10:00

Piazza Maggiore and the surrounding area

Start at Piazza Maggiore and take in the buildings that define its perimeter, including Palazzo d’Accursio and Palazzo del Podestà. Allow about 45 minutes for the square and nearby streets: the exterior visit is free and helps you get your bearings in the center.

Events in the square may change access and routes; check any local notices.

10:50

Basilica of San Petronio

Go inside the basilica, if it is open to the public, to appreciate its size, chapels and sundial. Allow about 45–60 minutes; any contributions or entry conditions vary and should be checked on official channels.

The basilica is a place of worship: respect the guidance on clothing, photography, and ceremonies.

12:00

Archiginnasio of Bologna

Reach the Archiginnasio with an approximately 5-minute walk and visit the courtyard and the accessible rooms. The Anatomical Theatre and the other visitable areas may require a ticket of roughly €3–10, with availability and arrangements to be checked before you go.

Allow 45–60 minutes and check the official opening hours, especially on public holidays.

13:15

Lunch in the Quadrilatero

In about 5 minutes on foot, you’ll reach the Quadrilatero, among the streets of the historic market and the food shops. Stop for an informal lunch with fresh pasta, cured meats, or a daily special: budget around €15–30 per person, as a rough estimate.

At midday, some streets and businesses can be crowded; compare menus and displayed prices before ordering.

14:45

Walk through the market streets

Spend another hour in the streets of the Quadrilatero, taking in the shop windows and food stalls at a leisurely pace. The walk is free; purchases and tastings have variable costs, to be checked directly with the vendors.

For a quieter visit, move away from the busiest streets and continue toward Piazza della Mercanzia.

16:00

Two Towers: exterior view

Continue on foot for about 5–10 minutes to the Two Towers and admire the Torre degli Asinelli and the Garisenda from the outside. Torre degli Asinelli is closed and the Garisenda cannot be visited: don’t plan on climbing them; allow about 20–30 minutes for the area and the ground-level views.

For more information on the history of the towers, consider visiting the Museum of the History of Bologna, checking opening hours and ticket prices first.

17:00

Arcades and a break in the city center

Head back toward Piazza Maggiore walking under the porticoes, one of the city’s most distinctive features, with a walk of about 10 minutes. Take a break for coffee or gelato: budget roughly 3–8 €, depending on the venue and what you order.

The porticoes offer shelter in case of rain, but still bring comfortable shoes for the uneven paving.

19:00

Aperitif and dinner in the historic center

End the day in the historic center, choosing a place within walking distance of the square. For an aperitif and a simple dinner, plan on roughly 25–45 € per person; offerings and prices vary, so check the updated menu.

If you have dietary requirements or want a table at a specific place, contact the restaurant in advance.