Cover photo: Bologna · Nick.mon · CC0 · Wikimedia CommonsBologna wins you over with its endless porticoes, medieval towers, and a historic center buzzing with squares, workshops, and cafés. Between one visit and the next, the local cuisine gives you one more reason to linger and savor the city without rushing.
© Nick.mon · CC0 · Wikimedia CommonsThis is Bologna’s monumental heart, surrounded by historic palaces and dominated by the unfinished facade of San Petronio. Step inside the basilica to admire its chapels and famous sundial.
© Zurl92 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia CommonsThe Garisenda and the Torre degli Asinelli are the city’s most recognizable symbols and tell the story of its medieval past. They are not currently open to visitors inside: the Torre degli Asinelli is closed and the Garisenda is not accessible, so they can be admired from the outside, from the intersection of via Rizzoli and Strada Maggiore. For a view from above, consider alternatives such as the panoramic terrace of San Petronio, checking availability and access details on official channels first.
© Popolon · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia CommonsAlso known as the Seven Churches, this is an evocative cluster of religious buildings from different eras. The courtyards and interior spaces invite a peaceful visit, far from the pace of the main streets.
© Luca Borghi · Public domain · Wikimedia CommonsThe former seat of the University of Bologna preserves decorated halls and a famous wooden anatomical theater. It is an ideal stop for discovering the city’s long academic history.
© Alex.J.Collins · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia CommonsIt stands on Colle della Guardia and offers panoramic views over Bologna’s rooftops and the surrounding hills. The porticoed path connecting the sanctuary to the center is one of the city’s most distinctive routes.
From a first stroll to a week of discoveries. A starting point to make your own.
A walking route through the monuments of the center, the historic streets, and a break to taste Bolognese cuisine.
Dedicate the first day to the historic center, the second to museums and lively neighborhoods, and the third to the Sanctuary of San Luca and the hills.
Explore Bologna at a relaxed pace, among monuments, markets, museums, the portico of San Luca and the nearby hills. With more days available, Modena, Ferrara and Ravenna are possible train day trips, not included in the itinerary.
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The historic center is easy to explore on foot: the porticoes shelter you from sun and rain and link many of the main sights. For longer journeys, city buses are available; the train station is close to the center and makes it easy to reach other cities. To reach San Luca, you can walk up under the portico or check the public and tourist transport options available during your visit.
Spring and early autumn usually offer pleasant temperatures for walking and exploring the porticoes. Summer can be hot and humid, while winter is often cold and foggy. In any season, it’s worth checking the calendar of fairs, university events, and public festivals, which can affect accommodation availability.
To sample local specialties, explore the Quadrilatero and the streets around , where shops, markets, and trattorias alternate. Look for tagliatelle al ragù, tortellini in brodo, mortadella, and crescentine; for a casual lunch, the Mercato delle Erbe offers several options. At popular places, booking is recommended, especially in the evening and on weekends.
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Where to stay · Bologna
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Via dell'Aeroporto 34/36, Bologna
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Via Aristotile Fioravanti 27, Bologna
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Via Montebello 8, Bologna
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Via del Commercio Associato, 9, Bologna
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Viale Pietro Pietramellara 51, Bologna
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Via de' Carracci 69/14, Bologna
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Via Aurelio Saffi 40, Bologna
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Via Larga n. 4, Bologna
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Via Indipendenza 60, Bologna
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Via Stalingrado 82, Bologna
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Via Properzia dè Rossi snc, Villanova
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Via Michelino 73, Bologna
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Via Boldrini 4, Bologna
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Viale Lenin, 43, Bologna
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Via Pietramellara 41/43, Bologna
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Via Pilastro 2, Bologna
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Via Commercio Associato 3, Bologna
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Via Fratelli Rosselli, 14, Bologna
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Via F. Parri, 9, Bologna
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Via Indipendenza 51, Bologna
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Piazza della Costituzione 1, Bologna
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Via Bertiera 13, Bologna
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San Lazzaro di Savena
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Via Zamboni 16, Bologna
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