Bologna from the top: 8 best panoramic views

You can walk through the porticoes, get an electric train, or jump on a tourist bus.

If you want to truly capture the essence of Bologna, seeing it from above is an experience you cannot miss.

Whether it’s a Bologna panoramic view at sunset or a hidden spot tucked away from the crowds, exploring the city's viewpoints is the best way to admire its red rooftops, medieval towers, and surrounding hills.

Here are the 8 most popular and hidden places to get a panoramic viewpoint of Bologna.

Torre degli Asinelli (2 towers)

The Torre degli Asinelli is perhaps Bologna’s most iconic landmark.

With its 498 steps, this medieval tower offers a breathtaking panorama of the city and the hills beyond.

However, since October 2023, the tower has been closed due to ongoing restoration work on the neighboring Garisenda Tower.

But why is the Torre degli Asinelli closed?

Sensors detected signs of structural deterioration at the base of the Garisenda Tower, prompting Bologna’s city council to temporarily close the site to ensure the safety of visitors and surrounding buildings.

• View rating: 9
• Price: €5 (currently closed)

San Pietro's Cathedral bell tower

During our food tours in Bologna I suggest visiting the bell tower on San Pietro Cathedral instead of Torre degli Asinelli.

Why?

No one knows about it and when Piazza Maggiore appears after the last step you'd be speechless.

The bad news? The opening time is more random than the ingredients of Bolognese ragù. So go and get lucky.

View Vote: 10

Price: 3€

Palazzo D'Accursio

A room with a view of Piazza Maggiore is a privilege for a few.

But you can enter Palazzo D'Accursio and walk to the window on the second floor for a new perspective of the square and its crescentone.

It's free, so if you're planning to visit Bologna on a budget do not skip this.
If you want to go higher you can get a ticket to enter the Palazzo D'Accursio's clock tower.

View Vote: 8

Price: free

Clock Tower

Another hidden gem is the Clock Tower, located inside Palazzo d’Accursio, the building overlooking Piazza Maggiore.

Climbing to the top of the tower offers a 360° view of Bologna’s historic center, from its endless porticoes to its famous red rooftops and the surrounding hills.

The ticket for the tower also includes access to the historic halls of the palace, and a journey through Bologna’s rich past.

• View rating: 8.5
• Price: €8

Specola Tower

In the heart of the university district lies the Specola, a former astronomical observatory that is now a museum featuring telescopes, scientific instruments, and lunar maps.

Climbing to the rooftop provides a unique Bologna viewpoint, where the city truly shines under the stars.

Don’t miss the chance to also visit the nearby Palazzo Poggi, one of Bologna’s most fascinating and unusual museums.

• View rating: 9
• Price: €5 (guided tours only)

San Luca Basilica

It doesn't matter if you are religious: if there's a symbol for Bolognesi, more than the towers or Neptune fountain, this is San Luca.

From the top of the hill where it's set, you can enjoy the view of Dall'Ara stadium and Certosa cemetery.
But you'll be disappointed if you go there just for the view.

The real charm lies in the journey to get there, which locals recommend doing on foot, preferably early in the morning or at sunset, making it a truly authentic Bologna sunset spot.

• View rating: 6
• Price: Free

Villa Ghigi

Like emerging rocks on a river where to stand and watch fishes swimming, the hills behind Bologna are a perfect viewpoint on the red roofs of Bologna's skyline.

Villa Ghigi is one of the best parks in Bologna with a view unraveling from San Luca Basilica to Asinelli Tower.

Bring a blanket and enjoy a picnic under the trees – it’s the perfect spot to relax and take in Bologna from above.

• View rating: 7
• Price: Free

San Michele in Bosco

Another must-see viewpoint is San Michele in Bosco, a Renaissance church that houses works by Carracci and Vasari.

Even if Renaissance art isn’t your thing, the view from San Michele in Bosco is often called “the postcard of Bologna.”

At sunset, this spot becomes even more magical, making it one of the most picturesque Bologna sunset spots.

• View rating: 7.5
• Price: Free

Conclusion

Bologna offers a wide variety of viewpoints, each with its own unique charm.

From medieval towers to hilltop parks, from historic churches to hidden corners, every spot reveals a different side of the city.

If you want to enrich your visit with an authentic experience, book our Bologna Food Tour today: we’ll guide you through the flavors of tradition while showing you the most secret and breathtaking views of Bologna.

Get ready to explore the city like a true local!

[Photos: Ștefan Jurcă, Justin Kern, lorenzoclick]