19 Best Things to Do in Bologna (Italy’s Food Capital!)
Lovingly nicknamed “La Grassa” (“The Fat One”), Bologna is the food capital of Italy. If you’re a foodie like me, you’ll be happy to know that many of the best things to do in Bologna involve eating…
Between touring Bologna’s food factories to learn how Parmigiano Reggiano and real balsamic vinegar are made, going on food walking tours, and taking cooking classes in locals’ homes, take my advice. Come hungry… and wear your stretchiest pants!
Beyond amazing food, Bologna has a lot more to offer. Also known as “La Rossa” (“The Red One”) and “La Dotta” (“The Learned One”), Bologna is made up of beautiful red-brick buildings and home to Europe’s oldest university – founded in 1088!
From strolling under the Portici di Bologna and visiting the leafy Sanctuary of San Luca to exploring the ancient Santo Stefano church complex, you’ll be surprised by how many interesting things there are to do in Bologna (in between meals, of course).
And, best of all, you can easily add Bologna to your Northern Italy itinerary. Pair Bologna with my 2-day Venice itinerary and my 3-day Florence itinerary, since both cities are an hour away by train!
I recently spent one delicious week uncovering all the best things to do in Bologna (and it quickly became one of my favorite places in Italy).
In this Bologna travel guide, I’ll share my top findings – from foodie activities and unforgettable Bologna restaurants to historic sites and hidden gems! Andiamo.
Bologna Things to Do: A Quick Summary
Short on time? Here are the best things to do in Bologna!
Top 3 Bologna activities (non-negotiables):
Other Foodie activities:
Must-see HisTORICAL Sites and activities:
- Stroll under the Porticoes of Bologna
- People-watch in Piazza Maggiore
- Visit the Basilica di San Petronio
- See Neptune’s Fountain
- Climb the Torre dell’Orologio for views of the city or;
- Visit Bologna Cathedral and climbing the bell tower
- Explore the Santo Stefano Religious Complex
- See Le Due Torri (The Two Towers)
- Visit the Medieval Civic Museum, National Art Gallery of Bologna, or MAMbo
- Go on a Sports Car Factories & Museums Tour from Bologna
- Admire panoramic views of the city from Santuario di San Luca – I went on this Bologna e-bike tour
Best Hotels in Bologna:
Best Foodie Things to Do in Bologna
Most of the best things to do in Bologna revolve around food. (Yep, this is my kind of place.)
If you love food like I do, then plan to spend up to 5 days in Bologna; that way, you’ll have time to the city’s best bites on a Bologna food tour, learn to make pasta in a local’s home, tour food factories in the wider Emilia-Romagna region, and more.
1. Go on a Food Walking Tour
Since Bologna is the food capital of Italy, going on this Bologna Walking Food Tour should be at the top of your Bologna to-do list. In my opinion, this is a non-negotiable introduction to Bolognese culture!
Ragù alla bolognese? Fresh tagliatelle pasta? Tortellini? Tortelloni? Gramigna alla salsiccia? Parmigiano Reggiano? Prosciutto di Parma? Balsamic vinegar from Modena? Mortadella? Torta di riso? Local wine? Gelato? Yes, please.
On this Bologna Food Tour, you’ll see, learn about, and taste all those artisanal food products and dishes (and more!) as you explore the historic center on foot.
I go on a lot of food tours, but truly, this tour is one of the best I’ve experienced. Bologna’s local food culture is so rich. There’s so much to discover. And so many nuances and variations to understand.
Our guide was a Bolognese food encyclopedia, and the seven stops we made (at different bottegas, cellars, markets, and eateries) felt truly authentic and local. And, it goes without saying, but everything we ate and drank was delicious!
2. Go on a Food Factory Tour
If you have more than one day in Bologna, do not miss this Bologna Food Factory Tour Experience. Yes, it’s a little pricey. But, if you’re a foodie, you’ll cherish this experience for the rest of your life. I had the best day ever!
During this Bologna Food Factory Tour (with Family-Style Lunch), you’ll set out into the Emilia-Romagna countryside to tour three factories that produce Italy’s most iconic, beloved food products:
- Parmigiano Reggiano D.O.P. (Parmesan cheese)
- Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena D.O.P. (balsamic vinegar from Modena)
- Prosciutto di Parma D.O.P. (Parma ham)
Touring the three factories, seeing how the products are made (from start to finish!), learning how products become D.O.P. (Protected Designation of Origin) certified, and meeting the passionate producers is an unforgettable experience.
READ MORE: I wrote an comprehensive article about my Bologna Food Factory Tour experience.
But breakfast at the balsamic factory? It’s complete with pastries, little sandwiches, tastings of different cheeses, cured meats, espresso, and wine… And the to-die-for family-style feast at the prosciutto factory? It overflows with local Emilia-Romagna wine, antipasto platters, fresh pasta (like tagliatelle al ragù alla bolognese, gramigna con salsiccia, and ricotta tortelloni with sage butter!), and tiramisù.
It’s hard to say which part of this experience was my favorite!
3. Eat & Shop in the Quadrilatero
Next up, it’s time to roam the Quadrilatero neighborhood: one of Italy’s oldest marketplaces.
Since the Middle Ages, Bolognese people have flocked here to shop and trade; ancient street names like Via Pescherie Vecchie (Old Fish Market Street) prove it!
These days, the Quadrilatero – which borders the Piazza Maggiore – features narrow, bustling alleys lined with salumerias, veggie stalls, fishmongers, wine shops, and bottegas slinging artisanal goodies. It’s a beautiful sea of vibrant produce, delicious aromas, and local grannies shopping for carrots to make soffritto.
Not to mention, there are plenty of lively cafés and bars, bakeries selling typical breads like crescente, crescentina (A.K.A. tigelle), and piadina romagnola, and trattorias offering tagliatelle alla ragù and steaming bowls of tortellini in brodo. Talk about a foodie’s dream!
GOOD FIND: Within the Quadrilatero, Osteria del Sole is a can’t-miss Bolognese institution. Since 1465, locals have frequented this budget-friendly, BYO, Bolognese-style osteria (tavern). You bring the food, they pour the wine, and everyone has a good time. So stop by a deli, source some local cured meats and cheese, then head to Osteria del Sole and order a glass of organic Lambrusco!
4. Take a Cooking Class in a Local’s Home
Have you ever taken a cooking class in a local’s home kitchen? I hadn’t, until I booked this Small-Group Pasta and Tiramisù Class.
I usually prefer classes in commercial-style kitchens… But being welcomed into Luciana’s lovely home, spending time in her kitchen, and learning her (A.K.A. her nonna’s) techniques was far more intimate, authentic, and all-around special.
The cooking class kicked off with prosecco and some nibbles, followed by Luciana’s absolute masterclass in making and rolling out the sfoglia (egg pasta dough) the Bolognese way. It is NOT easy, but she made it look effortless.
With our dough, we made farfalle (bowtie pasta) to serve with ragù alla bolognese and ricotta-stuffed tortelloni to serve with sage-butter sauce. Of course!
Then, we whipped up some egg yolks, folded in the mascarpone, dipped ladyfingers in espresso, and layered up our classically delicious tiramisù for dessert.
And, finally, came the fabulous feast of our labor. Plenty of grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. And more wine! The result will have you making fresh, homemade pasta in your own kitchen!
If you’re looking for a fun and authentic Bolognese-style cooking class, this is it! Once you book, you’ll be connected with the local home cook who will host you.
6. Stop by Bologna’s Best Cocktail & Wine Bars
I already mentioned that Bologna is a youthful, lively, and dynamic university town. So, naturally, Bologna’s bar scene is thriving – especially in neighborhoods like Ghetto Ebraico, Santo Stefano, and the University District.
Whether you’re after a chic natural wine bar, an al fresco afternoon spritz, or a post-dinner negroni, I’ve got you covered. Add Bar Volare, Bivio, Osteria del Sole, Camera a Sud, Agnolo B, Casa Minghetti, and Ruggine to your to-do list!
7. Explore Bologna’s Best Food Markets
And of course, a gastronomic journey through Bologna wouldn’t be complete without browsing the city’s best food markets:
- Mercato di Mezzo: Also known as The Middle Market, this market near Piazza Maggiore dates back to medieval times and became Bologna’s first-ever covered market. More of a trendy food court than a market nowadays, it’s lined with food stalls selling plates of fresh pasta, antipasto platters, craft beer and wine.
- Mercato delle Erbe: Bologna’s largest indoor market, the historic Mercato delle Erbe (Herb Market) offers the best of both worlds: plenty of stalls selling fresh produce, cold cuts, cheese, and wine, alongside eateries serving pasta, pizza, cocktails, and more. This one is my favorite!
- Mercato Ritrovato: This outdoor “slow food” farmers’ market, which takes place on Saturday mornings and Wednesday evenings at the Cineteca of Bologna, features local producers selling everything from cheese, fresh seafood, organic veggies, and craft beer, to baked goods, handmade pasta, and honey.
- Mercato Albani: This local market is where real Bolognese people shop for fresh produce and eggs to make tortellini dough. In other words, it’s the complete opposite of the modern and touristy Mercato di Mezzo.
Best Things to Do in Bologna for History & Culture
I could go on about Bolognese food all day… But there are plenty more amazing things to do in Bologna!
Bologna is cool, young, lively, fun, and super walkable. It feels a little gritty. Lived-in. And meanwhile, it’s so lovely. Steeped in rich history. Unapologetically authentic. And, when it comes to tourism, Bologna is totally underrated.
Let’s cover Bologna’s medieval history, amazing churches, museums, modern art, street art, and architecture.
8. Go on a Historical Walking Tour of Bologna
Bologna’s history can be traced back roughly 3,000 years! Since then, the Etruscans, the Boii (a Celtic tribe), and the Romans have called this area home…
And, in 1088, Bologna earned the nickname “La Dotta” (“The Learned One”) for opening what’s now considered the oldest continuously operating university in the Western world. Pretty amazing!
While in Bologna, this 2-Hour Bologna City Walking Tour is a must-do. It provides much-needed background knowledge of Bologna’s history and culture – without droning on for too long!
During my tour, we learned about the many landmarks in the Piazza Maggiore, toured the inside of the Basilica of San Petronio, explored the Quadrilatero neighborhood, and more.
Book your Bologna City Walking Tour.
9. Stroll Under the Portici di Bologna
The city’s most-loved and iconic architectural features are the Portici di Bologna (Porticoes of Bologna). These grand covered walkways make up roughly 38 miles (62 kilometers) of the city’s sidewalks – while 12 specific stretches have been dubbed UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
As you roam Bologna’s historic city center, you’ll appreciate the walkways’ beautifully tiled floors, decorated columns, and vaulted ceilings – especially when it’s raining!
10. Walk (or E-Bike!) up to the Santuario di San Luca
One of the absolute best things to do in Bologna is to walk along the 2.4-mile (3.8-kilometer) Portico di San Luca – the longest covered walkway in the world – up to the Santuario di Madonna di San Luca (Sanctuary of the Madonna of San Luca). This beautiful 18th-century basilica is an icon of Bologna, nestled atop a leafy hill called Colle della Guardia.
The pilgrimage features plenty of stairs and a steady incline, but the views of the city center and the surrounding forested Apennine Mountains are well worth the effort!
Go early to avoid crowds and heat. And bring some water!
ANOTHER IDEA: Instead of walking, I went on this Guided E-Bike Tour of Bologna. With my guide, I e-biked from the city center, along the Canale di Reno, and through green spaces, until we reached the Sanctuary of San Luca. Afterward, we stopped by a local bar for typical Bolognese Apennine snacks, wine, and gelato. It was such a fun way to see Bologna!
11. People-Watch in the Piazza Maggiore
Dating back to 1200, Bologna’s central square, the Piazza Maggiore, is one of Italy’s largest and oldest piazzas.
This grand, bustling square is lined by the beautiful Basilica di San Petronio and multiple palaces: the Palazzo dei Notai, Palazzo d’Accursio, Palazzo del Podestà, and the Palazzo dei Banchi. It’s the perfect place to people-watch over gelato or an aperitivo.
Note: You’ll visit the Piazza Maggiore and learn all about its historical significance (and share secrets via the Whispering Walls!) during your Historical Walking Tour of Bologna.
12. Visit the Basilica di San Petronio
The Basilica of San Petronio towers over the Piazza Maggiore, at over 150 feet tall! It took over 150 years to construct, too. But, after all that time, the main façade still remains half-finished. The beautiful white and soft pink marble tiling only encompasses the first 50 feet, giving way to Bologna’s signature red-brick look.
Not just another church, inside you’ll find the longest meridian line in the world, created by 16th-century astronomer Giovanni Domenico Cassini.
NOTE: I visited this church and learned all about its construction, the sundial, and details about the frescoes and stained-glass windows during this 2-Hour Historical Walking Tour of Bologna. I highly recommend you do the same!
MADDY’S TIP: Shoulders and knees must be covered to enter. Dress accordingly, or bring a lightweight scarf to cover up!
13. See the Fontana del Nettuno
Located in the Piazza del Nettuno, a stone’s throw from the Piazza Maggiore and the Basilica di San Petronio, the Fontana del Nettuno is a must-see.
After Bologna was incorporated into the Papal states in the early 16th century, Pope Pius IV commissioned Renaissance sculptor Giambologna to create Neptune’s Fountain, a bronze and marble masterpiece – which is as impressive as it is provocative… Just wait until you see it up close: “lactating” mermaids, optical phallic tricks, and all!
14. Climb the Torre dell’Orologio
The Palazzo d’Accursio (Municipal Palace) is Bologna’s original city hall. It features large vaulted archways, beautiful marble floors, wide staircases fit for horses, and a grand medieval clock tower, the Torre dell’Orologio.
Torre dell’Orologio is worth climbing for unmatched views overlooking the Piazza Maggiore and the rest of the city – especially since Asinelli Tower is closed indefinitely!
A ticket to climb the clock tower costs €10, but it also includes entrance to the palace’s Municipal Art Collections. Reserve your Torre dell’Orologio climb time or miss out!
15. Explore the Santo Stefano Religious Complex
The Santo Stefano Religious Complex – often referred to as the “Sette Chiese” (or “Seven Churches”) – is one of the oldest sites in modern Bologna, constructed between the 5th to the 13th centuries.
Wander around this serene, maze-like spiritual complex and find an intriguing patchwork of construction methods, architectural styles, chapels, quiet courtyards and cloisters, mosaic tiles, religious statues and frescoes, ancient rooms, and dark vaults. Best of all, entry is free/by donation.
After, hang out in beautiful Piazza Santo Stefano – one of my favorite places to enjoy an al fresco aperitif over some people-watching.
16. See Le Due Torri (The Two Towers)
Le Due Torri are Bologna’s most famous remaining medieval towers. And they’re leaning, big time! (Today, 20 towers still stand, but in the 13th century, there were more than 100!)
Constructed between 1109 and 1119, the 319-foot (97-meter) Torre degli Asinelli (Asinelli Tower) is the tallest leaning medieval tower in the world. The shorter tower, with a greater lean, is called Torre della Garisenda (Garisenda Tower).
Until late 2023, visitors could climb Asinelli Tower for panoramic city views. But since Garisenda Tower is now on the verge of collapse (and the race is on to save her!), the towers are closed until further notice.
You can still admire the towers safely from below, though!
Note: You’ll see these towers during your Bologna Highlights City Walking Tour!
17. Tour Sports Car Factories in “Motor Valley”
Have time for another day trip? If you’re a sports car enthusiast, then visiting Motor Valley is a must.
During this Sports Car Factories & Museums Tour from Bologna, you’ll visit the Ferrari Museum, the Lamborghini Museum and Factory, and the Pagani Museum and Factory in one day.
You’ll learn about these cars’ history and production, experience what it’s like to be a Formula 1 driver in an F1 simulator, and you can even upgrade to drive a Ferrari or Lamborghini on the racetrack or road! Lunch, expert guides, and all transportation to/from Bologna are included too.
Book the Sports Car Factories & Museums Tour from Bologna. 🚗
18. Stop by the Bologna Cathedral
The baroque Bologna Cathedral (A.K.A. the Cattedrale Metropolitana di San Pietro) is big, bold, beautiful, and dates back to the 10th century. As the main place of worship for Bolognese locals, it’s worth a stop as you stroll down Via Indipendenza – especially to climb the bell tower!
Climb the Bell Tower
At 230 feet tall, Campanile della Cattedrale di San Pietro has been standing since the 15th century; it’s the tallest tower in Bologna open to the public.
As you can imagine, the captivating views of “La Rossa” are worth the many stairs and the €5 donation! However, the tower is only open on Saturdays (and sometimes Sundays) from roughly 2:00 PM.
If you go, look out for “La Nonna (“The Grandma”), the tower’s 14th-century, 7,000-pound bell; ringing her, along with the cathedral’s three smaller bells, requires a team of 23 people!
19. Visit a Museum
If you have extra time, Bologna is home to a handful of interesting museums worth visiting:
- Medieval Civic Museum (Museo Civico Medievale)
- National Art Gallery of Bologna (Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna)
- MAMbo (Museo d’Arte Moderna di Bologna)
Where to Stay in Bologna, Italy
I recommend booking a hotel in Bologna’s historic center, within easy walking distance of the Piazza Maggiore (the main square). Here’s my curated list of the best hotels in Bologna!
How to Get to Bologna, Italy
Bologna is well-connected by trains, buses, and planes… So you’re almost obligated to add it to your Northern Italy itinerary!
- VIA TRAIN: You can easily take a direct, high-speed train to Bologna Centrale station from other hubs like Milan, Florence, Venice, Verona, or Rome. If you’re already in Emilia-Romagna, you can take a regional train straight to Bologna from nearby destinations like Parma, Modena, Reggio Emilia, Ravenna, and Rimini. The best way to check train timetables and purchase tickets is via Trenitalia’s website or mobile app.
- VIA AIRPLANE: If you’re flying into Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport, the best way to get to your hotel in Bologna’s city center is via taxi, which will cost roughly €20-30.
Bologna, Italy: Travel FAQs
Yes! I can’t recommend visiting Bologna enough. In my opinion, it’s the most underrated city in the country. Between taking a cooking class, going on a walking food tour, visiting food factories in the Emilia-Romagna region, dining at incredible restaurants, drinking at lively wine bars, and browsing artisanal food shops and ancient markets, Bologna is a must-visit city for foodies! It’s the food capital of Italy, after all. Bologna is also home to fascinating historic sites, including Europe’s oldest university, the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca, the municipal palace, and the Piazza Maggiore. There are so many things to do in Bologna that a 3-day visit is well worth it!
Bologna is best known for its incredible food culture! So much so, Bologna is lovingly nicknamed “La Grassa” (which means “The Fat One”). As the food capital of Italy, this city overflows with fabulous fine-dining restaurants, traditional trattorias, cool wine bars, artisanal food markets, and food-focused activities (like cooking classes and food tours). Some of Italy’s most-loved dishes and food products come from Bologna (and the surrounding Emilia-Romagna region), including ragù alla bolognese (bolognese sauce), lasagna bolognese, fresh and homemade pasta, Parmigiano Reggiano (Parmesan cheese), mortadella, balsamic vinegar from Modena, and Prosciutto di Parma (Parma ham).
Only have one day in Bologna? Looking for the ultimate one-day Bologna itinerary? Start by taking this Bologna food tour to learn about the city’s rich culture through food; you’ll visit many different restaurants, markets, and artisanal food shops to taste authentic and traditional Bolognese cuisine.
Next, explore the medieval city center on foot, stopping by sites like the Piazza Maggiore, the Basilica di San Petronio, the two leaning towers, and the ancient Santo Stefano complex of seven churches. I highly recommend booking this historical walking tour to learn all about the city’s rich history.
As you explore “La Rossa” (“The Red One”), snap plenty of photos of the beautiful red-brick buildings and stroll under the portici (covered walkways/porticoes). If you have time, visit Parco Giardini Margherita, Bologna’s most popular urban park. Then, walk under the Portico di San Luca, up to the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca. This is one of the top things to do in Bologna!
And, finally, head to one of Bologna’s best restaurants for dinner (with a reservation). My top recommendations are Vicolo Colombina, Osteria dell’Orsa, Donatello, and Zerocinquantello Osteria.
