10 Awesome Things to Do in Bologna for First-Timers

10 Best Things to Do in Bologna

1. Climb up the Two Towers

Everybody is talking about the Leaning Tower of Pisa but why is no one talking about the crooked leaning Two Towers of Bologna? That is the question I have after visiting these beautiful medieval towers located right in the heart of Bologna's Old Town. are probably the most recognizable landmark of Bologna.

As the name suggested, the Two Towers are 2 separate medieval towers constructed in the early 12th Century as part of the fortifications of the city.

A theory has it that, at the time, many Italian city-states built these tall towers as a symbol of power and prestige, and as a means of defense. The towers were also used as a means of surveillance, to spot potential invaders or fires in the city.

Their construction may also result from the competition between rich families living in Bologna at the time to show which was the more powerful family. However, the scarcity of documents from this early period makes this theory rather uncertain.

There were many more towers in Bologna at the time, so much so that people were calling it the city of Towers. Nowadays, only a handful are still left standing and 2 of the tallest towers are the Torre degli Asinelli, which is standing at 97.2 meters (318 feet) tall while Torre Garisenda, on the other hand, is shorter at 48 meters (157 feet) tall.

These 2 towers make up the Two Towers' name it has and one can climb up to the top of Torre degli Asinelli, the taller tower, for a stunning view over Bologna, which is hands down, one of my favorite things to do here. Unfortunately, Torre Garisenda, the smaller tower is not open to the public.

The view from up there is incredible. You can really see just how beautiful and extremely packed Bologna is. It is like looking at the sea of orange roof tiles stretches as the eyes can see. This is the best viewpoint in the city, for sure.

To climb Torre degli Asinelli, you are going to have to book a time slot online prior to your arrival. They get booked out quite fast each day so be sure to plan accordingly.

As clueless as I am, I didn't book the ticket in advance but I was at the tower early and realize I had to buy an online ticket, so at around 10 AM, I hop on to the website and was able to find one empty slot at 1:30 PM that same day, and I was able to book it in time. If you want to choose the best time to visit, be sure to book the ticket online before your arrival.

Torre degli Asinelli is open every day from 10 AM to 7 PM in four timeslots per hour (at 00, 15, 30, and 45). The ticket to climb the tower is 5 EUR per person. Make sure you are fit enough to tackle the crazy steep stairs of around 500 steps. It's tiring but trust me, the view up there is worth it. Definitely one of the best things to do in Bologna.

2. Visit Basilica di San Petronio

Basilica di San Petronio is a large church located in the Piazza Maggiore, where everyone's journey in Bologna begins, and it is one of the largest in the world and most prominent churches in Bologna that is worth a visit.

The construction of the Basilica di San Petronio began in 1390, but it was not completed until the 18th century. The church has a Gothic architectural style, but it also incorporates elements of the Renaissance and Baroque styles which really make its exterior stands out from all the other churches you see in Italy.

The church has a large nave and several chapels, and it is known for its large frescoes and for its astronomical clock which is considered to be one of the oldest in the world.

The Basilica di San Petronio is also famous for its unfinished facade, which was intended to be decorated with marble, but the project was abandoned due to lack of funding, which in turn, makes it looks unique from the rest of the structures in the piazza.

It is one of the most beautiful churches you will see here and so be sure to check it out while you are in Bologna. The church is open from 8:30 AM to 1 PM and again from 3 PM to 6 PM every day and there is no admission fee for the church.

After you visit the church, be sure to spend some time and hang out around the Piazza Maggiore, the city's vast medieval town square surrounded by all kinds of old buildings and structures that will make you feel like you are really in a medieval city.

3. Admire the Beauty of Fontana del Nettuno

While you explore Piazza Maggiore, you will also stumble upon Fontana del Nettuno, or the Fountain of Nepture, one of the largest fountains in the city and considered to be one of the most beautiful fountains in Italy.

Like with most Fountain of Neptunes you find in other cities, this one is a large, ornate structure that features a statue of Neptune, the Roman god of the sea, at its center, surrounded by smaller statues of sea nymphs and tritons, and four large basins which are decorated with sculptures of sea monsters and other marine creatures.

The fountain was constructed in 1566 and it was built to commemorate Bologna's aqueduct, and it is considered one of the most famous examples of Mannerism-style sculpture in Italy.

While you are at the Fountain, be sure to keep an eye out for some street performers around the area. They often come out in the summer months to entertain passersby which really lightens up the place.

4. Stroll Around Piazza Santo Stefano

One of my favorite areas to explore in Bologna is the Piazza Santo Stefano, a public square named after the Basilica di Santo Stefano, a complex of seven churches located right by the old square.

The Basilica di Santo Stefano was originally constructed way back in the 4th century but it has since been expanded and renovated into the church complex you see today. Despite all the expansion, the church is still considered to be one of the greatest examples of medieval architecture out there.

The complex is made up of seven churches: the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Church of St. Stephen the Protomartyr, the Church of St. Vincent, the Church of St. Mary of the Angels, the Church of St. Mary of the Girdle, the Church of St. Mary of the Crib, and the Church of St. Mary of the Graces. Each church has its own style and unique characteristics, making the complex a fascinating place to explore.

You can spend hours here just exploring all the church courtyards, walking through beautiful cloisters, visiting old crypts, and discovering old medieval artworks and frescoes along the way.

Once you are done with the church, you can also hang out by the awesome outdoor cafes and restaurants you will find around Piazza Santo Stefano. The sun was out when I was there and it was such a perfect place to relax, and enjoy people-watching, as well as the view of the church while sipping a shot of espresso before I continued my exploration.

The church complex is open from 7:30 AM to 12:30 PM and again from 2:30 PM to 7:30 PM every day and there's no admission fee to the church. I'll be honest, that's what I love most about Bologna.

In other places, they would charge you to get into places this beautiful but here, you are free to roam around without having to pay a dime. It's almost as if the city is already happy that we are visiting them rather than trying to milk every dime out of our pocket which makes me fall in love with Bologna even more.

5. Stroll Along Via dell'Indipendenza and Check Out Cattedrale Metropolitana di San Pietro

If you are walking from the train station to Bologna's Old Town, you will probably be passing the Cattedrale Metropolitana di San Pietro, one of the most prominent landmarks in Bologna's shopping street of Via dell'Indipendenza.

Cattedrale Metropolitana di San Pietro is a Roman Catholic church that was built in the 11th Century in the Romanesque architectural style and it's characterized by its large dome and the beautiful mosaics and frescoes that decorate its interior.

The cathedral also features a large organ, a baptistery, and a sacristy as well as an important collection of sacred art, including paintings, sculptures, and liturgical objects that are all worth checking out.

The cathedral is open from 7 AM to 7 PM every day except for Sundays when it is open from 8 AM to 7 PM. There is no admission fee for Cattedrale Metropolitana di San Pietro as well. Yay!

While you are visiting the cathedral, also spend some time and explore the shopping street, Via dell'Indipendenza, where the cathedral is located.

The street will take you from the train station straight to the heart of Bologna's old town. On both sides of the street, you will find all kinds of restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops, lining the sides of the streets.

If you are looking to do some shopping or looking for a place to hang out with friends over a coffee or a meal, Via dell'Indipendenza is the best place to be.

Also, if you are looking for a nightlife spot, here is also worth checking out with many people out and about at night, and bars and pubs all line the street, welcoming guests from around the world.

6. Take Photos of the Little Venice (Finestrella)

For one of the most famous photo spots you should check out while you are in Bologna, you have to give it to Finestrella, or as some people call it, the Little Venice.

Finestrella is not a neighborhood or an area but is in fact, a small picturesque window-like opening that opens to a scenic view of a canal nestled between colorful buildings, built in the Middle Ages.

It is a popular photo spot and you might see long queues waiting to take a peek in this small window. The place is only worth a few minutes' stop as you explore Bologna and so if you pass by the area, be sure to check it out.

7. Learn the History of Bologna at Palazzo Pepoli Campogrande

If you are interested in learning about the rich history of Bologna, there is no better place to be than Palazzo Pepoli Campogrande, a historical palace located in the old town of Bologna where you will find the Museum of the History of Bologna inside.

The architecture of the museum is a tourist attraction in itself with its Gothic architectural style, built as a place of residence of the powerful Pepoli family, one of the most prominent families in Bologna during the Middle Ages.

The Museum of the History of Bologna, located inside the palace, offers a detailed look at the history of the city and its development through the centuries.

The museum features a rich collection of artifacts, paintings, sculptures, and other objects that help visitors to understand the history of Bologna and the role of the Pepoli family in its development.

If you want to visit the museum, you are going to have to plan your visit carefully as the museum is only open on Wednesday from 10 AM to 7 PM, and Saturday from 2 PM to 7 PM, and that is it. Very weird opening hours if you ask me. The entrance fee is 6 EUR per person and you can buy it at the entrance of the museum.

8. Visit Arco Del Meloncello and hike the longest arcade in the world

If you are looking for an adventure that requires you to be a little active, you are going to love visiting Arco Del Meloncello, an ancient Roman arc, one of the remaining gates of the ancient Roman walls that surrounded the city.

The arc is located at the foot of the San Giovanni in Monte hill, and it is one of the most well-preserved Roman gates in Bologna. It was built in the 1st century AD and it is an important example of Roman architecture you will see here.

The arc itself is quite impressive but what makes this place even more epic is what this medieval gate is connected to and where it will lead you to. The arc is the entrance to one of the sections of the Portici di Bologna, also known as the "royal road" or "royal arcade", the longest arcade in the world.

Portici di Bologna is a series of porticos, or covered walkways, that stretch for over 38 kilometers (24 miles) through the city and the part that is connected to Arco Del Meloncello is called Devotional Portico of St. Luke, which is around 2 km long and consists of 666 arches, and it will take you from the city, all the way uphill to the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca.

The Portici di Bologna was built in the 14th century and was used as a covered walkway for the city's residents to protect themselves from the sun and rain as well as a marketplace for merchants and traders to sell their goods.

It is one of the most unique and epic creations you will see in Italy and you can walk this ancient Royal Road all the way from the city to the top of Monte hill in about 30 minutes which makes for a fun active adventurous thing to do in Bologna.

All you have to do is take a city bus from Piazza Malpighi in the city center to Meloncello bus stop via buses #20 and #94. It should take around 15 minutes before you arrive at the arc and from there you can walk through the arcade for about 30 minutes before you arrive at the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca.

The walk takes around 30 minutes but since you are going to hike up continuously, you might want to pack enough water for the trip and wear something that is comfortable to walk up the arcade without sweating too much. It is a long climb so be sure to prepare yourself accordingly.

If you do not want to climb, one way to get up from Meloncello to the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca is to visit Bologna on Sundays where there will be bus #58 taking you from Meloncello bus stop all the way to Basilica Di San Luca bus stop which should take you no more than 10 minutes and cost the same as other buses in the city.

On Sundays, bus #58 will run from Via Spada to Basilica Di San Luca through Meloncello every 20 minutes from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM and they only do it on Sundays or holidays. For a more updated schedule on the bus, be sure to check out the official bus website.

9. Check Out the View from the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca

The Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca is your reward for hiking the Devotional Portico of St. Luke section of the iconic Portici di Bologna, the longest arcade in the world. This is where the 2-km-long arcade from Arco Del Meloncello leads to.

Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca is a massive church located atop Monte hill, believed to have been built in the 7th century in the beautiful red-colored Baroque architectural style, and it offers an incredible view over Bologna and its hilly surroundings.

The place has been used as a pilgrimage trail by pilgrims for centuries but nowadays, the church has been turned into a museum that offers guided tours with one called San Luca Sky Experience that will take you to the top of the dome to see Bologna from afar for 5 EUR per person.

The view from the top of the dome is quite ok but nothing as special as how the marketing materials made it sounds. The platform at the top is only a few meters long and it is located on the side of the dome, not in front, so you will have a clear view of Bologna nor the mountains around it.

You will just have a little bit of both but not the sweeping 180° panoramic view they claimed in their brochures. If you want to support the renovation of the church, of course, you can do it, but if you are on a budget, I wouldn't say it is a must-do experience.

All in all, I think the church offers a fun thing for those who are looking for something more active and adventurous to do in Bologna. The church is open from 10 AM to 1:30 PM and again from 2:30 PM to 6 PM every day except Sundays which is open from 12 PM to 6 PM only. The donation fee is 5 EUR per person + 3 EUR to access the crypt. Definitely one of the best things to do in Bologna so be sure to check it out.

10. Learn the History of the Famous Ducati Car Manufacturer at Museo Ducati

Did you know that Ducati, the world-renowned motorbike manufacturer is based in Bologna? I didn't until I saw Museo Ducati, a museum dedicated to preserving the history and heritage of this famous motorbike brand.

The museum showcases the company's motorcycles and racing history in detail, as well as the technology and design that goes into making Ducati motorcycles. Inside you will find a comprehensive collection of historic motorcycles, racing motorcycles, and prototypes, as well as interactive displays and multimedia exhibits that are fun for all ages.

The museum is located on the outer rim of Bologna and it can easily be reached via city bus #87 direction Borgo Panigale - Museo Ducati which leaves from Bologna Train Station. The museum is open from 9 AM to 6 PM every day except Wednesday and the entrance fee is 17 EUR per person.

What to Eat and Drink in Bologna?

1. Sip a coffee at Cafè Vanity Sessantasette

If you are looking for a nice little local cafe for a cup of coffee and a few pistachio croissants before you start the day, I highly recommend Cafè Vanity Sessantasette, a small roadside cafe with delicious coffee, crispy croissant, at a local price.

I went there every morning when I was in Bologna and I love everything I ordered there. The croissant was freshly baked and very crispy while the coffee was well-brewed and delicious while being extremely affordable. What more can you ask for, from a cafe in Italy?

The cafe is open from 6:30 AM to 10 PM every day except Sunday when it is open from 7 AM to 10 PM, which is perfect for early risers like me who often wake up early to try and beat the crowds 😉.

Further Reading for Northern Italy

I hope you found this Italian travel guide useful. If you want to read more about Italy, here is a selection of articles you might like:

• First time visiting Italy? Here are the 15 Best Places to Visit in Italy.
• Want to see the highlights of Italy in 2 weeks? Be sure to check out our 2 Weeks Backpacking Italy Itinerary.
• Want to travel around Italy for one month, from the Dolomites in the north to Sicily in the south? You are going to love this backpacking itinerary packed with information: One Month Backpacking Italy Itinerary
• Looking for a complete itinerary for Northern Italy? Check out: 2 Weeks Backpacking Northern Italy Itinerary.
• Every trip to Northern Italy starts in Milan. If you are a first-timer, here are the 16 best things to do in Milan.
• Ah... Venice, the city of art, culture, and the birthplace of the Renaissance. You just can't visit Italy without seeing it with your own eyes. To help you plan a trip there, here are the 15 best things to do in Venice.
• Planning a trip to Lake Como but not sure where to begin? Check out the 10 Best Places to Visit in Lake Como.
• For a complete backpacking guide to Lake Como, check out: The 3-Day Lake Como Itinerary For Those Without A Car.
• Want to visit Lake Como as a day trip from Milan? Check out: One-Day Lake Como Itinerary from Milan.
• Want to explore the Dolomites but not sure where to begin? Check out the 10 Best Places to Visit in the Dolomites.
• For a complete backpacking itinerary for the Dolomites, check out: the 7 Days Dolomites Itinerary For Those Without A Car.
• At the heart of sunny Tuscany lies Florence, one of the most beautiful cities to visit in Italy. If you are planning to visit Florence, check out: 16 Best Things to Do in Florence.
• Cinque Terre, known for its picturesque stacked houses on cliffs and coastlines, is the perfect destination for those looking to escape the bustling city life in Northern Italy. To start planning, be sure to check out: A Complete Guide to Backpacking Cinque Terre.
• Planning to visit Pisa and the Leaning Tower? Check out: 10 Best Things to do in Pisa.
• Siena, a medieval town in Tuscany, will transport you back to the Middle Ages the moment you step in it. If you want to visit Siena, here are the 10 Best Things to do in Siena.
• For a complete 7-day backpacking itinerary in Central Italy that will take you from Rome to Pompeii to the Amalfi Coast, be sure to check out: 7 Days Backpacking Central Italy Itinerary.
• Not convinced by my words? Here are 125 photos that will inspire you to visit Europe.
• To see all the articles about Italy, visit the Italy Travel Guide page.
• Traveling in Europe can be cheap, really cheap. These are the 12 Cheap European Countries to Visit.
• Looking for more travel guides for Europe? You can find more on my Europe Travel Guide page.
• Or if you want something more specific to the region, visit our Southern Europe Travel Guide, Western Europe Travel Guide, or Central Europe Travel Guide pages.
• For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.