What to do in Bologna

Activities, attractions and tours

A street with outdoor cafes, a statue, and historic buildings.
A historic street with ornate buildings, a prominent tower, and pedestrians.
A bustling market street with vendors selling fresh produce and other goods.
A church interior with a golden statue, stained glass windows, and a red altar cloth.
A narrow cobblestone street lined with historic buildings, bicycles parked along the side, and a few pedestrians walking.

Things to do

Picture 1 for Activity Bologna: Audio-Guided Archiginnasio Visit with Food Tasting

Bologna: Audio-Guided Archiginnasio Visit with Food Tasting

฿1,032
per adult
Bologna: Audio-Guided Archiginnasio Visit with Food Tasting
Lamborghini Museum Entrance Ticket in Bologna

Lamborghini Museum Entrance Ticket in Bologna

฿765
per adult
74% of travellers recommend
Lamborghini Museum Entrance Ticket in Bologna
Eating Bologna Food & Wine Tour

Eating Bologna Food & Wine Tour

฿3,250
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Eating Bologna Food & Wine Tour
Bologna: Lamborghini Museum Guided Tour and Entry Ticket

Bologna: Lamborghini Museum Guided Tour and Entry Ticket

฿956
per adult
Bologna: Lamborghini Museum Guided Tour and Entry Ticket
Bologna Grand Tour Italy: sfoglini for a day

Bologna Grand Tour Italy: Pasta Makers for a Day

฿688
per adult
Bologna Grand Tour Italy: Pasta Makers for a Day
Bologna City Highlights & Hidden Gems: Private & Custom Walking Tour

Bologna City Highlights & Hidden Gems: Private & Custom Walking Tour

฿4,279
per traveller
Bologna City Highlights & Hidden Gems: Private & Custom Walking Tour
A virtual walk in medieval Bologna

A virtual walk in medieval Bologna

฿688
per adult
A virtual walk in medieval Bologna
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Top places to visit

1. Piazza Maggiore

To visit Piazza Maggiore is to experience the essence of Bologna. In the Middle Ages, the city’s citizens gathered in the square to hear decrees, shop and barter for goods, and even witness executions. Today, enjoy the Italian pace of life and see some of Bologna’s most beautiful medieval buildings surrounding the square.
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A historic square with a large brick wall, a fountain, and classical architecture.

2. BolognaFiere

Historic Bologna meets cutting-edge modernity in BolognaFiere, a conference and exposition center with 21st-century facilities for major events. Come to the venue, also known as the Bologna Exhibition Centre, for a wide variety of events with an international array of guests and companies.
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A modern building with a large red sign displaying numbers 15 and 14.

3. Ducati Museum

The Ducati Museum, which is part of the Ducati headquarters, is dedicated to the history of this renowned Italian motorcycle company. In addition to checking out examples of various Ducati race bikes, visitors also get a glimpse of how Ducatis come together in the factory.
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A row of vintage racing motorcycles on display.

4. Two Towers

The Tower of Asinelli (Torre degli Asinelli) and the leaning Tower of Garisenda form Bologna’s emblematic Two Towers. Among the most striking architectural landmarks of the city, the monuments stand at an historic intersection that leads to the gates of Bologna’s old city walls. When you visit the Two Towers, climb to the lookout deck of the Tower of Asinelli for a bird’s-eye view of the city center.
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A historic European street with a prominent tower, ornate buildings, and a bustling pedestrian area.

5. Basilica of San Petronio

The Basilica of San Petronio is among the most important churches in Bologna and one of the city’s top attractions. Despite never being fully completed, the church is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture. It is dedicated to Bologna’s patron saint, San Petronio.
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A historic church with intricate facade and a tall bell tower.

What to do in Bologna

Stay near popular Bologna attractions

A historic square with a large brick wall, a fountain, and classical architecture.

Piazza Maggiore

9.4/10 (2,525 reviews)
Bologna's historic heart beats in Piazza Maggiore, where medieval palaces frame the magnificent Basilica di San Petronio. As evening falls, join locals for aperitivo while the square glows golden under soft lights.
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Where to stay in Bologna

Find the best Bologna areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Bologna
Learn more about Bologna
A cobblestone street lined with historic buildings, a prominent tower in the distance, and outdoor seating areas with umbrellas.

Historic Center

Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Via Indipendenza to Cattedrale di San Pietro – discover Historic Center, a destination also famous for its shopping.

A statue of a man with a trident, surrounded by smaller statues, in front of a historic building with arched windows and a brick facade.
Photo by BARBARA ZOLI (page does not exist)
Open Photo by BARBARA ZOLI (page does not exist)

Santo Stefano

Travellers come to Santo Stefano for its cosy coffee shops, and you can see top attractions like Basilica of San Domenico and Galleria Cavour Shopping Center while you're in town.

A calm lake with a wooden gazebo, ducks swimming, and people in the background.

Navile

Unique features of Navile include the museums and historical sites. Make a stop by Caserme Rosse or Parco Nord Arena while you're exploring the area.

A historic brick tower with arched windows and a tiled roof.

San Donato

If you're spending some time in San Donato, EuropAuditorium Theater and Virtus Arena are top sights worth seeing.

A large, historic building with a prominent dome and multiple towers.

Saragozza-Porto

Saragozza-Porto is popular for its lively bars, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca or Stadio Renato Dall'Ara.

Day trip destinations from Bologna

A historic square with a central open space, lined with buildings featuring arched walkways and red awnings.

Casalecchio di Reno

Rolling hills, a valley, and distant mountains.

San Lazzaro di Savena

Rolling green hills, dense forests, and distant buildings on a hilltop.

Sasso Marconi

Frequently asked questions

Is Bologna worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in Bologna is explore Cattedrale di San Pietro. Check this major sight off your to-do list, then discover more of this area's dining and culture.
How do I spend a day in Bologna?
Start your adventures with a visit to Palazzo Albergati and Palazzo Fantuzzi. Then, check out different areas of Bologna for local dining and some retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Bologna?
The top tourist attraction in Bologna is Cattedrale di San Pietro, so make sure to include it on your itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Bologna?
You can easily tick off leading sights like Cattedrale di San Pietro, Teatro Duse and Bologna Museum of Modern Art with a three-day stay in Bologna. On average, most travellers plan two days here. There's plenty to see and do nearby too, so stay a while longer and head to Modena.
Is Bologna a walkable city?
That comes down to what you want to do and see in Bologna. Several key attractions, like Cattedrale di San Pietro and Teatro Duse, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a wander through some of Bologna's neighbourhoods, Historic Centre is 0.48 kilometres away from downtown, while Saragozza-Porto is 3 kilometres away from the centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Bologna with kids?
If you're searching for attractions and activities for all the family, here are some excellent ideas for what to do in Bologna with kids.
What to do in Bologna for adults?
Via Indipendenza and Via Zamboni are just a couple of the things to do in Bologna. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Bologna?
One of the simplest ways to learn about free things to do in Bologna is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider tips on hip neighbourhoods, parks and other highlights you can enjoy without getting your cash out. Cattedrale di San Pietro is one place that doesn't have an admission fee.