Nestled within the coronary heart of Italy’s Meals Valley in Emilia-Romagna sits the historic metropolis of Bologna. Though first-time guests to Italy usually overlook Bologna in favor of cosmopolitan Milan, Venice, Rome and Florence, vacationers “within the know” take the time to go to Bologna — a vibrant and foodie middle of Italy. There’s a lot to see and much more to eat, however you possibly can “do” Bologna in at some point, whether or not you might be visiting on a day journey or staying in a single day in “La Grassa” (the fats one.)
A visit to Bologna must be in your “must-see” Italy record. Even in case you are brief on time, you and your loved ones can simply navigate compact and charming Bologna in at some point. In case you are questioning what to see in Bologna, properly it’s chock filled with medieval towers, gorgeous colonnades, atmospheric cafes, Renaissance structure, and the tastiest pasta round.
Should you take an additional day whereas transiting between Florence and Venice, you’ll enjoyment of exploring one in all Italy’s greatest meals cities. And, in the event you can spend two days in Bologna, you possibly can eat, I imply see, much more.
I’ve put collectively this 1 day in Bologna itinerary to make planning your journey simple. It cowl what to see in Bologna, the most effective excursions in Bologna, the place to remain in Bologna, and a few locations to eat that you just don’t wish to miss in your go to. Plus, I’ve added some foodie bonuses if in case you have slightly extra time in Bologna.
Is Bologna Price Visiting?
The brief reply is sure, Bologna is properly value a minimum of a brief go to, particularly in case you are trying to expertise extra of Italy’s meals tradition. However Bologna isn’t simply in regards to the meals. It’s also the house to the oldest repeatedly working College on the planet, with the College of Bologna courting again to 1088. Don’t be shocked in the event you see younger individuals parading round with wreaths on their heads to point they’ve simply completed their coursework on the College.
With over 90,000 college students, Bologna is an brisk and thriving “pupil metropolis” that feels way more like a metropolis the place individuals stay, work, and research, than different Italian cities that appear like they’re largely populated by vacationers. This may give a little bit of a chaotic vibe, with college students on bikes zipping right here and there, disregarding the site visitors guidelines, and making cross the road really feel a bit like a sport of Frogger.
So in case you are in search of an genuine Italian expertise, with nice meals and a wealthy historical past and progressive tradition, put Bologna in your Italy itinerary!
Bologna first got here on my radar over 10 years in the past when a buddy shared photographs of the attractive porticos in Bologna. On the time I believed, if I ever go to Bologna, I want to search out out the place these porticos are to ensure I see them. Later I discovered that there are 42 kilometers of porticos within the historic metropolis middle of Bologna, so discovering some to {photograph} is just not a difficulty.
A few of these have been broken throughout bombings in World Warfare II. Even then, Bologna was an anti-fascist capital (resulting in the nickname as a “pink” metropolis even right now with left-leaning tendencies). These are actually protected and since 2021, Bologna is called the “Metropolis of Porticoes” following its nomination as a UNESCO World Heritage Website. In 2006, Bologna was additionally named the UNESCO “Metropolis of Music”, which contributes to a wealthy musical custom and a full of life nightlife.
The meals. The frenetic power. The schooling. The music. The tradition. There are lots of causes that make Bologna value visiting.
What to See In Bologna in One Day
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With 24 hours in Bologna, you possibly can tour town, eat your means by city, store underneath intricate porticos, and even have a good time with locals. And in case you are staying longer, be sure you try this first-timer’s information to Bologna.
Morning: tour town
Exploration of town of Bologna virtually at all times begins in Piazza Maggiore, the beating coronary heart of town. That is the place you can see The Basilica di San Petronio, Palazzo del Podesta (a civic constructing with a quiet courtyard), and the well-known Neptune’s Fountain.
Piazza maggiore
By the way in which, in the event you go to with a information, be sure you ask them to point out you the angle of Neptune that’s sculptor Giambologna’s little FU to the Papacy that commissioned the fountain, however who later objected to its Pagan sensuality.
The Basilica di San Petronio is the biggest within the metropolis (and the sixth largest in Europe), devoted to Petronio, the Patron Saint of the Metropolis, who was a Bishop within the fifth century. This church dominates the sq. however is just not town’s official cathedral, that’s the Duomo di San Pietro (not the identical saint), simply down the highway. Whereas the facade of the church is unfinished, this was at all times meant as a public area for the individuals and the church really wasn’t even consecrated till 1954. Simply keep in mind that in the event you go to, you will want coated knees and shoulders for entry.
BOlogna Excursions
It’s simple to discover these landmarks by yourself, however for a extra in-depth take a look at Bologna and its historical past, I’d advocate taking a metropolis tour.
There are lots of methods to discover Bologna’s highlights and hidden gems. I took a three-hour strolling tour within the morning with WithLocals. My information was Margherita and he or she was full of information and enjoyable tales, serving to me get my bearings and be taught a bit extra in regards to the lengthy and fascinating historical past of Bologna. She has a Bachelor’s Diploma in Overseas Languages & Cultures in Bologna and nice perception into the outdated streets, lovely monuments, Medieval towers, church buildings, museums, and the meals traditions of Bologna.
One other option to discover, which is very enjoyable with teenagers is by segway! Lisa and her daughter took a BolognaAway Metropolis Tour to zoom round this spectacular Italian metropolis. Their energetic and lovable tour information, co-owner Vanessa, expertly led them by this colourful metropolis on petite Ninebot-like transporters. (Notice: contributor Lisa and her daughter got complimentary excursions for functions of evaluation.)
These slighter smaller and lighter weight Segway kind machines make metropolis maneuvering really easy…and a lot extra enjoyable for teenagers (and adults too). This firm prioritizes security, ensuring that we felt snug utilizing the Segway earlier than setting off by the streets.
I’d additionally advocate a non-public strolling tour of Bologna with LivTours, one in all my favourite companions for small-group and personal excursions in Italy.
TIP: Schedule a tour early within the day so you possibly can orient your self and determine the place you wish to spend the remainder of your afternoon.
Most excursions will cowl the primary highlights of what to see in Bologna, however you’ll want to verify the tour description to see in the event you merely see these sights from the skin or have a guided tour of the within as properly. This can usually depend upon how lengthy your tour is (and clearly you aren’t going inside many locations with a segway!)
Whether or not you tour by yourself or with a information, there are a couple of must-see sights in Bologna that you just wish to squeeze into your at some point in Bologna. You may match many of those into one morning.
Two Towers
After beginning on the Piazza Maggiore and seeing the Neptune fountain the Basilica di San Petronio, it’s five-minute stroll to the Asinelli Twin Towers. These buildings have been constructed by rich Bolognese households to reveal their wealth, which is why you’ve two proper subsequent to one another — making an attempt to compete to be the tallest. In the present day these towers lean barely and aren’t capable of maintain an elevator.
So if you wish to climb the Asinelli tower, which was constructed between 1109 and 1119, you will want to return again after your tour and climb 498 steps to the highest. Simply be sure you guide your tickets a couple of days upfront! Once I visited in October, it was nonetheless fairly heat and I had no need to get sizzling and sweaty climbing to the highest. (Tip: in order for you one other view with out fairly as many energy traces from the cable vehicles, you may also climb to the panoramic terrace on the Basilica di San Petronio.)
Seven Church buildings
From the Two Towers, it’s a 5 minute stroll to the complicated of the Seven Church buildings at Basilica di Santo Stefano and Piazza Santo Stefano, one of many prettiest squares in Bologna. The doorway to this complicated of church buildings begins on the Church of the Crucifix (Chiesa del Crocifisso). Your information can discover the distinctive historical past of how these church buildings happened and their distinctive histories.
In between the varied buildings you possibly can take a peaceable break within the Pilato Courtyard and medieval cloister.
Teatro Anatomico
From the Seven Church buildings it’s a seven-minute stroll over the Teatro Anatomico. At first I believed, why on earth would I wish to see an outdated anatomical theater, the place college students discovered to function utilizing cadavers? However not solely is that this room an architectural marvel, its historical past, in excessive distinction with the management of the church and papacy which was decidedly anti-science, was equally fascinating. It is a tiny glimpse into Bologna’s buzzing College Quarter.
This amphitheater was was designed in 1637 for anatomical classes and it was constructed by the Bolognese architect Antonio Paolucci. The partitions are manufactured from spruce wooden and festooned with statues depicting twelve well-known physicians. The ornate wooden ceilings are a masterpiece. As gory because the historical past of the room may be, you’ll want to sit down and take time to understand the small particulars.
By this time you’ll most likely be getting hungry for lunch. There are extra landmarks to see however these are the highest highlights and can go away you loads of time to discover the attractive streets by yourself later. Some excursions may embrace a go to to the Bologna’s “secret window” that gives a view of the “Venice of Bologna.”
Simply remember that these canals in Bologna are generally drained to be cleaned through the fall, so your view might not be as fairly as it’s at different instances of yr.
Afternoon: Eat and Discover Some Extra
In spite of everything that strolling you’ll be hungry so attempt to beeline it over to Sfoglia Rina. This famend pasta store can have a line out the door by midday. Should you get there late and aren’t ready to attend, there are many tempting cafes to be discovered at each nook. However ready at Sfoglia Rina is value it.
The women at Sfoglia Rina make tortellini by hand. You may select recent pasta to go on the counter (no wait) or sit within the cafe, opened in 2010, and luxuriate in a scrumptious meal. I’d extremely advocate the straightforward dish of tortellini in brodo, which is simply the small stuffed pasta in a wealthy hen broth that’s higher than any tortellini soup you’ve ever had.
The desserts are additionally scrumptious. I attempted a fig cheesecake that was unimaginable. As soon as your abdomen is full, it’s time to discover extra of Bologna. Perhaps it’s time to climb these 498 steps up the Medieval Asinelli tower to burn off these energy.
Different highlights embrace the gorgeous Library of Archiginnasio, stroll by the previous Jewish ghetto, or simply benefit from the many miles of porticos!
For a style of the oldest buying space, meander alongside the By way of Drapperie and discover the atmospheric Quadrilatero space. If your loved ones prefers to buy till you drop, take a break from sightseeing and stroll underneath the porticos buying in lovely boutiques.
Early Night: Take a Meals Tour!
An absolute should in Bologna is to eat and eat and eat some extra. This culinary epicenter of Italy has a bounty of tasty treats. To be taught extra in regards to the foodie tradition of this area, Lisa joined proprietor of Scrumptious Bologna, Mattia Tozzoli, on his expertly curated mouth-watering meals tour to point out us the place to eat in Bologna.
From hidden, small family-owned gourmand shops, to sitting right down to share a tasty meal, 4 hours with Mattia leaves friends educated about wine, home-made pasta, pizza, native cured meat, cheese, balsamic vinegar, espresso, and small batch gelato!
This tour allows you to pattern all kinds of Bolognese merchandise in only a few hours. If your loved ones want to go to an operational pasta manufacturing unit as a part of the expertise, try Scrumptious Bologna’s morning tour.
A spotlight on our meals tour was our enjoyable sit down dinner at a neighborhood conventional trattoria sampling masses (actually heaping plates) of assorted native pastas. Proprietor Mattia’s ardour for meals and his roots within the surrounding Emilia Romagna area are instantly evident! This gastronomic tour contains hidden spots and fascinating historic tidbits.
Once I went to Bologna, I wasn’t capable of match a tour with Scrumptious Bologna into my schedule so I booked a Bologna meals tour with Style Bologna as an alternative. It was a shorter, much less formal tour with stops in a bakery, butchery, cheese store, the well-known Osteria del Sole (see under), a stroll by a neighborhood meals market (Mercato del Herbe), a sampling of assorted pizza, and ending with a cease at an artisanal gelato store.
Fortunately there are numerous meals excursions to select from in Bologna together with:
Anytime: Dangle Out with the locals
Bologna is the last word school city and the youthful vibe that permeates town is contagious. Our spotlight was visiting through the world-famous Sotto Le Stelle Del Cinema or open-air film competition situated within the middle of town, Piazza Maggiore.
You may pay to order a seat upfront or mimic the locals grabbing some takeout pizza and gelato and lounging on the church steps picnicking through the movie. Some nights, such because the evening we visited, even function English-language films.
A priceless reminiscence for us was ending our go to to this magical metropolis experiencing what it’s wish to be a neighborhood on this area of Italy.
One other enjoyable option to socialize with locals is by selecting up some mortadella, cheese, and bread on the markets and head over to Osteria del Sole, the oldest enoteca in Bologna. Welcoming locals since 1465, this osteria doesn’t serve meals however you possibly can deliver your personal picnic. This no-frills atmosphere is a real native institution.
Extra Meals Experiences
When you’ve got extra time in Bologna, you’ve time for extra meals experiences!
Cooking Class with Cesarine
On my second day in Italy, I made a decision to take a cooking class. There are lots of choices, however I needed to attempt a cooking class with Cesarine, a community of over 1,500 house cooks throughout Italy who train cooking courses utilizing their household recipes of their houses. I met my information and trainer Paola in Piazza Maggiore. From there we toured the markets, selecting up substances that we might use throughout our cooking demo. We then walked to her charming condominium simply outdoors of the historic middle.
Over the course of the following couple of hours, I discovered to make piadina, a smooth Italian flatbread that we later served with cheese and meats that we picked up on the markets as an apertivo. Subsequent, we made the dough for tagliatelle pasta — one in all my favorites. After getting ready a tiramisu for dessert and taking a break for the apertivo, I discovered (or tried a minimum of) roll out the pasta by hand to that good, delicate thinness essential to make the right pasta bolognese.
We didn’t make the bolognese meat sauce within the class, since that takes hours to simmer, however Paola did share her personal recipe and we used the bolognese that she ready earlier than I arrived. When every little thing was ready, it was time to eat! Whereas I took a cooking class alone, this may even be such a enjoyable exercise to do with a household or mates. I extremely advocate making an attempt to slot in a cooking class while you’re in Bologna!
Tour Meals Valley
From Bologna, I continued on to Parma, from which I took a full day tour of the Meals Valley, however you may also take this tour from Bologna. When you’ve got ever seen the Bologna episode of Stanley Tucci’s Looking for Italy, you’ll recognize this tour as you might be principally following in Stanley’s footsteps!
My tour with Meals Valley Journey was unimaginable! I began out visiting a cheese manufacturing unit and bought to see how parmesan cheese (and a few ricotta) is made and aged, which was fascinating and a glimpse into the place meals comes from. After all, every cease ended with a tasting (belief me there was no want for dinner after I was lastly deposited again on the resort.) Our subsequent cease was at a parma ham producer and wow, I’ve by no means seen a lot pork in my life.
Regardless that I used to be already getting full, it was subsequent time for lunch at a neighborhood vineyard with superb views of the meals valley. There was wine, there was cheese and meats, and, after all, pasta. Fortunately the following cease was at a Balsamic vinegar producer at a household vineyard, since tasting small quantities of this liquid gold is sweet to your digestion. Attending to style the varied agings of each cheese, ham, and vinegar was such a unbelievable foodie expertise!
Fico Eataly World
Sadly, each Lisa and I weren’t capable of go to FICO Eataly World (situated simply outdoors town) after we have been in Bologna both for lack of time or as a result of they have been closed on these days. Eataly has been described a theme park-like sprawling campus devoted to the tradition, traditions and craftsmanship of Italian meals (free entry, pay per exercise).
Your loved ones can take insider excursions of culinary factories, join cooking courses, and actually style your means by all of Italy’s culinary delights. Eataly provides many family-friendly actions for all ages.
Attending to Bologna
You may usually discover inexpensive flights to Bologna that join by Europe to G. Marconi Airport Bologna (BLQ). Getting from the airport to town middle is straightforward utilizing the brand new Folks Mover prepare from the airport to the Central Station (Stazione Centrale). This high-speed prepare takes solely seven minutes and is kind of inexpensive (you should buy tickets utilizing contactless fee on-site.)
Should you favor to go on to your resort with no need to tug your baggage by busy streets, a taxi from the prepare station will take roughly 15-Half-hour and price about 20 euro. There are taxis accessible on the airport however if you wish to prepare a switch out of your resort to the airport with out worrying about ready time, I’d advocate scheduling a visit with Welcome Pickups.
Many guests arrive in Bologna by way of prepare into Stazione Central from cities throughout Italy. Personally, I discovered the prepare from Verona to Bologna very simple to make use of, at the same time as a solo traveler with massive baggage. From the prepare station, it’s a 15-20 minute simple stroll to the middle of city. Nevertheless, in the event you don’t wish to drag your baggage, you possibly can simply seize a taxi. Simply remember that that prepare station in Bologna is kind of massive, so when departing you wish to give your self time to get to the fitting platform.
The place to Keep in Bologna
Lisa discovered the well-centered boutique Artwork Lodge Novecento to be the perfect base for our keep in Bologna. This resort nestled within the historic middle of town at Piazza Galileo is simply across the nook from the full of life Piazza Maggiore.
The included bountiful breakfast buffet that includes native culinary merchandise supplied us with a hearty begin to our each day adventures. The employees at this contemporary resort went above and past to reply all our questions and assist us map out our day’s plans.
Once I visited Bologna in October, I stayed on the Grand Majestic Lodge “Glia Baglioni”, a 5-star property in a superb location within the metropolis middle. Whereas it’s pricier than different inns I stayed at in Northern Italy, for a brief keep and luxury, the placement cannot be beat. My room wasn’t massive nevertheless it was beautiful, with a view searching on the Duomo di San Pietro.
The Grand Majestic Lodge is a part of American Categorical’ assortment of Tremendous Inns, which suggests in the event you guide by American Categorical Journey utilizing your AmEx Platinum, you’ll obtain sure perks like a possible improve and a $100 meals and beverage credit score, which I used at I Carracci, a superb eating restaurant within the resort. At the moment, I used to be additionally capable of obtain a $200 credit score for reserving a Tremendous Inns Assortment property on my AmEx Platinum, which made this luxurious resort very inexpensive for a brief keep.
It’s well-worth spending at some point in Bologna (or extra.) I’d wish to return to attempt extra eating places and get slightly extra off-the-beaten-path. On the similar time, I’ll admit that I take pleasure in a number of the quieter cities like Parma and Verona a bit extra, however I’d nonetheless say to go, a minimum of as soon as.
This text was initially written by Lisa Grabelle and I’ve since revised and up to date it primarily based alone expertise spending two days in Bologna. Lisa is a journey author for Hilton Suggests and has been touring all her life. You may observe Lisa on Twitter or Instagram.
