I love Italy, and I honestly can’t get enough of it! Anyone else feel the same?
Bologna wasn’t actually on my travel plans. I came across some last-minute discounted Ryanair flights from Athens, where I’m based, and thought… why not? It’s Italy, after all! And I’m so glad I went!
Bologna turned out to be such a lovely surprise. Beautiful medieval streets, endless porticoes, charming piazzas, historic towers and, of course, incredible Italian food! Known as La Grassa (The Fat), Bologna is often considered one of Italy’s food capitals, and trust me, it’s a paradise for food lovers. From traditional tagliatelle al ragù and handmade tortellini to delicious mortadella and gelato, there’s something tempting around every corner. But Bologna is much more than just food. It’s also home to the oldest university in the Western world and has a lively, authentic atmosphere that makes it a wonderful destination for a European city break.
The best part? You can explore Bologna in just 2-3 days, making it perfect for a weekend getaway! In this Bologna travel guide, I’m sharing my favorite things to do, places to eat, hidden gems and practical travel tips to help you plan your trip.
How to Get to Bologna
Getting to Bologna is easy! The city is served by Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ), located approximately 10 km from the historic center. I flew from Athens with Ryanair after finding some great last-minute tickets. Bologna is also well connected to other Italian cities by train, making it an excellent stop on a longer trip around Italy.
There are several options depending on your budget and where you’re staying.
- Marconi Express: The fastest option is the Marconi Express monorail, which connects the airport with Bologna Centrale railway station in approximately 7 minutes. Tickets cost €12.80 one way or €23.30 return. The service generally operates from 5:40 AM until midnight.
- Airport Bus: Bus Q is a more affordable alternative, connecting the airport with Bologna Centrale via Ospedale Maggiore. The standard urban ticket costs €2.30, although the journey takes longer than the monorail.
- Taxi: If you’re traveling with luggage or staying somewhere away from the train station, a taxi can be more convenient. The journey to the city center usually takes around 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic, and fares vary.
Angel’s tip: I personally took a taxi directly from the airport to my accommodation. Since I was only visiting for a few days, I wanted to save time and get straight to the city center! If you’re staying near Bologna Centrale, however, the Marconi Express is an excellent alternative.
Useful information:
✔️Location: Emilia-Romagna region, Northern Italy
✔️ Bologna airport : 20 minutes from the city center & 20-30€ by taxi. I got one at the airport. There are buses that are cheaper but check if it gets you close to where you will be staying.
✔️ Where to stay: Bologna’s historic city center, ideally within walking distance of Piazza Maggiore.
✔️ Best time to visit: Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October), although Bologna is a year-round destination.
✔️ Duration: 2-3 days
✔️Perfect starting point: Piazza Maggiore, the heart of Bologna.
✔️Getting around: Mostly on foot! Bologna is a very walkable city, especially if you stay in the center.
✔️Best for: Food lovers, couples, solo travelers and anyone looking for an easy Italian city break.
The view from Asinelli tower
Travel tips:
✔️The Symbol of Bologna – The Two Towers: One of Bologna’s most iconic landmarks is its famous Two Towers, Asinelli and Garisenda, dating back to the Middle Ages. The Asinelli Tower is the tallest, standing approximately 97 meters high, with 498 steps leading to the top and offering incredible panoramic views of the city.
Important update: The Asinelli Tower is currently closed to visitors due to restoration and safety works in the surrounding area, while Garisenda is also inaccessible.
Angel’s tip: I personally loved the view from Prendiparte Tower even more, as you can admire Bologna’s skyline with the famous Two Towers in the background! Another great option for panoramic views is the Clock Tower in Piazza Maggiore. Always check availability before visiting.
In Prendiparte tower
✔️Must Do – Get Lost in Bologna’s Beautiful Porticoes: One of the best things to do in Bologna is simply wander through its charming streets and endless porticoes, which are part of the city’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will find beautiful architecture, hidden corners, lively squares, and plenty of places to stop for a delicious Italian meal.
Angel’s tip: Don’t miss one of Bologna’s famous secrets, the Voltone del Podestà, just off Piazza Maggiore! Stand in one corner of the vaulted passage while a friend stands in the diagonally opposite corner, both facing the wall. Start whispering, and you’ll be amazed at how clearly you can hear each other. It’s like a medieval wireless telephone!
✔️Must See – The Secret Window of Via Piella: Did you know that Bologna has its own little Venice? Hidden along Via Piella is a small window, known as the Finestrella di Via Piella, which opens onto the picturesque Canale delle Moline.
Open the little wooden shutter and discover a beautiful canal flowing between colorful historic buildings. It’s one of Bologna’s most charming hidden spots and definitely worth a photo! Angel’s tip: This is one of Bologna’s famous Seven Secrets, so make sure you don’t miss it! Keep in mind that the canal may occasionally be dry due to maintenance works.
✔️ Try Bologna’s Traditional Food Specialties!
Did you know that Bologna is considered one of Italy’s food capitals? Located in the Emilia-Romagna region, the city is famous for its incredible culinary traditions, handmade pasta, cured meats and delicious local products. Forget the typical spaghetti Bolognese you find abroad! Here, it’s all about authentic recipes, fresh ingredients and traditional dishes passed down through generations. Trust me, Bologna is a paradise for food lovers!
There are a few local dishes you simply cannot leave Bologna without trying!
- Tagliatelle al Ragù: Fresh egg pasta served with a rich, slow-cooked meat sauce. This is the authentic Bolognese pasta!
- Tortellini in Brodo: Small, handmade stuffed pasta traditionally served in a delicious meat broth.
- Lasagne Verdi alla Bolognese: Traditional lasagna made with green spinach pasta sheets, ragù, béchamel and Parmigiano Reggiano.
- Mortadella: Bologna’s famous cured meat, perfect in a freshly made sandwich or on a charcuterie platter.
- Tortelloni: Larger stuffed pasta, usually filled with ricotta and spinach, often served with butter and sage.
- Crescentine & Tigelle: Two delicious local specialties worth trying! Crescentine are typically fried pieces of dough, while tigelle (also called crescentine montanare) are small, round flatbreads. Both are commonly enjoyed with cured meats, cheese and local spreads.
Angel’s tip: If you only have time to try 2 things, go for tagliatelle al ragù and tortellini in brodo!
✔️Eat at Bologna’s Traditional Restaurants
One of my favorite things about Bologna was exploring its traditional trattorias and osterias. Here are some of the restaurants I visited and recommend checking out:
- Osteria dell’Orsa: A popular, casual osteria known for its traditional Bolognese dishes. Keep in mind that it doesn’t accept reservations, so you may need to queue!
- Trattoria dal Biassanot: A traditional trattoria serving regional specialties.
- Trattoria Osteria Buca Manzoni: A classic spot for Italian comfort food.
- 051 Osteria: Located in the beautiful Piazza Santo Stefano. I enjoyed a delicious pasta dish and a glass of wine here while sitting outside in the sunshine!
- Ristorante Diana: A historic restaurant known for its classic Bolognese cuisine.
- Vicolo Colombina: A charming restaurant close to Piazza Maggiore.
- Botanica Lab: A great alternative if you’re looking for plant-based food.
- Ristopizza Nicola’s: An option for pizza lovers.
- Trattoria da Me: A well-regarded restaurant combining traditional Bolognese recipes with a creative twist.
- All’Osteria Bottega: A great choice for traditional Emilia-Romagna cuisine, quality cured meats and regional specialties.
Angel’s tip: Bologna is a popular foodie destination, so I recommend booking a table in advance at restaurants you really want to visit, especially on weekends.
✔️Try Bologna’s Famous Mortadella Sandwiches
Sometimes the simplest food is the best! Bologna is famous for its mortadella, and one of the easiest ways to enjoy it is in a freshly made sandwich.
Here are some places worth checking out:
- Mò Mortadella Lab: Known for its creative mortadella sandwiches with different cheeses and tasty combinations.
- La Prosciutteria: A great option for sandwiches, cured meats and cheese platters.
- Indegno – La Crescentina 2.0: Another interesting street-food option, especially if you want to try a modern take on Bologna’s traditional fried crescentina.
✔️Enjoy a Delicious Italian Breakfast
I really enjoyed discovering Bologna’s breakfast spots! Two places I liked during my trip were Pappare and Piano Piano
Whether you’re craving a pastry, something sweet or a more substantial breakfast, Bologna has plenty of lovely cafés to start your day.
✔️Don’t Miss Bologna’s Delicious Gelato!
You’re in Italy, so gelato is a must! Here are the gelaterias I tried and recommend:
- Cremeria Santo Stefano
- La Vecchia Stalla
- Gelateria Gianni
- Il Gelatauro – Via San Vitale 98
Honestly, it’s difficult to go wrong with gelato in Italy!
✔️Experience Bologna’s Bars & Nightlife
Thanks to its large student population, Bologna has a lively atmosphere and plenty of great places to enjoy a drink. Here are some bars I particularly liked:
- Bar Senza Nome: One of the most interesting bars I visited! Located at Via Belvedere 11/B, this inclusive bar is known for its deaf and hard-of-hearing staff. You can order drinks using illustrated cards. Such a unique concept!
- Il Mistico: A lovely spot for cocktails and wine.
- Bar Altro: Another bar I enjoyed during my visit.
But there are so many more! Feel free to leave a comment with your favorite Bologna bars for my next visit!
✔️Enjoy a Relaxing Lunch at Piazza Santo Stefano
One of my favorite moments in Bologna was sitting outside at 051 Osteria, in the beautiful Piazza Santo Stefano. I enjoyed a glass of wine and a delicious tortelloni dish while soaking up the sunshine and admiring the beautiful surroundings. Sometimes, these simple moments are the best part of traveling!
✔️Explore Bologna’s Food Markets
Bologna’s food markets are another must for food lovers!
- Mercato delle Erbe: A historic covered market where you can find fresh fruits, vegetables, cheeses, local products and places to eat.
- Mercato di Mezzo: Located in the heart of the Quadrilatero district, this was actually my favorite of the two!
- Mercato Ritrovato: A farmers’ market featuring local producers and seasonal products. Check the market schedule before visiting.
Angel’s tip: Wander around the Quadrilatero district, one of Bologna’s oldest market areas, filled with traditional food shops, delicatessens and restaurants. It’s a wonderful place to experience the city’s food culture!
✔️Discover Bologna’s Historic Palaces
Bologna is full of beautiful historic buildings, and two worth checking out are:
- Palazzo dell’Archiginnasio: Once the main seat of the University of Bologna, this impressive palace is famous for its decorated walls, coats of arms and beautiful courtyard. Don’t miss the Anatomical Theatre, a fascinating wooden hall where anatomy lessons once took place.
- Palazzo Re Enzo: Located right next to Piazza Maggiore, this medieval palace is another important historic landmark.
I visited both during my trip. They were interesting, especially the Anatomical Theatre, but I wouldn’t say they were among my absolute highlights. Angel’s tip: If you’re short on time, prioritize Bologna’s famous towers, piazzas and charming streets instead.
✔️Visit Bologna’s Beautiful Churches
Bologna has some truly impressive churches, but these are the ones I would particularly recommend:
- Basilica di San Petronio: Located in Piazza Maggiore, this enormous Gothic basilica is one of Bologna’s most iconic landmarks. Its unfinished façade makes it particularly distinctive.
- Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca: Situated on a hill overlooking Bologna, this beautiful sanctuary is famous for its long covered walkway with 666 arches. It’s one of the city’s most remarkable landmarks.
- Basilica di Santo Stefano: Also known as the Seven Churches, this fascinating complex features interconnected churches, courtyards and beautiful historic architecture.
Angel’s tip: San Luca is located outside the historic center, so allow extra time to visit. You can walk up through the famous portico or choose a transport option if you prefer to avoid the uphill walk.
✔️Explore the University District
Did you know that Bologna is home to the oldest university in continuous operation in the Western world? Founded in 1088, the University of Bologna is one of the reasons the city has such a young, lively atmosphere. Take a walk along Via Zamboni, the heart of the university district, where you’ll find historic buildings, students, bookstores and plenty of cafés. It’s a lovely area to explore and experience a different side of Bologna!
The area of the university of Bologna-the oldest in the World.
✔️Visit Biblioteca Salaborsa
If you love books, architecture or history, don’t miss Biblioteca Salaborsa, a beautiful public library located near Piazza Maggiore. What makes it particularly interesting is the archaeological area beneath the building, where you can see remains from Bologna’s Roman past. It’s a nice little stop while exploring the city center, especially if you have some extra time!
✔️Join a Traditional Italian Cooking Class
You’re visiting one of Italy’s greatest food destinations, so why not learn how to make traditional pasta yourself? Bologna offers plenty of cooking classes where you can learn to prepare fresh tagliatelle, tortellini or other regional specialties. It’s a fun experience, especially if you’re traveling as a couple or with friends. You can find cooking classes and food experiences on platforms such as GetYourGuide.
✔️ Discover the Seven Secrets of Bologna
Here’s a fun way to explore Bologna, especially if it’s your first visit! The city is famous for its Seven Secrets, a collection of hidden details, local legends and unusual architectural features scattered throughout the historic center. Some of the best-known secrets include the hidden canal at Via Piella and the whispering effect beneath the Voltone del Podestà. You can follow a self-guided route and turn your sightseeing into a little treasure hunt! Click here for more.
Angel’s tip: If you only have one day in Bologna and don’t know where to start, discovering the Seven Secrets is a fun way to explore some of the city’s most interesting corners.
✔️ Take a Day Trip from Bologna
One of the best things about Bologna is its location! The city is an excellent base for exploring other destinations in Northern Italy, especially if you’re traveling by train.
Here are some great day-trip ideas:
- Modena: Famous for its traditional balsamic vinegar, beautiful historic center and the Enzo Ferrari Museum. Approximately 20–30 minutes by train.
- Parma: A must for food lovers! Discover the home of Parmigiano Reggiano and Prosciutto di Parma, along with a charming historic center. Approximately 50–60 minutes by train.
- Ferrara: A beautiful Renaissance city known for its impressive Estense Castle, medieval streets and relaxed atmosphere. Approximately 30–40 minutes by train.
- Ravenna: Famous for its extraordinary Byzantine mosaics and UNESCO-listed monuments. Approximately 1-1.5 hours by train.
- Florence: One of Italy’s most beautiful cities, just around 40 minutes away by high-speed train.
- Venice: Another incredible destination, reachable in approximately 1.5 hours by high-speed train.
Angel’s tip: If you only have 2 days in Bologna, I would focus on exploring the city itself. But if you have 3-4 days or more, adding a day trip is a fantastic idea!
*Check my Bologna highlight on Instagram and relevant posts for more*
IG : explorewith.angel
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