of developers and data scientists model what’s going on at Walt Disney World on a minute-by-minute basis every day. The data they’ve collected in recent years shows that the cost of a Disney World trip, on average, has gone up almost 25 percent since 2019. Seventy percent of that increase is for services that used to be free.

The prices of parking and entry tickets have consistently risen in recent years. In 2022 ticket prices went up two times. In 2023 annual passes saw a $30 to $50 increase, depending on the tier, while multiday tickets also went up. A one-day ticket to either of Disney’s U.S. parks now costs $109 for anyone over the age of 10.

One analysis concluded that between 2014 and 2025, the base price for tickets has gone up 32 percent and increased by 90 percent for the highest-priced tickets. In 2025 the base price for an adult one-day ticket will be $119 and the higher tickets will be $199. Hotel prices have also risen. The cheapest hotels at Disney World now cost an average of $187 per night, according to Disney Magic Guides , a resource for planning trips to the parks.

In an earnings call this week , Disney’s leaders acknowledged that they’ve seen a slowdown at the parks and that, because of the economy, lower-income visitors are financially stressed, while higher-income guests are traveling internationally. And Disney is not alone: Tickets for Universal Studios in Florida and in California often cost as much as Disney tickets. In July, Comcast said Universal’s revenue fell by 11 percent in the prior quarter, with visitors turning to cruises and international travel.

In an email, a spokeswoman for Disney said the company is always trying to offer guests an array of tickets and experiences. To the company, and its most loyal fans, she said, the value of the experiences is worth the price.

“We are purposeful about creating more ticket and hotel price points than ever before to provide guests a variety of opportunities to visit our parks,” she said, adding that “a visit to a Disney theme park is a 10- to 16-hour experience with attractions, entertainment and more.”

Apps overload

For many guests, price isn’t the only hurdle. Visitors now have to navigate several new apps and tools if they want the best chance at getting on the most popular rides. In the past, they could get a free FastPass, which allowed them to go to the front of a line for a ride. In 2021, Disney replaced the FastPass with a digital feature called Genie+ that park goers had to pay for and that was supposed to make booking rides more efficient. Instead, it caused so much confusion that content creators started making videos that showed viewers how to “hack” the tool.

To get the best out of Genie+ guests had to buy the app early in the morning ( avid park-goers recommended doing so at 6 a.m.) and then, at 7 a.m., they would book rides for the day. They could only book more rides after they’d completed their first activity or two hours after making their first reservation. And they couldn’t choose what time they wanted to get on a ride — Genie+ would do it for them. Mr. Testa said all of this led to “Disney complexity fatigue.”

“ God forbid on your vacation, you want to go back to your hotel and take a nap,” Mr. Testa said. Others said having to always be on their phones took away from the experience of being on vacation.

Disney heard the complaints. In July, Genie+ became Lightning Lane Multi Pass, which makes it possible for people to reserve rides ahead of time, instead of on the day they are in the park. The new system, which starts at $30 a day, is an attempt at mixing Genie+ and FastPass, but only those willing to pay extra can use all the features. The Disney spokeswoman said that so far, guests are “very pleased” with Lightning Lane Multi Pass. Reviews on social media show that it may be too soon to tell. On Reddit, reviewers lamented the different prices for Lightning Lane passes, with one person saying she “despised the process” of booking in the new system so much she felt like throwing her phone.

Jeremy Sonkin, a Chicago-based content creator who makes videos about theme parks, was at Disney World on the first day the new system was available. He said the new app is less confusing than Genie+, but it doesn’t feel like an upgrade.

“The idea and thought behind trying to bring back the ‘Fast Pass plus’ system is correct, but it’s not a level playing field and I can see this causing just as much, if not more, frustration from guests,” he said.

Greg Antonelle, the managing director of MickeyTravels , a travel agency that focuses on booking Disney trips, said his company is having a great year, with travelers looking to experience new rides like Tiana’s Bayou Adventure , which replaced the old Splash Mountain ride. He said that complaining about Disney is par for the course.

“We’ve been in business for 13 years and we’ve heard complaints about cost for 13 years,” Mr. Antonelle said. “It’s nothing new.”

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

An earlier version of this article misstated the starting month of the Lightning Lane Multi Pass at Disney World. It started in July, not June.

How we handle corrections

Tariro Mzezewa, a former national correspondent at The Times, is a reporter who writes about culture and style. More about Tariro Mzezewa

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Southern Sardinia:  This overlooked island region of Italy, with its idyllic beaches and buzzing capital , is ready to share its essence.

Adirondacks :  New York’s Adirondack Park draws more than 12 million visitors each year. Here’s where to go to avoid the crowds .

Los Angeles:  The California city has one of the most diverse urban forests in the world and each neighborhood has its own characteristic plantings .

Nighttime Activities :  Travel adventures, from goat hikes to snorkeling , get even better when they’re done under the stars.

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Rep. ritchie torres presses dea after animal tranquilizers found in nyc street drugs.

WASHINGTON — Bronx Rep. Ritchie Torres is asking the Drug Enforcement Administration for information after local health officials detected elephant tranquilizer carfentanil and veterinary anesthetic medetomidine in New York City street drugs.

Carfentanil, a more powerful cousin of fentanyl, was found in small quantities in eight samples of local opioids between March and June, including two cases in which the user overdosed, according to the city’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

Medetomidine was found in one Bronx sample in June.

“I am writing to inquire about the actions that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has taken or will take to disrupt the supply chains that perpetuate the spread of carfentanil in America’s largest city,” Torres (D-NY) wrote to DEA administrator Anne Milgram.

“The spread of carfentanil, even in the barest quantities, would make the deadliest drug crisis far deadlier— by orders of magnitude,” Torres wrote.

“Given the growing presence of carfentanil in NYC and the profound threat it poses to both public safety and public health, I am seeking clarity about the DEA’s law enforcement efforts in relation to combating carfentanil supply chains.”

The composition of street drugs and the risk they pose to users has evolved significantly over time — sending US overdose deaths to an all-time high in 2022 .

National and New York state fatalities dipped only slightly last year, according to preliminary data.

The evolving chemical composition of street drugs has created issues for detection and treatment.

New York City health officials warned in a recent alert that carfentanil, an extremely potent synthetic opioid, “was not detected via point-of-care drug-checking technologies” such as fentanyl test strips “due to the technologies’ limitations” and was instead found “through secondary laboratory testing.”

All eight of the samples also contained fentanyl, which can kill in doses as small as about 10 grains of table salt, the local officials said.

The city’s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner says carfentanil was detected in at least seven cases of fatal drug overdoses between January and June 2024 — up from three known instances from 2023.

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Medetomidine, meanwhile, was found in late June in a sample that also contained fentanyl, the health officials said.

The presence of medetomidine is potentially troubling because its effects can be similar to opioids, but it cannot be treated with the opioid antidote naloxone.

Medetomidine “is similar to xylazine” — a veterinary painkiller and muscle relaxant commonly cut into street drugs since about 2020 — “but is more potent and causes longer-lasting effects,” city officials said.

Health officials recommend “rescue breathing” if apparent overdose victims do not respond to naloxone due to the possible effects of xylazine and medetomidine.

Xylazine is detected most commonly in the Northeastern US, according to federal data, with reports from 2022 showing particular prevalence in New Jersey, though not New York.

The precise contribution of various compounds to overdoses is muddied by the fact that toxicology reports don’t always test for all potential substances or describe their specific analogs.

Carfentanil’s potential impact has been feared for as long as fentanyl has been prevalent, but it has not eclipsed its better-known relative — though research has shown it has at least contributed significantly to fatal overdoses in some parts of the country.

A study of drug overdoses in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, which includes the city of Cleveland, found that fentanyl was present among 90% of the 543 overdose victims in 2017, with carfentanil present in 35% of cases, often overlapping .

Opioid addicts largely turned to heroin and other street drugs following the tightening controls on OxyContin and related pain medications — which had been aggressively marketed and heavily dispensed legally, hooking Americans through broad dispensation peaking in 2010 .

Heroin in turn increasingly became cut with — or entirely supplanted by — fentanyl and related synthetic compounds made largely in China, tripling US opioid overdose deaths over the past decade, with users of unrelated drugs such as cocaine and counterfeit prescriptions also stricken by doses of the cheap import.

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