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What to Do in Bologna in a Day (The PERFECT Bologna Day Trip Itinerary)

From climbing the world's tallest medieval tower to exploring unesco-protected porticoes, here's how to plan the perfect bologna day trip.

Planning to spend one day in Bologna and wonder what the best itinerary is? You’ve come to the right place! In this Bologna in-a-day guide, I will show you how to make the most of your time in the beautiful capital of the Emilia-Romagna region.

With its prime location as one of the country’s major transportation hubs and the convenience of the Frecciarossa and Italo fast trains, you can easily organize a day trip to Bologna from all the country’s major cities including Rome , Florence and Venice , and Verona , just to name a few.

Table of contents

Here is what we’ll cover in this guide:

Is Bologna worth visiting? A brief introduction to Bologna

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As a lively student hub, the city buzzes with the energy of its young population. But, at the same time, It’s amazing to see that this place has such a rich history that goes back centuries. When you visit, you’ll find yourself getting lost in the charm of streets that lead to beautiful medieval buildings, stunning porticoes hosting artisanal shops, and fascinating religious buildings, all showcasing Bologna’s rich history.

Today, Bologna has a strong commercial and industrial presence, especially in the car and food industries, plus it’s a thriving hub for culture and innovation in Italy. The city hosts major trade events throughout the year, which are always so much fun to attend (like the Children’s Book Fair or Liberamente, the leisure and outdoor life exhibition, to name a few). And have you heard about FICO Italy World? It’s the world’s largest food theme park, and it’s right here in Bologna! Plus, because of its central location in Italy, Bologna is an important transportation hub that connects to some of the most beautiful places in the country.

However, while a Bologna day trip can be a memorable experience, if you want to truly uncover all the city has to offer, it’s recommended to spend at least a couple of days exploring its museums, hidden gems, and charming streets. For more inspiration, visit my comprehensive guide to the best things to do in Bologna .

Here’s a one-day itinerary in Bologna for exploring some of the city’s most beautiful attractions on foot. However, keep in mind that the city has so much more to offer, so if you have limited time, consider visiting again in the future.

1. Via dell’Indipendenza

If you’re going to Bologna for a day, you’ll probably arrive by train. The city’s central station is connected to the city centre and its main square, Piazza Maggiore, through Via dell’Indipendenza – a long, bustling shopping street that stretches over a kilometer and is lined with shops, bars, and hotels under its arcades.

But don’t rush straight to Piazza Maggiore! Take a small detour to the left on Via Bertiera and discover the magic of the Finestrella di Via Piella . It’s a tiny window that opens up to a hidden canal – an enchanting sight that’ll leave you feeling like you’ve been transported straight to Venice! This little canal was part of a grand network of waterways that dated back to the Middle Ages and were once used to power mills that produced high-quality yarns for textile factories. It’s a piece of history that’s hidden in plain sight and worth exploring.

2. Piazza Maggiore and the Basilica of San Petronio

The crown jewel of Piazza Maggiore is the Basilica of San Petronio . It’s hard to miss the grandeur of the building where Charles V was crowned Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire in 1530. By the way, did you know that the Basilica was initially planned to be even bigger than St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome? Its facade remained unfinished, but despite this, it’s still an impressive sight to behold, and inside, you’ll find the largest sundial in the world, measuring over 60 meters, and the oldest organ still in use since the 15th century.

3. Via d’Azeglio

But that’s not all. This street holds a special place in the hearts of Bolognese locals, as it was once the home of the great Italian singer Lucio Dalla, who died in 2012. While you might not have time for a guided tour of his former residence, make sure to at least glance at number 15, where you’ll see his silhouette beautifully etched into the building’s facade.

If you’re lucky enough to visit during Christmas or at night, you’ll be treated to a truly magical sight. The building is adorned with special lights depicting some of Dalla’s most famous song lyrics, creating an enchanting atmosphere you won’t want to miss!

4. The Archiginnasio Library and the Anatomical Theatre

Inside the Archiginnasio, you’ll find the incredible Anatomical Theatre : a wooden amphitheater used to study human anatomy. You can still see the marble table on which autopsies were once performed, surrounded by benches for the students.

Tip: Spots fill up quickly, so to avoid disappointment, book your tickets to visit the Anatomical Theatre in advance.

5. Stock up on Bolognese food in the Quadrilatero district

As the clock strikes lunchtime, there’s no better place to be than Bologna’s Quadrilatero – a neighborhood nestled between Via Rizzoli, Via dell’Archiginnasio, Via Farini, and Via Castiglione that’s all about eating!

Wandering through its winding alleys, you’ll discover a labyrinth of streets bearing the names of the artisans and tradespeople who’ve plied their craft here for centuries. As you stroll, be sure to stop by the legendary Osteria del Sole , the oldest tavern in town, where patrons bring their own food to accompany the excellent wine on offer.

Another key stop is Mercato di Mezzo, a historic food market with colorful stands showcasing Bologna’s gastronomic culture. Here, you can stock up on all the great things to eat in Bologna that you can then enjoy at the communal tables.

Don’t miss my guide on what to eat in Emilia Romagna

6. climb the iconic torre asinelli.

Now that you’ve fueled up with all that excellent Bolognese food , it’s time to take on the ultimate challenge: climbing the Torre degli Asinelli! Standing an impressive 97 meters tall (with 498 steps to climb), this iconic leaning tower is the crown jewel of Bologna’s skyline and the tallest medieval tower in the world. The view from the top is simply spectacular. From the bustling Piazza Maggiore to the neighboring Torre Garisenda, which leans even more dramatically, you’ll see the city from a whole new perspective.

And now a fun fact: legend has it that university students should not climb the tower until they have completed their studies. Supposedly, there’s a risk of not being able to finish your degree if you do!

Tip: Spots fill up quickly, so to avoid disappointment, book your tickets to visit the tower in advance.

7. Basilica di Santo Stefano

The idea for this remarkable project dates back to the 5th century when Bishop Petronio was so moved by his trip to the Holy Land that he decided to recreate a replica of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem. Today, it’s considered one of Bologna’s most fascinating attractions and an absolute must-see.

But that’s not all – the Basilica is also home to the world’s oldest nativity scene. Made of lime and elm wood and boasting life-size figures, this breathtaking work of art dates back to 1200 and is truly a sight to behold.

8. Explore Bologna’s famous porticoes

Porticoes at Piazza Cavour

The porticoes of Bologna are an iconic feature of the city designated as a UNESCO-protected monument due to their historical and cultural significance. With over 40 km of covered walkways, they are not only visually stunning but also highly functional, providing relief from the scorching heat in summer and shelter from the rain.

Walking under the porticoes is a must-do activity during your day in Bologna, allowing you to take in the sights and sounds of the city without worrying about the elements. Plus, each portico has its own fascinating story, with styles ranging from medieval to Renaissance.

Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca and Porticoes

One impressive portico to visit is located at Casa Isolani in Strada Maggiore , which features three ancient arrows stuck in its medieval-style architecture. Another highlight is the portico of San Luca , the longest in the world, stretching almost 4 km from the city center to the Sanctuary of the Madonna of San Luca . If you’re wondering where to find the tallest portico in Bologna, head to Via Altabella , where you’ll find one almost 10 meters high. On the other hand, if you want to experience a cozy and intimate walkway, the narrowest portico, measuring only 95cm, can be found in Via Senzanome.

9. Taste the best gelato in Bologna

Make a beeline for Cremeria Santo Stefano and Gelateria Ugo to find the best gelato in Bologna. These two renowned gelato shops pride themselves on using only the finest, freshest ingredients to create creamy, flavorful, and satisfying gelato. And for an authentic local experience, try your gelato in cestine – crunchy wafer cups unique to Bologna. A personal and local favourite is Cremeria Cavour. Don’t miss their signature Cavour flavor with Amalfi lemons, ricotta and pasta Frolla. 

10. Or treat yourself to a delightful aperitivo

If you’re the type who prefers savory delights over sweet treats, why not indulge yourself in a delicious aperitivo? While there are countless spots to savor aperitivo in Bologna, one that truly stands out is Caffè Zanarini in the historic Archiginnasio palace. It’s ample space and convivial atmosphere make it the perfect place to enjoy drinks and nibbles while rubbing elbows with locals.

But if you’re seeking a more unique experience, venture over to Cantina Letteraria on Via Mascarella, where you’ll find a veritable literary cellar with an extensive selection of natural and artisanal wines from the region’s finest vineyards. What makes this spot particularly special is the clever pairing of books with wines.

11. Visit the Cathedral of San Pietro

At first glance, you might think its red brick facade is rather unremarkable. But once you step inside, you’ll be greeted by a stunning interior bursting with beauty. One of the highlights is a gorgeous terracotta sculptural group depicting the Lamentation over the Dead Christ by the talented Alfonso Lombardi in the 16th century, featuring life-size subjects.

The church’s crypt has a rich history that’s intimately tied to the city’s famous university, Alma Mater. It was here that since the 13th century, the university’s theses were traditionally discussed, with students defending their work in front of the archdeacon of the cathedral. This fascinating tradition ended in 1798 when Napoleon nationalized Alma Mater.

What’s more, the Cathedral of San Pietro houses the largest bell (over 30 quintals) that can be played “alla bolognese,” meaning that it’s played rhythmically with a complete rotation of the bell.

For those enjoying a road trip around Italy, reaching Bologna is easy. However, navigating through the many limited traffic zones, aka ZTL, can be challenging once you arrive in the city. Therefore, it’s best to park your car outside the city centre and use public transport or your own two feet to explore the city. Here’s a convenient list of parking areas in Bologna .

For a day trip to Bologna, trains are your best bet. With frequent and fast connections to all major Italian cities, trains make traveling to Bologna an absolute breeze. Plus, the city’s central station, Bologna Centrale, is a mere 10-minute stroll away from Piazza Maggiore, the main square.

Once you are in town, you’ll find it effortless to follow this exciting one-day Bologna itinerary and explore all the top attractions on foot. With its classic Roman layout, navigating around the town is a breeze!

Summertime in Bologna can be a bit of a mixed bag. While the city is alive with unique festivals, like the famed cinema under the stars in Piazza Maggiore, the oppressive heat and humidity can ruin your plans. Not to mention, some businesses may be closed for the summer holidays.

If you’re planning to visit during the winter months, Bologna has plenty to offer, especially during the holiday season. Imagine wandering through the city’s iconic porticoes, the scent of roasted chestnuts filling the air and the twinkling lights illuminating the streets. It’s a magical time of year.

For the best times of the year and when to visit Italy , don’t miss my guide.

If you plan on staying a bit longer, I recommend going for the Plus version of the card. At 40 Euros, it offers even more value and is perfect if you want to explore all that Bologna has to offer.

If you can, it’s best to avoid scheduling your trip on a Monday, as many of the city’s main attractions and businesses are closed on this day of the week, making it not ideal for exploration. Additionally, be sure to check the city’s event calendar before organizing your trip. The city is known for hosting various large conferences throughout the year, which can cause prices to skyrocket and crowds to create some challenges. So, do your research beforehand to avoid any unnecessary headaches.

Ducati Museum is located just outside Bologna city centre

This itinerary for one day in Bologna covers pretty much all the highlights, but the city has so much more to offer. If you can stay a bit longer, don’t hesitate to venture off the beaten path and discover the hidden gems of this enchanting city.

From the stunning medieval palace that once served as a jail for the son of Emperor Frederick II to a remarkable collection of musical instruments and artworks that trace the evolution of music over time and an intriguing time machine and visiting the home of Ducati on a private tour factor tour, Bologna is brimming with unique sites and activities.

You can check out my full guide to the best and most unusual things to do in Bologna here.

Luxury hotels in Bologna

For a unique stay that immerses you in the city’s rich past? Look no further than the Art Hotel Commercianti , housed in a 12th-century building in the Quadrilatero district that once served as the local government and offers breathtaking views of the Basilica di San Petronio. If you’re seeking opulence and grandeur, the Grand Hotel Majestic già Baglioni is a top-rated accommodation that’s sure to impress, with rooms lavishly decorated with beautiful frescoes. Hotel Corona d’Oro   is another excellent hotel in Bologna that puts you in the heart of the city’s fascinating old Jewish Ghetto.

Mid-range hotels in Bologna

There are many interesting B&Bs in this budget range, such as B&B Galleria Cavour located in the glamorous Galleria Cavour commercial gallery with top-notch amenities like Richmond courtesy sets and Netflix. If you’re into history, then Casa Bertagni is the perfect choice for you, as you’ll feel like you’re staying in a piece of history while enjoying all the modern comforts you need. And if you have early morning departures, the NH Bologna De La Gare  is located just a stone’s throw away from the train station and offers a range of rooms of various categories that provide excellent comfort, plus a convenient on-site restaurant.

Budget hotels in Bologna

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly place to stay in Bologna, you have some great options ensuring a great experience without breaking the bank. Dopa Hostel , the ultimate choice for cozy private rooms, spacious family quarters, or social dorm options in the University district. With a unique decor and welcoming ambiance, you’ll feel at home as you explore this vibrant city. If you prefer to stay in the heart of the action, Albergo Panorama is the perfect choice. This family-run hotel offers simple yet spacious rooms only a 5-minute walk from the famous Piazza Maggiore. For the independent traveler, Cosmopolitan Central Rooms  has got you covered with seamless self-check-in/check-out and staff always on hand via WhatsApp.

Family-friendly accommodation in Bologna

When visiting Bologna with the whole family, there are several excellent options offering a comfortable and convenient place to stay. If you’re looking for a centrally located hotel in the heart of Bologna, you can’t go wrong with Hotel San Donato , a family-friendly hotel near the iconic Two Towers, with a lovely rooftop terrace. For a more upscale stay, Art Hotel Orologio is a great choice with spacious family-friendly studios and plenty of amenities to keep everyone comfortable, including complimentary bike rental. And if you’re traveling with young children, you may want to consider the Starhotels Excelsior , offering a wide range of services specifically tailored to young travelers, such as kids’ menus, child-friendly activities, and a playroom.

Apartments in Bologna

If you’re looking for more space and privacy you will find some great holiday apartments in Bologna. The stylish Brilliant in Burgundy in the heart of the vibrant Bolognina district boasts a delightful terrace perfect for al-fresco dining and immerses you in the city’s most authentic local atmosphere. For a more artistic vibe, Heavenly Chic near the city’s famous Mercato delle Erbe boasts beautiful paintings and designer furniture that will make you feel like you’re staying in a luxury art gallery! And if you’re in town to attend an event at the Bologna Exhibition Centre, It’s Easy Being Green has a cool weathered wooden flooring and vibrant forest-green kitchen providing a unique and exciting backdrop for your stay.

Still not sure where to stay in Bologna ? Check out my comprehensive guide to the top neighborhoods in Bologna , complete with my top picks for accommodations in each area!

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Don’t miss these guides to Bologna and Emilia-Romagna

• 55 UNIQUE & BEST Things to Do in Bologna, Italy + Top Tours

What to Eat in Bologna: 15 MUST-Try Traditional Food and Drink in Emilia-Romagna

• Where to Stay in Bologna: Best Hotels & Apartments By Neighbourhood
• The BEST EMILIA ROMAGNA Food Tour // Tastings, Cooking Classes & Factory Tours
• 31 BEST Things to do in Parma, Italy
• 15 BEST Hotels in Parma, Italy // Where to Stay in Parma for Every Budget

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55 UNIQUE & BEST Things to Do in Bologna, Italy + Top Tours

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The Lonely Planet guide to Bologna

Dec 4, 2023 • 6 min read

Find out where to eat, how to get around, and the best things to see and do in Bologna © RossHelen / Getty Images

Lovingly referred to as La Grassa (the fat one, for its hearty food traditions), La Dotta (the learned one, a nod to its famed university, founded in 1088) and La Rossa (the red one, for both its terracotta-hued buildings and its famously left-wing politics), Bologna presents a tantalizing trifecta of medieval might to visitors.

First and foremost, the city’s glorious food legacy, from which arose one of Italy’s most heralded dishes, ragù (please don’t call it bolognese), is arguably the country’s most coveted. Its university (known as Unibo) has ensured a steady stream of culture, innovation and forward-thinking enlightenment for nearly 950 years. And its medieval historic center, a stunning confection of UNESCO-listed porticos and boundless architectural gems, cements the entire easy-on-the-eyes patchwork together.

When is the best time to visit Bologna?

Being at heart a big university town, Bologna is a dynamic city with plentiful cultural attractions, bars and restaurants that stay lively year-round. And with over 61km (38 miles) of porticos (nearly 40/25) in the center itself), the city is more manageable in inclement weather than most. But if we're talking ideal, then April (pleasant weather but not swarming with high-season crowds) and September to October (most of the crowds have thinned out) fit the bill. Avoid August when the city is hot, muggy and mostly closed – many Bolognesi flee the city for their summer holidays in more touristy locales.

One of the benefits of a summer visit, however, is Sotto le Stelle del Cinema (mid-June to mid-August) when Europe’s largest outdoor projection screen is set up in Piazza Maggiore for nightly movie sessions (book ahead!).

Is it easy to get in and around Bologna?

Bologna is Italy’s seventh largest city, but its medieval city center is best enjoyed on foot. From its western boundary at Porta San Felice to its eastern boundary at Porta Maggiore, it’s just 2.6km (1.6 miles) across. If you’d rather rely on public transport, the TPER bus system is well-connected throughout the city center and outlying suburbs. Tickets may be purchased at any tobacco shop (known as a tabaccheria ) or on board with coins and/or credit cards (including contactless). A 10-trip City Pass is €14.

Top things to do in Bologna

Bologna’s best and most unique attractions are intrinsically linked to the city. Casa di Lucio Dalla , for example, is the fascinating home museum of legendary Italian singer-songwriter and Bologna native Lucio Dalla. Following suit with the city’s designation as a UNESCO Creative City of Music, San Colombano – Collezione Tagliavini is an extraordinary assembly of musical instruments amassed by the late octogenarian organist Luigi Tagliavini housed in a stunningly restored church. 

The Teatro Anatomico , part of the world’s oldest continually-operating university, is a jarring throwback to 17th-century medical school dissections. And don’t miss a wander around the atmospheric Quadrilatero , the city’s medieval market area, home to food stalls, greengrocers, delis, and divey wine bar Osteria del Sole , which has been slinging vino since 1465. Unfortunately, the city’s iconic twin towers, Torre degli Asinelli , were closed indefinitely in 2023 in order for engineers to evaluate their structural integrity.

Bologna’s aforementioned centuries-old porticos , one of Italy’s newest UNESCO World Heritage sites (2021), are everywhere you turn in the city. Besides providing cover for those on foot, these remarkable arched arcades are also historic feats of ingenuity and engineering, with representations spanning hundreds of years: medieval wooden porticoes, Gothic and Renaissance porticoes, 14th century beccadelli (semi-porticoes without columns) and 19th-century porticoes featuring court-architecture) among them. An organized tour of the most significant porticos is well worth investing an afternoon.

Another unmissable draw of Bologna – in cahoots with nearby Modena – is Motor Valley, home to a who’s who of legendary sports car manufacturers and their incredible museums. While only Museo Ducati is within the city itself, heavyweight luxury sports car icons Lamborghini is within easy reach on public transport (while Ferrari , Maserati and Pagani sit on the Modena side). For anyone big on cars or Italian design, these emblematic museums are imperative stops on any itinerary to the region.

What to eat in Bologna

Where to begin? With pizza, risotto and gelato being notable exceptions, nearly all of Italy’s most widely-adored contributions to the global dinner table hail from Bologna and/or the surrounding region of Emilia-Romagna. Lasagna, tortellini, ragú (with tagliatelle, not spaghetti), mortadella, prosciutto (Parma), balsamic vinegar (Modena) and Parmesan cheese top the list, but there’s plenty more where that came from. 

Among the less famous (but every bit as delicious) dishes born in Bologna and/or Emilia, polpette con piselli (meatballs with peas), tortelloni di ricotta con burro e salvia (ricotta-stuffed pasta with butter and sage), gramigna alla salsiccia (pasta with sausage) and crescentine/tigelle (fried dough/bread rounds, stuffed with cheese, salumi etc) top the list. Sfoglia Rina is a great spot to acquaint yourself with local specialties but arrive early or settle in for a wait (they do not take reservations). Long dinner short, this is the land of egg pasta and all manner of pork! Vegetarians notwithstanding, Bologna is irrefutably one of Italy’s best cities for food and is in fact the main reason people visit.

How to get to Bologna?

The quickest way to reach Bologna is by air; the city is well-served by an international airport with flights from throughout the EU and beyond.

Arriving in Bologna by air

Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ) welcomes flights from around the EU as well as locations further afield such as London, Dubai, Istanbul and Casablanca, among others. A taxi to the city center runs between €15-20; and the Marconi Express people mover heads direct to the train station in under eight minutes for €11.

Arriving in Bologna by train

Bologna Centrale is a major high-speed rail station on Italy's main train line and most big cities of note are reachable on direct trains. Approximate travel times on Italy’s fastest train, Frecciarossa 1000, include Milan (one hour), Florence (38 minutes), Rome (two hours) and Naples (3.5 hours). The train station is a 15 to 20 minute walk from most locations in the center.

Arriving in Bologna by car

Like the train station, Bologna sits along Italy’s longest and most important highway, the A1 (Autostrada del Sole), which dissects the country from Milan to Naples. It’s part of the greater European routes E45 (Norway to Italy) and E35 (The Netherlands to Italy).

My favorite thing to do in Bologna

Bologna is wonderfully walkable and first and foremost I love meandering through the medieval center, admiring the rusty-red architecture and popping in and out of the city’s UNESCO-listed porticos. My favorite piazza is undoubtedly Piazza Santo Stefano. The city’s most unique religious destination, Basilica di Santa Stefano , anchors the piazza, but it's otherwise just a superbly atmospheric and oddly triangular-shaped square lined with bars and cafes – ideal for an aperitivo . A perfect night for me would be local craft beers at Il Punto followed by dinner at my favorite in-the-know spot for traditional cuisine, Trattoria Bertozzi .  

How much money do I need for Bologna?

• Hostel bed: around €50
• Basic room for two: between €80–150
• Self-catering apartment (including Airbnb): from €150
• Public transport ticket: €1.50 for a single ride, €6 for a day ticket
• Coffee: €1.10
• Pint at a craft beer bar: €6
• Tagliatelle with ragú: €12
• Dinner for two with a bottle of local wine: €60

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• Public transport in Bologna: how to get around the city
• Places and Tours

Let's find out how easy it is to get around the city of Bologna. A practical guide on public transports to enjoy the city at its best.

Bologna: la Dotta ( the Wise ), la Rossa ( the Red ) and la Grassa ( the Fatty ). Three adjectives that tell of a centuries-old university tradition, a historic center of medieval houses and a gastronomy that is unrivaled. To tourists and visitors alike, indeed, the city of Bologna has much to offer, and far beyond its three picturesque appellations .

And while it is a city of immense artistic and cultural heritage, with a truly extensive historic center, we cannot but agree that it is also a human-sized city . Indeed, in addition to limited traffic zones, vast squares, and a substantial bus network , Bologna is also enhanced by an endless network of porticoes  that have been protecting tourists and Bolognese from the rain for centuries. It's also possible to stay in some of the beautiful historical building, turned into hotels. Residenza del Duse , for example, is one of the nicest and most charming in Bologna.

In short, the tourist offer and the public transport line are articulated. Find out how in this article: at the end, you will also find an interesting tourist tip !

Would you like to enjoy the magnificent view of charming the city of Bologna from the suggestive location of the Clock Tower ? Are you an art enthusiast, and would you like to contemplate the marvelous masterpieces of municipal collections? Click on the button to find out more.

Public transport in Bologna: how to get around Bologna easily

Getting around Bolognais really easy: there is no metro, but the city  bus network is extensive and efficient . You may book one of its awesome hotels, such as Panorama Apartments , then move nimbly around the different places in the center, but you can also visit neighboring areas, such as the hill of San Luca , which is vying to become a UNESCO property, or arrive from the airport.

The majority of routes in the city are operated by the TPER company, which handles passenger transportation in Bologna, Imola, and Ferrara.

Let's discover now what you can do and with which tickets!

Before we analyze what you can do and with what tickets, we would also like to give an option for walking lovers . IIf you like exploring the city on foot, try this guided walking tour and discover how getting around Bologna can be enjoyable.

Getting around Bologna by car is also convenient. You can get to your destination quickly and decide on a timetable for getting around.

Getting around Bologna with buses: which ticket do you need?

You can choose the perfect ticket for you not only by the number of rides you want to do but also by the type of means of transport you want to use.

Some tickets, in fact, allow you to travel within the urban area of Bologna using not only the buses but also the trains , buying just one ticket.

Let's now discover all the possibilities you have to enjoy the city of Bologna.

3 different tickets for rides up to 75 minutes long

1. Ordinary ticket : 1,50 euro.

Ordinary ticket allows you to circulate in the Urban Area on any route, even using multiple lines, for 75 minutes from the time of validation. It must be validated at the beginning of the run and at each subsequent bus change by inserting the ticket into the validator.

You may check out all the urban area lines at this link .

2. Ordinary ticket on board : 2 euros.

Ordinary tickets may be purchased on board too, and it must be validated at the beginning of every race. In case of subsequent trips, you have to show the ticket to the driver.

It must be validated at the start of the race and at each successive bus change by inserting the ticket in the validator.

3. Train and bus tickets all-in-one buying the " Mi Muovo City più Ticket ": 1,80 euro.

It's a convenient solution that allows you to combine TPER buses with trains (regional trains operated by Trenitalia) within the urban area of Bologna. It lasts up to 75 minutes and it can only be purchased at the TPER authorized center located in the railway station.

You may discover all the train station interested by this offer at this link .

24 hours in Bologna with the daily ticket

It's the perfect solution for those who want to do a daily visit of the city. It costs 6 euros and it lasts 24 hours from the moment of validation. It can be used to circulate within the urban area of ​​Bologna on any route, even using multiple lines. It must be validated at the beginning of the first run and at each subsequent bus change by inserting the ticket in the validator.

Bologna City Pass: 10 tickets included

The City Pass is useful for two reasons: you can either use it by yourself up to 10 times , or decide to use just one Pass to travel in small groups. In fact, it can also be used by several people at the same time, performing a validation for each user, up to a maximum of 7 passengers at a time . The only requirement is to validate all the 7 tickets within 3 minutes from the first validation.

The 10 tickets included are ordinary : in other words, 10 tickets to use in the urban area of Bologna, up to 75 minutes each. The City Pass costs 14 euros . As for the other tickets, it is necessary to validate the ticket any time you load a new bus.

Bologna Airport-Railway Station in only 7 minutes

Until a few years ago, this route was also operated by TPER. Now it's up to Marconi Express , a monorail train that connects Bologna Marconi Airport with the central station in only 7 minutes . The ticket costs 9,20 euros one way, or 17 euros roundtrip. The return trip has to be done within 30 days from the first trip.

These tickets can be purchased online on the dedicated website or in the authorized booking centers.

And there is more!

City Red Bus and San Luca Express: the tourist buses to get around Bologna

The City Red Bus and San Luca Express are an excellent way to explore the city of Bologna while sitting comfortably on your bus. A system of audio guides in 10 different languages will tour you within the city, sharing with you historical insights, anecdotes and curiosities.

You can get on and off as many times as you like and enjoy a tour that takes about an hour in its entirety.

Choosing the  City Red Bus , you can see all the most important monuments of the city, from the Two Towers  to the famous Basilica of San Luca.

Instead, purchasing the San Luca Express ticket , you'll travel till San Luca hill, next to Bologna, a magic area full of history, art and nature. The perfect place for a pleasant excursion.

But you don't have to make a choice if you don't want to: you can also decide to buy a City Red Bus and a San Luca Express combined ticket .

In other words, these two tourist buses will give you the opportunity to discover the beauty of the city of Bologna, its art, monuments, and secrets from a new perspective !

Would you like to explore the most enchanting corners of this city while admiring its historical buildings and magnificent monuments at leisure? What about taking advantage of an efficient audio-guide system that will support you with interesting explanations?

We recommend

15 Best Day Trips from Bologna, Italy (Cheese, Cathedrals + Beyond)

Known for its red hue, many porticoes, and downright sublime food, Bologna is a fantastic city to explore in northern Italy–and there are some magnificent day trips from Bologna to add to your trip as well!

Though it is the capital of Emilia-Romagna (arguably the best foodie region in all of Italy, though there’s stiff competition), Bologna was long seen as more of a place to take day trips to, rather than from.

And, while you can see quite a bit of Bologna in a day , Bologna’s increase in popularity as a place you base yourself on an Italy trip is well-deserved.

We adore both Bologna and Emilia-Romagna in general and have visited both several times, including one very memorable trip where we spent a month “living” in Bologna and using it as a launching pad for exploring the region.

From beach towns to Tuscan cities to a parmigiano-reggiano factory and beyond, there are some truly amazing Bologna day trips to consider.

We’ve rounded up the best day trips from Bologna, Italy here!

Table of Contents

How to Reach Your Bologna Day Trip Destination (Train Tips)

• The Best Day Trips from Bologna, Italy

Bologna Day Trips Map

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The vast majority of the day trips from Bologna we cover in this travel guide can be reached in less than 2 hours by train.

There are a couple of limited exceptions where you might want to rent a car or take a bus, and we’ll note those where applicable.

Generally speaking, though, Bologna is so well-positioned for day trips that you could explore for weeks without ever traveling further than a short train ride away!

When searching for train tickets, though, be sure to keep in mind the difference between high-speed trains (which have dynamic pricing that gets pricier the closer to your trip that you book a ticket) and regional trains (which are slower but cheaper, with regulated prices).

When traveling to Florence from Bologna, for example, you have the choice between taking the high-speed train (about 40 minutes each way) or the regional train (about 1.5 hours each way) on your day trip.

Therefore, we’ve listed Florence as a day trip located less than one hour from Bologna… but if you don’t book your ticket in advance, you may find that it’s quite expensive to take the fast train at the last minute!

We recommend using  Omio  to shop for high-speed train tickets (it will compare prices and routes for you, including bus routes).

While some of these day trips from Bologna are easy to use the regional trains for and don’t require train tickets to be purchased in advance (like Modena), others require a high-speed train ticket to be feasible. 

If you have your heart set on a particular day trip, we recommend researching exact train times and prices as soon as possible to get a realistic look at what your day will look like.

Shop train tickets for your Bologna day trips today!

The Best Day Trips from Bologna , Italy

Bologna day trip options in emilia-romagna.

Most famous for being the origin parmigiano-reggiano cheese, the laid-back, fun city of Parma makes for the perfect day trip from Bologna.

In fact, we loved our day trip to Parma from Bologna so much that we opted to base ourselves there on a later visit to Emilia-Romagna!

On your day trip, we recommend taking a parmigiano-reggiano factory tour (with tasting, obviously). To date, this is one of our favorite food experiences in Italy!

Some Parma food tours, like this popular one , include a parma ham tasting and/or traditional balsamic vinegar tasting as well ( this is a shorter option if you just want to stick with the cheese).

After your food tour, be sure to step inside the Parma Cathedral, visit the baptistery, wander through Centro Storico, and, if you’re feeling adventurous, try the pesto di cavallo –the city’s local delicacy of horse tartare.

Book your parmigiano-reggiano centered food tour today!

Distance from Bologna

50-55 minutes by train.

Looking for a chilled-out beach day?

Look no further than Rimini, which makes an excellent day trip from Bologna and will make you feel like you’ve traveled much farther than you actually did!

Rimini’s long, beautiful beach–complete with colorful umbrellas–is a great place to swim along the Mediterranean Sea and is less than a 20-minute walk from its train station.

In other words, you can go from the medieval city of Bologna to hanging out under an umbrella at the beach in less than an hour and a half!

As any Italy-loving foodie will tell you, true, traditional balsamic vinegar can only come from Emilia-Romagna… and more specifically, from Modena.

If you’re a balsamic vinegar lover, Modena needs to shoot to the top of your list of day trips from Bologna.

If you’re not a big fan of the condiment as poured over salad, give it a try anyway.

T raditional balsamic vinegar isn’t remotely similar to what you find in most grocery stores and is more like a decadent syrup than anything else.

For car lovers, Modena is also home to something special: the Enzo Ferrari Museum , which tells the story of the founding of Ferrari and also–unsurprisingly–is home to some incredible classic Ferraris.

While visiting Modena, don’t miss the interior of the cathedral, either–it’s gorgeous.

25-35 minutes by train.

Reggio Emilia

Remember how I said above that Parma was the home to parmigiano-reggiano and that Modena is the home of balsamic vinegar?

Well… Reggio Emilia, which is conveniently located right between the two cities, contests the claims of both (that’s the “ reggiano ” part of “ parmigiano-reggiano ”).

Make Reggio Emilia one of your day trips from Bologna to get a first-hand look at some sibling rivalry, Emilia Romagna style!

Less visited than either Modena or Parma, but with a laid-back charm all its own, Reggio Emilia is a delightful place to enjoy la dolce vita for a day.

35-45 minutes by train.

Brisighella

If you’re looking for gorgeous views in a tiny, off-the-beaten-path town in Emilia Romagna, look no further than Brisighella.

This small town is very quiet, and the few attractions around have very limited hours–but it makes for an incredible escape, and you can’t beat the views.

The Rocca Manfrediana (14th-century fortress), the Monticino Sanctuary, and the town’s picturesque clock tower all overlook Brisighella from different angles, and each one is worth admiring.

In the center of town, don’t miss the covered Via degli Asini, and enjoy wandering through the colorful buildings.

Brisighella isn’t a place for fast-paced sightseeing, but it is a treasure to those who want a quiet day trip.

1 hour by car, and renting a car and driving makes visiting the viewpoints simpler.

If you’re looking for a small Italian city with a beautiful castle for one of your day trips from Bologna, look no further than Ferrara.

Home to both the lovely Enzo Castle and Emilia Romagna’s only Jewish community that has maintained a continuous presence since the Middle Ages, Ferrara is bursting with history and beautiful sights.

Ferrara is also home to an incredible cathedral dating to the 12th century, which features one of the most striking facades in the region!

Unfortunately, the cathedral was damaged in a 2012 earthquake and the cathedral has been closed since, but it’s definitely worth admiring the facade when you visit.

If you happen to be visiting Emilia Romagna toward the end of May, keep an eye out for the Palio of St. George in Ferrara, which is possibly the oldest still-running medieval horse race in the world!

If there’s one word synonymous with Ravenna, it’s mosaics.

If you’re the type to be delighted by 1500-year-old Byzantine mosaics adorning elaborate churches, then of all the day trips from Bologna on this list, Ravenna is the one for you.

Ravenna is fairly small, and you can see its major sites in just a few hours, making it an excellent candidate for a day trip (though if you want to see all of the city’s UNESCO mosaics, it’s better to spend at least one night).

In addition to its world-famous mosaics, Ravenna is also a very peaceful, leisurely place, perfect for savoring a long lunch in between sightseeing stops.

1 hour by train.

Cool Bologna Day Trips in Veneto

The city of Romeo and Juliet is so much more than its literary ties.

Beautiful viewpoints, a gorgeous downtown, tasty food, and a lovely setting on the Adige River make Verona one of our personal favorite day trips from Bologna , Italy.

While you’re there, be sure to see the Verona Arena, drop by the beautiful Piazza delle Erbe (the view of the piazza from the top of the Torre dei Lamberti is excellent), stroll across the Ponte Scaligero, and soak in the views from the Castel San Pietro.

And, yes, there are plenty of Romeo and Juliet attractions too, including a chance to visit Juliet’s (inauthentic, but pretty) balcony, write a letter to Juliet, visit Romeo’s house, or of course, see the play .

There’s nowhere in the world quite like Venice.

The canals, the masks, the architecture, the glass… Venice is truly one-of-a-kind, and it deserves a place on any Italy itinerary .

While we certainly recommend spending at least one night in Venice if at all possible, if a day trip is all you can spare, you can certainly get a taste of Venice in a day via a day trip from Bologna!

Head to Venice and explore the famous St. Mark’s Square , climb St. Mark’s Bell Tower for some incredible views over the city , and head to the famous Rialto Bridge for the iconic view of the Grand Canal.

If you want to avoid the biggest crowds, make your way to quieter neighborhoods like Dorsoduro and Cannaregio, meandering over tiny footbridges and picturesque canals along the way.

1.5 hours by train.

With a university dating back to 1222 and a lively student population, Padua has quite a bit in common with Bologna on the surface, though they’re very different cities.

They are, however, both absolutely worth a visit!

Padua, set on the Bacchiglione River, is a fantastic Bologna day trip option.

Don’t miss the 14th-century Basilica of St. Anthony, the frescoes in the famous Scrovegni Chapel, and the bustling Ragione Palace.

Kick back and relax in the Piazza dei Signori, and be sure to stop by the famous Prato della Valle, which is probably Padua’s most-photographed spot.

Tuscan Day Trips from Bologna , Italy

The Cradle of the Renaissance is easily one of our favorite cities in the world–and luckily, it’s very close to Bologna!

Though one day in Florence won’t be enough to explore all of its art in depth, you’ll have enough time to get a great overview of the city.

C onsider visiting the Duomo , Mercato Centrale, Piazza della Repubblica, the Ponte Vecchio, and Piazzale Michelangelo while you’re there.

And, of course, no trip to Florence would be complete without stopping at a trattoria for delicious Tuscan pasta!

Keep in mind that if you’re hoping to climb the Cupola , go into the Uffizi , or see David on your Florence day trip, you will almost certainly need to pre-book tickets and/or a tour to do so.

40 minutes by train. ( Here’s our full guide to traveling from Florence to Bologna. )

Captivating, stunning Siena is a bit of a long day trip from Bologna, but it is well worth the effort!

Once the military rival of Florence, Siena is packed with gorgeous architecture (Siena’s Duomo is arguably one of the most magnificent in Tuscany), a compelling history (the various Contrade alone are so interesting!), the amazing Piazza del Campo, and twice a year, the Palio di Siena.

The Palio di Siena horse race is held twice a year in the Piazza del Campo (July 2 and August 16), and while it’s unlikely you’ll happen to take your day trip to Siena on one of those days, the horse races dominate the lore of the city.

With or without them, though, Siena is well worth the trip!

2 hours by train.

Outside of Florence, most Tuscan cities are too difficult to reach from Bologna to be worth considering as Bologna day trips, but if you want to see a smaller Tuscan city while based in Bologna, Arezzo is a great option.

While you’re there, be sure to visit the stunning Piazza Grande and admire it from above.

T he view from the top of the clock tower at the Palazzo della Fraternita dei Laici on Piazza Grande is one of my favorites that we’ve seen in Tuscany!

Arezzo is also home to some gorgeous early-Renaissance frescoes in the Church of San Francesco, beautiful views from the Fortezza Medicea, and some of the best antiquing in Tuscany, all of which are worth checking out.

1.5-2 hours by train.

Lombardy Day Trips from Bologna

If you’re short on time and want a small taste of Italy’s fashion and business capital, Milan is perfectly set up for sampling in one day.

The main sights can be covered quickly, and a Bologna day trip is plenty of time to see the Duomo (including its epic rooftop), the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the Sforzesco Castle, and more.

As a bonus, Milan’s central train station is one of the most beautiful we have ever seen–so the sightseeing can being as soon as you arrive in Milan!

As for the Last Supper, tickets sell out well in advance–if you’re taking a last-minute day trip, you’ll likely need to book a guided tour like this if you want to see the fresco during your visit.

1 to 1.5 hours by train.

A Special Bologna Day Trip Outside of Italy

Glancing at a map, does it seem impossible to take any day trip from Bolognas that are outside of Italy?

Thanks to the microstate of San Marino (which is the self-proclaimed oldest republic in the world), it’s actually surprisingly easy to take add a day trip to a different country from Bologna!

If you’re interested in microstates or visiting lots of countries, San Marino needs to be at the top of your list of day trips from Bologna.

H ome to incredible landscapes, castles, fairytale views, and some very interesting sights (want to visit a tiny parliament?), San Marino is a must-see.

San Marino sadly is a bit harder to get to than the rest of these day trips from Bologna–it requires you to either drive, or take a train to Rimini and then a bus after that–but in our opinion, it is worth it to visit such a unique place.

1.5 hours by car, 3+ hours by a combination of train and bus.

Take This Map With You! Click each highlight to pull up the name of the destination. To save this map to “Your Places” on Google Maps, click the star to the right of the title. You’ll then be able to find it under the Maps tab of your Google Maps account! To open the map in a new window, click the button on the top right of the map.

About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

9 thoughts on “15 Best Day Trips from Bologna, Italy (Cheese, Cathedrals + Beyond)”

This is a great list! I’ve yet to visit Bologna, but Parma, oh my that’s on my list. Parmesan is my all time favorite to buy fresh from the markets here. Love your write up!

Thanks, Summer! Parma is definitely a treat for cheese (and ham) lovers–I miss the food terribly!

A day trip to Vence! What an excellent suggestion. This was an awesome read

Thanks, Juan!

As an Italian native reading your article, I say you hit the target 100%. You provided great tips and off the track itineraries, just like a local would. Loved it!

Extremely high praise! 🙂 Thanks, Viviana!

We plan to visit Rimini soon! Do you have a favorite beach/ beach club for a day trip? Looking for something kid friendly.

I don’t, I’m sorry! But there are plenty of great ones to choose from. 🙂

A wonderfully informative guide to using Bologna as a base. Italian trains make day trips so easy and cheap!

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Routes and Trips Travel Guide with Maps and Photos

Bologna: arcades, history and mediterranean colors.

Posted by: Liisa Nygård

Bologna at the foot of the Apennine mountains is a less known travel destination that easily compares to Florence and other cities. Bologna’s 38 km of arcaded streets, red and ochre-colored houses and long culinary traditions make it the perfect weekend destination.

Bologna arcades are listed in the UNESCO and so is the whole city, as a city of music. 

I went to see what the red-roofed city is like and will now show you the best sights of Bologna by walking around Bologna’s historic center Centro Storico.

Bologna’s arcades in Piazza Santo Stefano

I will show you a walking itinerary that takes you to Bologna’s most sights and I also marked my itinerary on the map.

Mediterranean colors of Bologna arcades

Bologna Walking Itinerary on the Map

Self-guided walk in Bologna: the map

We will start and end at Piazza Maggiore, the central square of Bologna. First we will head to the narrow lanes south and north of the square and stroll around aimlessly to see the narrowest little alleys.

After some walking we will look at Piazza Maggiore sights and then head to the leaning towers in the east. Maybe you want to climb the higher tower, the Torre Asinelli?

After this we will follow the main street Strada Maggiore and see long arcades, historic university buildings and a pretty church after which we will take some side streets and return to Piazza Santo Stefano and back to Piazza Maggiore.

This will be a 4 to 6 km walk depending on how much you go away from my route. Reserve at least half a day – and enjoy the Mediterranean capital of Emilia-Romagna!

Quadrilatero District

Bologna portico in Piazza Maggiore

This is one of the arched walkways facing the Piazza Maggiore of Bologna. Luxury and fashion shops to all tastes, but we are heading to side streets, to a district called Quadrilatero that sells other things than fashion.

Quadrilatero District used to be the city’s open air market and it still is that. Each street had a different purpose which you can still read in the street names (provided you understand Italian).

Small shops and stalls sell fresh vegetables and traditional local delicacies directly to the street. There are rows of nice trattorias , enotecas and specialist food shops. This is where we had our lunch, dined in evenings and also bought what we needed to our apartment that was located right here, above the roofs of this most central part of Bologna.

One of the narrow Bologna alleys

North of Piazza Maggiore is another old district you should see. It’s a more quiet area but equally beautiful. This part of the city is the former Jewish Ghetto. Red and yellow houses here too, and a lot of arcades.

This is a mixed photo gallery with photos from both areas, click on the small photos to see them in a slide show:

The historic old town of Bologna

I now have to show a different view of the Centro Storico,a bird’s eye view from our roof balcony.

Santa Maria della Vita, San Petroneo, town hall and Palazzo del Podesta. And right below us are the city’s main dining street Via Clavature, Via Drapperie, Via Caprarie and Via degli Orefici.

Via degli Orefici, Bologna’s dining street

Bologna’s Piazza Maggiore

Piazza Maggiore of Bologna and town hall Palazzo Comunale

Via Orefici ends in the Piazza. Piazza Maggiore looks fantastic with all those historic buildings. First there is the white and brown Basilica of San Petroneo, the fifth largest church in the world.

Then there is the former governor’s palace Palazzo del Podesta and behind it Palazzo di Re Enzo that is for meetings and conferences. In fact my husband Clas spent most of his time in Bologna inside that building…

The Piazza Maggiore of Bologna, Italy

Palazzo Comunale, the town hall of Bologna stands beyond the square and has the Fountain of Neptune in front. Unlike Podesta and Re Enzo the town hall is a place to go in, as is the public library Salaborsa next door. The library has a glass floor with Roman and Etruscan ruins below.

More Bologna arches: a side street of Piazza Maggiore

Torri Pendente

The Torri Pendenti of Bologna

These two towers are the Torri Pendenti and probably the most famous Bologna sights.

Pendenti means leaning and both towers lean. The shorter of them, Torre della Garisenda leans even more. It leans to the extent that they had to cut it to prevent a collapse and the Garisenda is now only 50 m high. The other tower, Torre Asinelli is double the height and you can climb to the top for views,  it’s only 500 steps…

Torri Asinelli and Garisenda are visible from everywhere in Bologna.

The towers are named after the powerful families that once built them. In medieval times the city had a lot of towers since most wealthy families wanted to have one, but with time most of the towers have disappeared.

Strada Maggiore

Bologna Strada Maggiore windows and arches

Bologna’s main road Strada Maggiore runs east from the leaning towers. It’s a part of the Roman Via Emilia that cuts through the region. The Romans built a straight road through the plains of Emilia-Romagna, to get access from Milan to Rimini.

Today’s motorway follows the Roman route, three plus three lanes. In addition there are two railway lines by its side, the old one and the one for rapid trains. And then there is the original Roman road through cities and villages that Bologna Strada Maggiore is part of.

Piacenza, Fidenza, Parma, Emilia-Romagna, Modena, Bologna and Rimini.

Strada Maggiore porticoes and sights

Strada Maggiore has a huge amount of portici , porticoes or arcades in English: wide and narrow, low and high, yellow, brown and red. Yet they make a small part of the total of 38 km.

Porticoed streets were practical when they were built, and they still are. They provide shade during hot Italian summers and shelter during rainy winters. And they allow all kind of outdoor activities round the year.

UNESCO has recognized Bologna porticoes as an essential part of the world’s cultural heritage. According to UNESCO, unlike elsewhere the porticoes of Bologna are so harmonious because they have been a town-planning criteria mentioned in all local regulations – from the 13th century onward.

View from below the arches

Some of the finest arcades along Strada Maggiore are the four-sided portico of Santa Maria dei Servi and the inner courtyard of Palazzo Hercolani, one of the University of Bologna buildings.

Bologna university has an impressive history as one of the oldest in Europe, founded in 1088.

Piazza Santo Stefano

Piazza Santo Stefano of Bologna

The broad square of Piazza di Santo Stefano is located in an elegant area where many important families built their palazzi. One of these palaces has been changed to a shopping and dining complex, Corte Isolani.

I didn’t want to go shopping, I rather stay outdoors. Since this square is very peaceful and surprisingly just a few steps from the busy food market.

Views of Piazza Santo Stefano

Strolling around the city I found a number of pretty churches. Many Bologna churches are built in a very simple style and yet they are fantastic! There is so much  beauty in Bologna, Italy.

A Bologna church

Many of these small churches had closed doors like is the case with most palaces. As almost all palaces in the city are privately owned you can’t see them from the inside. The tourist office told me there’s only two or three palaces open to the public. This is one of them:

Palace of Archiginnasio

Courtyard of the Palace of Archiginnasio, Bologna

The tourist office also told me the Archiginnasio is the easiest palace to visit, located right behind the cathedral. You are free to walk around on the palace courtyard and in corridors – unless you want to enter the Anatomical Theatre that has a nominal fee, and the public library where only local residents are allowed in.

Archiginnasio was built in the 16th century when the aim was to get the university under the same roof. The walls in corridors and class rooms are full of fantastic decoration. It’s mainly inscriptions of professors and coats of arms of students.

Archiginnasio Palace in photos

More about the Archiginnasio Palace on the L’Archiginnasio di Bologna website .

These were the main sights and now some words about where we stayed.

Our Bologna Roof Apartment

City view from Altana Bologna roof terrace

Our Bologna accommodation was exceptional. What we wanted was a balcony, central location and air conditioning. And we got it all, in fact we got two balconies –  and amazing city views from both.

All this was on the sixth floor, above all city roofs. It was so good that we could not decide whether to go out in evenings or invite friends to our two terraces.

Above the red roofs of Bologna

In Altana Bologna even the bedroom has windows on three sides. We just loved those city views, location and everything.  We even had a little tower of our own and beautiful spiral staircases to our apartment and on to the roof tower.

So where did we find our Bologna rooftop apartment? Here:

Booking.com: Altana Bologna

Bologna Centro Storico in the morning

So this was Bologna, and how do you get there?

How to Travel to Bologna

As Italy has been building a rapid train network  Bologna is very easy to reach.

It’s just an hour from Milan, two hours from Rome and 30-40 minutes from Florence. Adriatic resorts are an hour and Venice an hour and a half away. You will find Italian train connections on the Trenitalia website.

We however came by car, knowing that there was no use for our car in Bologna. Since Italian motorways are good and have many lanes driving is quite easy. We came from Milan Malpensa airport that is 260 km away and we did that in three hours.

When in Bologna we left our car outside the city:

Where to Park in Bologna

After some research we found Parking Tanari. It’s close to the main train station and parking only costs EUR 5 a day. It’s a good two km from the old town. If you don’t want to walk you can take the city bus 29 from Tanari to Piazza Maggiore. In Italy you can pay your trip in cash (EUR 2) if you don’t have a ticket.

Now good bye from Bologna!

Towers of Bologna: our roof tower and Torre Asinelli

More on Italy Travel

• What else you should see in Emilia Romagna: Emilia Romagna: Looking for Italys Prettiest Villages
• You will find all our Italy posts on the Italy category page.
• The national tourism website of Italy

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• Strada dei Motori e dei Sapori

Bologna City Red Bus tickets

• City sightseeing
• Access for disabled
• Audio guide
• Animali ammessi

3,00€ – 24,00€

• Description

Product Description

City red bus, from march the service is active everyday..

Is the new tourist bus service, provided by modern open top buses, that gives you the chance to discover, from a new perspective, the beauty of Bologna: its art, monuments and even its secrets.

Audioguides available in 10 different languages give passengers the chance to learn information and curiosities about the city and its most important monuments.

Practical info .

• Complete tour lenght  1 hour , many departures every day;
• Tickets valid for one day (except the combo tickets San Luca Express + City Red Bus )
• Hop on – Hop off  tour (P ay  Attention :  once you get off the bus, getting on again is possible only if free seats are available on board).

–   € 16,00  – Ordinary ticket – Adults;

–  € 8,00  –  Reduced ticket   – Children 6 – 10 years old/ Disabled people and helper (each)/ School group;

–   € 3,00  – Ticket  Kids  – 0-5 years old

Combined tickets City  Red  Bus + San Luca Express has the following validity:

• Line San Luca Express is worth a round trip within the same day;
• It is possible to use both the little train and the minibus;
• City Red Bus line is valid for two consecutive days with Hop-on and off mode at our stops.

– € 24,00  – Combined ticket – Adults;

– € 10,00  – Combined ticket – Children 6 – 10 years old/ Disabled people and helper (each)/ School groups;

–   € 3,00  – Combined ticket  Kids  – 0-5 years old

Tickets available on board by cash or card, at the tourist office Bologna Welcome or online. A ll tickets are non-transferable

• Main stops:

–        Piazza Maggiore

–        viale Pietramellara 63/A , in front of the Railway Station

–        San Michele in Bosco

–        Piazza Malpighi

Download our timetable and map clicking on the image below

• Get on and off the bus whenever you want at our stops;
• Discover the city from a new perspective;
• Visit the most important attractions of Bologna;
• Keep your ticket and get a discount on the other  City Red Bus lines.

RATES INCLUDE

• City Red Bus tour 1 day;
• Multilingual Audioguide  in 10  different languages: Italian, English, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, German, Japanese, Russian, Chinese.
• On board assistance provided by highly qualified staff.
• Our buses are equipped to accomadate  1 passenger on a wheelchair ; we suggest to contact us for booking that place on one of our trips.
• Service available also in case of a rainy day, thanks to the transparent roof  and heated seats.
• Small pets (dogs, cats) are allowed on board free of charge, while medium-large size ones must pay the reduced fee (3,00 €) .

Office: +39 366 6161319  (Monday – Friday)

[email protected]

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(italiano) favole in citta’ – edizione bologna, bologna inside tickets, l'emozionante city tour a bordo del red bus, privacy overview.

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Bologna travel blog — the fullest bologna guide & what to do in bologna for first-timers.

Almost all on the itineraries to Europe in general or to Italy in particular, the city of Bologna is not mentioned as much to tourists as famous cities of this country such as  Rome, Venice, or Florence… However, not much is included, doesn’t mean that this city has nothing special, for most Italians, this is an ancient historic destination and a land associated with the great Italian cuisine that not everywhere else can comparable. So, is Bologna worth visiting, what to do in Bologna and how to plan a perfect budget trip to Bologna for the first-time? Let’s check out our Bologna travel blog (Bologna blog) with the fullest Bologna travel guide (Bologna guide, Bologna city guide, Bologna tourist guide) from how to get to Bologna, best time to come, where to stay, best places to visit, what to eat and top things to do in Bologna to find out the answer!

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Is it strange to say that the Italy in my mind when I was a child was not the great Colosseum, the leaning tower of Pisa, but the blocks of streets with cookie-colored domes in the picture below. Actually, when I was a kid, I didn’t care much about Italy, because American movies were often shot in New York, then London and Paris, so my image of the West is only those places. As for the Italy I know from a documentary, it was filmed in Bologna, the same setting, only in the 90s Europeans were richer and more stylishly dressed than they are now. Stop rambling, and this is my sharing of Bologna travel guide and experiences.

Bologna travel blog: Overview of Bologna

Where is bologna.

The city of Bologna, located between the Reno and Sevena rivers in Northern Italy, has long been recognized as a center of culture and art. This ancient city has a lot of scenic spots, historic structures and is also home to the oldest universities in the world, including the University of Bologna (Alma Mater Studiorum Universita di Bologna) established in 1088, Bevilacqua Palace, Morandi Museum, Church of San Pietro, especially the two leaning towers of Asinelli and Garisenda. Not only that, Bologna is also one of the fastest growing cities in Italy because the quality of life is quite prosperous. And most attractions like churches and museums are not far from each other, so if you intend to visit Bologna, you should prepare yourself a pair of really good sneakers!!

Bologna is about 2 hours by car from Rome to the north and 1 hour by car from Milan to the south. Bologna is the capital of the Emilia Romagna region and also the largest city in the same province. and one of the economic centers of Northern Italy. Since the Middle Ages, Bologna has been a rich city-state, rich in cultural traditions and today Bologna is one of the cities with the highest quality of life in Italy.

Bologna, the seventh most populous city in Italy, with a population of nearly 1 million people, it is one of the fifty cities directly under the central government of Italy. Bologna is known for its unique cityscape and is also known as the red city of Italy.

This thriving city has acquired other nicknames over the years, such as “La Dotta, La Grassa, and La Rossa” which roughly translates to “The Learned, The Fat, and The Red”. One of its nicknames, La Rossa (red), comes from its terracotta buildings, as well as its revolutionary past. Bologna is also one of the most beautiful cities of Italy but it is often overlooked by tourists when they want to visit the famous tourist attractions of Italy such as Florence and Venice.

Bologna’s compact historic center is made for walking, brimming with great Medieval and Renaissance architecture, historic sites, quirky museums and 40 kilometers of portici, roofed arcades cover winding around the old town. But it doesn’t stop with that quaint look, there are music, theater and art events take place year-round to complement the lively cafe and bar scene.

Bologna is one of the oldest cities in Italy, often ranked among the top cities for quality of life in Italy. Ranked 5th in 2006 and 12th in 2007 out of 103 Italian cities. This is due to its industrial tradition with a wide range of highly developed social services, where important road and rail crossings are located. The city has a rich history, art, cuisine and culture, and was chosen as the European Capital of Culture in 2000.

Bologna guide: When to come?

January and February the weather is very mild, often featured with clear blue skies, but you still need an extra coat, scarf, hat and gloves.

From March to October is the best time to travel to Bologna, when the weather at this time is quite warm. However, you should also be careful because around June the weather in Bologna will be quite hot. August is summer, so many shops and restaurants may have to close for the holiday.

Although the winter time is cold, the weather is usually very beautiful 2 weeks before Christmas.

How to get to Bologna?

Bologna has an international airport connecting to many major cities in the world called Guglielmo Marconi. The airport is about 6km north of the city center. Currently at the airport, there are operating airlines such as: Aegean Airlines, Air Malta, Air Slovakia, British Airways, Centralwings, Iberia…

To travel to Bologna in the northeast of Italy, visitors will not have any difficulty in transportation because the way from Venice, Florence or Rome to Bologna is quite convenient. Travelers can use the trans-European bus routes to come to Bologna because all journeys stop in Bologna. And for traveling faster, visitors can take a plane or a high-speed train, it only takes 1-2 hours to arrive.

As for other Italian cities, you can easily get to Bologna by other means such as bus and train easily because Bologna is the traffic hub of Northern Italy.

You can getting to the city center by different means of transport, namely:

• Taxi: Taxi from the airport to the center costs about €15
• Aerobus: Cost of Aerobus ticket €6
• Bus: Bus routes you can take include 54, 81, 91. The buses take 60 minutes to reach the center and cost around €1.5.

Bologna travel guide: Getting around Bologna

Walking to visit Bologna is the best because the city is quite small. Most attractions such as churches and museums are not far from each other, so you don’t need to take a taxi or bus. The most popular means of transport in the city are bicycles (there are many places in the city for rent a bicycle).

Bologna’s public bus system is also quite efficient and fast. Buses operate daily from 6AM – 11P, tickets are available at bus stations, newsstands, shops and many bars, travel agencies, tourist offices. However, it will be difficult to find a taxi in this city because the fare is very expensive. Car rental is always available from the airport.

The public bus system in Bologna operated by ATC is quite efficient and fast. Travel agencies have tourist maps and detailed information on bus routes available. Buses run daily from 6 am to 11 pm, tickets are available at bus stations, newsstands, shops and many bars, sold at travel agencies, tourist offices. It is very difficult to find a taxi in the city and the fare is expensive.

Bologna Itinerary

Bologna is actually not a famous tourist city even among Italians. Normally, if you getting to from Milan, you can come to Bologna to explore for a day and then return. Many tourists also skip this city when traveling to Italy. But because I love Italy like my second home, I spent 2 days to explore Bologna and Forlì, a city on the outskirts of Bologna. If you love food, you can have an alternative choice of Parma instead of Forlì, a city famous for cold cuts, cheese and chocolate. If you like the sea, replace it with Rimini, the famous Italian coastal city.

Is Bologna worth visiting? What to do in Bologna and top things to do in Bologna?

The center of Bologna is not too large, so you just need to walk to visit all the famous places here, including:

Piazza Maggiore (Maggiore Central Square)

Because it is a city with bold medieval architecture like Bari, Bologna has many Gothic and Roman buildings interspersed with each other. Even the cathedral has an unfinished façade with a detailed Gothic lower part while the upper part is simple with a Romanesque style. In this square we can visit the cathedral of San Petronio, two mansions, a museum and a famous fountain. Hang around for about 2, 3 hours and you will get enough nice photos to change your facebook avatar for a whole month.

Fountain of Neptune

Address: Piazza del Nettuno, 40124 Bologna BO, Italy Hours: Open 24 hours

The correct name is the fountain of Neptune, the god of the sea, representing the Greco-Roman polytheistic religion, located in a corner of the Main Square in a typical Christian city. Not to mention the bronze statue that depicts the muscles very in detail, the stance cannot be more ostentatious with a key point, if viewed from the back, the hand of the sea god looks like a “pen!s” pointed directly at the basilica at the opposite side. In the 15th century, when Renaissance Art gave birth to more evocative statues like David, this statue caused great controversy. Thankfully, through the purges of pagan icons, today we can still see one of Italy’s most beautiful outdoor sculptures.

Bevilacqua Palace (Palais Bevilacqua Ariosti)

Address: Via d’Azeglio, 31, 40123 Bologna BO, Italy Hours: 7AM–12AM

Bevilacqua Palace was built between 1474-1482. Like one of the many palaces in Florence, the palace has a rather beautiful entrance, grandiose exterior, and a quite small courtyard. Today, the palace with its quaint beauty has attracted millions of tourists to visit and admire a masterpiece of the Renaissance period.

Morandi Museum (Giorgio Morandi House)

Address: via 40125 36, Via Fondazza, 40125 Bologna BO, Italy Hours: Saturday: 2–5PM/Sunday: 10AM–1PM, 2–5PM

The Morandi Museum was established inside the Palazzo d’Accursio. This museum is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Bologna. The museum displays all of Morandi’s works. The museum is also a place to display the artworks of painter Giorgio Morandi with 62 oil paintings, 18 watercolor paintings, 92 drawings, 2 sculptures and 2 engravings on metal.

Palazzo Comunale (Palazzo d’Accursio)

Address: Piazza Maggiore, 6, 40121 Bologna BO, Italy Hours: 9AM–6:30PM/Monday: Closed

The Town Hall is located in Piazza Maggiore and is a historic building with the Bologna city council built in the 14th-century architectural style. Here you can view collections of paintings and sculptures from the 13th and 19th centuries, as well as the famous Neptune Fountain as mentioned above.

University of Bologna (Alma Mater Studiorum – Università di Bologna)

Address: Via Zamboni, 33, 40126 Bologna BO, Italy

Today, the University of Bologna retains its ancient look with the largest campus in Europe. The oldest university in Italy has not only one building but also a neighborhood with a complex of lecture halls, administrative areas, and beautiful dormitories like in a fairy tale. Fortunately, the school’s students did not organize a protest that day (you have to understand that European students in general often protest to express their political views or demand improvement of the curriculum), so the school still had the same atmosphere of the city. However, I have to admit that the school is so beautiful, it’s true that getting a scholarship here is a real lottery win.

The University of Bologna (Italian: Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna or UNIBO) was founded in 1088. The university’s motto is Alma Mater Studiorum which roughly translates as “Nourishing mother of studies”. Bologna University has about 100,000 students studying at 11 member schools and has branches in Reggio Emilia, Imola, Ravenna, Forlì, Cesena and Rimini and an overseas branch center in Buenos Aires. The University of Bologna is considered the oldest university continuously operating since its founding. This was the first educational institution to use the word universitas in its name.

The Cathedral of San Pietro

Address: Via dell’Indipendenza, 7, 40125 Bologna BO, Italy Hours: 7AM–7PM/Sunday: 8AM–7PM

This church was started construction on April 18, 1506 on the foundation of another church. It was Pope Julius II who ordered the demolition of this old church to build a new one with the hope that this would be the place to bury himself after his death. Therefore, he chose the famous painter Michelangelo to lead the construction of this work. However, Michelangelo had to give this role to Donato Bramante due to some controversy over whether to demolish the old church or not. Bramante demolished most of the 1,200 year old church foundation along with 4 pillars.

The two leaning towers of Asinelli and Garisenda

Address: P.za di Porta Ravegnana, 40126 Bologna BO, Italy Hours: 10AM–5PM

The tallest tower is Asinelli, built in 1109 by the Asinelli family in the square of Porta Ravegnana. It is one of the few surviving towers in the city from the Middle Ages. with a height of more than 100m (almost equal to a 30-story building). Visitors have to climb 498 steps to reach the top. This tower leans 1.3m. It is not in vain to have to put in effort to climb nearly 500 steps, because at the top is a panoramic view of the city and suburbs. The other tower, Garisenda tower, built in 1267, is 49m high. It tilts to… 3m! Also due to this deviation, the tower is not for visitors. And these two leaning towers have become one of the main symbols of the city of Bologna. Looks like it’s challenging the existence of gravity!

Pinacoteca Nazionale (National Museum)

Address: Via delle Belle Arti, 56, 40126 Bologna BO, Italy Hours: 10AM–7PM/Tuesday, Wednesday: 9AM–2PM/Monday: Closed

It has a collection of works by Bolognese artists between the 13th and 18th centuries. The museum building was built in the 15th century, making it a sight worth to visit.

Basilica di Santo Stefano

Address: Via Santo Stefano, 24, 40125 Bologna BO, Italy Hours: 7:30AM–12:30PM, 2:30–7:30PM/Monday: 6–7:30PM

The building believed to have been built by Saint Petronius, bishop of the city in the fifth century, is one of the oldest buildings in Bologna. Santo Stefano is a complex of 7 separate churches, but only 4 of these are intact. In this basilica you can also see impressive mosaics from the Roman and Byzantine times.

The city of towers

In the Middle Ages, Bologna had many towers (pictured below) but today, after many events, only 17 are still standing. If you are rich enough, you can rent a hotel room at the top of the tower to spend the night. Uncle Lisa, an Italian friend who took me around Bologna told me that it was as expensive as a 5-star hotel. I forgot to ask what the rooms at the top of the tower were used for in the past. Now, the penthouse on the top floor is usually reserved for business men like Mr. Grey, and in the past, the top floor was reserved for solitary confinement until prisoners were too lonely (or too hot) to go crazy and die. And I save money, so I don’t buy a ticket to the top of the tower to see the whole Bologna.

Basilica di San Francesco

Address: Piazza Malpighi, 9, 40123 Bologna BO, Italy Hours: 6:45AM–12PM, 3:30–7PM

The Church of San Francesco is located in the north of the city, a well-known tourist attraction in Bologna, was built in 1236 by two brothers, Marco da Brescia and Giovanni, monks in Francesco. In 1388, a large altar was made of marble combined with Gothic architectural style. The altar was commissioned by Jacobello and Pier Paolo delle Masegne to design. The church is located in the west of the city center, very convenient for tourists when traveling to Bologna to visit this city. Standing on top of the church can see the entire Piazza San Francesco. In the church there are memorials to the jurist Accursius and his 3 sons, Rolandino dei Romanzi, Odofredus and Francesco.

The city of arcades (portici)

Bologna: City Center Group Walking Tour

As I said above, you can go around the city of Bologna without fear of rain or sun tanning. In fact, building a house with a 2nd floor on the sidewalk is quite common in Singapore, Bangkok or even in Hanoi in small alleys, people also race to cover the whole sky on the 2nd floor, but Bologna has arcades (portici). They were built in the Middle Ages, the oldest wooden one still survive and is quite well preserved. The rest, the more the arcades in the center, the more elaborately decorated with relics and elegant patterns. In general, how cool are these arcades when take pictures, stunning, stylish.

Via Pescherie Vecchie

This is a street with many bakeries, restaurants, and fruit stalls, so tourists and office workers come here to eat and drink a lot. In Italy, the office takes a 3 hour lunch break. If I had a long lunch break in Vietnam, I would have lunch in 30 minutes and nap for the remaining 2 and a half hours. As for a people who like to enjoy themselves like Italians, they will leisurely have lunch, drink coffee, take advantage of dating, and flirting with each other. We also eat cold cuts buffet in this street. You will be served a plate full of a variety of cured meat of all kinds and cheeses to eat until your eyes are closed because you are full.

Bologna has also a vibrant nightlife with lots of nightclubs, discos and cafes. One of the best areas to have a great evening would be the student quarters, the main square area and Via del Pratello. You can find reasonably priced restaurants and pubs around the student neighborhood of Via Zamboni.

What to explore in Forlì?

Forlì is about an hour by train from Bologna, and like other cities in Emilia Romagna province, it has all three characteristics: The buildings are painted with the color of biscuits, the sidewalks with arcades, and Medieval Art shadow all over the city. However, Forlì is quite special for one thing: Benito Mussolini was born in a town 15km from Forlì. Because it was the hometown of the Italian Fascist leader, Forlì has many buildings of the Futurist, Rationalist and Italian utilitarian styles of the early 20th century. Some of the buildings in the photo are remarkable examples that representative of the Italian art style of the fascist period, characterized by strong and pragmatic lines.

During my visit to Forlì, I was taken out by two uncles Vidmer and Anna. However, Aunt Anna doesn’t like to post her pictures so I don’t post pictures taken with the two of them.

Bologna travel blog: What to eat in Bologna?

Bologna has so many delicacies to try in one day: Lasagna, parmigiano cheese, parmigiana ham. Not to mention the famous Sangiovese red wine.

Honored as the “Culinary Capital” of Italy. In particular, Bologna is also famous for its diverse and unique cuisine by the delicious sauce made from meat called “Bologna Sauce”.

Secret Food Tour in Bologna

When coming here, tourists also have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of excellent cheeses and cold cuts such as Prosciutto, Mortadella and Salame with a wide variety of wines: Pignoletto dei Colli Bolognesi, Lambrusco di Modena and Sangiovese di Romagna.

Bologna is at the heart of freshly prepared pasta dishes. Bologna’s restaurants serve all types of pasta, in which Tagliatelle al Ragu and Gramigna being loved by locals. Also, don’t forget to try the traditional Bologna pizzas before you leave the city.

Lasagna is one of the traditional Italian dishes, now famous and loved all over the world. If you’ve tried Lasagna and like it definitely try this regional version.

Bologna guide: Shopping in Bologna

Bologna has large outdoor shopping malls with clothing stores, furniture stores and numerous bookstores, antique shops and art galleries. Via Indipendenza is concentrated in gold trading with countless shops with long and wide rows. Via dell’Archiginnasio is famous for jewelry, Strada Maggiore, Corte Isolani and Via S. Stefano are famous for their numerous antiques and furniture.

It can be seen that Bologna is increasingly diverse and rich in culture, tourism and shopping. There are large outdoor shopping malls with clothing stores, furniture stores and many other great book stalls, antique shops and art galleries across the city.

Bologna blog: Where to stay?

I booked this hotel ( Agoda , Booking ) in Bologna and this hotel in Forlì. These two hotels are affordable because the prices in this area are quite expensive. If you intend to save a bit, then choose these two hotels. However, the hotel in Bologna is located far from the center, shared bathrooms, and poor service, so I don’t like it very much. As for the room in Forlì, it is in the central area, the twin room is a bit tight but the facilities are quite good.

Below we recommend more best budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

• Aemilia hotel ( Agoda , Booking )
• Savhotel ( Agoda , Booking )
• Hotel Cosmopolitan Bologna ( Agoda , Booking )
• Relais Bellaria Hotel & Congressi ( Booking )
• Hotel Il Guercino ( Agoda , Booking )
• Hotel Bologna Airport ( Agoda , Booking )

Check out more top and best hotels in Bologna on Agoda.com or Booking.com .

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Bologna you can refer to

• Bologna: City Center Walking Tour
• Bologna: Torre degli Asinelli & Food Tasting
• From Bologna: Train to San Luca Basilica & Food Tasting
• Bologna with a Local: Customized Private Meet-Up
• Bologna: Hands on Home Cooking Class
• Bologna: Red Bus City Tour and Local Food Tasting
• Bologna: Self-Guided Food Tasting Tour with Vouchers

Read more Italy guide here .

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How to Get Around Like a Local in Bologna

Everything within the city wall is walk-able. As an example, walking from Porta Santo Stefano located at the south part of the wall to the train station located in the north is about a forty minute walk. The city may seem confusing at first with all of its narrow zigzag streets but you’ll quickly become familiar with it and how it makes sense. Most major roads lead to Piazza Maggiore so you can never truly get lost. If all else fails, look up and you’ll find the Two Towers.

Table of Contents

TPER is the public transportation system for the Emilia-Romagna region. A well known stereotype is that the Italian system can be disorganized. That’s far from the truth for Bologna. The transportation system is surprisingly organized and usually on time. You can get to most places with the bus within the city wall and a bit outside of the wall too.

It’s rare but occasionally the coin machine may be broken on the bus. To be safe, look at the front of the bus for a red or green sign. Green means the coin machine works and will print out a ticket for you. Red means there’s no coin machine so you’ll need to get a ticket before you board or use your TPER card if you have one.

There’s a large fine if you don’t pay. TPER security will often wear civilian clothing to blend in with the crowd. While on board, a badge will come out asking to see your ticket. Always have a ticket.

Single Tickets

The bus costs 1,50€ if paid on-board and is valid for 75 minutes within the urban area. Purchasing in advanced before boarding costs 1,30€. The ticket allows for multiple trips with a single ticket as long as it’s within 75 minutes. There’s the option to pay with coins but keep in mind that it does not provide change. It does not need to be exact as long as it’s at least 1,50€

It’s worth purchasing a daily pass for 5,00€ if you plan to purchasing more than three tickets in a single day. These can be purchased at a re-seller. The ticket is valid for 24-hours from when it’s been validated. It’ll need to be validated for each leg of the trip.

The TPER Card can be topped up at most major supermarkets and convince stores (often called tabaccheria). The card itself can be purchased at Punto Tper located at Via Guglielmo Marconi, 4, 40122 Bologna BO . Identification is required to purchase a TPER Card which can be your passport. They’ll take a picture and print out a card.

Muver is a super convenient app available only for Android phones with NFC. It’s the the easiest option and one of the cheapest because you can purchase tickets at the reduced advanced rate of 1,30€ per ride at any time. The app is entirely in English. Single ride passes, airport bus, and FICO bus are available to purchase on the app. It does require a phone number for verification purposes to create an account. Unfortunately, it’s only available for Android.

Corrente is a car sharing service provided by TPER. They offer full-size cars. The perimeter you’re allowed to drive these at is small and limited. These can be great for large grocery runs or for moving. It’s still more convenient to take the bus for every day channel but can come in handy when you need the extra space. The cost is 0,25€ a minute with a max of 10€ per hour and 30€ a day.

Every weekend all year round from 8:00 on Saturday to 22:00 on Sunday and every bank holiday, several streets are open exclusively to pedestrians and bicycles. This is a great time to explore the city. I’ve marked the streets that are for pedestrians on the map below. During the holidays and nice weather weekends, the streets can get busy and lively. You’ll find performers, sweet stalls, and sometimes festivals occurring on the weekends.

Note that public transport may have different routes during these times.

Every day from 7:00 to 20:00, cars are subject to limited restrictions. Within the city wall, Bologna is controlled by Limited Traffic Zone (ZTL) monitored by cameras “Sirio electronic” that control access. If you do not have permission to go in then you’ll run the risk of a fine. Residents and businesses often provided these passes. A daily pass can be purchased up to a maximum of three per month for each car at the price of 6€ or a single 4-day ticket at 15€. You can buy these passes at the following locations .

Be aware that rental cars do not include daily passes within the Limited Traffic Zone. Cameras within the city wall will send the fine to the car company which will rely itself back to you. Many car rental companies will charge an additional administration fee as a result.

About The Author

Michael Tieso

1 thought on “how to get around like a local in bologna”.

Hi, I would like to visit the Ferrari Museum and have already looked up information about entrance fee. I am staying in Bologna, a 1 minute walk from the train station in Bologna. What is the cost for 1 person, standard seat, to ride this train to museum location. And, how do I get from the train station to the Factory museum itself? Thank you. Delilah

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Bologna City Red Bus and Food tasting

• Welcome by the Bologna Tour staff
• City Red Bus ticket
• City Red Bus timetable
• Multilingual audio guide
• Tasting vouchers
• Map of Bologna
• Entry/Admission - Quadrilatero
• Piazza del Nettuno, Bologna BO, Italy Alongside the fountain of neptune
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Near public transportation
• Infants must sit on laps
• Infant seats available
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travelers can participate
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• Quadrilatero

Similar experiences

• You'll start at Piazza del Nettuno Piazza del Nettuno, Bologna BO, Italy Alongside the fountain of neptune See address & details
• 1 Bologna Stop: 11 hours See details
• 2 Piazza Maggiore Stop: 10 minutes See details
• 3 Quadrilatero Stop: 30 minutes - Admission included See details
• You'll return to the starting point

• rebecca191172 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A fantastic tour My partner and I have booked a few of these tours whilst on our trips and I have to say that this one was one of the best. Our guide, Benedetta, spoke excellent English, (she also spoke excellent Italian and French), and was clear and articulate. She took us to a number of places within the center of Bologna and provided a great deal of history and stories relevant to each location. If you only have a short time in Bologna, I’d highly recommend this tour if you want to get a feel for the place and only have a limited time. Read more Written April 30, 2024
• Tour61660971860 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Giorgia knows her city Our guide was terrific. Her name is Giorgia, but I’m not sure of the spelling. She knows what she’s talking about and had interesting elaborations along with the basics. We appreciated her point of view and love of her city. The city was jammed today, as the Liberation Day festivities continued, so we all needed to be patient as the crowds pressed into the important points of interest. Lots of tours going on at the same time, but that can’t be helped. I think Giorgia was surprised by the throng, but she shouldered on. We recommend the tour with enthusiasm. Read more Written April 26, 2024
• damianf485 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Good but missed opportunities to be great. Generally this was a good walking tour but we’ve had much better & a few small changes would make a huge difference. Guide was friendly and personable but did not offer enough insights (more history insights, dates as well as the ‘magic secrets’ which would be much less cheesy when interspersed with details). It’s reasonable value though but if I’m coming again I would look for more expertise and insights & less amusing anecdotes. Read more Written April 23, 2024
• patriciahL9539SY 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A Really Good Introduction to Bologna Really enjoyed the walking tour which we did on our first morning in Bologna. It gave us a real insight into the history of the city. Our guide was interesting and informative. Highly recommend! Read more Written April 23, 2024
• 927franziskal 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles no english like tripadvisor is saying The Tour was not in english like it’s written and actually i want my money back for that, from Tripadvisor. The tour for sure is great. Read more Written April 21, 2024
• wombleflier 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Informative and interesting guided tour We went on this tour the morning after our arrival in Bologna. We were issued with an audio device which connected to a microphone and she made sure everyone's was working before we left - a quick process. Our guide (Sarah I think) was very knowledgeable and her delivery was spot on. I felt she got the balance just right between giving us historical dates and information without overwhelming us with so much that we couldn't take it in. Whatever questions were asked she was able to answer and she made some good recommendations about where to return to and what more we would be able to see if we did. A very good introduction to Bologna and highly recommended. Read more Written April 18, 2024
• Inspire768362 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Dissapointing experience Our experience with this provider was disappointing. The tour quality fell far below our expectations. Time management was poor, starting and finishing late. Technical issues with the microphone hindered communication. The tour guide lacked engagement with the group, leading to scattered storytelling. It felt improvised in terms of the places we visited. The guide failed to notice when members left due to dissatisfaction. We have taken several walking tours during these days and we have had great experiences. Overall, we felt our money was not well spent in this specific case. Read more Written April 16, 2024
• Jon249 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles noisy When I arrived at the statue of Neptune, I was given a device intended to increase the guides voice. The ambient noise was high. It was a good idea however the device didn't work. It emitted a buzzing noise that was distracting from what the guide was saying. I think that everyone in the group got rid of their listening devices and just tried to stay close to the guide. We did our usual share of churches but I would have liked to see a little more of the university and the food market. He told us how to differentiate a Parma ham from others based on whether the hoof had been removed. There appears to be a lot here but this tour didn't do it justice. Read more Written April 16, 2024
• Curiosity697754 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Excellent Tour Excellent tour guide. Very knowledgeable of the area and attractions. We enjoy walking the city and seeing the museum. Read more Written April 14, 2024
• brettp15 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Tremendous amount of history to be seen! Ricardo was great - the most passionate ambassador for Bologna possible! Learned so much history from him and appreciated his love of the under-seen and less known sights in the city. Really learned a lot and saw many impressive things we would not have otherwise. Read more Written April 9, 2024
• 696arthurl 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles The tour operator can’t tell time Do not book this tour! We booked the tour for 10:30 and received 2 confirmations saying so. We arrived at the meeting place and were told the tour left at 10 and we were out of luck. Unprofessional to say the least. Read more Written April 6, 2024
• rebekkakates2022 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Interesting tour, would recommend. Great tour had a really knowledgeable tour guide and it was great to learn the back ground of the city. It was a big group but headphones and audio packs provided which was great and easy to listen too. Read more Written April 6, 2024
• Merrowmum 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles More talking than walking… An interesting tour, but not strenuous by any means - the first hour plus was spent in an around the Piazza Maggiore! But I learnt some interesting nuggets of information and our guide was thorough and clear, with excellent English. Read more Written March 31, 2024
• D6498BFanitas 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles 3h tour starting at the Neptune fountain on March 28, 2024 We had an amazing tour with our guide today!!! I’m not sure whether his name was Ricardo, I should have asked, but this guide had so much enthusiasm and knowledge we were blown away: Thank you for the perfect afternoon!! Read more Written March 28, 2024
• A3922OEjoec 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Really Nice Tour Really nice overview of a beautiful city. Marghrita was really nice, very knowledgable and an absolute pleasure to spend time with. Read more Written March 25, 2024

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City Red Bus - Hop on Hop off bus

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Best Italy Road Trip: from Venice to Bologna

By: Author Scott Kendall

Italy Road Trip from Venice to Bologna

You could visit Venice for weeks, months, or years, and never tire of the multitude of sights, sounds, tastes, and experiences of this marvelous city. However, there are many other great places to see within a few hours of Piazza Roma. This makes it the perfect destination for a Road Trip to explore Northern Italy.

On this three-day and 2-night Italy road trip, we first went to the town of Padua, and then on to Ferrara and Castle Este. From there, we left to explore beautiful Bologna . Finally, we took a quick trip to Maranello, site of the fantastic Ferrari Museum to check out some shiny red cars. If you are not sure about driving in Italy, you can also easily do this trip by train or bus, or stay in Venice and do individual day trips from Venice.

For more Italy Road Trip Ideas, take a look at these itineraries:

7 Days in Italy Itinerary from Venice to Rome

7 Days in Tuscany Itinerary

Padua; the place to start your Italy Road Trip from Venice

Padua is just forty-five minutes west of Venice. The university, where Galileo once taught, was established in 1222. Its large student population keeps the town young and vibrant. The Scrovegni Chapel is one of the landmarks of this city of 200,000 people. With beautiful frescoes by Giotti covering the interior of the chapel, as well as an adjacent art museum and a beautiful park, the Scrovegni Chapel is a popular attraction for locals as well as tourists.

Scrovegni Chapel

A fire devastated the city in 1174, requiring residents to rebuild much of the city. Padua has been under the rule of many entities, including Roman, Venetian, Austrian, and Italian, and you can see their various influences throughout the town.

The city survived WWI and WWII, but did suffer some substantial losses, including severe damage to the railway station and the Church of the Eremitani, which housed priceless frescoes by Andrea Mantegna. Luckily, many other interesting churches, statues, villas, buildings and parks dot the city, including the spectacular Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua.

While you can easily explore the sights of Padua on your own, you can also join a guided tour to show you around.

Probably the best-known landmark in Ferrara is Castle Este. Built in 1385 to protect the town from external threats, the castle featured four large bastions. It is surrounded by a moat.

The Garden and Loggia of the Oranges, a symbol of peaceful nature, is an example of Renaissance Ferrara’s love affair with gardens and nature. It is a serene experience to walk among the citrus trees, alone, with history and views of the city. We also enjoyed the Saletta dei Giochi, or small chamber of games, and the intriguing Saletta dei Veleni, or small chamber of poisons. In this chamber, medicine, and perhaps poisons, were produced by court pharmacies.

After an interesting tour of the castle, we enjoyed an aperol spritz in the large courtyard, where LCD Soundsystem, a popular techno-rock band, was preparing for an evening concert. I loved the vivid contrast between the old, historic 14th-century castle with its moat while listening to the ultra-modern music of the 21 st century.

Early the next morning, I hopped on one of the bicycles provided at my hotel and rode past the Jewish cemetery towards town. I turned right on Corso Porta Mare, and took a couple of laps around Plaza Ariostea. Veering north on Via Borso, my eyes caught sight of a church-like building, with Roman arches, statues, blocks of granite and open fields.

Upon closer inspection, I found I was in what locals refer to as “the countryside inside the city”. Cimitero della Certosa is a fascinating cemetery with an impressive building complex (which used to be a church). It also has grounds, with graves, headstones, and statues surrounded by fields of green grass, lavender, and wildflowers.

Where to Stay in Ferrara – Hotel Villa Horti della Fasanara

A small boutique hotel in the middle of a beautiful park with large trees and gardens, the wonderful Villa della Fasanara has conveniently located a short walk to parks, shops, restaurants, and Castle Este. The villa is a delightful mix of old and new.

The suites inside the old stone building have been remodeled so the bedrooms, living rooms and modern baths have all the style and elegance to make your stay comfortable. Another great plus was the free bicycles available to guests. I took one out for a few hours and loved riding through the streets, parks, and cemeteries at my leisure.

Elda and her staff have done a wonderful job of creating the perfect place to stay while enjoying Ferrara. She was so friendly when we checked in, and helped up make reservations at a great restaurant in town. With plenty of outdoor seating on the patio, it is very relaxing to enjoy a drink and conversation in the gardens. In the morning there is a nice breakfast buffet to get your day off to a great start. Villa Horti della Fasanara is indeed a romantic luxury boutique hotel of the highest quality.

Get the best prices for Horti Della Fasanara here>>

Piazza Maggiore is the heart of historic Bologna. Upon entering this large area, the Fountain of Neptune greets visitors triumphantly hoisting his trident, surrounded by angels, dolphins, sea nymphs, and a coat of arms. Erected in 1566, this fountain is a work of art by Giambologna depicting the god Neptune stilling the seas. With an innovative design, the fountain symbolized the recent election of Pope Pius IV as a powerful but benevolent ruler.

The Basilica San Petronio is the tenth largest church in the world. With an unfinished façade, it is the largest church built of bricks in the world. If the original plans had been followed, Basilica San Petronio would be the largest in the world. However, plans changed because of papal interference and lack of funding. With beautiful white and reddish marble covering the bottom strip of the façade, one can only imagine what it would look like today had it been completed. The interior features twenty-two chapels, and also boasts the largest indoor sundial, or meridian line, in the world.

Like Padua, Bologna also has a large student population. Founded in 1088, the university is well known for its Law, Medicine, Engineering, and other programs of study. Adjacent to the basilica is the Archiginnasio, once the main building of the University.  It currently holds the large municipal library and the Anatomical Theatre, where anatomy classes and dissections were held for medical students. South of Piazza Maggiore are the Due Torri, or Two Towers – the smaller Garisenda and the taller Asinelli, which stands at 97m. Built for defense and for prestige, these two towers are among only twenty that survive out of over a hundred that once existed in Bologna.

In the sanctuary of Santa Maria della Vita stand six expressive statues, Lamentations Over the Dead Christ, by Niccolo dell’Arca. These six amazing terra cotta statues, displayed in a corner of the church, show the emotions and grief of people witnessing the death of Christ. Each face and gesture vividly displays the emotions of those witnesses and the profound impact of this momentous event. Many scholars and art aficionados agree these impressive figures are some of the most magnetic and compelling sculptures ever created.

Foodie Tip: Bologna is also renown for its excellent food, so if you can squeeze in an extra day, we highly recommend a food tour or cooking class to enjoy some delicious and authentic Italian fare.

Hotel Internazionale

Hotel Internazionale  is located in the heart of Bologna. On the main street Via Indipendenza, this lovely renovated hotel in a historic building is near the train station and shops, restaurants, and museums. The hotel has a calm and elegant feel, with beautifully decorated air-conditioned rooms and comfortable beds. And unlike many other Italian hotels, the Wi-fi worked great.

They have a lovely dining room, where we enjoyed a wonderful buffet breakfast in the morning and limoncellos in the evening. We had a rental car, so the attached parking garage was very convenient. With its great location, clean, comfortable rooms, and superb staff, Hotel Internazionale is a great choice when visiting Bologna.

Find the best prices for Hotel Internazionale here>>

Maranello – Ferrari Museum

Who doesn’t like bright red sports cars? Especially when that car is a legendary Ferrari, one of the most prestigious brands in the world. Enzo Ferrari is known for saying, “If you can dream it, you can do it”.  After touring this auto wonderland, it is easy to see that Enzo dreamed, and dreamed big.

Interesting tidbits about the history of Ferrari is intertwined with sparkling, sporty automobiles, starting with early models up to the most recent models. If you are interested and willing to pay the price, there are even several places in town you can rent a Ferrari to drive for yourself. There’s no better way to make your Italy road trip from Venice to Bologna more special.

1 Day Food, Wine and Ferrari Tour from Bologna 

Padua, Ferrara, Bologna and Maranello are great places to visit to get a feel for Padua and the wonderful Emilia-Romagna area of Northern Italy. Just a couple hours away from Venice, these Italian treasures make a great Italy road trip. Castles, historic churches, magnificent works of art, great food, wines, and world-class automobiles await you.

Ready. Start your engines.

Italy Road Trip from Venice to Bologna –  was written by  Scott Kendall  for EuropeUpClose.

Thanks for the hospitality and assistance of the Bologna Tourist Bureau . The author was also provided complimentary accommodations at Hotel Villa Horti della Fasanara in Ferrara and Hotel Internazionale in Bologna. 

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Perfect Day Trip to Bologna from Florence: What to See, Do & Eat

June 9, 2023

One of the top advantages of having Florence as base during your trip to Italy is the ability  to visit other equally beautiful and fascinating destinations in just one day. A top contendor? The magical and captivating Bologna.

Bologna is a city full of history, culture, and art. And this is in addition to boasting the oldest university in Europe and having one of the most influential gastronomies in Italy! A day trip to Bologna from Florence will surprise you with its beautiful squares, architecture, porticoes, towers, delicious food, and much more.

Bologna is famous for its storied history, beautiful porticoes, and delicious food. Photo credit: Maria Bobrova

Table of Contents

Getting to Bologna from Florence

Getting to Bologna from Florence is fast and easy. You can take the train or bus, depending on your preference.

Taking a train from Santa Maria Novella Station to Bologna Centrale is the most common and fastest way to get to Bologna from Florence. Two train companies run this route, Trenitalia  and  Italo . If you choose Trenitalia, you have the choice between a 90-minute regional train or a 38-minute high-speed train. Just keep in mind that the cost for the faster option can be double the price of the regional train.

Alternativley, with Italo, you only have the option of fast trains with a duration of 38 minutes and prices that vary. However, if you buy them in advance, you can find tickets that are just as affordable as the regional Trenitalia option.

Another way to get to Bologna from Florence is with the bus company Itabus . Although it is not as common as the train, it is an excellent option if you want to save money. Bus tickets will only cost you a few Euros, with the exact price depending on the day and hour.

Traveling from Florence to Bologna? By taking the high-speed train, you can be here in less than an hour. Photo credit: Thaddaeus Lim

What to see in a day in Bologna

Piazza maggiore.

Start your day by exploring the vibrant Piazza Maggiore, where locals and tourists alike gather to enjoy its charming atmosphere. The center of Bologna, this square is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the Bolognese culture.

Pay close attention to every detail that surrounds you, taking a moment to admire the stunning architecture of Palazzo Comunale , Palazzo del Podestà, Palazzo dei Notai,  Palazzo dei Banchi , and Basilica di San Petronio. One thing that makes this square unique is its red and white mosaic pavement, commonly called Crescentone  as the locals relate its rectangular shape to the  crescente , a typical Bolognese focaccia. If you don’t immediately notice the mosaic, you can spot it from the top level of the Palazzo Comunale.

Bologna’s Piazza Maggiore is the perfect place to start your visit. Photo credit: Maria Bobrova

Piazza Maggiore is also home to many events throughout the year, such as concerts and festivals. The most important of these is  Sotto le Stelle del Cinema ( under the Stars of Cinema), where movies are shown during the summer, being one of the most anticipated events of the year.

Basilica di San Petronio

In the same Piazza Maggiore, you will notice one of the most remarkable architectures, the  Basilica San Petronio , known for its unfinished facade. This church is one of the most important in Bologna, as it is dedicated to the patron of the city, San Petronio.

This basilica is one of the largest of the Middle Ages, and is one of the best places to see art in Bologna . You can appreciate its magnitude from the inside with its 22 chapels, some of them adorned with frescoes by influential artists such as Giovanni da Modena, Jacopo di Paolo, Giacomo Francia, among others. Definitely, a visit to this church, besides visiting a religious temple, is like admiring an art gallery.

Make sure to soak up the architecture and atmosphere in Bologna’s Piazza Maggiore. This includes the church of Basilica di San Petronio, which is shown here.

The leaning towers: Asinelli and Garisenda

If you thought that the leaning tower was a phenomenon only to be seen in Pisa, Bologna confirms that this is not the case.  Ainelli and Garisenda  are the city’s two leaning towers and the iconic landmarks of Bologna.

These towers are a reminder of the city’s rich culture and history. Despite their age, they stand tall thanks to impressive engineering techniques to prevent them from falling. Among the best things to do in Bologna is climbing both towers, which offer a spectacular view of the city. If you love beautiful views, this is a must-do on your visit to Bologna from Florence.

Insider’s tip: Looking for more activities in this charming city? Check out the Devour Tours guide to the best things to do in Bologna .

Even on a short day trip to Bologna from Florence, climbing one (or both) of the city’s towers is an ideal activity. Photo credit: Bogdan Dada

La finestrella di Via Piella (Canal windows on Via Piella)

Opening a window and finding a magical and beautiful world behind it seems like a fairy tale, but visiting the window of Via Piella in Bologna is the real thing.

La finestrella di via Piella  is a small window that allows you to contemplate the beauty of Bologna. The window overlooks the old town, with its beautiful buildings and a canal that gives the impression of being in Venice. This hidden treasure in the city offers an unforgettable experience to visitors from all over the world.

This area of the city is known as “little Venice” for its beautiful canal views. Photo credit: Adam Gritco

Bologna’s Porticoes ( Portici)

Bologna is known as the  “città dei portici,” or city of porticoes. This is because it is the city with the most porticoes in the world. Among them, 12 have UNESCO Heritage designation , and others have records of being the tallest in the world. For example, there’s the San Luca portico which stands at 3,796 meters; the widest, as the church of Santa Maria dei Servi; the highest, as Palazzo Acivescovile at 10 meters high; and the Via Senzanome, the narrowest at just 95 meters.

The porticoes were initially born thanks to urban planning; citizens were required to expand their apartments on the upper levels, leaving the lower level for public use. Residents soon learned that the porticoes provided the ideal way to get around the city during rainy or hot days. Even when the weather is nice, you’ll still want to explore the stores, cafes, and restaurants that line them all.

Quadrilatero and Mercato di Mezzo

Crossing Piazza Maggiore through the Palazzo dei Banchi is the Quadrilatero and Mercato del Mezzo area, the magical world of Bologna for foodies and shopping lovers. This area has been the trade center for centuries and the pulsating heart of the Bolognese. It is home to countless shops, restaurants, bars, cafes, galleries, and other attractions, where you can find everything from fresh produce to artisanal products.

In the Quadrilatero and Mercato del Mezzo, you will discover several historic stores that are still active in which to immerse yourself in the history of Bologna and its culture. This is also the ideal place to taste the flavors of Bolognese cuisine via the many food, drink, and street food stalls.

Want to explore Bolgona’s incredible culinary scene with a local? Do just that with our  Tastes & Traditions of Bologna: Food Tour with Market Visit! You’ll taste recipes passed down through generations and meet the proud locals behind them as you discover Bologna’s beloved foods firsthand.

by Yareli Parra

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Bologna's Best Food: A Walking Tour (with Lots of Eating)

Bologna is known throughout Italy as Bologna la Grassa , which means Bologna the Fat. This nickname is well-earned—from ragù to mortadella , the Emilia-Romagna region serves up generous helpings of rich food, most of all in Bologna, its most important city. This walking tour of the city first leads you to important Bologna landmarks, and then, once you're there, to the nearest top places to try the best Bolognese cuisine. Step over to these 10 ristoranti cooking up hot Bolognese classics, and while you’re at it, learn a bit about the history in which this Fat City is steeped. 

Something Worth Seeing : Enter Bologna's ancient city walls from their southwest corner. Immediately, you’ll pass through the Bonaccorsi Arch , the first in a record-holding series of porticoes (pictured) that stretches for 3,796 m (about 2.35 mi). Long arcades that shelter the sidewalks are Bologna’s most notable architectural quirk, the result of a 13th-century law that decreed that city streets must be covered by porticoes tall enough to accommodate a man on horseback. If you were to continue along via Sargozza, you would end up at the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca , a church with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. (Buses to its hilltop are also available—and preferable to the uphill slog.)

Something to Eat While Seeing it : True Italians start drinking coffee before breakfast and don’t stop until after dinner. Because of the drink's cultural importance, you really can’t go wrong with any caffè in Bologna, but to add some quality pastries to accompany your cup, head to Pasticceria Neri ( v ia Saragozza, 85 ), right across the street from the Bonaccorsi Arch. The pastries here aren’t too sweet, and most are filled with delicious jams. Pro tip:  The shot of acqua frizzante that you receive with every espresso was originally intended to be sipped before your caffè in order to cleanse your palate, but nowadays, it’s usually swished afterward to ward off coffee breath.

Something to Eat While Seeing it : A punk rock hotspot three decades ago, Osteria dell’Orsa ( v ia Mentana, 1 ) is now popular with university students and true Bolognesi alike thanks to its low prices and authentic cuisine. As you enter its front door, you’ll be struck by the aroma of its tagliatelle con ragù . This dish is so essentially Bolognese that you’d be hard pressed to find a restaurant in all of town without ragù on the menu. Tagliatelle is a simple pasta, made with white flour (produced more frequently in Northern Italy due to the climate), oil, and egg, sliced into flat stripes. The specifically Bolognese ragù that usually comes on top is a sauce made with ground beef, red wine, and tomatoes. Osteria dell'Orsa’s rendition of this dish is faithful to tradition—a classic in the best way, warming your bones in the winter months. 

Something Worth Seeing : Head west for a few blocks on via Marsala until you hit via dell’Indipendenza , the widest street in Bologna. The city’s best shopping can be found here, along with enormous crowds—the street actually closes for traffic every weekend in order to better facilitate Italian strolls. Among its shops and restaurants is Arena del Sole , Bologna’s most important theatre (excepting Teatro Comunale , its celebrated opera house). In season, which roughly lasts from September to May, the Arena can present as many as four plays (in Italian) on the same day, and tickets are reasonably priced. 

Something to Eat While Seeing it : In Bologna, you can never try enough tagliatelle , so another excellent spot is Ristorante DIANA ( via Volturno 5 ), a high-class choice right off via dell’Indipendenza. This restaurant has been popular for more than 100 years, and in this case, practice really has made perfect—the Bolognese dishes here are thoroughly grounded in tradition and delicious in their confident simplicity. The tagliatelle al ragù is every bit as succulent as Osteria dell’Orsa’s, but here, it’s served on linen tablecloths by a staff in white suit jackets. It’s a great spot for some pre-theatre dinner. 

Something Worth Seeing : Via dell’Indipendenza terminates at Piazza Maggiore , an open square that constitutes the center of public life in Bologna. The buildings on the square, constructed during the Middle Ages, give the setting a historic resonance and an ancient aesthetic, but there’s nothing old-fashioned about people-watching on the Piazza itself. Every day, the square comes alive with tourists, students, and citizens, no matter the time of day or night.

Something to Eat While Seeing it : Bologna is also famous for curing meats—in the Middle Ages, it was the only way to preserve meat, and the Bolognese figured out how to do it so well that they’ve continued eating cured meat long after the advent of refrigerators. Ordering a charcuterie board is the best way to get a taste of many flavors that are integral to the local tradition, and one fairly priced place nearby for that is Pane Vino e San Daniele ( via Altabella, 3 ). The board comes heaped with mortadella , a type of fatty pork; prosciutto crudo , the salty, dried ham beloved throughout Italy; various salami and cheeses, including world-famous Parmigiano Reggiano; and on the side, gnocco fritto , a fried dough you can use to sample your meats.

Something Worth Seeing: The biggest and most striking building on Piazza Maggiore is the Basilica di San Petronio , one of the largest cathedrals in all of Italy. Entrance is free (though there is a fee for taking photos), and its sloping ceilings and breathtaking vastness make it the best tourist sight in the city. Don’t miss the Cappella Bolognini on your left as you enter—this chapel, painted by Giovanni da Modena in 1410, features a terrifying depiction of Dante Alighieri’s Divina Commedia . 

Something to Eat While Seeing it : There are several side streets next to Piazza Maggiore filled with good restaurants, one of which is Sfoglia Rina ( via Castiglione, 5/b ), a popular lunch spot that usually sells out long before dinnertime. Consider ordering another of Bologna’s characteristic pastas, tortelloni . These shells are usually stuffed with spinach and ricotta and served without sauce, which makes them buttery and tasty beyond belief. The pasta at Sfoglia Rina is made fresh every day, and locals gladly wait in line for a seat to enjoy it—but if you want to try to prepare some fluffy tortelloni yourself, you can always skip the line and order it to go by the kilo at the pasta takeaway counter. 

Something Worth Seeing : The Archiginnasio , located off another Piazza Maggiore side street called via dell'Archiginnasio, is the first building dedicated to the Università di Bologna , the oldest university in all of Europe. Founded in 1088 by students seeking to learn theology and law, this university now accounts for around 20% of Bologna’s population, with about 80,000 students enrolled per year. Now, the building is mostly a museum, but there is also a very serious library still in use, where students can be found studying. The Archiginnasio’s Teatro Anatomico is an old anatomy classroom carved out of wood to soak up the odors of the cadavers that were once dissected there during anatomy classes.

Something to Eat While Seeing it : On an Italy vacation, you never have to wait until dessert to have gelato. Gelato is ubiquitous—all of Italy does gelato, and does it well—but Cremeria Cavour ( Piazza Cavour, 1/de ) arguably does it best, so seize this moment. Only a three-minute walk away down via Archiginnasio, this gelateria, opened by brothers Alessandro and Stefano in 2008, proudly claims its secret ingredient is emozione (emotions). Make sure to taste the  specialità s—named for Bolognese landmarks like the ones you're seeing, these flavors are original and luscious. One of them is La Dotta , a sweet, creamy mascarpone base in a fudge-lined cone that you can’t get anywhere else.

Something Worth Seeing : From the Archiginnasio, take via Farini and turn onto via Santo Stefano to get to the Basilica di Santo Stefano , known locally as the Sette Chiese,  or Seven Churches. This monastery was constructed in seven different stages over the course of several centuries, with the first church constructed in the 4th century and the last finished in the 13th. One of the churches within has a rare painting depicting the Virgin Mary during pregnancy, while a courtyard joining different churches contains some disturbing sculptures at the top of columns which are said to have inspired descriptions of tortured souls in Dante’s Divina Commedia .

Something to Eat While Seeing it : Leave the Sette Chiese and take via Santo Stefano to get to one of the best restaurants in town. Run out of a former drugstore, Drogheria della Rosa ( via Cartoleria, 10 ) is a treasure hidden away under a dark portico. There’s no printed menu, and its selection changes daily, but it usually presents a few Bolognese favorites along with a few experimental dishes. If lasagne is available, jump at the chance—not only is lasagne a facet of Bolognese life, but Drogheria della Rosa also might just make the most intense version in all of town, with layer after layer of delectable meat, cheese, and sauce. You will not walk away from this restaurant hungry. But that's too bad, because there are a few more delicious stops to go. 

Something Worth Seeing: Perhaps the most recognizable landmark in all of Bologna is the Due Torri . Built shortly after 1000 c.e., these are two of the few remaining towers that gave Bologna another nickname, Bologna la Turrita —Bologna the Turreted. In the Middle Ages, the city was covered with towers like these, which acted both as defensive lookouts and as proof of the wealth of the families that built them. Today, most of the towers are gone, but for a small fee you can still climb the Torre Asinelli and scan for enemies yourself.

Something to Eat While Seeing it:   A block away, look for little Ristorante Teresina ( v ia Guglielmo Oberdan, 4 ), tucked away on Via Guglielmo Oberdan with beautiful outdoor seating. The Emilia-Romagna region is in the northernmost part of Italy, and its cuisine favors heartier meals to stave off the winter chills. As a result, tortellini in brodo was born. Tortellini are a smaller version of tortelloni , always stuffed with meats from Emilia-Romagna; each tiny bite is bursting with meaty flavor, and Teresina’s brodo (broth) makes the pasta slide down so smoothly that you don’t even notice how much you’re eating.

Something Worth Seeing: Next, take via San Vitale to via Delle Belle Arti for a dive into the artistic legacy of Bologna. Any visitor to Bologna would be remiss without dropping by the Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna , a former monastery-turned-art museum that exclusively features works by artists from the greater Emilia-Romagna region. Works by Guido Reni, an important classical artist who was born in Bologna and is buried in the nearby Basilica of San Domenico , are highlights of the collection.

Something to Eat While Seeing it : This restaurant is a little farther away from the Pinacoteca, but the 12-minute passeggiata is certainly worth the pain. Osteria Broccaindosso  ( via Broccaindosso, 7A ) serves all the essential Bolognese classics. They have a lovely spaghetti alla chitarra (pictured), but also deal in more meat-heavy dishes local to the region like lasagne and tagliatelle . Make sure to reserve a spot here well in advance; despite the restaurant’s underground, modest aesthetic, it’s hugely popular and well-known as a Bolognese touchstone.

Something Worth Seeing : Conclude your walking tour by exiting the ancient walls and entering the Giardini Margherita . Opened in 1879, these gardens have elegant fountains, playgrounds for small children, and large avenues for strolling through greenery. Even though it's the largest garden in the city, the park still isn’t too large to walk across—not that you'll be very mobile after just feasting your way across town. 

Something to Eat While Seeing it : GardenBO ( viale Stenio Polischi, 3 ) is a small bar in the gardens that serves the greatest hits of caffè , gelato, and a great aperitivo . The Bolognese, like most Italians, love their aperitivo, which consists of a few drinks and a small snack, and is traditionally taken a little before dinner. The most popular cocktail in Bologna is borrowed from the nearby region of Veneto, where locals have it every afternoon: a spritz, made with Prosecco, a touch of soda water, and either Aperol or Campari. Another staple to sample, if it’s on the menu, is Pignoletto , a sparkling white wine. Have a seat and sip slowly—the gardens seem to glow as sunset approaches. There’s no better way to rest your legs and toast the cuisine and history of Bologna. 

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Bologna: the bus ticket is made on board with AEP Ticketing solutions

Alessandra Ricco - 29 March 2021 . Posted in Press releases .

Tper continues its investments: the system that combines simplicity of use and guarantee of the best rate has been activated on line 25 since March 30

Bologna, 30 March 2021 – The EMV system (acronym for Europay, MasterCard and VISA) is a real revolution in the world of public road transport because it allows you to pay for the journey directly by placing your bankcard – credit card or debit card – on the validator. The same way as contactless. The easiest and most intuitive solution for those who use public transport on an occasional basis and a particularly smart opportunity for tourist users who hope to be able to recover in large numbers after this serious health crisis. Therefore on board of vehicles, an additional emerald green validator will appear, reserved exclusively for bankcards, which joins the existing ones. All current payment systems, including those with magnetic stripe paper tickets, with microchip cards or with coins on local lines remain, in fact, in force.

«We have made available to this project – explains Giuseppina Gualtieri, President and CEO of Tper – the experience acquired with the Marconi Express where the EMV technology has already been operational for a few months. To date, there are very few cases of validators for bankcards not linked to transport systems with fixed ‘in-out’ gates such as underground. Bologna will, in fact, be the first metropolitan city to adopt this system in a widespread and extensive way on individual vehicles in motion and this is the great news for Bologna which has an local fleet of 500 vehicles; in the coming months each of these will also be equipped with the new payment system. The novelty, the result of months of work of our structures together with those of Tep, Seta and Start Romagna and of the suppliers that won the tender, further enriches the options we guarantee to the user to make the payment of the trip as easy as possible. . This innovation aligns us with the best international experiences looking at a future of public transport increasingly linked to digital technologies; the new system joins another important investment, that of the Roger app, implemented as the local MaaS (Mobility as a Service), which provides increasingly extensive services in the field of mobility, and other forms of electronic ticketing via smartphone; these are concrete solutions, aimed at responding to different needs “.

The “START” in Bologna on urban line 25

The news starts on Tuesday 30 March, on line 25 in Bologna. An important line that crosses the historic center of the capital and connects many places of interest in the city and which was chosen as the first operational start of the service after months of tests. However, the vehicles equipped with the new system are already today over 150 and it will therefore be possible to find buses equipped with EMV technology also on other lines. The presence of these validators is indicated by a window sticker placed next to the bus access door. If the EMV validator is present, the user can already use it, even outside line 25. Tper will gradually extend the new validators to the entire Bolognese local area by the end of the summer and, thereafter, to the Ferrara local area by the end of the year, to reach the entire fleet, including the extra-urban one, by 2022.

The advantage of this innovation is simplicity: just bring the card close to the dedicated validators and the system will do everything else; therefore, even in the event of a vehicle change during the period of validity of the first validation, there is no risk of paying twice. Therefore, we can forget about everything; just remember to always pass your card when you get on each bus. In case of subsequent passage on a vehicle not yet equipped with the new validators, the common travel rules apply and even in the event of verification, there is no risk of sanctions: it will be sufficient to provide the controller with the last 4 digits of your card.

Using a bankcard to pay for public transport is not only fast and safe and does not involve price increases compared to the ordinary fare (the urban ticket costs 1.50 euros and is worth 75 minutes), but also guarantees an additional advantage: the system automatically calculates the amount due at the end of each service shift, charging the “best rate” possible. As for travel on the Bologna Tper urban network, for example, from 2.00 am to 2.00 am the following night, the maximum charge will be 6 euros, despite of the number of trips made.

A project that lasted months that starts and will develop quickly

“It is an important effort that has seen 50% of the co-financing of the Emilia-Romagna Region with POR FESR funds and the important commitment also from the economic point of view of the companies for the remaining portion” – recalled the President Gualtieri – “We are very satisfied with this result and with the further opportunity that will be available from tomorrow. These months will also serve for an operational implementation of a service that guarantees practicality and maximum safety of the systems: a further contribution that we put in place to help accompany the development of sustainable mobility even after the health emergency, when the entire country system will face the challenge of recovery».

“What starts tomorrow – explains Mirco Armandi, manager in charge of information systems at Tper – is a debut that puts at value months of hardware and software development that have seen us work side by side with three leading industrial partners in their respective business segments. In this way we are sure to provide reliability and security in transactions from day one ».

These are the results of the tender launched in 2020 by all four public transport companies in the Region for a total amount of 3,275,000 Euros; a race that saw Tper as leader. Each company is now implementing the project with specific calendars and experiments in their respective territories.

The validators (AEP Ticketing solutions) are the same throughout the region, as are the software and the financial partner (Intesa Sanpaolo). The project was carried out thanks to the digital platform of SIA – a leading European hi-tech company in payment services and infrastructures controlled by CDP Equity – which allows the payment of the transport service by simply touching one’s own contactless credit card, even virtualized on smartphones and wearable devices, to the appropriate validators on board the buses in an easy, fast and safe way.

«A great result achieved in difficult times. We are collaborating with four companies that are among the best on the market and it is a great honour to be with them. I remember that this payment system with EMV cards, which joins the many others we have made in Italy and abroad, also accepts virtualized cards on smartphones and therefore allows you to leave plastic cards at home “commented Giovanni Becattini, CEO of AEP Ticketing solutions.

«We are especially proud to have collaborated with Tper to launch the new contactless payment system in a period in which it is also necessary to take all possible measures to protect the safety of travellers. Many important companies are already using SIA technology to digitize millions of travel tickets. Our country is accelerating in the digitization process and in particular in the field of mobility and public transport: electronic payment thus increasingly enters the everyday life of citizens and becomes the alternative standard to cash “declared Eugenio Tornaghi, Marketing & Sales Director by SIA.

«We are pleased to have supported Tper in the implementation of the new cashless payment methods for public transport in partnership with Nexi. As a leading bank in Italy in digital payment systems, we have provided innovative solutions that today bring the Bolognese network to high European standards, allowing travellers an easier, more comfortable and faster use of the means. Intesa Sanpaolo is committed to provide its customers and the country with full support in the digital transformation, »declared Stefano Favale, Head of Intesa Sanpaolo’s Global Transaction Banking Department.

AEP Ticketing solutions is located in Signa (Fi) and specializes in the creation of electronic ticketing systems in Italy and abroad, especially in France. It is a pioneer company in the creation of “Cashless” systems on board vehicles. There are over 25 systems, including those installed and functioning between Italy and France and those already in order. Aep solutions are not limited to “Cashless” systems but include all the types that are currently at the forefront (contactless cards and tickets, QR code tickets, dematerialized tickets on smartphones, “Card centric” and “Account based” systems).

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Find cheap bus tickets from Castel Bolognese to Ravenna

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Frequently asked questions for your trip Castel Bolognese - Ravenna

What is the travel distance from castel bolognese to ravenna.

The distance between the two cities is 22 miles (36 km).

About Bus Travel

Bus travel tips.

Make friends with the driver. They usually know a lot about your destination and may even recommend which side of the bus to sit on to get the best views on the road between Castel Bolognese and Ravenna!

From miles long of beauteous natural landscapes to impressive man-crafted sights, you're bound to be in for a visual treat on your bus trip from Castel Bolognese to Ravenna.

Buses have one of the smallest carbon footprints of motorized transport modes. A bus going from Castel Bolognese to Ravenna will emit less CO2 than a car or an airplane.

Make a music playlist for your bus ride from Castel Bolognese to Ravenna, and enjoy the scenery to tunes from your own personal soundtrack.

Did you know?

Did you know there are on average 4,400 intercity bus departures every day in the US only? This number has been growing for 9 years in a row, yay!

The Superbus, created by a Dutch engineer is the world's fastest bus with 250 km/h. Too bad it's only a prototype for now.

The bus driver with the longest career in the world drove more than 2,000,000 miles and is a happy World Record holder.

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*FREE* Secure Your Seat for a Trip to the US Holocaust Memorial Museum – May 5

Bus Trip to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, DC

Don’t miss this opportunity to visit the US Holocaust Memorial Museum on Sunday, May 5!

Join Dr. Polly Zavadivker, thanks to a grant through Halina Wind Preston Holocaust Education Committee and organized by the Jewish Studies Program at the University of Delaware, on a trip to the US Holocaust Memorial Museum on Sunday, May 5 th .  There are about 10 tickets and bus seats remaining, and Dr. Z is generously offering them to additional students, staff, and faculty.

🗓 Date: Sunday, May 5, 2024 🚌 Departure: 9:00 am sharp from Orchard Road, next to Trabant Parking Garage 🕕 Return: By 6:00 pm, dropping off at Trabant Garage

This trip will include transportation and complimentary bagged lunches from the USHMM café. Secure your spot for this trip now!

Register for the trip here!

Please contact [email protected] with any questions. 

**This event is free to current students through a generous grant from the Halina Wind Preston Holocaust Education Committee and is being organized by the Jewish Studies Program at the University of Delaware**

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