EXPLORE A DESTINATION
and create lasting memories
Whether you are visiting for leisure, with more time to devote to the discovery of Bologna, or for business, with less time to experience the city, we can suggest how to make your stay more personal and memorable.
From art to food and from shopping to history, Bologna offers a true kaleidoscope of activities. The best way to catch the spirit of the city is to meander under the many porticoes that cover most of the historical center's sidewalks:
- a video from Bologna Welcome Website
- a video from The New York Times
- a video from an Australian travel agent network
- an article from the New Zealand Herald
As well as a calendar of events increasingly broad and full of news, permanent attractions are certainly fascinating for everyone.
Bologna's Tourism Office website, Bologna Welcome, is a great research tool for scouting out attractions and activities to experience during your stay.
Below are some of our own recommendations:
The historical center
Piazza Maggiore is the city's navel. This site offers a medieval atmosphere. Palazzo Comunale, St. Petronio's Basilica, Palazzo Re Enzo, and Neptune's statue all face each other.
Almost every summer evening, the entire Piazza Maggiore becomes a huge outdoor cinema with an interesting programme conceived and managed by Cineteca di Bologna.
You cannot miss Quadrilatero, the ancient quarter on the side of Piazza Maggiore full of historical shops and bistros.
Piazza Santo Stefano is one of the most fascinating squares of Italy (be sure to visit the Seven Churches). We love the narrow streets of the Ghetto, including the Hebraic quarter on the left side of the two towers which are a true iconic landmark of Bologna. Torre degli Asinelli (the tallest one) is a medieval tower that you can visit and take photographs of the red roofs of the city.
Do not miss the many museums and art galleries that conserve many historically well-known masterpieces, many of them by renowned artists. With the Bologna Welcome Card, visitors interested in art and culture can save money at many sites.
Food, Wine and Vinegar
Bologna is considered the food capital of Italy. To maintain this tradition, there are many schools, courses, and itineraries dedicated dedicated to experience our culinary specialties, such as tortellini, tagliatelle bolognese, lasagne, tortelloni, and mortadella.
Besides enjoying our wines (Pignoletto above all) in local wineries, we suggest making a trip to Dozza, a small village where the regional winery is located inside an old fortress.
Visitors can taste Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena, traditional vinegar by local producers (acetaie) in the area between Bologna and Modena.
Shops and Outlets
Bologna city center offers beautiful modern and historic shops, in particular Galleria Cavour, where major fashion brand shops are located. Around Bologna there are 2 main outlets:
- Barberino Designer Outlet, on the highway to Florence, about 45 mins.
- Castel Guelfo The Style Outlets, on the highway to Rimini/Ancona, about 30 mins.
Land of Motors (Motor Valley)
The home factories of worldwide renowned motor brands like Ferrari, Maserati, Lamborghini, and Ducati are all located between Bologna and Modena, no more than 30 minutes away. Visiting the museums and private collections of these brands will surely be worth the visit.
And also easily accessible...
Bologna is situated nearby many other wonderful cities you can easily visit on a daily trip.
From the Alta Velocità train Station, you can be in Florence in 35 mins, Milan in 60 mins, Venice in 90 mins, and Rome in 150 mins. There are 2 train companies to choose from: Trenitalia and Italo.
By car or train visitors should not miss Ravenna, famous for its byzantine mosaics. Renaissance capitals like Ferrara, Modena, Parma, Mantua (capital of Gonzaga dynasty) and Padua. During summer Verona is home to an amazing programme of operas in the Arena.
It takes about 2 hours by car to reach Lucca, Pisa and Siena, the scenic Chiantishire (San Gimignano, Monte Riggioni) and Cinqueterre.
Events in the foreground
Diverdeinverde
From May 25th until May 26th 2024
The event which opens gates and doors of about 30 of the gardens in the old town and the hills of Bologna. Access via the purchase of a card valid for three days, for all the gardens and planned events.
48 hours.... in Bologna
The new video about the destination by Lonely Planet
Go to the complete list of current events
See all events