Planning a weekend in Bologna? Discover things to do in Bologna and explore Bologna food whether you are here for 1, 2, or 3 days.
I've had the good fortune to spend a weekend in Bologna twice: once in March and once in June. One trip was purely a vacation that we researched ourselves.
On the second trip, I spoke at a conference for my 'day job' and thus had the benefit of advice from locals attending the event to help me make the most of my trip.
How many days should you spend in Bologna? We found that 3 days in Bologna is ideal, especially if you want to do a day trip or two. There are so many things to do in Bologna!
Read on for my recommendations on what to see and where to eat in the capital of Italy's Emilia Romagna region.
Things to do in Bologna at a Glance
Start planning your weekend in Bologna by perusing my list of things to do at a glance.
- Eat Your Way Through Bologna's Mercatos
- Explore Bologna's Shady Porticos
- Go Window Shopping
- Stroll Piazza Maggiore by Day and by Night
- Tour Basilica di San Petronio
- Admire the Leaning Due Torri
- Spot Ornate Knobs and Knockers
- Photograph Street Art Doors
- Check Out Palazzo Isolani
- Visit Basilica Santo Stefano
- Drink Aperitivo
- Sip a Glass of Regional Italian Wine
- Eat Bologna's Signature Dishes
- Take a Walk in the Park
- Head to the University District and Museo di Palazzo Poggi
- Visit the Museum of Zoology
- Explore the Courtyard of Biblioteca Comunale dell'Archiginnasio
- Seeking out the Town Gates, An Echo of the Past
- Ride the Tourist Train to Sanctuario della Madonna di San Luca
- Take an Emilia-Romagna Day Trip
Things to do in Bologna in Detail
Now let's explore all the things to do on a weekend in Bologna in more detail.
1. Eat Your Way Through Bologna's Mercatos
Bologna and Emilia Romagna are known for food so start by checking out some of Bologna's mercatos. We tried three different places.
Check out Mercato della di Terra Bologna to sample mortadella and other regional cuisines.
June is the perfect time of year to pick out fresh fruit at Mercato delle Erbe. Strawberries, cherries, citrus, and more are on offer.
We only know a few polite phrases in Italian but managed to point and mime our way to a bag of cherries that we enjoyed with the local frizzante wine later that day.
Mercato di Mezzo in the heart of Bologna's Quadrilatero might be small, but it's a modern market with a vibrant atmosphere, that reminded me of a mini version of Lisbon's Time Out Market, one of my favorite European food halls.
Mercato di Mezzo is the perfect spot for a casual lunch, where you can grab a delicious mortadella sandwich topped with pesto and a chunky wedge of parmesan cheese. Wash it all down with a cold Italian craft beer.
2. Explore Bologna's Shady Porticos
Bologna has great atmosphere thanks to its porticos. These shady walkways jut out from most buildings and protect pedestrians from both the passing traffic and shifting weather patterns.
When we visited in June, it was quite warm in town and the porticos offered some much needed cover from the powerful sun. On our return visit in March, the porticos provided protection from passing rain showers.
3. Go Window Shopping
Many of the storefronts in Bologna have been around for years and have great character. I particularly liked window shopping at places like this old lamp shop tucked away under a portico not far from the central train station.
4. Stroll Piazza Maggiore by Day and by Night
Piazza Maggiore is the beating heart of Bologna and you'll find people hanging out here day and night. The basilica anchors the square while other dark flat brick buildings add to the atmosphere.
Don't forget to seek out the statue of Neptune tucked away down one of the streets leading to the square.
5. Tour Basilica di San Petronio
Piazza Maggiore is anchored by Basilica di San Petronio. The church exterior features an unfinished facade with marble creeping just halfway up.
The church is free to enter so pop in and have a look around at the spectacular interior full of gothic architecture and decorations. Your legs and shoulders must be covered to enter.
6. Admire the Leaning Due Torri
In the 12th and 13th century, Bologna was a city of skyscrapers and featured almost 180 towers dotting the city. Very few of these towers remain today with the landmark twin towers (the Due Torri) leaning more precariously than the leaning tower of Pisa.
On our first trip, we actually climbed Asinelli Tower. At the time, I wrote: "On a sunny day, you can see for miles. The rather grueling climb up the taller of the Due Torri involves a series of progressively narrower wooden staircases and can be a bit vertigo inducing. For us, it was worth it in the end when we emerged and looked out upon the panorama of the city."
That climb is no longer possible. In October 2023, the towers were sealed off since Garisenda Tower was leaning too far.
Today, there is a barricade around the towers to capture any falling debris. The city of Bologna believes that the tower is in danger of collapse. Efforts to shore up the tower are expected to take 10 years and cost millions of dollars.
As an alternative, you could consider doing the Prendiparte Sky Experience (open on Sundays only with advanced online ticket purchase) or climb the Torre dell'Orologio on Piazza Maggiore.
Make sure to check the Due Torri website for the latest information.
7. Spot Ornate Knobs and Knockers
My regular readers know that I absolute adore photographing doors. In Bologna, I simply fell in love with the fabulous Italian door knockers.
I love exploring the smaller details that make a place unique. For Bologna, the various knobs and knockers adorning the massive entry doors to the buildings in the town center were charming to behold.
These architectural accents are one of the reasons I think Bologna is one of the most romantic places in Italy.
8. Photograph Street Art Doors
While Bologna's knockers are the star of the show, I was also impressed by the street art doors that I found in Bologna.
The porticos along Via Petralata had a particularly large concentration. I also spotted a street art representation of Due Torri on a door along Via Galliera.
Take time to get lost and see what you find on the streets of Bologna that catches your eye.
SIDEWALK SAFARI SPOTLIGHT: Did you know that European Capitals of Culture have been designated since 1985 and that Bologna was a European Capital of Culture in 2000? We've visited a number of European Capitals of culture. Here are some recommendations for a culturally themed trip:
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9. Check Out Palazzo Isolani
Palazzo Isolani is a restored palace. On one end you'll find Le Tre Frecce, three arrows stuck into the wooden portico that dates back to the Middle Ages.
Today, Corte Isolani is a passage lined with cafes, bars, restaurants, art shops, and even a hair dresser that still retains the historic character of the building. It's a convenient and atmospheric way to get from Due Torri to Piazza Santo Stefano.
10. Visit Basilica Santo Stefano
We found that Basilica Santo Stefano is worth a visit. Admission is free so there is no reason not to stop by. The complex dates back to the 5th century and was built upon and expanded over the ages.
Entering the complex, find yourself surrounded by a cluster of chapels and courtyards featuring ornate brickwork. The old pulpit inside Basilica del Santo Sepolcro was particularly impressive.
11. Drink Aperitivo
Aperitivo time is the best time in Italy. In Bologna, small snack bars put out tables under and near the porticos and serve drinks and snacks.
We sat outside and sipped bitter Campari and soda to wash down complimentary salty crisps and peanuts while doing a bit of people-watching on the street. This is a lovely way to spend the early evening in Bologna.
While you are in the neighborhood after visiting Basilica Santo Stefano, I recommend taking a seat and ordering a negroni at a cafe on Piazza Santo Stefano. This is a great place to watch the sunset with a view of Due Torri.
12. Sip a Glass of Regional Italian Wine
You'll find plenty of places to grab a drink in Bologna. Exploring the city's porticos, we discovered Vineria Favalli, a laid-back spot perfect for a regional Italian wine tasting. To our delight, they surprised us with crusty bread and rich olive oil, making for a delicious afternoon snack.
13. Eat Bologna's Signature Dishes
The Emilia-Romagna region is a paradise for foodies and given that Bologna is its capital, it's no surprise that we ate well here.
We savored classics like tortellini en brodo (broth-filled tortellini) and balanzoni (tortelloni stuffed with ricotta, spinach, parmesan, and mortadella and covered in a butter and sage sauce).
We used TheFork to make reservations at well-rated osterias and restaurants during our trip. I prefer making reservations online to get around the language challenges that might crop up when calling on the phone.
Don't miss the gelato, especially at Gelateria Gianni, a local favorite since 1976. They offer a decadent selection of flavors, from rich chocolate to refreshing fruits. I particularly enjoyed the "Ora Basta Tutti A Casa" - gianduia gelato with pistachio and gianduia sauces.
Try mignons, small tasty pastries that go perfectly with a coffee from a historic cafe. We loved the selection at Impero Caprarie, a modern pasticceria located in historic Palazza del Carrobbio.
14. Take a Walk in the Park
Parco della Montagnola near Porta Galliera and the Bologna bus station is worth the climb up the stairs to get there and we found it worthy of a quick stroll. We were impressed by the sculptures surrounding the central fountain.
Some of the scupltures featured fierce lions while others paid tribute to mermaids. The sculptures are by Diego Sarti, a sculptor from Bologna who lived in the 19th and early 20th century.
15. Head to the University District and Museo di Palazzo Poggi
The University of Bologna is one of the oldest and most famous institutions of higher learning in Europe with students studying here for about 1000 years. Some of the campus buildings are quite impressive. We visited Palazzi Poggi which is home to the Museo di Palazzo Poggi.
For 7 EUR, we gained access to this fantastic 16th-century palace adorned with ornate ceilings and frescoes. The building itself contrasted with the museum exhibits which focused on science, medicine, military strategy, and navigation.
Some of the exhibits included cabinets of curiosities including an obligatory puffer fish, plates of flora and fauna for block printing, medical oddities, birthing models (and a birthing machine for doctors to pracctice on!), ship models, and exhibits dedicated to nautical and military science.
16. Visit the Museum of Zoology
Bologna's University District is full of hidden gems. We stopped into the Museum of Zoology, a museum of natural history brimming with taxidermy specimens from around the world.
The collection of birds was particularly extensive. The Museum of Zoology is run by students and free to enter. During the week, the museum is open from 9 am - 1 pm and on weekends from 10 am - 6 pm.
17. Explore the Courtyard of Biblioteca Comunale dell'Archiginnasio
While the Biblioteca Comunale dell'Archiginnasio's stunning library isn't accessible to tourists and the Anatomical Theatre requires a separate ticket, the courtyard itself is free to enter and absolutely worth a visit.
This grand space features porticos adorned with a fascinating collection of sculptures, paintings, and regal crests, offering a glimpse into the building's rich history.
18. Seeking out the Town Gates, An Echo of the Past
In Medieval times, Bologna was a walled city featuring twelve gates. 10 of the gates remain today along the roads ringing the city as a reminder of the past.
It can be disconcerting to watch the speedy Italian drivers whiz by these vestiges of Bologna's medieval glory.
19. Ride the Tourist Train to Sanctuario della Madonna di San Luca
In Bologna, you can experience the world's longest portico, a nearly 3.8 km stretch with 666 arches, by taking the San Luca Express tourist train from Piazza Maggiore to the Sanctuary of San Luca.
Tickets are 13 EUR for a round trip and can be purchased online in advance or just before boarding. We enjoyed a relaxing train ride uphill and then opted to walk down to Arco del Meloncello, stopping for a coffee at a local counter before catching the train back down to Piazza Maggiore from the Meloncello stop.
The Sanctuary itself is beautiful, but we recommend skipping the "San Luca Sky Experience" cupola climb. The platform is small and faces the wrong direction for a good view of Bologna, making the 5 EUR ticket price not worthwhile.
Overall, while we were happy we went to San Luca, I don't recommend it as a top priority for first-time visitors with limited time.
20. Take an Emilia-Romagna Day Trip
Even if you are just spending a weekend in Bologna, make time for a day trip. Ferrara, Modena and Parma are all nearby and worth a visit. On our first trip to Bologna, we spent one day exploring Bologna and 2 days away on day trips (making it a proper Emilia-Romagna food holiday).
On our second trip we decided to take our time and explore Bologna in greater depth.
Getting to Bologna
Bologna is easily accessible as a day trip from Florence. With a train journey taking just 45 minutes, it's a convenient option. You can find flights to Bologna from various airlines, including major national carriers operating within Europe and budget-friendly options. Bologna is one of my favorite Ryanair destinations for a weekend break.
Ground transportation at Bologna Airport is super convenient. Take the Marconi Express train for 12.80 EUR one way or 23.30 EUR round trip and get to Bologna Centrale railway station in less than 10 minutes.
Where to Stay in Bologna
For those seeking a more economical stay outside the city center, the Savoia Regency Hotel offers an Art Deco retreat for around 115 EUR per night. I found that this conference hotel provides a relaxed atmosphere, though reaching Bologna's center requires a taxi ride costing roughly 15-20 EUR which will eat into your savings on accommodation.
If you prefer to prioritize convenience, Hotel NH Bologna De La Gare is a good choice. However, this Bologna hotel can cost up to 300 EUR a night. We moved from the Savoia Regency Hotel to Hotel NH after my conference ended. We paid 165 EUR a night thanks to a special promotion.
Early check-ins or late checkouts may be an option, but expect to pay about 10 EUR an hour for the privilege.
Located just a 5-minute walk from the train station and visible from the bus station, Hotel NH Bologna De La Gare offers easy access to transportation hubs and sits right next to Porta Galliera, one of Bologna's historic medieval gates.
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I hope you've enjoyed this introduction to Bologna. If you've got more time, you can definitely fill a week in Bologna. For more ideas of things to do in Bologna, hop on over to Jet-Settera.
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