Bologna: The Complete Guide

Bologna, a captivating city, holds the distinction of being the capital and largest city of the Emilia-Romagna region. Renowned by many Italians as the second most beautiful city after Venice, it boasts a rich heritage and a vibrant atmosphere. Bologna’s charm lies in its relaxed and stress-free lifestyle, accompanied by a warm and lively ambiance. Its historic center, one of the largest and best-preserved in Italy, showcases remarkable architecture characterized by extensive porticos—a feature that is uniquely well-maintained in Europe. The cityscape is adorned with brick buildings crowned by terracotta tiles, presenting a breathtaking array of reds and oranges.
Within Bologna’s boundaries lies the oldest university in Europe, established in the 11th century. With a significant portion of its population comprising university students, the city exudes a vibrant energy that contributes to its lively atmosphere, thriving nightlife, and theatrical offerings. Bologna holds the title of the Italian hub for rock and alternative music, hosting nearly 100 concerts annually featuring internationally renowned bands.
Often hailed as the culinary capital of Italy, Bologna’s gastronomy is a source of great pride. It is famous for its delectable specialties such as Parma ham, balsamic vinegar, parmesan cheese, lasagne, and spaghetti Bolognese, all originating from this vibrant city.
Table of Contents
- History of Bologna
- 26 Best places to See in Bologna
- Piazza Nettuno
- Biblioteca Salaborsa
- Monument to Fallen Partisans
- Fontana Vecchia
- San Pietro Cathedral, Bologna
- Palazzo d'Accursio
- Palazzo Re Enzo
- Palazzo del Podesta, Bologna
- Piazza Maggiore
- Palazzo dei Banchi (Banchi Palace)
- Torre Prendiparte o Coronata
- Santa Maria della Vita & Oratory of Battuti
- Basilica di San Petronio
- Palazzo Della Mercanzia (Merchandise Palace)
- Museo Civico Archeologico (Archaelogical Museum)
- Archiginnasio - Teatro Anatomico
- The Two Towers: Garisenda and Degli Asinelli
- Finestrella di Via Piella
- Jewish Museum of Bologna
- Porticoes of Piazza Cavour
- Palazzo Isolani
- Seven Churches and the Basilica of Santo Stefano
- Palazzo Fantuzzi
- Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna (National Gallery)
- MAMbo - Museo d'Arte Moderna di Bologna (Modern Art Gallery)
- Sanctuary of San Luca
- 11 Best Day Trips from Bologna
- Where to Stay in Bologna
- Best Time to Visit Bologna
- How to get to Bologna
History of Bologna
Bologna’s history spans over 3,000 years, reaching back to the Bronze Age, with significant developments during the Iron Age when Villanovian villages flourished. Skilled blacksmiths and potters inhabited these villages, establishing trade connections with Greeks and Phoenicians. In the 6th century, the Etruscans gained dominance, succeeded by Gauls in the 4th century BC and later by the Romans in the 2nd century, renaming it Bononia.
Bologna thrived as a Roman city, but with the Empire’s decline, it faced occupation by Byzantines, Visigoths, and Lombards. The Lombards used it strategically for military purposes from the 8th century. Seeking free commune status in the 11th century, Bologna founded what many consider the world’s first university in 1088, marking a remarkable era of prominence in the medieval world. Notable historic buildings, including the iconic Two Towers (Due Torri), were constructed during this period.
In 1506, Papal troops seized Bologna, leading to the construction of numerous churches and convents. The university expanded, establishing botanical gardens in 1568. Napoleonic rule began in 1797, and Bologna joined the Kingdom of Italy in 1860. In WWII, Bolognese Jews faced deportation, and the city’s historic centre experienced Allied aerial bombardment in 1941. Post-war, Bologna became a key industrial centre, growing into one of Italy’s wealthiest cities with a strong leftist political tradition and culinary excellence.
Notable historical facts include the construction of 180 towers by Bologna’s elite during the Middle Ages for displays of wealth and power. Despite its leftist tradition, the city’s grand football stadium, built under Mussolini, symbolized fascist might. Additionally, during the “Years of Lead,” a bomb planted by fascists at Bologna station resulted in 85 casualties, marking one of the post-war era’s worst tragedies.
Visiting Bologna for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Bologna on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!
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26 Best places to See in Bologna
This complete guide to Bologna not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.
This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Bologna and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!
Piazza Nettuno

Location: Piazza Nettuno, Bologna, Metropolitan City of Bologna, Italy | Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free | Distance: 0.0km
Visiting Piazza Nettuno
Biblioteca Salaborsa

Location: Biblioteca Salaborsa, Piazza del Nettuno, Bologna, Metropolitan City of Bologna, Italy | Hours: Monday: 2.30pm-8.00pm Tuesday - Friday: 10am- 8pm Saturday & Sunday: 10am to 7pm | Price: Free | Website | Distance: 0.1km
Visiting Biblioteca Salaborsa
Monument to Fallen Partisans

Location: Biblioteca Salaborsa, Piazza del Nettuno, Bologna, Metropolitan City of Bologna, Italy | Distance: 0.1km
Visiting Monument to Fallen Partisans
Fontana Vecchia

Location: Fontana Vecchia, Via Ugo Bassi, Bologna, Metropolitan City of Bologna, Italy | Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free | Distance: 0.1km
Visiting Fontana Vecchia
San Pietro Cathedral, Bologna

Location: Cattedrale Metropolitana di San Pietro, Via dell'Indipendenza, Bologna, Metropolitan City of Bologna, Italy | Hours: From Monday to Saturday: 7:30 am – 6:45 pm Sunday 8:00 am – 6:45 pm Bell Tower: Every Saturday from 2.00pm to 4.30pm in summer also from 19:00 to 23:00 cost: 5 euros | Price: Free entry | Cathedral of San Petronio and Archiginnasio Private Tour | Distance: 0.1km
Visiting San Pietro Cathedral, Bologna
Palazzo d'Accursio

Location: Palazzo d'Accursio, Piazza Maggiore, Bologna, Metropolitan City of Bologna, Italy | Hours: From Tuesday to Friday: 09:00 – 18:30 Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 – 18:30 Monday Closed| Price: Free entry | Clock Tower & Art collections of Palazzo D'Accursio Audio Guide and Food Tasting | Distance: 0.1km
Visiting Palazzo d'Accursio
Palazzo Re Enzo

Location: Palazzo Re Enzo, Piazza del Nettuno, Bologna, Metropolitan City of Bologna, Italy | Distance: 0.1km
Visiting Palazzo Re Enzo
Palazzo del Podesta, Bologna

Location: Palazzo del Podestà, Piazza Maggiore, Bologna, Metropolitan City of Bologna, Italy | Hours: Admission only during exhibitions | Distance: 0.1km
Visiting Palazzo del Podesta, Bologna
Piazza Maggiore

Location: Piazza Maggiore, Piazza Maggiore, Bologna, Metropolitan City of Bologna, Italy | Hours: 24 hours | Price: Free | Distance: 0.1km
Visiting Piazza Maggiore
Palazzo dei Banchi (Banchi Palace)

Location: Palazzo dei Banchi, Piazza Maggiore, Bologna, Metropolitan City of Bologna, Italy | Hours: interior is closed to the public | Distance: 0.2km
Visiting Palazzo dei Banchi (Banchi Palace)
Torre Prendiparte o Coronata

Location: Torre Prendiparte (Sky Experience), Piazzetta Prendiparte, Bologna, Metropolitan City of Bologna, Italy | Hours: Open on Sundays 11am-2pm; 2:30pm-6:30pm | Website | Distance: 0.2km
Visiting Torre Prendiparte o Coronata
Santa Maria della Vita & Oratory of Battuti

Location: Santa Maria della Vita, Via Clavature, Bologna, Metropolitan City of Bologna, Italy | Hours: From Tuesday to Sunday: 10am - 6:30pm. Last entrance 1h before closing time. | Price: €5 | Website | Distance: 0.2km
Visiting Santa Maria della Vita & Oratory of Battuti
Basilica di San Petronio

Location: Basilica di San Petronio, Piazza Maggiore, Bologna, Metropolitan City of Bologna, Italy | Hours: Every day from 8.30am to 1.00pm and from 3.00pm to 6.30pm During the religious services, the tourist visit could be limited or suspended | Price: San Petronio: Free, San Petronio photo ticket: € 2,00, Cappella dei magi: € 5,00 / € 3,00, Museum: Free | Website | Distance: 0.2km
Visiting Basilica di San Petronio
Palazzo Della Mercanzia (Merchandise Palace)

Location: Palazzo della Mercanzia, Piazza della Mercanzia, Bologna, Metropolitan City of Bologna, Italy | Website | Distance: 0.3km
Visiting Palazzo Della Mercanzia (Merchandise Palace)
Museo Civico Archeologico (Archaelogical Museum)

Location: Museo Civico Archeologico, Via dell'Archiginnasio, Bologna, Metropolitan City of Bologna, Italy | Hours: Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri 9am-7pm| Sat, Sun 10am-8pm. Closed on Tue (except for holidays), 1 May, Dec 25th and Dec 31st. The ticket office closes one hour before. | Price: Adults € 6 Reduced price: € 3 / € 2 | Website | Distance: 0.3km
Visiting Museo Civico Archeologico (Archaelogical Museum)
Archiginnasio - Teatro Anatomico

Location: Teatro Anatomico, Piazza Galvani, Bologna, Metropolitan City of Bologna, Italy | Hours: Palace:Monday to Saturday 9.00 – 19.00 Sunday and holidays 10.00 – 14.00Anatomical Theatre and Stabat Mater Room:Monday to Friday 10.00 – 18.00 Saturday 10.00 – 19.00 Sunday and holidays 10.00 – 14.00. | Price: € 3 | Website | Distance: 0.3km
Visiting Archiginnasio - Teatro Anatomico
The Two Towers: Garisenda and Degli Asinelli

Location: Two Towers, Piazza di Porta Ravegnana, Bologna, Metropolitan City of Bologna, Italy | Hours: In the winter months open only on Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 5pm; from March opening hours 9-18. Tickets must be purchased at the Bologna Welcome Centre in Piazza Maggiore. | Price: Adults: € 5 | Website | Distance: 0.3km
Visiting The Two Towers: Garisenda and Degli Asinelli
Finestrella di Via Piella

Location: Via Piella, Bologna, Metropolitan City of Bologna, Italy | Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free | Distance: 0.4km
Visiting Finestrella di Via Piella
Jewish Museum of Bologna
Location: Museo Ebraico di Bologna, Via Valdonica, Bologna, Metropolitan City of Bologna, Italy | Hours: Sunday - Monday - Wednesday 10.00 - 18.00 | Tuesday - Thursday 10.00 - 19.30 | Friday 10.00 - 16.00 | last admission 45 minutes before closing time | closed on Saturdays and Jewish holidays | Price: Adults €7 | Website | Jewish History Private Tour of the City Center | Distance: 0.4km
Visiting Jewish Museum of Bologna
Porticoes of Piazza Cavour

Location: Piazza Cavour, Bologna, Metropolitan City of Bologna, Italy | Hours: 24 hours | Price: Free | Distance: 0.4km
Visiting Porticoes of Piazza Cavour
Palazzo Isolani
Location: Corte Isolani, 5, 40125 Bologna, Metropolitan City of Bologna, Italy | Website | Distance: 0.5km
Visiting Palazzo Isolani
Seven Churches and the Basilica of Santo Stefano

Location: Piazza Santo Stefano, Via Santo Stefano, Bologna, Metropolitan City of Bologna, Italy | Price: Free | Distance: 0.5km
Visiting Seven Churches and the Basilica of Santo Stefano
Palazzo Fantuzzi

Location: Palazzo Fantuzzi, Via San Vitale, Bologna, Metropolitan City of Bologna, Italy | Distance: 0.6km
Visiting Palazzo Fantuzzi
Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna (National Gallery)
Location: Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna, Via delle Belle Arti, Bologna, Metropolitan City of Bologna, Italy | Hours: Closed Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday: 9am-2pm. Thursday to Sunday 9am-7pm| Price: Adults €8 | Website | Distance: 0.9km
Visiting Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna (National Gallery)
MAMbo - Museo d'Arte Moderna di Bologna (Modern Art Gallery)
Location: MAMbo - Museo d'Arte Moderna di Bologna, Via Don Giovanni Minzoni, Bologna, Metropolitan City of Bologna, Italy | Hours: Tuesday to Thursday 2pm-7pm | Price: Adults: €6 | Website | Distance: 1.0km
Visiting MAMbo - Museo d'Arte Moderna di Bologna (Modern Art Gallery)
Sanctuary of San Luca

Location: Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca, Via di San Luca, Bologna, Metropolitan City of Bologna, Italy | Hours: 7:00am-7:00pm From March to October the Sanctuary will close 30min later. Opening times can be subjected to little changes. | Price: Free | Website | Distance: 3.9km
Visiting Sanctuary of San Luca
Best Day Trips from Bologna
A day trip from Bologna offers the perfect opportunity to escape the urban rhythm and discover the surrounding region's charm. Whether you're drawn to scenic countryside, historic villages, or cultural landmarks, the area around Bologna provides a variety of easy-to-reach destinations ideal for a one-day itinerary. If you are looking to rent a car in Italy I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.
Modena

Visiting Modena
Rocchetta Mattei

Location: Rocchetta Mattei, Metropolitan City of Bologna, Italy | Price: Adults: € 10, Children € 5 | Website | Distance: 37.6km
Visiting Rocchetta Mattei
Ferrara

Visiting Ferrara
Ravenna

Visiting Ravenna
Florence

Visiting Florence
Parma

Visiting Parma
Lucca

Visiting Lucca
San Marino

Visiting San Marino
Verona

Visiting Verona
Rimini

Visiting Rimini
Padova

Visiting Padova
Where to Stay in Bologna
Staying in the city center near Piazza Maggiore is ideal for first-time visitors, offering easy access to historic towers, markets, and trattorias. Those looking for a quieter stay might prefer the University District, which is lively but less touristy.
Bologna deserves 2 to 3 days, allowing time to visit its famous porticoes, churches, and food markets. A 4 to 5-day stay is perfect for day trips to Modena, Parma, or the Emilia-Romagna countryside.
Using the our Hotel and Accomodation map, you can compare hotels and short-term rental accommodations in Bologna. Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see the best deals for your stay.
Bologna Accommodation Map
Best Time to Visit Bologna
Visiting Bologna in Spring (March to May): Bologna, particularly in May, is fantastic for walking tours in the hills, witnessing nature’s awakening, blooming flowers, lush greenery, and cherry season. However, it can be a busy tourist season.
Visiting Bologna in Summer (June to August): Bologna in Summer can be challenging due to hot and humid weather, with temperatures reaching 35-36°C and high humidity in July and August. While the city offers sheltered porticos, the heat can be tiring. It’s recommended to intersperse sightseeing with trips to the cooler hills and the Adriatic coast. A highlight is the ‘Cinema sotto le stelle’ in Piazza Maggiore, where outdoor movies are screened mid-June to mid-August.
Visiting Bologna in Autumn or Fall (September and October): Bologna offers pleasant weather, food festivals, and the opportunity to explore nearby villages. However, it can be crowded with tourists. Late October/November may be less crowded, and the fall colors in the hills are captivating.
Visiting Bologna in Winter (December and January): Winter brings a festive atmosphere with holiday decorations, Christmas markets, and mild weather. The shorter days enhance the city’s charm at night. Bologna rarely sees snow, but the nearby Apennine mountains offer snowshoeing opportunities.
Annual Weather Overview
- January 9°C 52°F
- February 11°C 56°F
- March 16°C 65°F
- April 19°C 70°F
- May 24°C 79°F
- June 30°C 90°F
- July 31°C 97°F
- August 30°C 95°F
- September 27°C 85°F
- October 22°C 75°F
- November 14°C 60°F
- December 9°C 52°F
How to get to Bologna
Flights to Bologna: Bologna can be easily managed from Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ). A taxi ride to the city centre costs around €15, or you can opt for the Aerobus shuttle service connecting the airport to the main railway station. The shuttle runs every 11 minutes in both directions and charges €6 per person. Service starts at 5:30 am, with the last departure at 12:15 am.
Travelling by train to Bologna: Italia Rail offers accessibility, serving as the primary station for convenient journeys to regional areas and neighbouring cities. Check timetables and book tickets on the Italia Rail website or directly at the station for shorter trips. Always remember to validate your ticket using the ‘stamp’ machines before boarding. From the train station, the heart of Bologna city is a 15-minute walk away. Bologna’s train station also serves as a strategic hub for exploring other Italian regions. Venture south to Perugia in 2.5 hours or head north to Verona and Venice to discover the Veneto region.
Travelling by car to Bologna: Italy boasts an excellent network of motorways, known as autostrade (A), with the main north-south link being the autostrada del sole, connecting Milan to Naples.