One of Italy’s best-kept secrets, while Bologna is often overlooked, those who visit often find themselves falling head over heels. The lively capital of the Emilia-Romagna region north of Florence between the Savena and Reno rivers, it’s overflowing with charm and boasts a rich history with magnificent architecture, including medieval towers, baroque treasures, and Renaissance monuments. It’s also home to the world’s oldest university, the University of Bologna which dates all the way back to 1088. As the birthplace of many favorite Italian dishes prepared with Bolognese sauce, foodies will enjoy sampling everything from lasagna and mortadella to tortellini. At the heart of the city is the main square, Piazza Maggiore, a popular gathering place for locals and visitors alike that looks as if it was made for a postcard. Its ancient porticoes with elegant arcades stretch for nearly 25 miles, representing the essence of Bologna while providing endless opportunities for a memorable stroll.
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No matter when you visit Bologna, if you’re on a budget you can find a clean and comfortable place to stay, and if you’re looking for luxuries, there is plenty of that too. Accommodations range from hostels and B&Bs to short-term apartment rentals and hotels in every category, including value-priced 4-star options and a handful of five-star properties. There are romantic boutique hotels and hotels with spas and pools too. Before booking, you’ll want to consider which neighborhood is best for your stay, with the historic center ideal for sightseers and first-time visitors as all the top attractions will be within easy reach. Those who prefer a quieter setting away from the tourist crowds will have many options with several neighborhoods within walking distance, including trendy Ghetto Ebraico that’s just a short walk from the main square, Piazza Maggiore. The Bolognina neighborhood is well-worth considering too, a good option for nearly every type of traveler.
Check out our guide on where to stay in Bologna.
No matter the reason for your visit, you’ll find many things to do in Bologna.
The porticos in Bologna stretch for nearly 25 miles, most built between the Middle Ages and the early 20th century, expanding as the university did. They offer an ideal place for a shady stroll while getting to know the city as well as offering fabulous photo-ops with frescoes, columns, and unique angles. One of the most famous walkways will bring you to the hilltop Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca, with your reward a panoramic view over the city.
You’ll want to spend plenty of time in Piazza Maggiore, Bologna’s central square, set in the heart of the city. It’s a natural starting point for exploring just about everything here as well as being one of the country’s oldest and largest squares. A hub of political and social life, there are multiple landmarks here too, including the Basilica di San Petronio and several grand palaces. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a drink at one of the cafes while people watching.
Located in the 15th-century Palazzo Galvani near Piazza Maggiore, the Bologna Archaeological Museum is one of the most prestigious in the city. It opened nearly 150 years ago and contains many important finds from Bologna and throughout Italy, including thousands of grave goods like pottery and bronze tools. There are nine different collections, with artifacts dating from the prehistoric era to the Roman Age. It also boasts one of the most extensive Egyptian collections in Italy.
While it can’t compete with the likes of Florence’s Uffizi, the Bologna National Gallery can be more enjoyable to visit as you won’t have to elbow your way through the crowds. There are plenty of impressive works, including extraordinary pieces by Italian masters relating to Bologna and the Emilia-Romagna region. Works range from the 13th through the 18th centuries focused on the Renaissance, Mannerism, and Baroque periods. They include highlights like The Visitation by Tintoretto and Ecstasy of St. Cecilia by Raphael.
There are many local markets worth visiting in Bologna that provide a great way to learn about the local culture and sample all sorts of delicious cuisine. That includes the centuries-old La Piazzolo in Piazza dell Agosto with over 400 different stalls and Quadrilatero della Cucina, a traditional market with food stalls selling a variety of local specialties like fresh produce, meats, and cheeses. Mercato dell’Antiquariato Santo Stefano is the place to go for antiques and vintage goods.
Le due torri, or the Two Towers, are symbols of Bologna with Asinelli the taller of the two. Like the one in Pisa, it leans a noticeable 1.3 degrees, but the main reason to visit is that you can climb the nearly 500 steps to the top of the 319-foot building for a panoramic view. The vista includes everything from Piazza Maggiore and its Basilica of San Luca to green rolling hills and via Emilia, the ancient Roman road.
While many feel the very best time to visit Bologna is in the spring or early fall, it really depends on what you want to experience, your budget, and your travel preferences. If you’re looking to avoid the crowds and enjoy a more budget-friendly trip, the month of November or anytime from mid-January through February are two of the best times to visit Bologna. Both airfare and accommodation rates tend to be lower and there will be fewer other tourists around. Of course, the weather will be chilly, so it’s not the best time for hiking in the surrounding hills or enjoying other outdoor activities, but sightseeing can be enjoyable simply by bundling up a bit. April/May and September/October are two of the most popular times to visit for those who want to enjoy pleasant weather without the biggest crowds of the year, although there will still be quite a few other tourists around.
Check out our guide on when to visit Bologna.
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