How to spend a Sunday in Bologna? Many shops close but the weekend is short and you need to get the best from it. Here are my suggestions for what to do and where to eat the best of Bologna, even on Sunday.

What To Do

Visiting the Archiginnasio Library is like stepping back in time. You’ll immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Bologna’s academic and cultural heritage. Whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or just curious, the Archiginnasio with its Anatomical Theatre offers an unforgettable journey through centuries of knowledge and tradition.

What's Archiginnasio in Bologna?

Have you ever heard of a building that’s been a telegraph office, a basketball hall, and even a puppet theatre? If you’re scratching your head, don’t worry. You’re in Biblioteca Salaborsa library, right off Piazza del Nettuno. A place that’s transformed countless times over the last 2000 years.

The history of Biblioteca Salaborsa

I'm sure you already know Parma. You met it in the unique taste of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese or in the sweetness of culatello and Parma ham.But food, and our new Parma food tour that celebrates it, isn't the only masterpiece there.​Parma, nestled in Italy's Emilia-Romagna region, is a city that seamlessly blends rich history, vibrant culture, and world-renowned gastronomy.

Visit Parma

The Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna is a landmark for art lovers, showcasing centuries of artistic excellence. Located in the historic university district, this museum houses masterpieces from the 13th to the 18th centuries. Housed in a former Jesuit novitiate, its halls echo the legacy of Bologna’s artistic evolution and Italy’s broader cultural heritage.

Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna: the building and a pinch of history