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

Eating Bologna Food & Wine Tour

Eating Bologna Food & Wine Tour

RM366
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Eating Bologna Food & Wine Tour
Tour with a tasting of the authentic Traditional Balsamic vinegar

Tour with a tasting of the authentic Traditional Balsamic vinegar

RM162
per adult
Tour with a tasting of the authentic Traditional Balsamic vinegar
Historic Center Walking Tour in Bologna

Historic Center Walking Tour in Bologna

RM116
per adult
Historic Center Walking Tour in Bologna
Bologna: Hands on Home Cooking Class

Bologna: Pasta Tagliatelle al Ragu Cooking Class with Wine

RM273
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Bologna: Pasta Tagliatelle al Ragu Cooking Class with Wine
Bologna Walking Tour with Audio and Written Guide

Bologna Walking Tour with Audio and Written Guide

RM32
per adult
Bologna Walking Tour with Audio and Written Guide
Food and Wine Experience in Bologna, Italy

Food and Wine Experience in Bologna, Italy

RM134
per adult
Food and Wine Experience in Bologna, Italy
Bologna Tortellini Cooking Class with Local Chef & Wine

Bologna Tortellini Cooking Class with Local Chef & Wine

RM393
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Bologna Tortellini Cooking Class with Local Chef & Wine
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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 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

Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Via Indipendenza to Piazza VIII Agosto – discover Historic Center, a destination also famous for its shopping.

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

Travellers come to Santo Stefano for its cosy coffee shops, and you can see top attractions like Basilica of San Domenico and Teatro Duse while you're in town.

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 historical 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

If you're spending some time in San Donato, EuropAuditorium Theater and Virtus Arena are top sights worth seeing.

A large, historic building with a prominent dome and multiple towers.

Saragozza-Porto

Saragozza-Porto is popular for its lively bars, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Villa delle Rose or Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca.

A historic town with a prominent tower, vineyards, and rolling hills.

Anzola dell'Emilia

A wooden table with a piece of cheese, a glass of red wine, and a honey dipper.

Granarolo dell'Emilia

Rolling hills, a valley, and distant mountains.

San Lazzaro di Savena

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 travellers 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 neighbourhoods, Historic Centre is 0.48 kilometres away from downtown, while Saragozza-Porto is 3 kilometres away from the centre 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 neighbourhoods, 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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