What to do in Bologna

Activities, attractions and tours

Bologna which includes heritage architecture, a square or plaza and outdoor eating
Bologna featuring heritage elements
Bologna showing markets and food
Basilica of San Petronio featuring a church or cathedral, interior views and religious elements
Bologna
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Top places to visit

1. BolognaFiere

Historic Bologna meets cutting-edge modernity in BolognaFiere, a conference and exposition center with 21st-century facilities for major events. Come to the venue, also known as the Bologna Exhibition Centre, for a wide variety of events with an international array of guests and companies.
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BolognaFiere

2. Piazza Maggiore

To visit Piazza Maggiore is to experience the essence of Bologna. In the Middle Ages, the city’s citizens gathered in the square to hear decrees, shop and barter for goods, and even witness executions. Today, enjoy the Italian pace of life and see some of Bologna’s most beautiful medieval buildings surrounding the square.
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Bologna showing heritage architecture and a city

3. Two Towers

The Tower of Asinelli (Torre degli Asinelli) and the leaning Tower of Garisenda form Bologna’s emblematic Two Towers. Among the most striking architectural landmarks of the city, the monuments stand at an historic intersection that leads to the gates of Bologna’s old city walls. When you visit the Two Towers, climb to the lookout deck of the Tower of Asinelli for a bird’s-eye view of the city center.
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Tower of the Asinelli

4. Ducati Museum

The Ducati Museum, which is part of the Ducati headquarters, is dedicated to the history of this renowned Italian motorcycle company. In addition to checking out examples of various Ducati race bikes, visitors also get a glimpse of how Ducatis come together in the factory.
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Ducati Museum featuring interior views

5. Basilica of San Petronio

The Basilica of San Petronio is among the most important churches in Bologna and one of the city’s top attractions. Despite never being fully completed, the church is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture. It is dedicated to Bologna’s patron saint, San Petronio.
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Basilica of San Petronio showing a church or cathedral, religious aspects and heritage elements

What to do in Bologna

Popular places to visit

BolognaFiere

BolognaFiere

4.5/5(26 reviews)

Attend a conference or exhibition in the heart of historic Bologna at a sleek, modern and multipurpose center that hosts events throughout the year.

BolognaFiere
Bologna featuring heritage architecture, a square or plaza and a city

Piazza Maggiore

4.5/5(206 reviews)

Not only has this been the epicenter of Bologna since the 13th century, but it is also one of the largest and oldest squares in all of Italy.

Piazza Maggiore
Panorama view of Bologna Renato Dall'Ara Stadium from outside. Stadio Dall'Ara. Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy

Stadio Renato Dall'Ara

4/5(7 reviews)

Catch an event at Stadio Renato Dall'Ara during your trip to Bologna. Discover the fascinating museums and shops in this walkable area.

Stadio Renato Dall'Ara
Bologna featuring heritage elements

Two Towers

4.5/5(116 reviews)

A magnificent view over the medieval rooftops of Bologna’s city center is just reward for the arduous climb to the top of one of these ancient towers.

Two Towers
Ducati Museum featuring interior views

Ducati Museum

4.5/5(5 reviews)

Get an insider perspective and discover the history and prestige of the iconic Ducati motorcycle at this museum and factory.

Ducati Museum
Basilica of San Petronio showing a church or cathedral, religious aspects and heritage elements

Basilica of San Petronio

4.5/5(182 reviews)

See one of the largest churches in the world and learn the story behind its magnificent yet unfinished marble façade.

Basilica of San Petronio
Basilica Santo Stefano which includes a square or plaza, heritage architecture and a small town or village

Basilica Santo Stefano

4.5/5(168 reviews)

Go for a stroll through this interconnected group of religious buildings, admiring the graceful architecture and valuable artwork in each.

Basilica Santo Stefano
Bologna \\ Via Indipendenza

Via Indipendenza

4/5(37 reviews)

Find out about the history of Bologna when you take a trip to Via Indipendenza. Visit the shops and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.

Via Indipendenza
Fountain of Neptune showing a fountain and a statue or sculpture

Fountain of Neptune

4.5/5(183 reviews)

This intriguing work of art is one of the most well-known symbols of Bologna and an important public gathering place.

Fountain of Neptune

Explore areas of Bologna

Historic Center featuring heritage elements and street scenes

Historic Center

4/5(219 area reviews)

Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Via Indipendenza to Teatro Arena del Sole – discover Historic Center, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Historic Center
Chiesa di San Paolo in Monte

Santo Stefano

4/5(2 area reviews)

Travellers come to Santo Stefano for its cosy coffee shops, and you can see top attractions like Church of San Michele in Bosco and Basilica of San Domenico while you're in town.

Santo Stefano
BolognaFiere featuring signage and modern architecture

Bologna Fiere District

Museums, historical sites and gardens are some highlights of Bologna Fiere District. Make a stop by Parco Nord Arena or Caserme Rosse while you're exploring.

Bologna Fiere District
Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca

Saragozza-Porto

4/5(11 area reviews)

Saragozza-Porto is popular for its lively bars, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Portico of San Luca or Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca.

Saragozza-Porto
This is a photo of a monument which is part of cultural heritage of Italy. This monument participates in the contest Wiki Loves Monuments Italia 2015. See authorisations.

Bolognina

While visiting Bolognina, you might make a stop by sights like Ippodromo Arcoveggio and Museum for the Memory of Ustica.

Bolognina
Aerial video of Bologna city center at sunset, Emilia Romagna, Italy

San Donato-San Vitale

4/5(22 area reviews)

San Donato-San Vitale is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by FICO Eataly World and EuropAuditorium Theater while in the area.

San Donato-San Vitale

Day trip destinations from Bologna

Panoramic view of the historical center with the towers, Bologna, Italy

Calderara di Reno

#muse at Unipol Arena...

Casalecchio di Reno

Lights and shadows on the woodlad, the hills and the cultivated fields in Zena valley. Pianoro municipality, Bologna province, Emilia-Romagna, Italy.

Sasso Marconi

Frequently asked questions

Is Bologna worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in Bologna is explore Cattedrale di San Pietro. Check this major sight off your to-do list, then discover more of this area's dining and culture.
How do I spend a day in Bologna?
Start your adventures with a visit to Palazzo Albergati and Palazzo Fantuzzi. Then, check out different areas of Bologna for local dining and some retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Bologna?
The top tourist attraction in Bologna is Cattedrale di San Pietro, so make sure to include it on your itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Bologna?
You can easily tick off leading sights like Cattedrale di San Pietro, Teatro Duse and Bologna Museum of Modern Art with a three-day stay in Bologna. On average, most travellers plan two days here. There's plenty to see and do nearby too, so stay a while longer and head to Modena.
Is Bologna a walkable city?
That comes down to what you want to do and see in Bologna. Several key attractions, like Cattedrale di San Pietro and Teatro Duse, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a wander through some of Bologna's neighbourhoods, Historic Centre is 0.48 kilometers away from downtown, while Saragozza-Porto is 3 kilometers away from the centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Bologna with kids?
If you're searching for attractions and activities for all the family, here are some excellent ideas for what to do in Bologna with kids.

What to do in Bologna for adults?
Via Indipendenza and Via Zamboni are just a couple of the things to do in Bologna. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Bologna?
One of the simplest ways to learn about free things to do in Bologna is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider tips on hip neighbourhoods, parks and other highlights you can enjoy without getting your cash out. Cattedrale di San Pietro is one place that doesn't have an admission fee.