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There are great many things to do in Italy, and so are in Bologna.
Step into the heart of Italy’s gastronomic capital, where the historic city center is peppered with striking terracotta buildings and grand piazzas.
With a dizzying array of culinary delights, cultural hotspots, and stunning landmarks, Bologna is a feast for the senses.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Bologna:
1. Piazza Maggiore
Piazza Maggiore is the main square in the heart of Bologna, Italy. It has been the city’s hub for political, cultural and social events since the 13th century.
What to see or do: There are many things to see and do in Piazza Maggiore.
Take a stroll and admire the beautiful architecture of the Basilica di San Petronio, the Fountain of Neptune, and the Palazzo dei Banchi.
Visit the Museo Morandi, which houses a large collection of paintings by Italian artist Giorgio Morandi.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to climb to the top of the Torre degli Asinelli, the tallest tower in Bologna, for a breathtaking view of the square and the city.
Another must-see is the Archiginnasio, the former seat of the University of Bologna, which contains beautiful frescoes and a stunning anatomical theatre.
Insider travel tips: – Plan to visit during the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds and heat.
2. Two Towers of Bologna
The Two Towers are a symbol of Bologna and consist of the Asinelli and the Garisenda towers.
What to see or do: Visitors can climb up the Asinelli Tower, which is the taller one at about 97 meters high. From the top, they can enjoy stunning views of Bologna’s red rooftops and surrounding hills.
The Garisenda Tower is not open to the public, but it’s still an iconic sight and a popular spot for photos.
Don’t miss: The climb to the top of the Asinelli Tower can be challenging, but it’s worth it for the incredible panoramic views.
Visitors will also appreciate the tower’s unique architecture, which includes a curved base and a slightly tilted top.
Insider travel tips: It’s recommended to book tickets in advance to avoid long lines, especially during peak tourism season. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for a steep climb up winding stairs.
There are no elevators available, so visitors should also be in good physical shape.
3. Archiginnasio of Bologna
The Archiginnasio of Bologna is a historic building that used to house the University of Bologna, the oldest university in the Western world.
Today it is a library.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the stunning 17th-century Anatomy Theatre, which was used for dissections and has a beautiful wooden interior. The Library Hall, lined with more than 8000 exquisite heraldic shields, is also a must-see.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to see the famous statue of Pope Gregory XIII, carved out of white Carrara marble.
Insider travel tips: Make sure to book your visit in advance, as access is limited.
Free guided tours are available, and it is recommended to take one to fully appreciate the history and significance of this beautiful building.
4. Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca
A basilica located on top of a hill in Bologna that is connected by a long portico with 666 arches.
What to see or do: Admire the breathtaking panoramic views of the city and its surroundings, visit the interior of the basilica which houses valuable works of art, and take a leisurely walk along the portico, which is the longest in the world.
Don’t miss: The magnificent sundial located near the entrance of the sanctuary, which was created in the 18th century and still function today.
Also, keep an eye out for the annual procession that takes place in May to celebrate the icon of the Madonna di San Luca.
Insider travel tips: Make sure to bring comfortable walking shoes as the climb to the top of the hill can be steep in some sections.
Plan to visit early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the crowds. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also rent a bike or take the funicular up to the top.
5. Museo Civico Archeologico
Museo Civico Archeologico is an archeological museum located in Bologna, Italy.
What to see or do: The museum houses various significant collections of artifacts and artwork that dates back to the Etruscan civilization and the Roman Empire.
Visitors can see exhibits that showcase the evolution of Bologna from prehistoric times up to the medieval period.
Don’t miss: The most significant artifact in the museum is the Meridian Line, which was once used to help astronomers study and monitor the movement of the sun.
Another must-see is the museum’s vast collection of Etruscan artifacts, including urns and funerary art.
Insider travel tips: To truly appreciate the collections in this museum, it is recommended to take a guided tour.
The museum also offers temporary exhibitions and rotating displays, so check the schedule to see what’s on when you plan to visit.
6. Santo Stefano Church
A medieval church complex with multiple interconnected churches and chapels, located in the heart of Bologna’s historic center.
What to see or do: Admire the stunning architecture of the church complex, which boasts a mix of Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance styles.
Explore the various chapels, altar pieces, and frescoes inside the churches, including works by famous artists such as Guercino and Ludovico Carracci.
Don’t miss: The impressive central nave of the Basilica di Santo Stefano, which dates back to the 11th century and features a beautiful 14th-century crucifix suspended above the altar.
Also, be sure to visit the Chapel of the Cross, which contains a relic of the True Cross and an impressive fresco cycle depicting scenes from the life of Christ.
Insider travel tips: Entrance to the complex is free, although donations are appreciated.
The church can get crowded with tourists during peak season, so it’s best to visit early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the crowds.
Additionally, there are a number of small shops and cafes located around the complex, offering a great opportunity to take a break and enjoy refreshments while taking in the stunning surroundings.
7. Mercato di Mezzo
A historic indoor food market in the heart of Bologna.
What to see or do: Mercato di Mezzo is a food lover’s paradise with stalls selling fresh produce, charcuterie, cheese, pasta, and more. You can also find bars and restaurants serving up local dishes and drinks.
Don’t miss: Be sure to try some of the regional specialties like tortellini, mortadella, and local wine. The market is also a great spot for people watching.
Insider travel tips: Get there early in the morning to avoid the crowds and pick up some fresh pastries for breakfast. The market gets busy around lunchtime, so plan to arrive early or later in the afternoon.
Also, bring cash as some of the vendors may not accept credit cards.
8. Museo delle Cere Anatomiche Luigi Cattaneo
Museo delle Cere Anatomiche Luigi Cattaneo is a medical museum in Bologna, Italy, dedicated to anatomical wax models.
What to see or do: The museum houses over 600 anatomical wax models depicting various body parts and systems. Visitors can view detailed and lifelike representations of organs, bones, muscles, and diseases.
The models were created by various artists, including Clemente Susini, who is considered one of the greatest anatomical wax modelers in history.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the chance to see the wax model of the nervous system, which took Susini five years to create. Also, check out the model of a pregnant woman, which shows how the baby develops inside the womb.
Insider travel tips: The museum is not very large, so it can be visited in about an hour.
9. Palazzo del Podestà
Medieval palace located in the heart of Bologna’s historic center.
What to see or do: Admire the beautiful Gothic architecture and take a guided tour of the interior to see the stunning frescoes and ancient artifacts.
Don’t miss: The Torre dell’Arengo, a tower attached to the palace that served as a public bell tower and is now used as an art space.
Insider travel tips: Visit in the evening when the palace is beautifully lit up. Also, make sure to explore the surrounding Piazza Maggiore and try some of Bologna’s famous cuisine at the nearby restaurants.
10. Fontana del Nettuno
Fontana del Nettuno is a majestic fountain located in Piazza Maggiore, the main square of Bologna, Italy.
What to see or do: This iconic landmark was built in the 16th century and features a bronze statue of Neptune, the Roman God of the sea, surrounded by mythological creatures.
The details of the fountain are truly impressive, and visitors can spend hours examining the intricate carvings and sculptures.
Don’t miss: Be sure to catch the fountain at night when it is illuminated with lights, creating a magical and romantic atmosphere in the square.
Insider travel tips: Plan to grab a gelato or aperitivo at one of the nearby cafes and enjoy the view of the fountain and people-watching in the square.
Come early to avoid the crowds and be sure to wear comfortable shoes to walk around the historic city center of Bologna.
11. Teatro Anatomico
Teatro Anatomico is an impressive room inside the Archiginnasio of Bologna, where medical students used to perform dissections and observe surgeries back in the 17th century.
What to see or do: See the stunning wooden amphitheater, which showcases a tiered seating structure, curved balustrades, and an imposing coffered ceiling that indicates the important status of science and anatomy during the Renaissance period.
Don’t miss: Don’t forget to check out the wooden table that was used to dissect human cadavers, the ceramic statues representing myths and medical allegories as well as a beautiful sundial that is located outside.
Insider travel tips: Plan your visit in advance since access to the Teatro Anatomico is usually included with a tour of the Archiginnasio, which takes about an hour to complete.
Also, note that photography and filming are not allowed inside the Teatro Anatomico.
12. Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna
Art museum located in Bologna, Italy which houses a rich collection of paintings from the Emilia region from the 13th to 18th century.
What to see or do: Admire the beautiful works of art by famous artists such as Giotto, Raphael, and Parmigianino.
Visit the Sala dei Carracci, which has a stunning ceiling painting by Annibale Carracci, and the Sala dei Felsina, which showcases masterpieces by Guido Reni.
Don’t miss: The iconic painting by Giovanni Bellini, named Saint Jerome Reading in the Wilderness.
Insider travel tips: To avoid crowds, it’s recommended to visit the museum during off-peak times.
Also, if you want to have a more personalized experience, consider hiring a local guide who can provide in-depth explanations and insights about the art and history of the Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna.
13. Porta Galliera
Porta Galliera is an iconic gate located in Bologna, Italy. It is one of the twelve gates that once granted access to the city center.
What to see or do: Visitors can marvel at the beautiful architecture of this historic gate and immerse themselves in the ancient history of Bologna. It’s a great spot for taking pictures and discovering the city’s rich cultural heritage.
Don’t miss: To fully appreciate this stunning gate, visitors should take a stroll around it and explore its intricate details and unique design.
Don’t forget to take a camera to capture some incredible shots.
Insider travel tips: For a more immersive experience, it’s best to visit early in the morning when the gate is at its quietest.
Visitors may also want to explore the surrounding area as there are plenty of other interesting things to see nearby, including museums, churches, and parks.
Lastly, bring comfortable walking shoes and plenty of water as Bologna can get hot, especially during the summer months.