The Best Things to Do in Bologna 🇮🇹 A 2-Day Food & Culture Guide

Bologna often hides in the shadow of Rome or Florence, but that makes it all the more special. I remember arriving here after a month in Rome, feeling that quiet pull of a place less crowded, more real.

Known as La Rossa for its red-brick roofs, La Grassa for its hearty food, and La Dotta for the world's oldest university, Bologna whispered stories of history and flavor from the moment we stepped off the bus. As travel lovers who crave both plates piled high and streets full of secrets, we dove into two days of exploration.

In this guide, we'll share our itinerary and the best things to do in Bologna: wandering ancient porticos, savoring local eats through a hands-on pasta class, uncovering quirky landmarks, peeking into the LGBTQ+ scene, and hiking to a hilltop basilica. It's perfect for anyone plotting an Italy escape who wants authenticity over crowds. We left Rome hungry for something new, and Bologna delivered, with a side of reflection on how travel stirs old memories of simpler joys, like sharing a meal under rainy skies.

Practical Tips for Your Bologna Trip

We pulled into Bologna expecting a quick weekend stop between cities, but it turned into a highlight. The city welcomed us with open arms, not the crush of tourists we feared. Costs surprised us a bit...not cheap like we hoped, yet fair for the incredible quality you will get. Eating in the center meant paying more, but the food shone through. Venture to the hills outside town, and deals get better. Our budget stretched further than in Rome, leaving room for that extra gelato.

Bologna fits any Italy itinerary as a base for day trips, like to Modena or Ravenna. It's welcoming, liberal, and full of life. We felt at home right away, sharing laughs over small plates.

How to Plan Your Trip to Bologna

Start with at least two days, like we did. Fly into Bologna Airport or take the bus or train from other cities. We timed our visit for the end of summer, and it honestly was quite comfortable (our brand-new suitcases may have helped make the journey smoother). Book experiences early, especially food tours. Use apps and pay with contactless for buses; the system runs smooth. Pack light layers, as rain sneaks up, but porticos will shield you.

If you're planning ahead, book trains with Omio or flights with Skyscanner for easy Italy routes. For stays, check options via this hotel guide.

Oh, and don't skip travel insurance...we used Genki for peace of mind. For a more in-depth look at why we switched to Genki, check out our review.

A man stands on a city sidewalk next to a red scooter with a windshield. He is smiling and wearing a black t-shirt and shorts. Brick buildings, parked vehicles, and street signs are visible in the background. — *You could take a vespa around the cute little streets, too.*

Where to Stay in Bologna

Center spots near Piazza Maggiore buzz with energy. We chose a hotel close to the station for easy access. Options range from cozy B&Bs to modern chains, but aim for 100-150 euros a night. If you seek quiet, try the university area. Hillside stays cut costs and add views. Wherever you pick, walkability wins. Our spot let us stumble back from nights out, tired but content.

Find that perfect hotel in Bologna

A narrow street lined with tall buildings painted in shades of red, orange, and pink, featuring many windows with shutters and some small balconies. The light suggests late afternoon. — *The red brick buildings are what give Bologna the nickname, La Rossa.*

Top Things to Do in Bologna

Bologna unfolded like an old photo album, each corner stirring nostalgia for past trips. We mixed food hunts with history walks, blending our love for both. Here's what filled our days, from savory bites to scenic climbs. These spots capture the city's soul.

Stroll Under Bologna's Famous Porticos and Uncover Hidden Gems

Porticos drew us in first. Via dell'Indipendenza links the station to Piazza Maggiore, lined with these covered walkways. They started in the Middle Ages, around the 10th century, when Bologna boomed as a commune. Families expanded homes outward, propping attics on wooden columns despite early frowns. Soon, the city saw their value...shade from sun, shelter from rain. Today, 42 kilometers stretch across town (the longest distance of porticos in the world), letting you wander dry on drizzly days.

We spotted them everywhere, ducking under as light rain fell. It felt protective, like the city hugging us. Bologna holds the world's longest portico too, but that's for later.

A man in a dark t-shirt stands under an arched walkway holding a phone. Two people walk in the distance along the covered, column-lined path with orange and cream walls. — *The perfect city for when you need to dodge the rain!*

One gem will become apparent as you are strolling around (although this one isn't so hidden): Finestrella di Via Piella, a tiny window peeking at a canal. They call it Little Venice here, though canals once crisscrossed the city before covers hid most last century. We peered through, water rippling below, and paused to chat. While Venice dazzles with scale; this whispers intimacy.

A narrow canal runs between colorful orange and yellow buildings with balconies and air conditioning units, under a bright sky, in an urban setting.

Then, the Cattedrale Metropolitana di San Pietro. Its Baroque facade gleams, and its bell tower dates back 1,000 years. We slipped in just before closing, awed by the mix of old stone and ornate details. Sunlight filtered through, warming the cool air.

Interior view of a cathedral showing ornate columns, arched ceilings, and intricate frescoes with religious scenes. The architecture features detailed carvings and a large window letting in natural light. — *The interior of the Cattedrale Metropolitana di San Pietro. This city is really impressive for architecture.*

If you love architecture, walk these paths early morning. The immersion hits hard – shadows play on columns, cafes spill onto sidewalks. It's a top thing to do in Bologna for that medieval feel. For more ideas, check this guide to Bologna's hidden spots.

We did a self-guided tour, so we could go at our own pace and film a vlog along the way. Alternatively, you can do this walking tour to see all of these places and more below.

Explore Piazza Maggiore and the Scandalous Fountain of Neptune

Piazza Maggiore anchors the city, born in the 1500s when medieval houses fell to make space. It buzzed with trade and civic life. We arrived amid a small crowd, the air alive with chatter.

First, the whispering walls: two opposite columns let voices carry across the arcade. Built during plague-time confessions, they still work. I whispered to Fabio on the other side; his "I hear you" echoed clear. We laughed, imagining sinners spilling secrets. Try it yourself...stand at one end, speak soft, and marvel.

Nearby, Basilica di San Petronio looms incomplete, its Gothic facade half-done. On the other side of Piazza Maggiore, a statue of Pope Gregory XIII hides in plain sight, disguised as San Petronio during Napoleon's anti-church push.

People walk and gather in a large open square bordered by historical buildings, including a partially unfinished church with a brick upper facade and marble lower facade, under a partly cloudy sky.

But the star: the Fountain of Neptune by Giambologna. The god stands proud, mermaids at his feet. Locals joke about his "saucy secret"...from a certain angle, his hand points to suggest virility, defying church prudishness. Neptune, the wandering sea god, got his edge back through perspective play. We craned our necks, giggling at the nymphs' poses too. Sexuality sneaks in, no matter the era.

Overall, this square mixes fun and depth, perfect for a reflective pause.

A bronze statue of a muscular man holding a trident stands in front of two large brick buildings with arched windows. The statue is viewed from behind. — *Do you see what I see? 😏*

Indulge in Bologna's Food Scene: From Street Eats to Hands-On Cooking

Food called loudest our first evening. As self-proclaimed foodies, we hit the streets hungry after skipping lunch. Bologna earns La Grassa for dishes like lasagna, or pasticcio here – layers of egg pasta, meat sauce, hot and rich. We savored it at a corner spot, then moved to tagliatelle al ragù, flat ribbons in that famous meaty sauce. The pasta uses eggs in the dough, giving a golden chew.

Next, piadina romagnola, a flatbread from the nearby coast, stuffed with prosciutto crudo, rucola, and soft squacquerone cheese. It hit the spot, simple and fresh. We reflected on home cooks back in Veneto doing similar, but Bologna's twist felt new.

Two flatbreads folded and filled with slices of cured meat, fresh greens, and a layer of white cheese, placed on a napkin on a wooden surface. — *That cheesy squacquerone goodness.*

Day two brought our tortellini workshop, booked via GetYourGuide. Although not our first cooking class (we made pizza in Rome during a house sit), this one certainly was our favorite. Here, we washed hands and rolled dough into sfoglia, thin as paper. We shaped tortellini and tortelloni, fillings of prosciutto, parmigiano, nutmeg, pork loin, even mortadella. Savory bursts in every bite, cooked in cappone broth or parmesan cream – never ragù, tradition holds.

Download the GetYourGuide app and get 5% off your first booking with the code THEFABRYK5.

Two men stand at a table in front of a market stall with fruits and vegetables. One man rolls dough with a pin while the other holds a rolling pin and smiles. Various bowls with ingredients are on the table.

Tasting fresh ones, we beamed. "Could I be a sfoglina now?" I asked Fabio. He smiled; fun trumped skill. Our tour ended at another tortellini laboratory for a full meal...generous plates, perfect texture, and even some wine.

If you're a food lover, book this. It's hands-on joy, tying to Bologna's heart. Beyond pasta and mortadella, it's about shared tables and stories.

This is the exact tortellini experience we did. If you're not in the mood to learn how to make it yourself, though, go with a normal food tour!

A white plate filled with tortellini pasta covered in a creamy, light-colored sauce sits on a dark surface. — *The final meal: courtesy of one of the many tortellini laboratories in Bologna.*

Climb the Iconic Towers and Jump into Bologna's Rich History

Those peculiar towers next, Le Due Torri, Asinelli and Garisenda, lean like Pisa's. Bologna once had around 100, built by wealthy families for defense amid unrest. They competed on height, echoing today's skyscrapers. Only around 20 remain.

We gazed up, imagining the medieval skyline...a forest of stone sentinels. It stirred nostalgia for tales of rival clans, power etched in brick.

Update: As of now, both towers are closed for restoration, so climbing them is temporarily unavailable.

Two tall, medieval brick towers stand side by side against a blue sky with scattered clouds. Several overhead utility wires cross in front of the towers. The lower part of one tower displays arched architectural details. — *It is hard to capture just how much these towers are leaning 😳.*

From there, Archiginnasio. This unified the university in the 1500s, now a library with an anatomical theater. Bologna's La Dotta nickname fits; the world's oldest uni pulses here. We wandered halls, feeling the weight of scholars past. It reminded me of late-night study sessions in my youth, chasing knowledge amid chaos.

A historic building with two levels of arched windows and stone columns forming a courtyard; upper windows reflect the sky while lower arches reveal decorated ceilings.

Piazza Santo Stefano capped it. The complex, dubbed Seven Churches, shows two facades but holds more inside...origins trace to an Isis temple. Rain fell soft, making it peaceful.

A man with short brown hair and a beard sits by a brick pillar, holding a phone and looking to the side. Two people sit against a wall in the background, talking. The setting appears to be an old building.

People sit at outdoor tables under arched porticoes of a historic brick building, eating and socializing. Some people walk past on a cobblestone walkway in a lively street scene. — *The piazza is the idyllic place for an aperitivo.*

Experience Bologna's Youthful Nightlife

Saturday night pulled us out, despite day fatigue. Bologna's LGBTQ+ scene feels quaint, not Milan's scale, but liberal and warm...one of Italy's most open spots. Activism runs deep, from protests to bar chats. We started at Il Barattolo, a cozy "can" of a bar with nice, cheap drinks, then Cassero, a center by day that clubs up at night. Last but not least, there was Red, which sucked us in until the early hours.

Two men in sleeveless shirts take a selfie in front of a mirror covered with magazine clippings and posters. Colorful images and text related to fashion and pride events are visible in the reflection and on the wall. — *A little too into the bathroom at RED Club.*

Hike to the Sanctuary of San Luca Through the World's Longest Portico

On Sunday morning, we started at Porta di Saragozza for the Portico di San Luca hike. 666 arches span 3,796 meters to the hilltop sanctuary, the longest portico anywhere. Meant for an approximately hour-and-fifteen walk, it stretched longer on tired legs. Steep sections built sweat, Fabio hauling our backpack with laptops and camera.

A long row of orange arches and columns forms part of a covered walkway along a building with tiled roofs, extending uphill with greenery visible on the right side.

At the top, Madonna di San Luca rewarded us with panoramic sweeps of red roofs and hills. Rain arrived, fresh and cool.

The climb mirrors life, effort yields beauty. It's a fitting end to Bologna days.

A man in a teal shirt stands on an orange, curved staircase next to an old terracotta-colored building with arches and a dome. The sky is overcast.

Little tip: Wear sturdy shoes. The walk is nice on a Sunday morning.

If you are in the mood for something different, head into some of the same hills mentioned here on horseback with this experience.

Wrapping Up Our Bologna Adventure

Our two days before heading back home to Venice blurred porticos' shelter, food's warmth, history's echoes, night's pulse, and that hilltop view. Bologna proved an underrated gem, stirring reflections on travel's simple gifts...a shared whisper, a fresh tortellino, a rainy hike. We left wanting more, hearts full from Italy's hidden heart.

Ciao for now; more adventures await.

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A wide cityscape view shows densely packed red-roofed buildings in the foreground, several tall modern buildings in the background, and a flat landscape extending to the horizon under a cloudy sky. — *Grazie, Bologna!*