Bologna travel guide: where to stay, what to do, and where to eat in Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy.
Top attractions
The most popular and significant attractions in Bologna.
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1
Piazza Maggiore
Bologna's main square, framed by Basilica di San Petronio, Palazzo d'Accursio, Palazzo del Podesta and Palazzo dei Banchi; the heart of the medieval city and the starting point for most walking routes.
Tip: Visit at sunrise or after dark for the calmest atmosphere and best photographs. · Test the whispering corners of the Podesta arcade, opposite diagonal corners work best. · Biblioteca Salaborsa is free to enter and is a good rainy-day stop with a cafe. · Weekend afternoons are busiest; arrive on a weekday morning to avoid crowds. · Check bolognawelcome.com for summer cinema and event schedules.
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2
Fontana del Nettuno (Neptune Fountain)
Giambologna's bronze Neptune (1563-1566) on a marble fountain beside Piazza Maggiore, nicknamed 'il Gigante'.
Tip: Walk fully around the monument; the pose and details change from every side. · Early morning gives photographs without tour groups. · Visit again after dark when the bronze is lit. · Combine with Piazza Maggiore and the Quadrilatero, both within minutes. · Keep an eye on belongings in the busy mid-day crowd.
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3
Basilica di San Petronio
Gothic basilica, one of the largest brick churches in the world, with the 1655 Cassini sundial meridian line, Bolognini chapel frescoes and an unfinished marble facade.
Tip: Cover shoulders and knees, or entry may be refused. · Visit around midday to see the sunlight spot on the Cassini meridian line. · Check basilicadisanpetronio.org for hours, which change during services and events. · Go on a weekday morning to avoid tour groups. · Use the far side of the square for the best facade photograph.
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4
Due Torri (Asinelli and Garisenda Towers)
The two leaning medieval towers that symbolise Bologna; the 97 m Asinelli can be climbed for a rooftop view over the terracotta city.
Tip: Book a timed slot in advance on bolognawelcome.com; walk-ups are not guaranteed. · Arrive five minutes before the slot. · Early or late slots offer softer light and fewer people. · Wear flat shoes; the stairs are steep and narrow. · The Garisenda is closed to the public; photograph it from the square.
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5
Quadrilatero (Mercato di Mezzo and Via Pescherie Vecchie)
Medieval market grid of lanes east of Piazza Maggiore with delis, bakeries, fishmongers, tagliatelle and tortellini shops and the Mercato di Mezzo food hall.
Tip: Go on a weekday morning for the best produce and fewest crowds. · Many shops close Thursday afternoon, so check before planning a lunch here. · Ask for the price by weight before ordering cheese or cured meats. · Pick up picnic items to eat in nearby Piazza Maggiore. · Keep an eye on bags in the packed Saturday midday crowds.
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6
Archiginnasio and Teatro Anatomico
Carved-spruce anatomical theatre of the old university
Tip: Visit on a weekday morning for fewer groups. · The courtyard can be seen free of charge on weekdays even without a theatre ticket. · Verify current ticket format and price at archiginnasio.it before going. · Bologna Welcome and Card Cultura holders get reduced entry. · Combine with San Petronio, which stands right beside it.
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7
Basilica di Santo Stefano (Sette Chiese)
Complex of interlinked Romanesque churches and cloisters around a triangular piazza, built on the site of an ancient temple of Isis; locally known as the Seven Churches.
Tip: Cover shoulders and knees for entry. · Avoid the midday closure; visit in the morning or late afternoon. · Donations are welcome even though entry is free. · Photograph the piazza in late afternoon light. · Walk down arcaded Via Santo Stefano from the centre to approach.
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8
Basilica di San Domenico
Burial place of St Dominic, with a marble arca carved by Nicola Pisano and Niccolo dell'Arca, and a young Michelangelo's angel and San Procolo.
Tip: Cover shoulders and knees for entry. · Avoid Sunday service times and the midday closure. · Look closely at the small Michelangelo statues on the arca. · Use no flash and keep voices low. · Check basilicasandomenico.it for hours and museum fees.
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9
Museo della Storia di Bologna (Palazzo Pepoli)
Multimedia museum in a medieval-Renaissance palazzo telling the history of Bologna from Etruscan times to the present.
Tip: Bring a smartphone and earphones for the included audio guide. · Go on a weekday morning for the quietest rooms. · Entry is free with the Bologna Welcome Card. · Confirm the weekly closing day at palazzopepoli.it. · A good rainy-day option.
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10
Museo Civico Medievale
Medieval and Renaissance art, tomb sculpture and armour in Palazzo Ghisilardi Fava, with a notable collection of Bolognese university tombs.
Tip: Closed on Mondays; plan for Tuesday to Sunday. · The first Sunday of the month is often free, but expect more visitors. · Look closely at the tomb reliefs showing lectures in progress. · Confirm the price and age limits at museibologna.it. · Combine with the Archiginnasio nearby.
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Practical information
What you need to know before you go.
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Tips for visiting attractions
Make the most of your sightseeing time.
Most civic and state museums close on Monday; the Pinacoteca Nazionale, Museo Civico Medievale and MAMbo are all shut that day, so plan museum visits for Tuesday-Sunday
Book the Asinelli Tower climb at bolognawelcome.com before arriving; slots are timed and late arrivals are refused without refund
The first Sunday of the month is free at state museums such as the Pinacoteca Nazionale; expect queues at opening
The Bologna Welcome Card (bolognawelcome.com) covers the Asinelli climb and several museums; compare it with single tickets
Cover shoulders and knees in churches; many close for a midday break
Walking the San Luca portico is about 4 km uphill from Porta Saragozza; wear sturdy shoes, carry water and allow 2-3 hours return
Keep valuables in a front bag in crowded Piazza Maggiore and Via dell'Indipendenza; the emergency number is 112
Frequently asked questions
Which Bologna attractions are free?
Piazza Maggiore, the Neptune Fountain, San Petronio, Santo Stefano, San Domenico, the San Luca portico and sanctuary, Giardini Margherita and the Finestrella di Via Piella are free. State museums such as the Pinacoteca Nazionale are free on the first Sunday of each month.
How many days are needed to see the main Bologna attractions?
Two days cover the centre: day one for Piazza Maggiore, San Petronio, the Quadrilatero, the Due Torri and Santo Stefano, day two for the Pinacoteca, the university quarter and the walk to San Luca.
Do I need to book the Asinelli Tower?
Yes. Booking is mandatory through bolognawelcome.com; tickets are about EUR 5 (~$6) and entry is by timed slot.
How do I get to the San Luca sanctuary?
Walk the covered portico of about 4 km from Porta Saragozza, or use the seasonal tourist train from Piazza Maggiore; the walk is free and takes roughly an hour and a quarter uphill.
What is the best time of day for Piazza Maggiore?
Early morning and late evening are the calmest; the square is busy at aperitivo time.