Not as popular as Rome or Venice, Bologna is a beautiful yet underrated city in Italy. Boasting a plethora of buildings with splendid architecture, cultural sights, and more, this city retains the authentic Italian charm that is hard to be seen or experienced anywhere else. So, even if you’ve never heard of this city or planned to visit it, take our word and put it on your itinerary. The multitude of things to do in Bologna will ensure that you have the time of your life and witness the true glory of Italy.
10 Things To Do In Bologna, Italy
Of the many experiences that this Italian city offers, here’s a list of the 10 top ones that’ll help you witness the city’s charm at its best. Get ready to scroll!
1. Piazza Maggiore – Explore The Famous Central Square
Located right in the centre of the city, Piazza Maggiore is an historical landmark in Bologna. Adorned with all the important buildings, famous churches, and popular Italian eateries, this place outshines in the whole city. Bologna’s rich culture can be well witnessed here, especially during the open air concerts and movies. The vibrant vibes of this place most definitely cannot be missed on your trip!
Location: Piazza Maggiore, 40124 Bologna BO, Italy
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2. Leaning Tower Of Bologna – Climb Up To The Top
If you ever fancied visiting the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Bologna will take you by surprise because just like Pisa, it is home to a leaning tower as well. The two tall towers named as Asinelli and Garisenda stand right next to each other and have teetering stairs that’ll make you feel like you’re some adventurer. But climbing to the top is surely worth everything as you can witness mind-boggling views of the city and its gorgeous attractions.
Location: Via Altabella, 15, 40100 Bologna BO, Italy
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3. Aperitivo – Have The Traditional Italian Experience
Image Credit: Pixelia for Pixabay
While it might seem like one of the unusual things to do in Bologna , believe us, it is not. The old Italian tradition still lives up in most of the restaurants and bars that let you order a drink until 6 in the evening. And whether you order a Prosecco (white sparkling wine) or Lambrusco (red sparkling wine), what makes an aperitivo so special is that it gives you a permit to eat for free. Pizza, sliders, pasta, and cheese are some of the things you can enjoy for free as long as your glass stays full.
Price: INR 300 to INR 600 per drink
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4. Gelato – Treat Your Taste Buds
Home to the first Gelato Machine company in the world, the parlors in Bologna make some of the best gelatos. The authentic, rich creamy flavors will leave you craving for more, which is why gelato tasting at least twice is one of the best things to do in Bologna, Italy in 1 day. Make sure you don’t skip on this experience because it’ll truly add stars and flavors to your holiday.
Price: INR 150 onwards
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5. Shopping – Bring Home Cheese, Shoes, And More
Home to many food and cloth markets, Bologna offers a shopping experience for every type of tourist. You can find streets dedicated solely to fruits, meats, and cheese. Whereas, markets like La Piazzola boast hundreds of stalls that sell everything from clothes to antiques. If you wish to take home Italian shoes or jewelry, make sure to check out some of the markets as it’s a must-do thing in the city.
Location: Piazza VIII Agosto | In front of Montagnola Park, 40126 Bologna, Italy
6. Bologna Archaeological Museum – Learn About The City’s History
If ‘ what to do in Bologna ’ is the only question that makes you consider if you should visit it or not, rest assured. The city has varied attractions, such as the Bologna Archaeological Museum that offers an interesting insight into the city’s history. Located in the central square, this place houses different artifacts like the bronze age tools, skeletal remains, marble statues, and more.
Location: Via dell’Archiginnasio, 2, 40124 Bologna BO, Italy
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7. Santuario di Madonna di San Luca – Visit The Oldest church
One of the things to do near Bologna is visiting its oldest church that sits on the top of Monte della Guardia and offers the most gorgeous views of the whole city. In fact, the architecture of the church itself is quite breathtaking. So, make sure you put this place on your itinerary because it is definitely not any common basilica in Italy.
Location: Via di San Luca, 36, 40135 Bologna BO, Italy
8. Food Tour – Indulge In Cuisines Like Tortellini
While taking a food tour all by yourself in amongst the best free things to do in Bologna, unfortunately trying and tasting cuisines is not. However, the Italian delights are worth every dime. So, make sure you go around and delve into the flavors of cuisines like Tortellini, which is a ring shaped pasta filled with pork, prosciutto, and cheese. You can try it at any restaurant in Piazza Maggiore if you wish to indulge in the most authentic one.
Price: INR 700 to INR 1000 (depends on the restaurant or bar)
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9. Porticoes – Walk And Admire The Splendid Architecture
Famed much for its extensive and expansive porticoes that are actually the partially enclosed walkways lined with arches and columns of the buildings, Bologna lets you experience its charm for free as well. You can walk under them while touring the city or admiring the grandeur of the buildings on your trip. And while there are many such porticoes to walk around, the most famous ones are Bonaccorsi Arch and the one that leads to the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca.
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10. Grand Hotel Majestic già Baglioni
One of the best things to do in Bologna is a stay a 5-star hotel like the Grand Hotel Majestic that offers luxurious amenities and the most comfortable stay at an unbelievable price. Fine dining, spa therapy, and a complimentary breakfast spread at this 18th-century palazzo would surely sweep you off your feet and win your heart!
Price: INR 24,000 onwards
Location: Via dell’Indipendenza, 8, 40121 Bologna BO, Italy
Ready to rock and roll on a trip to Italy with TravelTriangle? Make sure to add these things to do in Bologna in your itinerary so that you don’t miss out on any experience. Also, if you think we have missed out something important, leave a comment below and we will surely add it to our list for ll the travelers out there!
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A writer at heart with the soul of a traveler is pretty much who she is. Besides, she also loves treating her taste buds to different cuisines, binge-watching almost all sorts of series and movies, and indulging in new experiences every now and then. Also, languages and cultures fascinate her to a great extent, which is why currently she is brushing up her Spanish.
