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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241
Temples Hidden gem
Biserica Ortodoxă Bologna Vest (Chiesa S. Giovanni Battista) via Olmetola (BO)
Biserica Ortodoxă Bologna Vest, dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, serves the Romanian Orthodox community in the weste...
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242
Temples Hidden gem
Parrocchia San Cristoforo
Parrocchia San Cristoforo is a Catholic parish church located in the Bolognina district of Bologna, Italy, situated on V...
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243
Temples Hidden gem
Church of Saint Joseph Cottolengo
The Church of Saint Joseph Cottolengo is a Roman Catholic parish church located on Via Marzabotto in the western residen...
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244
Temples Hidden gem
Parish of St. James outside the walls
The Parish of St. James outside the walls, located on Via Pier Luigi da Palestrina in Bologna, serves as a contemporary...
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245
Parks Hidden gem
Giardino Guido Rossa
Giardino Guido Rossa is a neighborhood park located in the northern area of Bologna, Italy, specifically situated along...
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246
Temples Hidden gem
Chiesa di San Procolo
Chiesa di San Procolo is an ancient Bolognese church located on Via d'Azeglio, with foundations dating back to the 5th c...
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247
Parks Hidden gem
Parco Zagni
Parco Zagni is a local municipal park located in the municipality of Castenaso within the Metropolitan City of Bologna,...
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248
Parks Hidden gem
yellow house park
Yellow House Park, locally known as Parco della Casa Gialla, serves as a neighborhood green space in the Borgo Panigale-...
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249
Parks Hidden gem
Giardino Władysław Anders Via Felsina
Giardino Władysław Anders is a public green space located in the Savena district of Bologna, Italy. Named in honor of Wł...
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250
Temples Hidden gem
Church of Saint Francis of Assisi
The Church of Saint Francis of Assisi is a modern parish located in the residential district of San Lazzaro di Savena, B...
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251
Temples Hidden gem
Church of Saint Andrew Apostle
The Church of Saint Andrew Apostle is a modern place of worship located in the Borgo Panigale district of Bologna. It se...
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252
Parks Hidden gem
Giardino dei bambù, via Caduti di Casteldebole (BO)
The Giardino dei Bambù in the Casteldebole district of Bologna is a specialized urban park defined by its dense stands o...
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253
Parks Hidden gem
Giardino Donatori di sangue, via Fioravanti (BO)
Giardino Donatori di sangue is a neighborhood public park located in the Bolognina district of Bologna, adjacent to the...
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254
Temples Hidden gem
Parrocchia di Nostra Signora della Fiducia
Parrocchia di Nostra Signora della Fiducia is a modern parish church located in the Savena district of Bologna. The stru...
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255
Temples Hidden gem
Church of Saint Andrew
The Church of Saint Andrew is a historical parish church located in the Castel Maggiore area of Bologna, Italy. It serve...
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256
Parks Hidden gem
Parco della Pace
Parco della Pace is a local neighborhood park located in the Pulce district of San Lazzaro di Savena, just southeast of...
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257
Temples Hidden gem
S. Donnino
Oratorio di San Donnino is a small religious site located in the northern residential district of Bologna, Italy. Positi...
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258
Museums Hidden gem
Oasi dei Saperi
Oasi dei Saperi is a unique cultural and social space located in the Corticella district of Bologna, functioning as a no...
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259
Venues Hidden gem
Teatro a Molla
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260
Temples Hidden gem
Gurdwara Dasmesh Darbar Sikh Temple Bologna
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261
Places of interest Hidden gem
Torre Galluzzi
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262
Museums Hidden gem
Museo Poggi Comp YAMAHA
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263
Historical places Hidden gem
Torre dei Carrari
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264
Temples Hidden gem
Church of Saint Augustine 'di Ponticella'
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265
Museums Hidden gem
Contemporary Art Gallery P420
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266
Temples Hidden gem
Chiesa di Santa Maria della Misericordia
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267
Temples Hidden gem
Sala del Regno dei Testimoni di Geova di Bologna Fiera
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268
Parks Hidden gem
Giardino Lorenzo Giusti via Barontini
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269
Historical places Hidden gem
Palazzo Bevilacqua Ariosti
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270
Historical places Hidden gem
Ghetto Ebraico
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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.
