How to Make the Most of One Day in Bologna, Italy

Bologna is an underrated city, often overlooked by travelers in favor of its more popular competitors: Rome, Venice and Florence, which are probably the three most visited cities in Italy. However, it’s less than an hour and a half from Florence by car (30 minutes by train), two hours by car from Venice and an hour and 15 minutes from Milan, and it could be and should be included in any vacation that includes one or more of those three places. 

For those in the know, Bologna is celebrated for its culinary excellence; it’s the birthplace of Bolognese sauce (ragù), tortellini al brodo, tagliatelle pasta and mortadella sausage. It’s also noteworthy for its cultural heritage, including the world’s oldest university, the medieval towers that dominate the skyline and the famous porticoes — almost 26 miles of covered walkways that make a day in blistering heat or rain more pleasant.  

You’ll want a full day to enjoy Bologna, so if you are stopping en route from point to point, get there as early as you can to enjoy the quiet of the city before it wakes up. With so much to see and do, here’s how to make the most of a single day in Bologna.  

Best Itinerary for One Day in Bologna, Italy

I always suggest that families arrange to spend some time with a local to get a sense of any city – what makes it tick; the best parts; the must-sees; the best places to eat; and insider tips and tricks. So after breakfast, meet with a private guide to visit main sights such as Piazza Maggiore, the Fontana del Nettuno (Neptune’s fountain), the Basilica San Petronio and the 12th-century leaning towers of Bologna (Torre degli Asinelli and Torre Garisenda). 

Next, explore the famous Archiginnasio, the original main building of Bologna’s historic university that dates back to the 11th century.  This remarkable structure houses the largest library in the Emilia-Romagna region, which holds priceless writings and collections dating back to the 16th century. It also includes the 17th-century Anatomical Theatre — this room is intricately decorated with woodwork, frescoes and statues and once served as the classroom for anatomy lectures.

You should then wander through Bologna’s beautiful porticoes, more than 800 years old and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Catch a glimpse of modern-meets-medieval Bologna as you explore the old market in the Quadrilatero area; for centuries, foods and other goods have been sold here by merchants of all types.  The market makes clear why Bologna has always been a gastronomic center and what delightful foods are typical of this region today, like Parma ham and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese from nearby Parma; balsamic vinegar from Modena; and fizzy Lambrusco wine.

This leads us to lunch. I recommend sampling traditional Bolognese cuisine at Ristorante I Portici or one of the many trattorie or osterie throughout the city (ask your guide for his or her favorites).  

After lunch, choose from a few different options. Many visitors partake in a cooking class to learn about the history, cuisine and culinary culture of Bologna, plus how to make dishes like tortellini, strichetti, pasta e fagioli and spaghetti alla Bolognese. Or if anyone in the family is a motor racing fan, you might want to make a short detour to Maranello to visit the Ferrari and Lamborghini car factories. You can even get the thrill of driving a Lamborghini through the hills and stunning vineyards of the Italian countryside (sessions last anywhere from 10 minutes to 2 hours). 

For the late afternoon or early evening, embark on a food tour to visit the places where locals eat and drink. Stop by some of the small trattorie and sample 5-year-old Parmigiano-Reggiano; sip aged balsamic vinegar from nearby Modena; enjoy carefully selected local charcuterie; and savor fresh pasta created by Bologna’s very own sfogline (pasta makers). This will be enough for your evening meal, but if you’re still hungry, visit Sfoglai Rina or All’Osteria Bottega for dinner.

There’s lots more to satisfy various interests. You could also consider the following:

• Take a bike tour of the city center or venture into the hills on an e-bike. Art enthusiasts might opt for a street art-themed bike tour — Bologna is home to some of Italy’s most skilled street artists.
• Learn the art of Bolognese aperitivi with a local
• Head out of the city and into the Chianti wine region on a wine tour
• Join a food tour of Modena  or Parma
• Climb to the top of the Torre degli Asinelli — the view is worth the 500 steps! Note, it’s closed at the moment for maintenance, so check back about its scheduled reopening.
• Go in search of Bologna’s hidden canals (hint: find the Finestrella di Via Piella, known as the “secret window,” for a great vantage point)
• Visit Il Ghetto Ebraico, the medieval Jewish ghetto

For an Overnight Stay

If you’d like to spend the night in Bologna, stay at the Grand Hotel Majestic “già Baglioni.”  Located in the heart of town, this historic hotel is renowned for its opulence, art collection and exceptional service. It features elegantly decorated rooms with antique furnishings, an award-winning restaurant (I Carracci), and an extensive wine cellar. Prefer to stay outside the city? Book accommodations at Palazzo di Varignana, a luxurious resort and wellness retreat about 25 minutes from Bologna. The property sits atop rolling hills with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. 

Relevant Links:

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Editor’s note: This post was accurate when published. We advise checking independently for the latest information and updates. Ciao Bambino does not accept responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in, or for any actions taken based on, the information presented.