aventuro
Italy
Things to do in Bologna
511 attractions · Italy
Photo: AnetaMalinowska, CC BY-SA 4.0
Emilia-Romagna, Italy · 44.500, 11.350
About Bologna
Bologna is the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region, celebrated for hosting the world's oldest university, founded in 1088. Its medieval core remains largely intact, characterized by an extensive network of porticoes and iconic structures like the Two Towers [17439]. The city serves as Italy's gastronomic heart, often referred to as 'La Grassa,' and features significant religious landmarks such as the Basilica di San Petronio [9161]. Travelers can ascend the hill toward the Santuario Madonna di San Luca [3713] or explore the local engineering legacy at the Museo Ducati [3416].
Good to know
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The city's porticoes, spanning over 40 kilometers in the historic center, are a UNESCO World Heritage site designed to expand living space without increasing ground footprint.
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Bologna is the birthplace of mortadella, a protected geographical indication sausage that dates back to the 17th century.
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The city houses the Archiginnasio, which features one of the oldest anatomical theaters in the world where students studied cadavers in a wood-paneled room.
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Bologna was a major center for silk production in the Middle Ages, powered by advanced water-mill systems that predated the industrial revolution.
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The city contains a complex network of underground canals that were once used to power mills and transport goods, though most were covered by road paving in the 20th century.
Plan your visit to Bologna
Best time to visit
May, June, and September are ideal, as the weather is temperate and avoids the intense summer heat typical of the Po Valley.
How many days
2-3 days, sufficient to explore the medieval center, local food markets, and major religious sites.
Getting around
The historic center is highly walkable, while local bus lines manage transport to outer areas; the city is notably flat for cycling.
Where to stay
Stay in the Quadrilatero district for proximity to historic markets or the University Quarter for a lively atmosphere and architectural density.
Budget
Mid-range; while Bologna is a major commercial hub, it offers diverse price points for dining and lodging compared to more tourist-saturated cities like Florence.
Highlights of Bologna
The places our editors single out - and why they're worth your time.
The Two Towers: Garisenda & Asinelli
Climb the remaining medieval structure that defines the city's skyline.
Sanctuary of the Madonna of San Luca
Follow the longest portico in the world up to the hillside sanctuary.
Museo Ducati
Explore the technological history and design heritage of Italian motorcycle manufacturing.
Basilica di San Petronio
View one of the largest brick-built churches in the world, featuring an unfinished facade.
Neptune's Fountain
Admire the 16th-century bronze statue of Neptune located in the central square.
Giardini Margherita
Walk through this expansive urban park modeled after English-style gardens.
Basilica of San Domenico
Visit the final resting place of Saint Dominic, located within a historically significant basilica.
Renato Dall'Ara Stadium
Experience the home turf of Bologna's historic professional football club.
Top things to do in Bologna
The 511 most popular places in Bologna.
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181
Temples Known locally
St. Joseph Parish
St. Joseph Parish (Parrocchia San Giuseppe Sposo) is a local Catholic church situated in the Saragozza district of Bolog...
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182
Venues Hidden gem
Itc Studio
ITC Studio is the primary performance and rehearsal space for the Teatro dell'Argine, a prominent cultural organization...
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183
Temples Hidden gem
Madonna del Baraccano
The Madonna del Baraccano is a sanctuary located in Bologna, centered around a miraculous 15th-century fresco of the Vir...
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184
Venues Hidden gem
Teatro degli Angeli
Teatro degli Angeli is an intimate, independent cultural venue located in the Mazzini district of Bologna, Italy, specif...
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185
Temples Hidden gem
Masque of Noor/Light
The Masque of Noor, also known as the Mosque of the Light, serves as the primary spiritual center for the Islamic commun...
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186
Temples Hidden gem
Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista dei Celestini
The Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista dei Celestini, located in the heart of Bologna, dates back to the 13th century and r...
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187
Temples Hidden gem
Saint Basil the Great Church
Saint Basil the Great Church is the primary center of the Russian Orthodox community in Bologna, belonging to the Exarch...
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188
Temples Hidden gem
Centro Culturale islamico kosovaro Pendimi
Centro Culturale islamico kosovaro Pendimi is an active Islamic cultural center and mosque primarily serving the Kosovar...
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189
Temples Hidden gem
Church of Saint Mary of the Assumption
The Church of Saint Mary of the Assumption, located in the Borgo Panigale district, serves as a primary parish church fo...
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190
Parks Hidden gem
Giardino Domenico Acerbi
Giardino Domenico Acerbi is a neighborhood park located in the Savena district of Bologna, Italy, along Via Domokos. Spa...
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191
Temples Hidden gem
Chiesa di San Paolo di Ravone
The Chiesa di San Paolo di Ravone is a modern parish church located in the Costa-Saragozza district of Bologna. The curr...
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192
Venues Hidden gem
Comune di Casalecchio di Reno
Comune di Casalecchio di Reno is the municipal seat of Casalecchio di Reno, located just southwest of Bologna along the...
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193
Parks Hidden gem
Giardino Gichin Funakoshi Via Nenni
Giardino Gichin Funakoshi Via Nenni is a public park located in the Borgo Panigale-Reno district of Bologna, Italy. Name...
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194
Temples Hidden gem
Church of Saint Blaise
The Church of Saint Blaise (Chiesa di San Biagio) is located in the Casalecchio di Reno district of Bologna, serving as...
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195
Temples Hidden gem
Chiesa Parrocchiale di San Martino in Casalecchio di Reno
The Chiesa Parrocchiale di San Martino is a historic parish church located in the territory of Casalecchio di Reno, just...
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196
Temples Hidden gem
Church of Saint Vincent de Paul
The Church of Saint Vincent de Paul is a modern parish located in the Bolognina district of Bologna, serving a local com...
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197
Parks Hidden gem
Parco della Fabbreria
Parco della Fabbreria is a local public park situated in Casalecchio di Reno, just southwest of Bologna, Italy. It provi...
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198
Museums Hidden gem
Museo Ottocento Bologna
Museo Ottocento Bologna (MOB) is a private museum dedicated entirely to the art of the 19th and early 20th centuries in...
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199
Historical places Hidden gem
Palazzo Fantuzzi
Palazzo Fantuzzi is a notable Renaissance palace located on Via San Vitale in Bologna, Italy. Commissioned by the Senato...
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200
Historical places Hidden gem
Pozzo dei desideri
The Pozzo dei Desideri, or Well of Wishes, is a historical architectural feature located in the heart of Bologna's medie...
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201
Venues Hidden gem
Antoniano di Bologna
Antoniano di Bologna is a prominent social and cultural hub located on Via Guido Guinizelli in Bologna, Italy, operated...
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202
Venues Hidden gem
Palazzo d'Accursio (Palazzo Comunale)
Palazzo d'Accursio, also known as Palazzo Comunale, serves as the historic seat of the municipal government of Bologna....
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203
Temples Hidden gem
Chiesa della Madonna di Galliera e di San Filippo Neri
The Chiesa della Madonna di Galliera e di San Filippo Neri is a distinctive complex in Bologna consisting of two joined...
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204
Temples Hidden gem
Parrocchia dei Santi Savino e Silvestro di Corticella
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205
Parks Hidden gem
Giardino Gustavo Trombetti via Lianori (BO)
Giardino Gustavo Trombetti is a local neighborhood park located in the Bolognina district of Bologna, Italy. The park pr...
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206
Temples Hidden gem
Chiesa Cristiana Evangelica Gospel Forum Bologna
The Chiesa Cristiana Evangelica Gospel Forum Bologna is an evangelical congregation located in the Bolognina district of...
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207
Temples Hidden gem
Church of Saint Mary Goretti
The Church of Saint Mary Goretti is a Catholic parish church located on Via Carlo Sigonio in the southern residential di...
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208
Temples Hidden gem
Parrocchia Beata Vergine Immacolata
Parrocchia Beata Vergine Immacolata is a parish church serving the Barca district in the western periphery of Bologna. T...
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209
Temples Hidden gem
St. Domenico Savio Parish
St. Domenico Savio Parish is a modern Catholic church located in the San Vitale district of Bologna, Italy. The parish i...
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210
Temples Hidden gem
Santi Gregorio e Siro
The Chiesa dei Santi Gregorio e Siro is a historic religious site located in the heart of Bologna, characterized by its...
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Bologna on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Frequently asked
How many attractions are there in Bologna?
Aventuro lists 511 curated attractions in and around Bologna, sorted by popularity.
What's the top attraction in Bologna?
Piazza Maggiore is the most popular place to visit in Bologna right now.
What kind of attractions does Bologna have?
The largest category is temples, with 131 places to explore.
Which other cities are worth visiting nearby?
Travellers also explore Rome, Milan, Turin.
