Bologna Travel Guide: The Best Things to Do, See & Eat
Bologna, Italy, is a vibrant city known for its rich culinary scene, historic towers, and the oldest university in Europe. Stroll through its medieval streets, explore Piazza Maggiore, and savor local delicacies like tagliatelle al ragù. Don’t miss the iconic Two Towers and the stunning porticoes that line the city.
With 304+ hand-picked places to explore, Bologna rewards travellers who look beyond the obvious. Here's our complete guide to the best of the city — organised by what you're in the mood for.
Must-See Attractions in Bologna
The icons and landmarks no first visit is complete without.
Start with Monument to Giosuè Carducci — ideal for literature lovers and those interested in cultural landmarks, this monument celebrates an Italian poet. Just as worthwhile is Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Vita: a striking Baroque church that offers a reflective pause among Bologna's bustling streets and attractions. Certosa di Bologna completes the picture: visit Certosa di Bologna to appreciate its artistic sculptures and historical significance during a day of exploration in the city.
Monument to Giosuè Carducci
Bologna • Monuments & Statues
Ideal for literature lovers and those interested in cultural landmarks, this monument celebrates an Italian poet.
Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Vita
Bologna • Famous Landmarks
A striking Baroque church that offers a reflective pause among Bologna's bustling streets and attractions.
Certosa di Bologna
Bologna • Monuments & Statues
Visit Certosa di Bologna to appreciate its artistic sculptures and historical significance during a day of exploration in the city.
Monument to Luigi Galvani
Bologna • Monuments & Statues
A thoughtful statue of Luigi Galvani holding a frog, celebrating his contributions to science in Bologna.
Museums & Culture in Bologna
Galleries, museums and cultural landmarks for a deeper look at the city.
Top of most lists is Basilica di Santo Stefano: a remarkable complex of interconnected churches showcasing diverse architectural styles spanning centuries. Locals will also point you to Basilica di San Domenico — located in Piazza San Domenico, this basilica is a key historical site in Bologna, Italy. And for something different, there's Basilica di San Petronio: ideal for culture seekers and history enthusiasts, this grand basilica offers insights into Bologna's rich past.
Basilica di Santo Stefano
Bologna • Historical Sites
A remarkable complex of interconnected churches showcasing diverse architectural styles spanning centuries.
Basilica di San Domenico
Bologna • Historical Sites
Located in Piazza San Domenico, this basilica is a key historical site in Bologna, Italy.
Basilica di San Petronio
Bologna • Historical Sites
Ideal for culture seekers and history enthusiasts, this grand basilica offers insights into Bologna's rich past.
Museo Civico Archeologico
Bologna • Museums
Located on Via dell'Archiginnasio, this museum showcases a vast archaeological collection, especially Egyptian artifacts.
Best Things to Do in Bologna
Activities and experiences to fill your days.
If you only make time for one stop, make it Ciclovia del Sole — a scenic cycling route perfect for enjoying the Italian countryside during a day out in Bologna. Circolo Tennis Bologna earns its reputation too — renowned for its well-maintained clay courts, this historic tennis club balances tradition with modern facilities. Round out the shortlist with Museo delle Bambole e dei Balocchi — discover a charming museum that complements a day of exploration in Bologna with family-friendly fun.
Ciclovia del Sole
Bologna • Outdoor
A scenic cycling route perfect for enjoying the Italian countryside during a day out in Bologna.
Circolo Tennis Bologna
Bologna • Sports
Renowned for its well-maintained clay courts, this historic tennis club balances tradition with modern facilities.
Museo delle Bambole e dei Balocchi
Bologna • Family-Friendly
Discover a charming museum that complements a day of exploration in Bologna with family-friendly fun.
Boulder & Co.
Bologna • Sports
One of the most comprehensive indoor climbing experiences in Bologna awaits at Boulder & Co.
Where to Eat in Bologna
From local classics to standout modern kitchens.
Start with La Bottega di Franco — ideal for a casual bite after exploring Bologna’s historic streets, La Bottega di Franco elevates street food with local flair. Just as worthwhile is Ristorante I Carracci: dine beneath striking 16th-century frescoes while savoring exquisite Italian cuisine in a grand setting. Ristorante San Domenico completes the picture: known for its signature 'Uovo in Raviolo', this restaurant reinterprets traditional Bolognese cuisine with innovative flair.
La Bottega di Franco
Bologna • Street Food
Ideal for a casual bite after exploring Bologna’s historic streets, La Bottega di Franco elevates street food with local flair.
Ristorante I Carracci
Bologna • Fine Dining
Dine beneath striking 16th-century frescoes while savoring exquisite Italian cuisine in a grand setting.
Ristorante San Domenico
Bologna • Fine Dining
Known for its signature 'Uovo in Raviolo', this restaurant reinterprets traditional Bolognese cuisine with innovative flair.
Ristorante Caminetto d'Oro
Bologna • Fine Dining
A century-old restaurant committed to traditional Bolognese recipes in a charming setting.
Bologna After Dark: Bars & Nightlife
Where to go once the sun sets.
Top of most lists is Lortica: located on Via Mascarella, this craft beer bar thrives in the evenings with live music and a diverse beer selection. Locals will also point you to Birra Cerqua — end your day in Bologna at a cozy microbrewery with a rotating selection of craft beers brewed on-site. And for something different, there's Cantina Bentivoglio: an intimate venue where live jazz harmonizes with gourmet Italian dining in Bologna's nightlife scene.
Lortica
Bologna • Craft Beer Bars
Located on Via Mascarella, this craft beer bar thrives in the evenings with live music and a diverse beer selection.
Birra Cerqua
Bologna • Craft Beer Bars
End your day in Bologna at a cozy microbrewery with a rotating selection of craft beers brewed on-site.
Cantina Bentivoglio
Bologna • Live Jazz Venues
An intimate venue where live jazz harmonizes with gourmet Italian dining in Bologna's nightlife scene.
Bar Senza Nome
Bologna • Pubs & Bars
Ideal for groups and those seeking an inclusive nightlife experience in Bologna.
Where to Stay in Bologna
Hand-picked hotels, hostels and B&Bs across every budget.
If you only make time for one stop, make it Dopa Hostel — located on Via Irnerio, this hostel fosters a community-driven experience for travelers in Bologna. Hotel Corona d'Oro earns its reputation too — an elegantly restored historic building that reflects Bologna's rich architectural heritage. Round out the shortlist with Savoia Hotel Regency — located on Via del Pilastro, this hotel combines natural surroundings with upscale comforts for a relaxing stay.
Dopa Hostel
Bologna • Hostels
Located on Via Irnerio, this hostel fosters a community-driven experience for travelers in Bologna.
Hotel Corona d'Oro
Bologna • Luxury Hotels
An elegantly restored historic building that reflects Bologna's rich architectural heritage.
Savoia Hotel Regency
Bologna • Spa Hotels
Located on Via del Pilastro, this hotel combines natural surroundings with upscale comforts for a relaxing stay.
Art Hotel Commercianti
Bologna • Luxury Hotels
Luxury accommodation for art enthusiasts and those seeking a cultural experience in Bologna.
Shopping in Bologna
Markets, boutiques and everything in between.
Start with Bologna Outlet Village — ideal for budget-conscious shoppers seeking luxury brands at reduced prices. Just as worthwhile is Friperie Vintage: incorporate a stop at this vintage shop for a unique twist to your day exploring Bologna. Roba Vintage completes the picture: exclusive vintage collections from the 60s to the 90s define this unique shopping experience in Bologna.
Bologna Outlet Village
Bologna • Outlet Shopping
Ideal for budget-conscious shoppers seeking luxury brands at reduced prices.
Friperie Vintage
Bologna • Vintage & Thrift Shops
Incorporate a stop at this vintage shop for a unique twist to your day exploring Bologna.
Roba Vintage
Bologna • Vintage & Thrift Shops
Exclusive vintage collections from the 60s to the 90s define this unique shopping experience in Bologna.
Via D'Azeglio Alta
Bologna • Luxury Shopping
Ideal for luxury shoppers seeking exclusive Italian and international fashion in a charming setting.
Parks & Green Spaces in Bologna
Room to breathe when you need a break from the streets.
Top of most lists is Parco Regionale dell'Abbazia di Monteveglio: surrounding the historic Abbey of Monteveglio, this nature reserve combines natural beauty with historical intrigue. Locals will also point you to Parco dei Gessi Bolognesi e Calanchi dell'Abbadessa — this nature reserve suits outdoor enthusiasts seeking scenic hiking experiences near Bologna. And for something different, there's Parco della Chiusa: extensive trails wind through one of the largest parks near Bologna, featuring rich natural beauty and wildlife.
Parco Regionale dell'Abbazia di Monteveglio
Bologna • Nature Reserves & Wildlife
Surrounding the historic Abbey of Monteveglio, this nature reserve combines natural beauty with historical intrigue.
Parco dei Gessi Bolognesi e Calanchi dell'Abbadessa
Bologna • Nature Reserves & Wildlife
This nature reserve suits outdoor enthusiasts seeking scenic hiking experiences near Bologna.
Parco della Chiusa
Bologna • Parks
Extensive trails wind through one of the largest parks near Bologna, featuring rich natural beauty and wildlife.
Parco della Lunetta Gamberini
Bologna • Playgrounds
A spacious playground in Bologna, perfect for a family-friendly afternoon in the outdoors.
80 Explorer Picks We Held Back
Every list above is our free tier. On top of it, our editors mark the roughly one-in-ten places in Bologna that are genuinely special — standout stays, tables worth planning a day around, and rooms most visitors never find — as Explorer picks, with full write-ups reserved for members. A few currently on the Bologna list:
- Osteria del Cappello· Secret Foodie Spots
- Trattoria da Me· Secret Foodie Spots
- La Sorbetteria Castiglione· Street Food
- I Portici Ristorante· Fine Dining
- Osteria della Lanterna· Secret Foodie Spots
Planning where to stay in Bologna?
Our neighbourhood-by-neighbourhood guide covers the best areas and hotels for every budget.
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