The Perfect Bologna Itinerary: 3 Days in Italy’s Foodie Paradise

Bologna is the city at the heart of Italy's Emilia Romagna Region. After many trips all over Italy, I just recently visited Bologna, and I fell in love! The vibe is totally different from any other Italian destination I've visited, and I instantly regretted putting it off for so long. I hope to keep you from making the same mistake!

In this 3-day/2-night Bologna itinerary, I'll give you all the tips and tricks to visit Bologna thoroughly and on a budget. We'll hit the top tourist spots, explore incredible cathedrals, get some higher education, and fill our bellies with the most delicious food Italy has to offer.

Top Attractions in Bologna

• Piazza Maggiore: Bologna's Main Square, which is the heart of the city and home to the city's largest church- Basilica di San Petronio.
• Piazza del Nettuno and Salaborsa: Square with a famous 16th-century fountain of Neptune, sculpted by Giambologna. Salborsa is the public library, and you are free to enter. It boasts a glass floor revealing ancient Roman ruins beneath.
• Clock Tower: Centralized tower offering a bird's-eye view of Piazza Maggiore.
• Bologna's Leaning Towers: The symbol of Bologna, the two towers disconcertingly lean towards one another. You can climb to the top of Asinelli to enjoy incredible views.
• Sanctuary of San Luca: Hilltop basilicia with the world's longest portico at over 4 kilometers. Take the San Luca Express tourist train to visit the basilica with ease.
• The Seven Churches: Monument consisting of several ancient religious buildings with intriguing architecture and art.
• Museum of the History of Bologna: Get to know the city's history and art.
• Quadrilatero: Once the Medieval market area, the neighborhood is now full of cafes and gourmet shops. It's a great spot for an aperitivo, to try traditional Bolognese dishes, or to shop for local produce and cheeses.
• University of Bologna: The oldest university building still standing, visitors can view the Anatomical Theatre, Stabat Mater Hall, and the 6000 Coats of Arms at Palazzo dell'Archiginnasio.

The Perfect 3-Day Bologna Itinerary

Most travelers, if they visit at all, come to Bologna on a day trip, but it really deserves so much more than a day!

I've outlined my recommendation for a 3-day trip below. If you can only fit one day in Bologna, still come! Just adjust your itinerary to only visit the bolded items.

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of Bologna's City Center

Morning:

When you arrive, check into your hotel or store your luggage and head for Piazza Maggiore.

Piazza Maggiore is home to some of the most important buildings in the city. The tourist information office is also in Piazza Maggiore if you'd like to stop by for maps or information.

While you're here, buy your tickets (3 Euros) to climb Torre degli Asinelli.

Explore the gigantic Basilica di San Petronio. Keep an eye out for the longest indoor meridian line in the world which runs through the church. Started in the 14th century, the cathedral was famously never completed as you'll see with its half-marble cladding.

Step into Palazzo d'Accursio, the 13th-century town hall. It's home to the municipal art collections.

Move on to the adjacent Piazza Neptune to admire the gigantic fountain and pop into Biblioteca Salaborsa to see the ancient Roman ruins under the floor.

Continue down Via Independenza to the most important church in the city and the official Catholic seat, the Cattedrale Metropolitana di San Pietro. It's less impressive than San Petronio, but it has a more than 1000-year-old history and is laden with important works of art and religious relics.

The hours are tricky, but if it's open, climb the church's bell tower to get a fantastic view of Bologna City Center!

Morning Alternative: If touring the historic center on your own feels daunting, take a guided walking tour!

Afternoon:

Lunch: Take a short walk down Via de' Monari to one of the best delis in town, Mò Mortadella Lab. Their famous sandwiches are incredibly tasty and cheap.

Walk down Via Rizzoli and enjoy the market atmosphere on your way to the Two Towers of Bologna. Garisenda and Asinelli were once twins, but Garisenda is now much shorter.

Though it's been stabilized, it is quite lean and interesting to walk around. Climb the Torre degli Asinelli for panoramic views of the city.

Food Note: Pizzeria Due Torri is another great option for a cheap lunch. They're located just across from the towers on Str. Maggiore and offer huge slices with a view!

Evening:

Apperitivo: Wander Quadrilatero Market to try the famous cheeses. Savor the regional wines at Osteria del Sole, a 15th-century venue that's debatably the oldest bar in the country.

Dinner: Trattoria di Via Serra is known for its authentic Bolognese dishes. They offer large main dishes, beautiful pastas, and a reasonable price with a convenient location near the train station.

Spend the evening hours on a leisurely stroll. The “passeggiate” is an Italian tradition, and Bologna is beautiful under the lights.

Day 2: Art, Education, and Culinary Delights

Morning:

Breakfast: Start your morning with coffee and a pastry at the fun and funky ZanziBar Bologna near San Petronio.

Now that you're fueled, visit the Archiginnasio, one of the oldest classrooms in Europe. The famous anatomical theatre was controversially used to dissect corpses… a big no-no elsewhere in the 16th century. The admission fee is 3 Euros.

Stroll through Bologna's history at Basilica Santuario Santo Stefano-(Seven Churches). The complex includes a series of chapels, art museums, crypts, and shrines detailing the religious history of the city dating back to the 5th century.

Lunch: Fuel up on creamy zucchini risotto at Sfoglia Rina, you've got a big hike coming!

Afternoon:

The hilltop Santuario Madonna di San Luca offers a wonderful view of the city. The 3.8 km uphill walk traverses 666 porticos, the longest covered walkway in the world.

If that walk sounds too extreme, the San Luca Express leaves from Piazza Maggiore, and a round-trip ticket costs 12 Euros per adult, and 6 Euros for children (includes an audio guide).

Take a quick rest and get a drink at Serre dei Giardini Margherita in Bologna's largest park, Giardini Margherita. The old greenhouse is now a quirky bar with outdoor seating and some local art exhibits.

Evening:

Spend your evening gorging on Italian food. Take a food tour, or learn to make Pasta Tagliatelle Ragu & Spritz for yourself in this 4 pm cooking class you can book on Viator.

The three-hour course will fill you up with spritz, limoncello, local wine, and fresh pasta, as well as teach you an impressive new skill!

Day 3: Enjoy a Day Trip

You've explored the best of Bologna at this point. You could stay in the city and do an organized food tour or explore the many museums, but why not venture out to one of the nearby towns like Ravenna, Modena, or Parma? All three are less than an hour away by high-speed train.

Morning:

Breakfast: Have an artisanal coffee and pastry at Caffè Terzi.

Hop on the train to your chosen day trip destination. You could visit dozens of cities, but the easiest day trips from Bologna are:

Ravenna: Set on the Adriatic Sea, Ravenna is famous for its ancient and interestingly shaped cathedrals and public buildings that are decorated in rich murals. If you're an art buff or a beach bum, Ravenna is a great choice!

Parma: Just 45 minutes from Bologna, Parma is another foodie destination famed for it Parmigiano Reggiano and Prosciutto di Parma. It's also a hub for high art, and the glorious 1618 Teatro Farnese is a must-see!

Modena: This pastel wonder is not only enchanting, but it's home to the birthplace of the balsamic vinegar of the Emilia Romagna Region.

Foodies will want to make a reservation (months in advance) for Osteria Francescana, a Michelin restaurant voted best in the world… twice!

Evening:

Return to Bologna and enjoy live jazz and a glass of one of the more than 500 wine varieties served at Cantina Bentivoglio. If you skipped out on eating dinner, they also have a hearty menu of excellent food!

Why You Should Visit Bologna

Bologna's nickname “La Dotta, La Rossa, La Grassa” translates to “the educated, the red, the fat” and epitomizes Bologna's historical depth, striking medieval architecture, and profound culinary tradition.

Architecture

A wonderful city, with miles of arched porticos, bathed in reds, corals, and yellows… Bologna feels like stepping back to the Middle Ages!

In fact, the covered walkways of Bologna are so impressive that they've been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's also home to the oldest university in the Western World, which is still in operation today.

Traditional Food

Bologna is one of the best Italian cities for foodies, famed for its Bolognese ragu. It's known as the food capital of the country and is the prime place to get fresh pasta and peruse decadent cheese shops.

Minimal Tourism

In contrast to Venice or Florence, the large student population and lack of mass tourism give Bologna a lived-in feeling. You can sip your cappuccino in the morning under the ancient arches, surrounded by Italian grandpas, babies in strollers, and tired university students prepping for the day.

How to Get to Bologna

If you're coming from within Europe, you may get a flight directly to Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport. However, most international travelers will likely arrive in Milan or Venice. I prefer to fly into Venice, as getting from the Milan Airport to the city center to catch a train is a bit of a pain in my opinion.

Bologna Central Station is well-connected by high-speed trains from Florence, Venice, Rome, Milan, and other major cities. A trip from Milan or Venice is around €15 and takes 1.5 hours, with several trains running throughout the day.

Budget-friendly bus connections to the nearby cities of Ravenna, Padua, and Modena are also available through Flixbus. The bus and train station is about a 7-minute walk from Bologna Historic Center.

Getting Around Bologna

Navigating Bologna is fairly straightforward and you have a variety of options. I recommend varying your mode of transit over your stay so you get to see the city from all different angles!

Walking: Bologna is a very walkable city. The city center is compact and includes most of the major attractions.

If you prefer a guide to help you understand your surroundings, take a locally guided walking tour!

Bicycling: Bologna embraces a cycling culture and features numerous bike paths. Bike Rental Bologna is a highly-rated service with excellent equipment and convenient luggage storage. They will even drop off and pick up your bike!

If you want extra bang for your buck, check out this guided bike tour of Bologna!

Public Transportation: Bologna’s public transportation system (TPER) is efficient and easy to use. A single-use bus ticket costs €1.50 and is good for multiple trips over a 75-minute period.

Travel Tip: Purchase tickets at newsstands, tabaccherie (tobacco shops), or via the Muver app (which is very handy as it's in English). Ticket machines on the bus rarely work, and it's a bit more expensive.

Taxis and Car Rentals: Taxis are available at designated stands around Piazza Maggiore and Bologna Centrale, or call Cotabo (+39 051 372727). Uber Black and appTaxi also work in the area (if you have a local SIM – I actually love and recommend getting an eSIM that works across Europe).

Driving in Bologna: Is challenging due to limited parking and ZTL zones (limited traffic zones). I don't recommend it for a short itinerary.

Where to Stay in Bologna

Finding a fabulous home for a few days in Bologna is easy. From modern apartments to cute boutique hotels, the city is loaded with acceptable accommodations.

Disclaimer: Prices in Bologna vary significantly based on season and how early you book. I highly recommend booking your accommodation at least six months in advance!

Luxury: Grand Hotel Majestic gia' Baglioni – Stunning 5-star hotel in the city center ~ US$700

Mid-range: Frame Bologna – Spacious private rooms with balconies, sitting areas, kitchen facilities, and an excellent location ~ US$180

Budget: Albari House – Modern and simple rooms with a central location ~ US$103

Apartment Option: Piazza Maggiore Luxury Apartment-Modern, clean, and spacious apartment in Central Bologna ~ US$250

What to Eat in Bologna

As the gastronomy capital of the country, Bologna is one of the best food destinations to experience traditional Italian cuisine!

Whether you peruse the traditional restaurants, visit a food court, or take a cooking class, Bologna is all about the eats! With only a few days in Bologna, you're going to need some stretchy pants to fit these all in.

• Tortellini in Brodo: Traditionally served in savory beef broth. Every year, the Tortellini Festival brings together 20 top chefs for a pasta cook-off!

• Passatelli in Brodo: A wormlike pasta made of breadcrumbs, parmesan, and eggs, served in a beef broth.

• Aceto Balsamico di Modena: A thick, syrup-like balsamic vinegar made exclusively in Emilia Romagna and aged for 25 years in wooden barrels.

• Friggione: A slow-cooked soup of onions and tomatoes, served with the favorite local bread appetizer – crescentina.

• Tigelle: Sandwich made of cured meats and cheeses, served on round, soft discs and grilled on a tigella (iron griddle).

• Mortadella: Bologna's favorite meat is an emulsified pork sausage flavored with various ingredients like black pepper or pistachio.

• Squacquerone: Local cheese made of fresh, cow milk. This creamy, soft cheese is to die for, and it's hard to find elsewhere.

• Lambrusco: The region's sparkling red wine.

• Pignoletto: The region's white wine is made from the “grechetto” and comes in sparkling and still versions.

• Parmigiano Reggiano: The region's famous king of cheese can take years to make and is used in multiple dishes.

Quick Travel Tips for Bologna

• Get your Asinelli Tower ticket early- only a limited number of visitors can climb the tower at once.

• If you love museums, get the Bologna Welcome Card. It includes museum entrances, the Clock Tower, the San Luca Express, and a historical walking tour.

• Cathedrals in Bologna have a strict dress code. Cover your shoulders and knees. If you forget, there are local vendors selling cheap scarves nearby, or you can sometimes purchase a paper one at the entrance.

Bologna Itinerary – Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bologna worth visiting?

Bologna is absolutely worth visiting for its cooking classes, famous porticos, and leaning towers. It's a walkable city with an ancient and rich history, home to the oldest university in the West and some of Italy's finest cuisine.

How many days is perfect for Bologna?

Most tourists visit Bologna on a day trip. While you can see the major spots in a few hours, for a fully immersive tour, I recommend at least two full days in Bologna. With three days, you'll have time to take a day trip to Parma or Modena!

Is it safe to walk around Bologna at night?

Bologna is generally considered safe. The University District and the area around the train station can get loud at night, but the overall crime index is low. As always, stay in well-lit areas and be mindful of pickpockets.

Bologna Itinerary – Final Words

With its famous Two Towers, miles of charming porticos, and some of the best food tours on Earth, Bologna is the perfect base for your Northern Italy tour. Take my advice and spend at least a day in this historically and culturally rich city.

Even better, jump in and really indulge yourself with a full 3-day Bologna itinerary. You won't regret spending one moment in this authentic Italian city!

For more must-see Italian destinations, check out our new article on where to stay in Pisa!

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