12 Unmissable Things To Do In Bologna, Italy

Located in Northern Italy, Bologna is a lively city that offers a wide experience in terms of culture, food, and beauty. Since it has a bolognese style of arched walkways, nice foods, and historical places to visit, I recommend it for art lovers, history lovers, and food lovers. 

1. A Visit Through the Famous Entrances

Covered porticoes are typical for Bologna, and there are several kilometers of them within the city center. Walking in the shade of the porticos, pop in and out of different stores and coffee shops in between. The outstanding porticos of Bologna are Quadrilatero, Palazzo dall’Archiginnasio and Palazzo dei Banchi.

2. Climb the Two Towers

The most famous and visited attractions in Bologna are the Two Towers, Tower degli Asinelli, and Tower di Garisenda. They can also go up nearly 500 steps of Torre degli Asinelli to get an exciting view of the city and countryside. It is possibly one of the most famous activities in the city and it remains the most recognizable symbol of the medieval ages in Bologna today.

3. Explore Europe’s Oldest University

Take a stroll through the student area and the premise of the University of Bologna established in 1088 CE to understand why it is recognised as the first university of the world. Take a bow under the times of the arcaded galleries built in the 13th century and wonder at the original Anatomical Theatre where they performed dissections in the 17th century.

4. Try Traditional Bolognese Cuisine

Last but not least, the pride and joy of Bologna would not be complete without the almighty tagliatelle bolognese. Try out true Bolognese meat sauce and pasta dishes that the area is renowned for. Osteria dell’Orsa at Mazzini 7, Da Cesari at Casale 7 and Drogheria della Rosa at Cesare Battisti 15 B are some of the suggested restaurants. So don’t forget to taste one of the most famous Bologna’s specialty – Mortadella sandwich, while walking around the city!

5. Shop at Quadrilatero: A Walking Tour

Decorator enthusiasts will find themselves spoilt for choice in the Quadrilatero district replete with luxury boutiques for the affluent population living in aristocratic buildings. Shop for accessories, shoes, jewelry, and clothes in beautiful portico-enclosed streets that are normally filled with leather products. You come across many businesses that were owned and managed by successive generations of the same families!

6. Besides, it is advisable to organize Day Trips to neighboring towns.

Considering Bologna’s location in the middle of the tourist trail, it is a perfect starting point for visiting other well-known cities. Go for day excursions to some of the cities such as Ferrara, Ravenna, Modena, or Parma where you can get to taste Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and balsamic vinegar.

7. Enjoy Craft Beers With Wine At Enoteca Italiana

Enoteca Italiana has one of the large collections of labels with over one thousand labels in stock to complement its Italian wines. Savor Italian reds and whites respectively and then head over to the bar of Le Stanze where there are over 100 taps that offer the best Italian beers.

8. Sanctuary of Madonna di San Luca hill.

Burrow through the longest continuous arcaded promenade in the world, which spans over 2.5km to get to this hilltop structure built in honor of the city’s patron saint. Take in breathtaking views over Bologna from below and be astonished by the painted ceilings inside the church and the museum on the premises. Visit the town in the year it celebrates in honor of the patroness from May 14 to 30 to witness the transfer of images of the Virgen María from the city proper to the shrine.

9. Appreciate Art in Museo Piazza Ognissanti & Museo d’arte moderna di Bologna

It may be preferable to visit Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna housing one of the most extensive art collections from the 13th to the 19th centuries and MAMbo of modern art, Bologna’s groundbreaking exhibitions.

10. Grocery Shop Mercato Delle Erbe.

Located in a covered market that is always abuzz, get your fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, cheese, and other excellent specialties at Mercato Delle Erbe. It is an old market hall originally established in the 1910s and the food stalls are still owned by the same families as the period. Make a picnic lunch under the porticoes or dine in the market with the food that you bought from the market!

11. Explore Hands-On Museums

From scientific museums to music, Bologna is home to these highly recommended and exclusive museums that are fun and can be enjoyed by children and adults. For instance, at Opkos Science Museum, visitors can entertain themselves by playing with optical illusions, creating music at the Museum of Music, and a variety of other options such as cinema history through the use of special effects at F.I.C.O Eataly World.

12. Enjoy the Tasteful Tour Around the City

What better way to bring together Bologna’s scrumptious dishes than by participating in a food tour? These are enriching tours that explore the other side of Bologna, starting with traditional food shops such as cheese and chocolate shops, moving up to tastings in a hundred-year-old food store, or learning how to make pasta and tortellini from scratch. Complete your gastronomical experience with wine or craft beer pairing between delicious courses in this food paradise!

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