Top 10 things to do in Bologna: explore Italy’s culinary gem

There are many ways to visit a place.
With a Lonely Planet on your hand, with an expat friend showing you around, or following a list of places marked on Google Maps.

Any way you choose, for me the most important thing is the spirit to learn something new.

From its iconic Bologna towers to its sprawling porticoes, this medieval gem offers a variety of activities that cater to all types of travelers

Whether you’re staying for a day or an extended visit, here’s your ultimate guide to the top 10 things to do in Bologna.

Is Bologna worth visiting?

Absolutely! Bologna is a city that combines history, culture, and some of the best food in the world.

Whether you’re admiring the Bologna towers, indulging in traditional dishes, or exploring its medieval streets, Bologna offers a truly authentic Italian experience.

The 10 best things to do in Bologna

Bologna is famous for its porticoes, which stretch over 40 kilometers, offering shade in the summer and shelter from the rain in winter.

These elegant, arched walkways are UNESCO World Heritage-listed and create a unique atmosphere as you stroll through the city. By day, they guide you to landmarks like Piazza Maggiore; by night, their warm lighting adds a magical charm to your walk.

The porticoes also lead to historical treasures such as the Archiginnasio, once the main building of the University of Bologna, the oldest university in the world.

Don’t miss the opportunity to take photos under the longest portico in the world, leading up to San Luca Basilica.

La turrita.

It's one of the many nicknames Bologna could have on Instagram.

It means full of towers.

The Asinelli Tower, standing at nearly 97 meters, is the taller of the Bologna towers and offers unparalleled views of the city’s red rooftops.
Prepare for a bit of a workout as you ascend its 498 steps, but the reward at the top is worth every effort.

Fun fact: The shorter Garisenda Tower, leaning due to unstable ground, is a reminder of Bologna’s medieval engineering. Together, the towers symbolize the city's rich past and its architectural ingenuity.

Asinelli and Garisenda are the most famous, but not the only ones to offer the Bologna best views.

Go up to Torre Prendiparte or sleep in his only room.
Or visit San Pietro Basilica's bell tower, my favorite, to see San Petronio and the hills of Bologna from a different perspective.

Ok, I know, this doesn't seem very objective.
A food tour company that suggests having a food tour: original!

But whether you choose our Bologna food tour or not, let me explain why.

Do we all agree that its food tradition is one of the reasons to visit Bologna?

Great.
If you only spend a weekend in Bologna, or maybe less, you have a few shots to get the best from it.

You will wander around our food markets but most of the producers and even food can look the same.

A food tour optimizes your choices and condenses info and stories in a short time.
You will avoid those terrible tourist traps all around Quadrilatero.
And you'll get suggestions about how to get the best from the rest of your time.

Can you do Bologna as a day trip?

Yes, you can explore Bologna in one day and still visit its highlights like Piazza Maggiore, the Asinelli Tower, and its famous porticoes. However, staying overnight lets you savor the city’s culinary scene and enjoy its nightlife.

Art lovers should not miss the works of Niccolò Dell’Arca, one of Bologna’s most renowned sculptors.

His masterpiece, the Compianto in Santa Maria Della Vita, is housed in the Church of Santa Maria della Vita.

Or enter that gently lit chapel in San Domenico Basilica, walk around the arc with 3 statues of Michelangelo and not feel one of the few lucky ones who know about it.

Italian sculptor Niccolò dell'Arca made both works.
And you can't go back home without meeting him.

Ever heard that Bologna University is the oldest of Western civilization?

Here we are!
(Paris's Sorbonne you're late, sorry. You have Gioconda, leave this)

And what would be the best way to enter this century-old book of knowledge?

No, it's not drinking a Peroni beer in Piazza Verdi, but visiting a Bologna library.

A visit to the Archiginnasio Library is a must for book enthusiasts. Marvel at the frescoed ceilings, historic bookshelves, and the incredible Teatro Anatomico, where anatomy lessons once took place.

Salaborsa and its Roman ruins to walk on, the next.

But both Biblioteca Universitaria in Via Zamboni and the Cineteca cinema library are all worth a visit.

Need a break from the city’s hustle and bustle?

The Giardini Margherita, Bologna’s largest public park, offers a peaceful retreat. Locals come here to jog, picnic, or simply unwind under the shade of trees.

During summer, the park transforms into a cultural hub, hosting open-air concerts and events.

Watch locals play basketball (our city sport), get a drink and relax at the Serre, or get a good granita at the bar near Porta Castiglione to open your stomach.

It’s the perfect spot to recharge before heading back into the lively streets of Bologna.

Bologna is a city that cherishes cinema, and the Cineteca di Bologna is proof of this passion.
Renowned for film restoration projects, this institution is a haven for movie buffs.

During the summer, the Piazza Maggiore turns into an open-air cinema, offering a magical experience under the stars.

In 2023 also Cinema Modernissimo reopened: a liberty-style cinema just two steps from Piazza Maggiore.

While Venice is more famous for its canals, Bologna’s hidden waterways reveal a fascinating side of the city.

The Canale delle Moline, visible from the charming Finestrella di Via Piella, offers a glimpse of the city’s medieval hydraulic system.

Bologna’s nightlife is as vibrant as its history.

The University District comes alive after sunset, with bars, pubs, and clubs buzzing with energy.

Start your evening with an aperitivo at Le Stanze, a bar housed in a former chapel, then move on to enjoy live music or dance the night away at Cassero.

For a more laid-back vibe, explore the wine bars around Piazza Santo Stefano, where you can sip local wines in a cozy setting.

End your visit to Bologna with a rewarding hike to the San Luca Basilica, located on Colle della Guardia.

The 3.5-kilometer walk is shaded by the world’s longest portico, which consists of 666 arches.

Once at the top, enjoy sweeping views of Bologna and the surrounding countryside. The basilica itself is a stunning example of Baroque architecture and a place of spiritual significance for locals.

Pack your bags to Bologna

Bologna’s charm lies in its ability to surprise and delight every type of traveler.

From the beauty of its porticoes to the flavors of its cuisine, this city is a must-visit destination.

Whether you’re here for a day or a week, the things to do in Bologna will leave you wanting more.

So pack your bags and prepare to fall in love with this Italian gem!