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Please read our disclosure for more info. Bologna is one of the most underrated cities in Italy. Despite its beautiful historic centre, rich food culture, and lively yet relaxed atmosphere, it’s often overlooked by tourists on the usual Venice-Florence-Rome route. This is a shame as there are so many things to do in Bologna from climbing medieval towers to fun food tours, and it makes a great base for exploring other attractions in the region.
We spent a week there and loved the mix of elegance and grittiness and, of course, all that delicious fresh pasta. Our detailed Bologna travel guide shares our top tips for what to do in Bologna, where to eat and stay, the best day trips, how to get there, and a map with all our recommendations. How Long to Spend in Bologna? I still highly recommend purchasing travel insurance that covers COVID-19 medical expenses. Or if you need cancellation cover, Heymondo travel insurance is another great option that we’ve used for our Italy trip. Bologna is the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region in northern Italy. Towards the end of this post I share a map and details on how to get to Bologna from major cities in Italy.
Bologna University, founded in 1088, is the oldest university in the western world and students came from all over the world to study there. There is still a large student population which adds to the city’s vibrant atmosphere, especially at aperitivo time. For many people coming to Bologna is a culinary pilgrimage. The Emilia-Romagna region is where many of Italy’s top products come from—balsamic vinegar, parmesan cheese, Parma ham, and mortadella. The food here is rich and decadent and the markets are superb. I share the best things to do in Bologna for foodies below. In later years it also alluded to the city’s leftist political leanings, especially during and after World War II when it was a stronghold of the resistance against Nazism.
The other unusual thing about Bologna is the high number of porticos that extend from almost every building. These attractive arches were originally built from wood in the late Middle Ages to create extra living space and now have the advantage of offering protection from the rain and sun as you walk around the city. Bologna is home to the longest portico in the world at nearly 4km. It starts just outside the city walls and extends up the hill to Santuario di Madonna di San Luca—one of the best places to visit in Bologna.