Things to do in Bologna

Activities, attractions and tours

Bologna featuring heritage architecture, a square or plaza and outdoor eating
Bologna featuring heritage architecture, a square or plaza and outdoor eating
Bologna featuring heritage elements
Bologna which includes markets and food
Basilica of San Petronio showing interior views, religious aspects and a church or cathedral
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Most popular experiences in Bologna

Tours & day trips

See all 242 activities
From Bologna or Ravenna Guided tour of the Mosaics in Ravenna

From Bologna or Ravenna Guided tour of the Mosaics in Ravenna

Activity duration is 8 hours
9.6 out of 10 with 24 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is P 4,122 per adult
From Bologna or Ravenna Guided tour of the Mosaics in RavennaOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

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Daily Train SelfTour from Bologna: Fortress and Castle

Daily Train SelfTour from Bologna: Fortress and Castle

Activity duration is 6 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is P 7,557 per adult
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Adventure & outdoor

See all 12 activities
Ferrari Museum, Lamborghini Pagani Museums & Factory+Lunch

Ferrari Museum, Lamborghini Pagani Museums & Factory+Lunch

Activity duration is 9 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 3 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is P 31,601 per adult
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What to do in Bologna

Popular places to visit

BolognaFiere

BolognaFiere

Attend a conference or exhibition in the heart of historic Bologna at a sleek, modern and multipurpose center that hosts events throughout the year.

BolognaFiere
Bologna showing a city, heritage architecture and a square or plaza

Piazza Maggiore

Not only has this been the epicenter of Bologna since the 13th century, but it is also one of the largest and oldest squares in all of Italy.

Piazza Maggiore
Panorama view of Bologna Renato Dall'Ara Stadium from outside. Stadio Dall'Ara. Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy

Stadio Renato Dall'Ara

Catch an event at Stadio Renato Dall'Ara during your trip to Bologna. Discover the fascinating museums and shops in this walkable area.

Stadio Renato Dall'Ara
Bologna featuring heritage elements

Two Towers

A magnificent view over the medieval rooftops of Bologna’s city center is just reward for the arduous climb to the top of one of these ancient towers.

Two Towers
Ducati Museum featuring interior views

Ducati Museum

Get an insider perspective and discover the history and prestige of the iconic Ducati motorcycle at this museum and factory.

Ducati Museum
Basilica of San Petronio which includes religious elements, heritage elements and a church or cathedral

Basilica of San Petronio

See one of the largest churches in the world and learn the story behind its magnificent yet unfinished marble façade.

Basilica of San Petronio
Basilica Santo Stefano which includes a small town or village, heritage architecture and a square or plaza

Basilica Santo Stefano

Go for a stroll through this interconnected group of religious buildings, admiring the graceful architecture and valuable artwork in each.

Basilica Santo Stefano
Bologna \\ Via Indipendenza

Via Indipendenza

Find out about the history of Bologna when you spend time at Via Indipendenza. Check out the shops and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.

Via Indipendenza
Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca

Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca

Walk the world’s longest portico to reach this stunning church and catch some of Bologna’s best city and countryside views.

Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca

Areas of Bologna

Historic Center featuring heritage elements and street scenes

Historic Center

Historic Center is known for its popular shops, and you can see some sights in the area like Via Indipendenza and Teatro Auditorium Manzoni.

Historic Center
Chiesa di San Paolo in Monte

Santo Stefano

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

Santo Stefano
BolognaFiere featuring signage and modern architecture

Bologna Fiere District

Museums, historic sites, and gardens are just a few things travelers enjoy about Bologna Fiere District. Check out Parco Nord Arena or Caserme Rosse while you're exploring the area.

Bologna Fiere District
Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca

Saragozza-Porto

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

Saragozza-Porto
This is a photo of a monument which is part of cultural heritage of Italy. This monument participates in the contest Wiki Loves Monuments Italia 2015. See authorisations.

Bolognina

If you're spending some time in Bolognina, Teatro Testoni Ragazzi and Ippodromo Arcoveggio are top sights worth seeing.

Bolognina
Aerial video of Bologna city center at sunset, Emilia Romagna, Italy

San Donato-San Vitale

San Donato-San Vitale is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to FICO Eataly World or EuropAuditorium Theater.

San Donato-San Vitale
Panoramic view of the historical center with the towers, Bologna, Italy

Calderara di Reno

Adobe

San Lazzaro di Savena

Angera (VA), Italy - September 15, 2016: View of Rocca Borromea in Angera town, Angera, Maggiore Lake, Varese, Lombardy, Italy.

Castel Maggiore

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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