Ask me the most delicious place I’ve ever been, and odds are I’ll pour you a glass of wine and regale you with tales of my beloved Bologna.

Truly, this is one of my favourite places I’ve been in Italy. Or possibly anywhere. It’s beautiful, filled with history, and the gelato? The gelato WILL have you looking up long stay visa options.

But what is there to do in Bologna? What are the best Bologna activities besides eating until you become a giant human Tortellini? I’m glad you asked, my friend, because in this post I’ll be sharing all my favourite things I did there.

Read on for a roundup of the best things to do in beautiful Bologna, Italy.

1. Gorge yourself on all the amazing Bolognese food

I mean… duh. The food scene in Bologna is absolutely unreal, with many of the world’s most famous Italian dishes originating from here, so yes, eating your way through the city is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Bologna.

I’ve previously written about Bologna’s best food experiences, but some non-negotiables include…

• Tortellini: Tasty bite-sized pockets of joy, filled dutifully with pork loin, ham, mortadella and parmigiano cheese. Best enjoyed the Bolognese way in a bowl of hot broth
• Mortadella: A fatty Italian pork sausage (that originates from here!) flavoured with various spices and pistachios, typically served in thin slices or in cubes. This is what we in North America have come to know as “bologna” or “baloney”.
• Piadina: A flatbread sandwich filled with a variety of tasty savoury ingredients – a quick and delicious way to experience local flavours

Overwhelmed? Consider booking yourself on a food tour like this one to get a taste of the best.

2. Admire the beauty of Piazza Maggiore

At the heart of the city is beautiful Piazza Maggiore, a bustling square surrounded by centuries-old buildings… and definitely one of the top places to visit in Bologna!

While here, highlights include admiring the magnificent Basilica di San Petronio (more on this below), the Bologna City Hall, and people-watching at one of the (admittedly very overpriced) cafes. I did enjoy a pricey cappuccino at one though and have no regrets – the vibes here are unreal.

Don’t miss the NSFW fountain of Neptune, and also the unique Whispering Corners of Palazzo del Podestà, where you can speak quietly to friends from opposite corners of the archway because of the special acoustics (a bit like the Whispering Gallery at St Paul’s Cathedral in London).

3. Step inside the Basilica di San Petronio

The Basilica di San Petronio dominates the Piazza Maggiore, so it’s definitely a Bologna must-see… in spite of the fact that its front facade isn’t actually finished!

This basilica (one of the largest in the world!) is dedicated to Saint Petronius, the patron saint of Bologna. Construction of this massive beauty began all the way back in 1390… though a lack of funds and other complications have led to its incomplete aesthetic, even after 600+ years. And I thought I was a bad procrastinator…

Nonetheless, it’s an imposing sight, and one worth seeing from the inside, with TWENTY TWO different side chapels to explore, many of which contain beautiful religious statues and paintings, thanks to the fact that most of them originally belonged to the city’s most influential families.

Not sure where to start, chapel-wise? The Chapel of St. Abbondio is where Emperor Charles V was crowned by Pope Clement VII in 1530… so that might be a good one to check off ye olde bucket list.

4. Scope out views and ruins at the Salaborsa Library

Another spot to check out in Piazza Maggiore is the Biblioteca Salaborsa (Salaborsa Library), the main library in Bologna, a sight often missed by visitors who don’t realize it’s open to the public.

Located inside the Palazzo d’Accursio (which also houses the city’s Town Hall, Civic Art Collection, and the Museo Morandi), one of the most unique aspects of this library is the ancient ruins that you can gawk at through a glass floor when you first enter. What you’re looking at from here are the archaeological remains from the ancient city of Bononia, which dates back to the 2nd century BC.

And if you’re particularly enthralled by these ruins, you can also explore them via the basement, which is open for visitors on Monday afternoons and all day Tuesday to Saturday, with guided tours on Friday afternoons. Along with these fascinating remains, the library itself is just gorgeous, so going for a wander (especially if you need a quiet break) is a must-do while in Bologna.

5. Get an epic view

Bologna is an amazing city to admire from above, with gorgeous churches, orange rooftops and rolling hills in the distance. If you’re a sucker for photo opps like me, I’d highly recommend getting up high to admire the city if you can.

Some of the most popular vantage pointsinclude…

• San Michele in Bosco (which has a great terrace that’s free!)
• San Pietro’s Cathedral Bell Tower (which is known for its random opening hours)
• Asinelli Tower, one half of the ‘Due Torri’.

NOTE: The Due Torri are currently closed for restorations until further notice.

On that note, the next must do is to…

6. Admire Bologna’s Leaning Towers

Italy’s most famous leaning tower may be found in Pisa, but Bologna also has its own noteworthy pair: the Asinelli and Garisenda Towers.

These Two Towers were both constructed in the 12th century as part of the defensive system of Bologna, although it’s rumoured that they were built as a result of a petty feud between local families (the Asinellis and Garisendas, naturally) who wanted to ‘out-tower’ each other and assert their dominance via giant structures.

But anyway, their pettiness is a win for us modern day tourists.

Both towers lean slightly, but the Tower of Garisenda leans more noticeably thanks to the soft ground beneath the towers and the fact that they were built using wooden scaffolding, which may have caused uneven settling over time.

Usually, visitors can climb the taller of the two towers, the Asinelli Tower, which stands at around 97 meters (318 feet) tall, but the towers are currently undergoing renovations. Keep an eye on this page to see if the Asinelli Tower will be reopened when you visit Bologna. Otherwise, just enjoy seeing them from all over the city.

7. Browse Bologna’s amazing food markets

Truly, one of the best foodie things to do in Bologna (besides gorging yourself, of course) is a tour through Bologna’s epic food market scene, where you’ll find decadent displays of fresh produce, giant cheese wheels, handmade pasta and all sorts of local delicacies to drool over.

There are many amazing markets to choose from, but here are some recommendations:

Mercato delle Erbe: The largest covered market in Bologna’s center, and much less touristy than the more popular Quadrilatero. We came here in the morning with our Taste Bologna tour and it was such a pleasant little stop. Granted, the many stalls here (selling produce, meats, cheeses and other local products) are not as photogenic as the gorgeous displays of the Quadrilatero, but it feels much more relaxed, local and authentic. If your idea of a good time is waddling along tiny nonnas picking up their groceries for the day, this is a must-visit!

The Quadrilatero: The most popular and most touristic Bologna food market and the old market of the city, comprised of a delicious network of narrow streets just off of Piazza Maggiore. By day, you’ll find bustling stalls crammed with all sorts of local delicacies like juicy produce, fresh pasta, fluffy bread, and more. Then by night, even as shops shutter their doors for shopping, the party spills out onto the streets, with happy customers munching on all sorts of deliciousness for aperitivo and dinner. NOTE: given its central touristic location, you’ll definitely pay a premium for goodies here, but it’s still worth a visit.

Mercato di Mezzo: When hunger calls, do as the locals do and swing by Mercato di Mezzo, a little covered food hall in the Quadrilatero that was newly renovated and re-opened in 2014 with three stories of stalls selling everything from traditional pizzas to artisan beers. While it’s a favourite among locals and visitors for a quick bite, I found it to have a commercial (rather than cozy) feel. Still worth a quick perusal though!

Mercato Ritrovato (formerly Mercato della Terra): Lastly, while I didn’t get a chance to visit this weekly farmer’s market in Bologna for myself, this enthusiastic description from the foodie experts at Taste Bologna have convinced me that I need to add it to my list! Whether you’re itching to mingle with local producers, buy farm-direct produce, indulge in some street food or groove to live music, this is a local Bologna market you need on your list.

8. Wander through Bologna’s beautiful porticoes

Apart from food so good, you weep, one of the most unique things that Bologna has to offer is its historic porticoes – stunning covered walkways than span across the city.

Altogether, Bologna’s portico network stretches for 40km, adding a distinctive charm (and rain-friendliness) to the city.

Some of the most beautiful porticoes in the city include…

• Portico di San Luca: One of the longest porticoes in the world, stretching for over 3.5 kilometers (about 2.2 miles) from the city center up to the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca on a hilltop (more on this soon).
• Portico di San Bartolomeo: Located near the Two Towers, adorned with ornate sculptures and decorative elements.
• Portico di San Stefano: Surrounds the Basilica of San Stefano and consists of a series of interconnected archways and courtyards.
• Portico di San Giacomo Maggiore: Found near Piazza Maggiore, with beautiful frescoes and intricate decorations along its arched ceiling.

9. Admire the collection at Museo Civico Archeologico

And for those in search of things to do in Bologna for history lovers, one option is a visit to the Museo Civico Archeologico, home to an impressive collection of Etruscan, Egyptian, Greek, and Roman artifacts.

Located in the 15th century Palazzo Galvani, Bologna’s archaeological museum contains the third-largest Egyptian collection in all of Italy! The museum also features exhibits on prehistoric archaeology, showcasing artifacts from the Paleolithic, Neolithic, and Bronze Age periods.

… Basically, a must-visit destination for anyone interested in archaeology, ancient history, and cultural heritage.

For those just wanting to eat though, perhaps more fun would be to…

10. Eat your weight in gelato

I have no idea how they do it, but truly the gelato in Bologna tastes like it was massaged by angels pre-scoop.

I know you must be thinking “how could she possibly generalize an entire city’s gelato?” and I know it sounds crazy, but across the board, the gelato in Bologna was probably the best I’ve had in Italy.

Maybe I just chose well. After all, excellent, artisanal gelato is abundant around the city, but here are a few of my favourites:

• Cremeria Cavour, Piazza Camillo Benso Conte di Cavour, 1/d/e: With its discrete location tucked away in a portico, this spot is my favourite, with decadently creamy gelato creations that are so indulgent, they’re a guilty pleasure with every lick. My recommendation? The ultra-rich cremino pistachio.
• La Sorbetteria Castiglione, Via Castiglione, 44 d/e: Creamy, smooth and just wonderfully tasty concoctions in a cute purple-walled shop. My recommendation is the salted caramel – it was unreal.
• Cremeria Santo Stefano, Via Santo Stefano, 70/c: One of the most popular gelaterias in the city, and for good reason: it has all the cuteness and daintiness of a French patisserie but with unique and inventive flavours. You can’t go wrong with testing out the flavour of the month.
• Galliera 49,  Via Galliera, 49/b: A little hole-in-the wall gelateria frequently hailed as one of the most delicious in the entire city, with organic and fair trade ingredients free of preservatives, artificial colours and hydrogenated fats. NOTE: This shop is best known for their fruity flavours and granita, so order accordingly.

11. Climb up to San Luca Sanctuary (or catch a ride)

If you have more time in Bologna and want to escape the bustle of the main city centre, then I can highly recommend a visit up to Santuario de Nuestra Señora de San Luca (San Luca Sanctuary), an important hill-top pilgrimage site known for containing a statue of the Virgin Mary called the Madonna di San Luca.

People have been making pilgrimages here for centuries, walking up the long portico to visit the sanctuary and pay their respects to the Madonna. There’s also a yearly procession held from the Cathedral of San Pietro to the Sanctuary.

Perhaps more exciting than the sanctuary itself is how you get to it… namely through a 3.8km uphill climb under the world’s longest covered walkway, the Portico di San Luca.

… Or, much more comfortably, you can catch a ride up by bus, taxi or the shamelessly touristy San Luca Express, which helps you conquer the hill on a tiny train. I opted for this option, and then took the scenic route down the portico back into town. I’d definitely recommend doing it this way round rather than murder your calves.

12. Visit the oldest university of the western world

Another cool and unique Bologna must-do is a visit to the Archiginnasio, once the main building of the University of Bologna, the oldest university in the Western world.

The Anatomical Theatre is a special highlight for history buffs, who may imagine themselves centuries back in time observing dissections in this very room, just as early medical students once did.

Other highlights of a visit here include exploring the beautiful university library, ogling a collection of anatomical wax models of the human body (more on that later) and checking out the coats of arms of prominent scholars who taught at the university in the Coat of Arms Hall (Sala dello Stabat Mater).

The building itself is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture, with beautiful courtyards, staircases, and arches to wander around, so definitely be sure to stop by!

13. Wander through the Basilica of Santo Stefano

And speaking of unique historic buildings, another Bologna must-do is a visit to the mysterious Basilica of Santo Stefano, a complex of seven churches that form an intriguing architectural labyrinth.

The Basilica of Santo Stefano holds significant religious importance for Christians, as it’s dedicated to Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr. It’s also believed to have been built on the site of an ancient Roman temple dedicated to the goddess Isis.

As one of the oldest churches in Bologna, its origins date back to the 5th century. Today, a visit here is like a little stroll through time – each church has its own architectural style and features, reflecting different periods of construction, with plenty of beautiful frescoes, sculptures, and architectural details to ogle along the way.

PS: Don’t miss the peaceful cloisters – they’re gorgeous.

14. Wander through Santo Stefano

Of course, there’s more to see here than just the church! The charming Santo Stefano neighborhood of Bologna is filled with narrow streets, medieval buildings, a relaxed atmosphere and plentyyyy of great places to grab a sip or bite.

If you’re looking for a charming glimpse into Bolognese local life, then this is a great place for it.

Some highlights here include…

• Museo Civico Medievale: Located in the Palazzo Ghisilardi Fava, this museum houses a collection of medieval art and artifacts, including sculptures, paintings, and decorative arts.
• E’ Cucina Leopardi: This contemporary restaurant offers innovative interpretations of traditional Bolognese cuisine. The menu features fresh, seasonal ingredients prepared with creativity and flair.
• Bar Senza Nome: A popular local bar known for its craft cocktails and lively atmosphere. It’s a great spot to unwind after a day of exploring the neighborhood.

15. Check out Michelangelo’s Works at Basilica of San Domenico

And if you’re not sick of admiring Bologna’s many churches, then here’s another one for your list – the Basilica of San Domenico, founded in the 13th century by the Dominican Order to honour Saint Dominic, the order’s founder.

Construction began in 1221, shortly after Saint Dominic’s death, and the basilica was consecrated in 1233, making it one of the oldest churches in the city.

Today, the Basilica houses a wealth of artistic treasures, including works by renowned artists such as Nicola Pisano, Niccolò dell’Arca, and, Michelangelo, who contributed to the design of the monumental Ark of Saint Dominic, which houses the saint’s remains and is widely considered to be a masterpiece of Renaissance sculpture.

There’s also a marble statue of Saint Petronius, the patron saint of Bologna, inside the basilica that is attributed to Michelangelo which depicts Saint Petronius holding a model of the city in his hands. While some believe it to simply be the work of his studio or followers, it’s still a nice statue, so worth looking at either way.

16. Admire the collection at Museo d’Arte Moderna di Bologna (MAMbo)

Now for art lovers, a fun Bologna attraction is the MAMbo, Bologna’s Museum of Modern Art, where you can explore contemporary works by both Italian and international artists.

MAMbo was established in 2007 with the merger of two existing institutions, the Galleria d’Arte Moderna di Bologna (Modern Art Gallery of Bologna) and the Galleria Morandi.

Today it is housed in a former industrial building, the Manifattura Tabacchi, which was renovated and transformed into a modern museum space housing paintings, sculptures, photography, video art, and installations dating from the 20th century to the present day, so definitely a must-see for lovers of modern art.

17. Go wine bar hopping

Now, as I’ve said too many times now, one of the best ways to enjoy Bologna is through its food.

That said, I’d argue that an even more important experience (as far as living like the locals is concerned) is grabbing a drink at one of the city’s many traditional wine bars.

These bars can be found all around the city, whether you’re looking for sexy, mysterious and chic… or homey and down to earth, like someone’s nonna is going to emerge from the back any second to scold you for choosing the wrong wine.

Enjoying a glass of wine over some local meats, cheeses, and bread is one of the most popular ways that people in Bologna socialize and wind down, so be sure to indulge accordingly.

You can find a list of recommendations here.

18. Say hi to a mummified Saint Catherine

Granted, this is one of the creepier things to do in Bologna, but let’s go for it. At Chiesa della Santa, you’ll find the mummified body of a nun on display!

Saint Catherine was the abbess of the Corpus Domini Convent in Bologna, who apparently experienced many visions and miracles during her life. When she died, she was originally buried in the convent graveyard but her body was exhumed 14 days later because a sweet smell was said to be coming from her grave (??????!?!!)

Since then, she has been sitting on a golden throne in her nun’s habit and visitors to the church can ring a bell to go inside the room where she sits.

She was formally canonized by Pope Clement XI in 1712 and is the patron saint of artists and temptation. Seeing her sitting on her little throne is definitely an unusual experience to have while in Bologna, but worth checking off your list if you’re into the macabre.

19. Visit an unusual museum

On that note, for those in search quirkier things to do in Bologna, there’s no shortage of unique museums to visit. I personally wouldn’t prioritize these unless you’ve breezed through the list above or have a keen interest in these topics, but here are some unique museums that Bologna has to offer:

• Istituto di Anatomia Umana Normale: a weird collection of anatomical wax models (including oversized heads, skulls and brains) within the University of Bologna
• Bologna Zoological Museum: the zoological collection of the university, which is also a museum housing all sorts of wildlife
• Museum for the Memory of Ustica: a very niche museum with objects from an airplane crash in 1980 that was never solved

20. Sprawl out in Parco Giardini Margherita

For a more relaxed Bologna activity, a visit to the Parco Giardini Margherita is a great choice.

This park is the biggest in the city and also the most popular, covering an area of about 26 hectares (64 acres) filled with lush lawns, tree-lined pathways, flower gardens, several small lakes, as well as playgrounds, picnic areas throughout the park, plus several cafes and restaurants.

… All in all, the Parco Giardini Margherita offers a wide range of activities to enjoy, with people coming here to relax, go for walks or bike rides, have picnics, and play sports such as soccer, volleyball, or tennis. There are even rowboats available for rent on the lakes, if you want to do something aggressively cute and romantic!

21. Relax at Villa Ghigi Park

Another place to escape Bologna’s bustle is Villa Ghigi Park, located on the hillsides just outside the historic center of Bologna.

This park offers walking trails and lovely views of the city, and dates back to 1975. If you’re looking to get some panoramic photos of Bologna there are several scenic viewpoints throughout the park that are perfect for this. There’s also a small botanical garden within the park that showcases a diverse collection of plant species, including native and exotic plants.

Like Margherita Park, Villa Ghigi Park also provides picnic areas, playgrounds, and sports facilities, but the main landscape is much hillier than the one in the city center, so I hope you’re ready for a little workout as you frolic.

22. Catch a glimpse of a hidden canal

To the surprise of many visitors, Bologna is actually home to an intricate canal network that is (today) mostly hidden by buildings and therefore completely easy to miss if you don’t know where to look.

Luckily, you’re here, so you do! For a glimpse at one of Bologna’s canals, head to the little window at Via Piella.

The canals are a legacy of Bologna’s trade past, when they used to power the many water mills and provide access for trading boats. However, as the city grew and modernized, many of Bologna’s canals were filled in or covered over to make way for roads, buildings, and other infrastructure.

Today you might never know there are still some canals to be found, unless you visit the street of Via Piella. Here there’s a really cute little window that allows you to see one of these ancient waterways in action.

23. Visit FICO

Many guides recommend a visit to FICO Eataly World as one of the top things to do in Bologna.

But, I have to say it’s a pretty contentious attraction, especially among many locals who don’t seem to love it.

At best, they see it as a mere opportunity for tourists to get acquainted with Italy’s diverse food culture (but would never personally visit). At worst, they see it as a commercial and touristy abomination of the country’s gastronomy.

This is why I didn’t end up going during my time in Bologna, although I have heard from friends that it’s great fun so long as you go in with the right expectations. After all, it’s a shameless foodie playground, with over 100,000 square metres of vendors, a space so huge you can even rent bikes to navigate it.

It may not be the quaint, charming, authentic experience that many tourists seek (and that locals like to preserve), but if it’s quantity, choice and wow-factor you’re after, this would definitely be one Bologna attraction to check out.

24. Enjoy a tasty foodie day trip

Finally, it has to be said that Bologna is a fantastic base for many (delicious) day trips.

One of my favourite things that I did during my time in Bologna was visiting local producers of Emilia Romagna’s most beloved creations: namely balsamic vinegar, parmiggiano reggiano cheese and prosciutto.

Trust me when I say these visits will change the way you look at and enjoy your food.

After all, when you realize the literal years that go into producing that crumbly wheel of parmesan cheese you stuff in your face, you start to appreciate every bite like it’s the most beautiful thing in the entire universe. Enjoy your tear-drenched parmiggiano my friends.

There are many tours you can book like…

• This tour to experience Parma ham and cheese in the town of Parma
• This wine tour to a family-run winery in the Emilia-Romagna region
• This tour that combines all of Emilia Romagna’s most famous exports including Ferrari!

For reference, our private tour brought us to the Salumificio Gianferrari, the Latteria Campola and the Agriturismo Cavazzone.

Did I miss any of your favourite things to do in Bologna?

Let me know in the comments so I can add more of the best Bologna activities to the list. Happy and safe travels! 🙂