Things to do in Bologna

Activities, attractions and tours

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

Tour with a tasting of the authentic Traditional Balsamic vinegar

Tour with a tasting of the authentic Traditional Balsamic vinegar

P2,546
per adult
Tour with a tasting of the authentic Traditional Balsamic vinegar
Eating Bologna Food & Wine Tour

Eating Bologna Food & Wine Tour

P6,184
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Eating Bologna Food & Wine Tour
Bologna: Lamborghini Museum Guided Tour and Entry Ticket

Bologna: Lamborghini Museum Guided Tour and Entry Ticket

P1,819
per adult
Bologna: Lamborghini Museum Guided Tour and Entry Ticket
Ducati Museum Entrance Ticket

Ducati Museum Entrance Ticket

P1,528
per adult
Ducati Museum Entrance Ticket
Bologna Tortellini Cooking Class with Local Chef & Wine

Bologna Tortellini Cooking Class with Local Chef & Wine

P6,184
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Bologna Tortellini Cooking Class with Local Chef & Wine
Bologna: Open Bus City Tour and Local Food Tasting

Bologna: Open Bus City Tour and Local Food Tasting

P3,116
per adult
Bologna: Open Bus City Tour and Local Food Tasting
Lamborghini Museum Entrance Ticket in Bologna

Lamborghini Museum Entrance Ticket in Bologna

P1,455
per adult
74% of travellers recommend
Lamborghini Museum Entrance Ticket in Bologna
Picture 1 for Activity Bologna: Audio-Guided Archiginnasio Visit with Food Tasting

Bologna: Audio-Guided Archiginnasio Visit with Food Tasting

P1,964
per adult
Bologna: Audio-Guided Archiginnasio Visit with Food Tasting
Lamborghini

Lamborghini and Ferruccio Lamborghini Museums Entry Tickets

P2,728
per adult
Lamborghini and Ferruccio Lamborghini Museums Entry Tickets
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Top places to visit

1. 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.

2. 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 prominent clock tower and a large building with arched windows.

3. 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 cityscape with a prominent tower, dense urban buildings, and a clear sky.

4. 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.

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 modern building with a large red sign displaying numbers 15 and 14.

BolognaFiere

8.6/10 (558 reviews)
BolognaFiere hosts Italy's premier international trade fairs in its expansive, modern exhibition halls. Visitors can explore diverse events from art exhibitions to industrial expos throughout the year.
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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 bustling street with historic buildings, a prominent tower, and a tram.

Historic Center

Historic Center is known for its popular shops, and you can see some sights in the area like Via Indipendenza and Piazza VIII Agosto.

A courtyard with a central fountain, surrounded by brick arches and a patterned wall.
Photo by Pascual gargiulo (page does not exist)
Open Photo by Pascual gargiulo (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 Teatro Duse while in the area.

A calm lake with a wooden gazebo, ducks swimming, and people in the background.
Photo by Carlo Pelagalli
Open Photo by Carlo Pelagalli

Navile

Unique features of Navile include the museums and historic sites. Make a stop by Navile Shopping Centre or Ippodromo Arcoveggio 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 Villa delle Rose and Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca while in the area.

A historic city square with prominent towers, a cathedral, and a large dome.

Calderara di Reno

Rolling hills, a valley, and distant mountains.

San Lazzaro di Savena

A historic castle with multiple towers and a red-tiled roof, surrounded by lush greenery.

Castel Maggiore

A castle on a hill overlooking a valley with fields and distant buildings.

Zola Predosa

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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