Things to do in Bologna

All about Bologna

When to visit

Bustling Bologna has something going for it all year round. Its endless porticoes offer shade in the hot, humid summers and shelter in the cold, damp winters. Meanwhile, the local university—the oldest in Europe, founded in 1088—keeps the city thrumming with students from fall through spring. The city also hosts outdoor events in all four seasons, with concerts and film festivals in the warmer months and holiday markets and performances in the winter.

Getting around

Though Bologna has an excellent local bus system, most of the top sights in the city are clustered in the historic center and are easy to reach on foot. To get to the Sanctuary of the Madonna of San Luca, set on a hilltop almost 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) outside the city, walk the Portico di San Luca, a UNESCO-listed route said to be the world’s longest covered walkway. Alternatively, you can take the tourist train that departs from Piazza Maggiore and winds through the city’s historical center before climbing the hill to the sanctuary.

Traveler tips

Bologna has three nicknames, each indicating a different aspect of its culture that you can experience. It is known as “La Grassa” (The Fat) because of the city’s rich local cuisine, particularly the meat-stuffed tortellino pasta. Bologna is also called “La Rossa” (The Red) due to its terracotta-tiled roofs; scale the Asinelli Tower or head to the Sanctuary of the Madonna of San Luca to take in the view over these iconic rooftops. Finally, Bologna is dubbed “La Dotta” (the Learned) in honor of its historic university. Visit the university quarter to admire its medieval buildings and soak in the vibrant social scene.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bologna famous for?

Known as La Grassa (The Fat Lady), Bologna has long been a foodie mecca, but the city offers more than just unforgettable meals. This university town has a lively center where medieval towers and churches loom above student-packed cafes. Italy’s Motor Valley (home to Ferrari and Lamborghini) sits just outside the city.

What is there to do in Bologna?

It’s all about food in Bologna, and dining, tastings, and gourmet strolls draw most visitors. In addition to tucking into heaping plates of tortelloni, you can visit Piazza Maggiore and its San Petronio Basilica, climb the Two Towers for sky-high views, and dive into the historic university district.

Is Bologna worth a day trip?

Yes. Especially if you want to sample some of the best food in Italy or experience a city bustling with more residents than tourists. By train, Bologna is 40 minutes from Florence and less than 90 minutes from Venice, an easy respite from the hordes at those two destinations.

How many days do you need in Bologna?

You can see Bologna’s most important sights in a day, though you’ll need more time if you use the city as a base for visiting the automotive museums and factories in Motor Valley or for touring the nearby Food Valley to sample Parmigiano-Reggiano, prosciutto di Parma, and balsamic vinegar.

Is Bologna famous for Bolognese?

Yes. Though locals don’t call it Bolognese, which, in Italian, simply means anything or anyone from Bologna. Instead, order up a plate of tagliatelle al ragù to sample the city’s legendary ribbons of fresh egg pasta tossed in a rich meat sauce that’s been simmered for hours.

What can you do for free in Bologna?

With its endless network of porticoes (recently listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Bologna is a city made for wandering. You can follow the porticoed walkways from the city center all the way up to the hilltop Sanctuary of the Madonna of San Luca for views over the city.

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