Things to do in Bologna

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A street with outdoor cafes, a statue, and historic buildings.
A historic street with ornate buildings, a prominent tower, and pedestrians.
A bustling market street with vendors selling fresh produce and other goods.
A church interior with a golden statue, stained glass windows, and a red altar cloth.
A narrow cobblestone street lined with historic buildings, bicycles parked along the side, and a few pedestrians walking.

Things to do

Eating Bologna Food & Wine Tour

Eating Bologna Food & Wine Tour

￥15,643
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Eating Bologna Food & Wine Tour
Bologna: Open Bus City Tour and Local Food Tasting

Bologna: Open Bus City Tour and Local Food Tasting

￥7,913
per adult
Bologna: Open Bus City Tour and Local Food Tasting
Bologna: Luggage Storage in Stazione Centrale

Bologna: Luggage Storage close to Stazione Centrale

￥1,389
per adult
Bologna: Luggage Storage close to Stazione Centrale
7 days Self Guided AI Audio Tours to Bologna and all Italy

7 days Self Guided AI Audio Tours to Bologna and all Italy

￥1,838
per adult
7 days Self Guided AI Audio Tours to Bologna and all Italy
Tour with a tasting of the authentic Traditional Balsamic vinegar

Tour with a tasting of the authentic Traditional Balsamic vinegar

￥6,441
per adult
Tour with a tasting of the authentic Traditional Balsamic vinegar
Bologna City Highlights & Hidden Gems: Private & Custom Walking Tour

Bologna City Highlights & Hidden Gems: Private & Custom Walking Tour

￥20,636
per traveler
Bologna City Highlights & Hidden Gems: Private & Custom Walking Tour
Bologna Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour

Bologna Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour

￥1,286
per adult
Bologna Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour
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Bologna must see attractions

1. Piazza Maggiore

To visit Piazza Maggiore is to experience the essence of Bologna. In the Middle Ages, the city’s citizens gathered in the square to hear decrees, shop and barter for goods, and even witness executions. Today, enjoy the Italian pace of life and see some of Bologna’s most beautiful medieval buildings surrounding the square.
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A historic square with a large brick wall, a fountain, and classical architecture.

2. BolognaFiere

Historic Bologna meets cutting-edge modernity in BolognaFiere, a conference and exposition center with 21st-century facilities for major events. Come to the venue, also known as the Bologna Exhibition Centre, for a wide variety of events with an international array of guests and companies.
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A modern building with a large red sign displaying numbers 15 and 14.

3. Ducati Museum

The Ducati Museum, which is part of the Ducati headquarters, is dedicated to the history of this renowned Italian motorcycle company. In addition to checking out examples of various Ducati race bikes, visitors also get a glimpse of how Ducatis come together in the factory.
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A row of vintage racing motorcycles on display.

4. Two Towers

The Tower of Asinelli (Torre degli Asinelli) and the leaning Tower of Garisenda form Bologna’s emblematic Two Towers. Among the most striking architectural landmarks of the city, the monuments stand at an historic intersection that leads to the gates of Bologna’s old city walls. When you visit the Two Towers, climb to the lookout deck of the Tower of Asinelli for a bird’s-eye view of the city center.
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A historic European street with a prominent tower, ornate buildings, and a bustling pedestrian area.

5. Basilica of San Petronio

The Basilica of San Petronio is among the most important churches in Bologna and one of the city’s top attractions. Despite never being fully completed, the church is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture. It is dedicated to Bologna’s patron saint, San Petronio.
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A historic church with intricate facade and a tall bell tower.

What to do in Bologna

Stay near popular Bologna attractions

A historic square with a large brick wall, a fountain, and classical architecture.

Piazza Maggiore

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Bologna's historic heart beats in Piazza Maggiore, where medieval palaces frame the magnificent Basilica di San Petronio. As evening falls, join locals for aperitivo while the square glows golden under soft lights.
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Where to stay in Bologna

Find the best Bologna areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Bologna
Learn more about Bologna
A cobblestone street lined with historic buildings, a prominent tower in the distance, and outdoor seating areas with umbrellas.

Historic Center

Historic Center is known for its popular shops, and you can see some sights in the area like Via Indipendenza and Cattedrale di San Pietro.

A statue of a man with a trident, surrounded by smaller statues, in front of a historic building with arched windows and a brick facade.
Photo by BARBARA ZOLI (page does not exist)
Open Photo by BARBARA ZOLI (page does not exist)

Santo Stefano

Santo Stefano is known for its charming coffeehouses, and you can make a stop by Basilica of San Domenico and Galleria Cavour Shopping Center while in the area.

A calm lake with a wooden gazebo, ducks swimming, and people in the background.

Navile

Unique features of Navile include the museums and historic sites. Make a stop by Ippodromo Arcoveggio or Museum for the Memory of Ustica while you're exploring the area.

A historic brick tower with arched windows and a tiled roof.

San Donato

While visiting San Donato, you might make a stop by sights like EuropAuditorium Theater and Virtus Arena.

A large, historic building with a prominent dome and multiple towers.

Saragozza-Porto

Saragozza-Porto is known for its great bars, and you can make a stop by Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca and Stadio Renato Dall'Ara while in the area.

Popular day trips from Bologna

A historic square with a central open space, lined with buildings featuring arched walkways and red awnings.

Casalecchio di Reno

Frequently asked questions

Is Bologna worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in Bologna is explore Cattedrale di San Pietro. Check this major sight off your to-do list, then discover more of this area's dining and culture.
How do I spend a day in Bologna?
Start your adventures with a visit to Palazzo Albergati and Palazzo Fantuzzi. Then, check out different areas of Bologna for local dining and some retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Bologna?
The top tourist attraction in Bologna is Cattedrale di San Pietro, so make sure to include it on your itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Bologna?
You can easily tick off leading sights like Cattedrale di San Pietro, Teatro Duse and Bologna Museum of Modern Art with a three-day stay in Bologna. On average, most travelers plan two days here. There's plenty to see and do nearby too, so stay a while longer and head to Modena.
Is Bologna a walkable city?
That comes down to what you want to do and see in Bologna. Several key attractions, like Cattedrale di San Pietro and Teatro Duse, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a wander through some of Bologna's neighborhoods, Historic Center is 0.48 kilometers away from downtown, while Saragozza-Porto is 3 kilometers away from the center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Bologna with kids?
If you're searching for attractions and activities for all the family, here are some excellent ideas for what to do in Bologna with kids.
What to do in Bologna for adults?
Via Indipendenza and Via Zamboni are just a couple of the things to do in Bologna. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Bologna?
One of the simplest ways to learn about free things to do in Bologna is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider tips on hip neighborhoods, parks and other highlights you can enjoy without getting your cash out. Cattedrale di San Pietro is one place that doesn't have an admission fee.

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