Why should I go to Bologna? | Top attractions | Food and Drinks | Accommodation | How to get around | Bologna in one day
WHY SHOULD I GO TO BOLOGNA?
Are you looking for a travel destination that’s not too crowded but still has a lot to offer? Look no further than Bologna, the capital of Emilia-Romagna.
Let’s start with the basics… The city has three names:
- La Dotta or the Learned as it is home to the oldest university in the Western world, which has produced many famous scholars, artists, and writers over the centuries.
- La Grassa or the Fat refers to Bologna’s rich culinary tradition – we call it la città del cibo or the city of food for a reason!
- La Rossa or the Red because of the city’s red-brick buildings, which were built during the medieval age using a special type of brick called mattone bolognese.
TOP ATTRACTIONS – Your Bologna Travel Guide
Believe me when I say Bologna has plenty to offer to visitors. Since it’s so close to home I’ve been several times, so let me show you my favorite spots in the city.
Portici di Bologna
Bologna’s portici, or porticoes, are another of the city’s symbols and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The porticoes make the city of Bologna truly unique. Built in the 1100s to accommodate the growth of the University, they have always been a place where people can socialize and trade. Take a stroll to the city, to admire the different types of porticoes. You’ll find 13th-century wooden ones, 14th-century semi-porticoes with columns called beccadelli, and much more, including the most famous portico and the longest in the world, leading to the Sanctuary of the Madonna of San Luca.
Le due Torri
First up is le due Torri, the two towers. These towers, la Torre degli Asinelli and la Torre Garisenda are the symbol of the city and are located in the center. The Asinelli family built the tower to protect the city and show their importance and influence.
According to the legend, a poor farmer working his fields found a lot of gold hidden underground thanks to his donkeys (asini or asinelli in Italian). For years he kept the treasure, only using small amounts to give better lives to his wife and son. Once older the son fell in love with the daughter of an important man in Bologna. They loved each other but the social differences between them were too great for them to marry. As a joke, the man told him he could marry his daughter only if he built the tallest tower in the city. So his father gave him the money and the construction of the Asinelli Tower began.
You can climb to the top of the Asinelli Tower, the taller of the two, for a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding area. Just make sure you reserve your spot online or at the info point in Piazza Maggiore, the main square.
Piazza Maggiore
Placed at the heart of the city, Piazza Maggiore is the main square in Bologna. It was built in 1200 to bring together various civic activities such as trade, business, and public services in one place. Today, this is the perfect spot for a coffee or gelato while taking in the beautiful architecture.
Fontana del Nettuno
This famous fountain is located in Nettuno Square, just a few minutes from Piazza Maggiore. The fountain represents the God Neptune (the Roman God of freshwater and the sea), which you can see surrounded by dolphins, mermaids, and cherubs. It was built to represent the Pope’s power. Like Neptune rules the sea from above, the Pope rules the world. Students believe that if you go around the fountain twice before each exam you will pass.
La basilica di San Petronio
Make sure you visit the San Petronio Basilica. Dating back to the 1300s, the church is dedicated to Bologna’s patron saint and is one of the most impressive buildings in the city. When you see it for the first time you might wonder why it’s incomplete. The legend says the project was to build the biggest church in the world, bigger than the San Pietro Basilica in Rome. The Pope didn’t want this to happen so he stopped the construction and encouraged the construction of Archiginnasio: the first official university in Italy.
In reality, according to historians the construction of the Basilica stopped due to a lack of funding since the citizens of Bologna were its only funders.
The inside is open for visitors at certain times of the day and I highly suggest admiring its many beautiful works of art and features.
L’Archiginnasio
This used to be the main building of the University of Bologna. At the time the pope wanted to create a central university and bring together all the smaller locations dispersed all over Italy. Now it is a cultural landmark and Bologna’s public library that is home to many fascinating exhibits and displays. Visitors can explore the building and learn more about the city’s history and cultural heritage.
Il Quadrilatero
Whether you’re interested in shopping or food, the Quadrilatero is the perfect place for you. Since the middle ages, this neighborhood has been one of the most characteristic in Bologna. It is home to a mix of traditional and modern shops and restaurants. Definitely a must-see for everyone visiting Bologna for the first time!
Le Sette Chiese or Basilica di Santo Stefano
This is one of the most interesting buildings in Bologna. San Petronio, at the time bishop of the city wanted to build seven churches (sette chiese) to represent the places of Christ’s passion, that’s where the name comes from. For everyone interested in Bologna’s religious history the Seven Churches complex is a must-see. It is home to many fascinating works of art and it represents the city’s evolution over the centuries.
Il museo civico archeologico
This museum is situated in the old Ospedale della Morte, hospital of death. The city archeological museum now features ancient artifacts from the region, from prehistory to the Roman age.
Il giardino Margherita
Named after Queen Margherita, this giardino, garden, is a large park with walking paths and scenic views. Perfect if you need a break from the city and want to spend some time surrounded by nature. And if you’re interested in the history of Bologna you can visit the Etruscan ruins discovered here during works at the park.
Santuario di Madonna di San Luca
The story says, in the 1100s it was originally a refuge used by two sisters, then joined by other young women looking for a quiet place to live in prayer. Only in the 1700s did the city start constructing the building we know today.
For an unforgettable experience climb the hill or take the funicular to the hilltop to visit this sanctuary and admire its beautiful architecture and artworks. And let’s not forget the panoramic view of Bologna!
Museo di Palazzo Poggi
Learn about the city’s contributions to science and medicine when you visit this museum about the history of the University of Bologna.
Piccola Venezia
Not many people know that in Piella Street you can find a small orange window and if you open it you can see a narrow canal that looks just like Venice. This is one of the most surprising things you’ll find in this city and you can’t miss it!
To make your trip easier consider buying a Bologna Welcome Card. There are two types: easy and plus. When you pay for these cards over the course of 15 days you can see many different places in the city and save money.
FOOD AND DRINKS
One of the city’s three names is la Grassa, the Fat. This is because of its rich cuisine, thanks to the university and all the different cultures it brought to Bologna. So follow along in this travel guide as I walk you through all the amazing dishes you can find in Bologna.
Friggione bolognese: this slow-cooked sauce made with onion and tomato is a popular side in Bologna, and its original recipe is preserved in the city’s Chamber of Commerce.
Mortadella di Bologna: this is Bologna’s most famous cured meat made with pork and pistachios.
Tortellini in brodo: these small, ring-shaped pasta filled with pork, egg, mortadella, prosciutto crudo, Parmigiano Reggiano, and nutmeg are traditionally served in meat broth.
Lasagna: the traditional recipe is made with thin sheets of pasta, ragù, a rich, meaty sauce made with beef, pork and tomato, a cheesy besciamella sauce, and lots of Parmigiano. This is a must-try in Bologna!
Tagliatelle al ragù: ragù is the perfect sauce for every kind of pasta, especially tagliatelle. The name comes from tagliare, to cut, because they are made by cutting thin sheets of fresh pasta.
Passatelli: this unique pasta is made with bread, Parmesan, and eggs with nutmeg and lemon. The result is long thick noodles that are cooked in broth.
Cotoletta petroniana: popular dish in Italy, cotoletta is a breaded and fried veal cutlet. In Bologna, it is served with a sauce made with wine and herbs, prosciutto crudo and Parmesan.
Torta di riso: this cake, also known as torta degli addobbi, cake of decorations, is a traditional dessert and was once made for Corpus Domini when people decorated their windows with red fabric.
ACCOMMODATION
Bologna offers many different options for stays. The most popular options are hotels or apartments, although you can find bed&breakfasts and a few hostels. I usually like to use Booking.com and Airbnb, or Hostelworld.
HOW TO GET AROUND
There are many options for transportation depending on your budget and needs when you’re visiting Bologna. Let me help you find the perfect one for your trip!
Walking
I think Bologna is the perfect city to explore on foot. It allows you to take your time, discover hidden gems and truly immerse yourself in the culture.
Public Transportation
If you’re staying in Bologna, you can easily use the city bus or tram to get wherever you need. And if you need to take longer trips outside the city, maybe to see towns nearby you’ll find trains and buses are the best option. I usually choose trains as they’re fast and connect all the major different cities and towns. Although I also tried some bus rides with Flixbus.
When I take longer trips, by bus or train, I like to buy my ticket online using Trainline.
Car Rentals
I don’t think it is necessary to rent a car if you’re staying in Bologna as you can get anywhere on foot or by bus. But if you would like to explore the surrounding area including more remote destinations, renting a car might be the way to go. Keep in mind that driving in Italy can be challenging because of narrow roads, limited parking, and aggressive drivers.
Taxis
As in most cities, you’ll be able to find taxis in Bologna. Taxis can be convenient in some cases but keep in mind they can get quite expensive.
Itinerary for a day in Bologna
Start your tour with the Two Towers, then head to Piazza Maggiore. During your walk admire the architecture and take in all Bologna has to offer. Don’t forget to find Neptune fountain when you’re in Piazza Maggiore. When you’re ready head to the Basilica of San Petronio, for a better experience I would suggest visiting the Basilica. Then head to the Quadrilatero where you can have lunch in one of the traditional restaurants. After lunch, you can visit the Seven Churches before heading to Giardini Margherita. Here you can relax and enjoy a walk surrounded by nature. When you’re ready head back to the city center, admire the porticoes, and finally have an aperitivo in Piazza Maggiore.
The entire itinerary is about an hour of walking. It allows you to see some of the main sights and take your time to enjoy the city.
Whether you’re in Bologna for a day or more, I hope this travel guide helped you make the most out of your trip!