Best of Bologna In One Day: 12 Things To Do

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The final leg of our most recent Italian journey took us to the Emilia-Romagna region. Before visiting the Ferrari museums in Modena, we made sure, as devoted foodies, to stop in Bologna, often referred to as the food capital of Italy.

We devoted a full day to exploring this vibrant city, a central travel hub between Northern and Southern Italy.

Best Things To Do With One Day In Bologna

This is not an exhaustive list of everything you can do in Bologna. Instead, it’s a guide of worthwhile things and must-see sites you can enjoy in one day in Bologna while still feeling like you experienced the essence of the city.

Spending a full day in Bologna is enough time to get a taste of the city before you move on to your next destination.

1. City Center Walking Tour

Piazza Maggiore is the main square in Bologna’s city center and the perfect place to begin your visit. Bologna was established in 1088 and this square is still brimming with medieval character, making it a natural starting point for most walking tours.  

We joined an excellent walking tour of the city center with a local guide. Everyone on the tour is provided with disposable earphones connected by Bluetooth, making it easy to explore each site while still hearing the guide’s commentary.

On the 2-hour tour, you’ll learn why UNESCO calls Bologna the best-preserved medieval city in the world. You’ll visit Piazza Maggiore, San Petronio church, several historic buildings and monuments, and hear the stories behind the city’s porticoes.

2. Have A Conversation At The Whispering Walls

After the tour, make sure to stop at the outdoor Whispering Walls, located under the vaulted Palazzo del Podestà (Voltone del Podestà), on the north side of Piazza Maggiore.

Stand in any of the four corners under the arch, speak quietly and you’ll be heard perfectly in the opposite diagonal corner. The acoustic phenomenon is fun to try and shows how “wireless” communication dates back to the 13^th century!

3. Biblioteca Salaborsa

Next to Piazza Maggiore is the Biblioteca Salaborsa. It’s Bologna’s main library, right across from the Statue of Neptune and located in the former Stock Exchange.

It’s worth stepping inside to see the archeological excavations through the library’s glass floor revealing settlements from the medieval and Roman times. The building’s beautiful ceiling is also something to admire.

Admission is free. Hours: Monday: 2 pm to 8pm; Tuesday to Friday: 9 am to 8 pm; Saturday: 9 to 7 pm; Closed Sundays.

4. Walk Under The Porticoes

Known as the City of Porticoes, Bologna has nearly 62 km of these covered walkways throughout its historic center and beyond. They originated in the 13^th century when porticoes were mandatory for all new buildings.

Twelve sections of porticoes have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Besides the grand and distinctive architectural design, they serve a practical purpose too – protecting you from the elements.  You don’t really need an umbrella in Bologna. There are porticoes everywhere to keep you dry from the rain or shaded from the sun.

Afternoon Experiences

5. Lunch In The Quadrilatero & Food Tour

It’s hard to know where to begin in eating in Bologna, the food capital of Italy. Start in the Quadrilatero district, Bologna’s oldest market, featuring food shops, stalls, butchers and bakeries.

Here you can sample some of Bologna’s local specialties: mortadella, cheeses from the Parma region, and of course, tortellini, created in this region.

For lunch, I suggest either going to the covered food hall, Mercato Di Mezo, for a selection of local dishes from various stalls or eating at one of the most well-known tortellini restaurants, Sfoglia Rina. Instead of spending time waiting in line for a table, we grabbed take-out and ate lunch in a nearby park.

Or if you have time, I highly recommend a food tour we did that combines both a walk through the area, tastings and a meal.

The 3-hour food tour was a great way to hear about Bologna’s culinary traditions and try numerous dishes along the way, including the city’s oldest bar, Osteria del Sole, established in 1465.

You can have a glass of Lambrusco wine here and bring your own food to pair with it. By the final stop, we were happily full and completely impressed with the experience and guide.

6. Gelato

No meal in Italy is complete without gelato. Bologna is full of excellent gelaterias that are in constant competition for the top spot. Cremeria La Vecchia Stalla, Cremeria Cavour, and Cremeria Santo Stefano are all standouts.

Make sure to try some of the more unique flavors too, such as balsamic vinegar, buffalo milk, and olive oil. Pistachio was a favorite for us.

7. Europe’s Oldest University & Museo di Palazzo Poggi

Bologna is home to the oldest university in the Western world, giving the city its distinctively youthful energy. Stroll the University of Bologna district to experience the lively student atmosphere.

 While here, consider a visit to the Museo di Palazzo Poggi, which features collections covering everything from geography and the military to human anatomy and obstetrics. It’s known for its cabinet of curiosities, aka some quirky historical pieces.

Hours: Tuesday to Friday: 10 am – 4 pm; Saturday & Sunday: 10 am – 6 pm

Consider staying for a drink in this area afterwards, as the university district and Via Zamboni are amongst the city’s most vibrant areas.  

Evening Activities

8. Try Ragù Bolognese and Lasagna For Dinner

You can’t leave Bologna without tasting ragù alla bolognese or lasagna – or have both!  The famous Bolognese sauce you have back home originated from Bologna but is not served with spaghetti here (a big no-no!).

Instead, ragù bolognese is served with tagliatelle. It’s also used in many lasagna dishes here. Great restaurants that serve them are Trattoria Da Me and Darcy Bologna.

9. Jazz At Cantina Bentivoglio

Bologna has a lively nightlife centered around the university crowds but also some well-established venues that have stood the test of time. One of them is Cantina Bentivoglio, a restaurant and bar that hosts some of the best jazz in Bologna.

We visited in the summer and enjoyed our dinner, served outside on the street, accompanied by live music from the featured jazz artist of the night.

The atmosphere was fantastic, and you could tell that locals frequented it, with many of them dancing in the street to the music. Highly recommend, including indoor performances during the colder weather.

10. Outdoor Film Festival

If you find yourself in Bologna during June, July or August, check out the city’s outdoor film festival, Il Cinema Ritrovato. Screenings take place in outdoor venues across the city, including Piazza Maggiore, and are free to watch.

We stumbled upon it one evening on our way back from dinner and watched a fantastic Italian film with English subtitles. Sitting among the crowd of people, all gathered to watch a late-night film, was just the Bologna cultural experience we were looking for.  

If You Have More Than One Day in Bologna

11. Visit Motor Valley

The area west of Bologna to Modena is nicknamed Motor Valley and is home to several luxury and high-end car makers, including Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Maserati. If you’re a car enthusiast, it’s definitely worth a trip and even if you’re not, I promise you won’t be bored.

We took a great day trip by train to the Ferrari Museums in Maranello and Modena, where you can also test-drive a Ferrari.

There are also tours that combine visits to multiple museums and factories, such as Lamborghini, Pagani, and Maserati, if you’d prefer not to drive yourself or don’t have a car.

All of the museums and factories are less than an hour from Bologna, making it a perfect day trip by car, train, or guided tour

12. Parmigiana, Balsamic Vinegar & Prosciutto Tour

You can’t be in the Emilia-Romagna region without tasting its icons, Parmigiano-Reggiano, traditional Modena balsamic vinegar, and world-famous prosciutto, right where they originated. This full-day tour picks you up in Bologna and takes you straight to the source.

You’ll visit local producers to see firsthand how these culinary delights are made and learn about the strict protocols that ensure their authenticity. Of course, tastings are included, along with a hearty lunch served with the region’s Lambrusco wine.

This tour was one of our favorites and made it easy to visit all three producers, especially since we didn’t have a car!

Where To Stay

In Italy, I try to balance staying at places that feel a bit more elevated, especially when we’re teen-free, while also still staying within budget. Bologna has many charming hotels in the city center. Here are a few I recommend:

Hotel Corona Doro 1890

One of the oldest hotels in Bologna, just steps away from one of the city’s main streets, Via Rizzoli. Rooms are modern with spacious bathrooms.

Breakfast is one of the best I’ve had in Italy, featuring made-to-order eggs and an extensive buffet. Staff go above and beyond for guests. They even gave us a gift upon checkout!

Art Hotel Orolgoio

Located in Piazza Maggiore, you can’t stay anywhere more central than this. Art is showcased throughout the hotel, and the rooms offer a modern touch along with fantastic views of the piazza.

Hotel Metropolitan

Located just off Via dell’Indipendenza, Bologna’s main thoroughfare, this hotel offers modern, minimalist rooms with an East Asian theme. The rooftop garden is a wonderful place to unwind after a day of sightseeing.

FAQs

Is One Day in Bologna Enough Time?

Yes, Bologna is small enough that you can see all of the major sites in one day. If you have more time, you may want to consider some regional experiences, like a cooking class or day trip.

Should We Only Stay In Bologna For One Night?

Bologna makes an excellent home base for exploring the region. I recommend staying more than one night if you plan to take day trips. Bologna is larger than many of the nearby towns, so you’ll have plenty of restaurants and evening activities to choose from.

How Do You Get To Bologna?

Bologna’s airport is a 25-minute drive to the center of town or less than a 10-minute train ride to Bologna’s Centrale train station. The train station is huge and serves as a central hub on the Italian railway system.

If you are coming by car, be aware that the historic part of the city is a ZTL – limited traffic zone, where only cars with permits can drive. If you are staying in this area, contact your hotel for parking arrangements.

Savvy Summary

Bologna is the perfect introduction to Emilia-Romagna, packed with history, culture, and amazing food, all easily doable in just one day.

I’ve rounded up what I think are some of the best experiences in Bologna, from city walking tours and tasting local specialties to evening cultural events.

I hope you have as much fun discovering Bologna as we did!