Italy
Things to do in Bologna
Bologna has about 40 km of porticoes, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and Europe's oldest university, but most visitors come to eat. Parmigiano Reggiano dairies, prosciutto houses near Parma and traditional balsamic vinegar cellars in Modena are all within an hour, and the city's own dishes are tagliatelle al ragu, tortellini in brodo and mortadella.
- Parmigiano, prosciutto and balsamic food valley tour
- Quadrilatero market food walk
- Tortellini and tagliatelle class with a sfoglina
- Portico walk to San Luca
Experiences in Bologna
Top-rated experiences in Bologna
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Highlights
- Parmigiano, prosciutto and balsamic food valley tour
- Quadrilatero market food walk
- Tortellini and tagliatelle class with a sfoglina
- Portico walk to San Luca
- Archiginnasio and the anatomical theatre
- Lambrusco and Pignoletto tasting
Best time to visit
April to June and September to October are best; autumn brings truffles and mushrooms to menus. August is very quiet with many restaurants closed, and winter can be foggy.
Getting around
The centre is flat and walkable under the porticoes, and buses cover the rest. The Marconi Express monorail links the airport to the central station in about 7 minutes, and fast trains reach Florence in about 40 minutes.
Local tips
- Parmigiano is made early in the morning, so dairy tours start around 8 or 9 am; book an early slot to see the cheese being made.
- The walk to San Luca follows a portico of 666 arches for almost 4 km and climbs steeply in the last stretch.
- Ask for tagliatelle al ragu, not spaghetti bolognese, which you will not find on traditional menus.
Day trips from Bologna
- Modena
- Parma
- Ravenna
- Ferrara
Frequently asked questions
What are the top things to do in Bologna?
The most booked experiences in Bologna are Parmigiano, prosciutto and balsamic food valley tour, Quadrilatero market food walk, Tortellini and tagliatelle class with a sfoglina and Portico walk to San Luca.
When is the best time to visit Bologna?
April to June and September to October are best; autumn brings truffles and mushrooms to menus. August is very quiet with many restaurants closed, and winter can be foggy.
How do I get around Bologna?
The centre is flat and walkable under the porticoes, and buses cover the rest. The Marconi Express monorail links the airport to the central station in about 7 minutes, and fast trains reach Florence in about 40 minutes.
Do I need to book tours in Bologna in advance?
For headline sights and small-group tours, yes: popular slots sell out in high season. Most partners offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
How many days do I need in Bologna?
Two to three full days cover the main sights, plus one day for each day trip you want to add.