Must SeeFree
Piazza Maggiore
Centro Storico
Bologna’s vast main square, surrounded by medieval palaces and the huge San Petronio basilica.
- Suggested time: 1 hr
- No booking needed
- Suits: Couples
Open-air; always accessible
Bologna
12 places, 9 of them free and 4 tours and activities. Arcaded streets, the oldest university and Italy’s food capital.
Plan your Bologna trip
- Flight + Hotel PackageRecommended Best option if you want the trip arranged together. View Packages Packages
- Hotels Prefer to book accommodation separately? View Hotels Hotels
- Flights Already have accommodation? View Flights Flights
- Things To Do Tours, attractions and experiences. View Activities Activities
Must See~£5
Two Towers
Centro Storico
A pair of leaning medieval towers, symbols of the city; climb the taller one for views.
- Suggested time: 1 hr
- Booking recommended
- Suits: Photographers
Daily, timed entry for the climb
Hidden GemsFree
Portico di San Luca Walk
San Luca
A 3.8 km covered walkway of nearly 700 arches climbing to a hilltop sanctuary.
- Suggested time: 2h 30m
- No booking needed
- Suits: Couples · Photographers
Open-air; always accessible
Shopping & MarketsFree
Quadrilatero Food Market
Centro Storico
Medieval lanes of delicatessens, bakeries and fishmongers beside the main square.
- Suggested time: 1h 30m
- No booking needed
- Suits: Food lovers
Monday–Saturday; Sunday limited
Culture~£5
Archiginnasio and Anatomical Theatre
Centro Storico
The original university building, with a beautiful wooden anatomy theatre.
- Suggested time: 45 min
- No booking needed
- Suits: Culture lovers
Daily, roughly 10:00–19:00
Shopping & MarketsFree
Mercato delle Erbe
Centro
A busy covered market where you can graze on fresh pasta, cheeses and local beer.
- Suggested time: 1 hr
- No booking needed
- Suits: Food lovers
Daily, roughly 7:00–midnight
Day Trips~£10
Modena Day Trip
Modena (40 km)
The home of balsamic vinegar and Ferrari, with a superb cathedral and market.
- Suggested time: Full day
- Booking recommended
- Suits: Couples · Food lovers
Trains run frequently from Bologna
NightlifeFree
Via del Pratello Nightlife
Pratello
A bar-lined street popular with students and locals, particularly lively on warm evenings.
- Suggested time: 3 hrs
- No booking needed
- Suits: Nightlife fans
Bars typically open evenings until late
Planning Bologna? 6 places to eat are one tap away.