What to Do in Bologna Italy
A Guide to the City’s Best Sights and Experiences
Wondering what are the best things to do in Bologna? From medieval towers to lively piazzas and rolling hills, discover culture and flavours
Bologna what to see
Bologna is a city where medieval towers, elegant porticoes, and lively piazzas create an irresistible atmosphere.
If you’re wondering what to do in Bologna, this guide will help you discover its culture, flavours, and energy.
From the historic streets of the centre to the hills surrounding the city, we’ll explore Bologna what to see and do, highlighting the experiences that make it unique.
What to see in Bologna. Skip to:
Best things to do in bologna
Piazza Maggiore – The heart of the city, surrounded by historic palaces and daily life.
Basilica di San Petronio – One of the largest churches in Europe, famous for its unfinished façade and the world’s longest meridian line.
Le Due Torri – Bologna’s symbol, with the Asinelli and Garisenda towers dominating the medieval skyline.
Via Pescherie Vecchie – Historic street in the Quadrilatero, full of shops, wine bars, and food specialties.
Via del Pratello – Alternative, lively street known for bars, pubs, and the Pratello R’esiste festival.
Le Sette Chiese (Santo Stefano) – Unique medieval complex telling centuries of history and spirituality.
Santuario di San Luca – Iconic pilgrimage site, reachable through the world’s longest portico.
Sala Borsa – Multimedia library with glass floors showing archaeological remains of ancient Bologna.
Cinema Modernissimo – Historic Art Deco cinema, now home to the Cineteca di Bologna and international events.
Food Tour in Bologna – Unmissable experience to taste lasagna, tagliatelle al ragù, mortadella, and local wines.
Bologna things to do and see
Piazza Maggiore
The best way to start exploring Bologna is at Piazza Maggiore, the city’s central hub and a focal point of daily life.
Locals gather here for a coffee, tourists admire the architecture, and events fill the square year-round. Surrounded by historic landmarks, it’s an essential stop for anyone planning what to do in Bologna Italy.
The square is anchored by the crescentone, a raised white-and-pink granite pavement, and framed by iconic buildings like Palazzo D’Accursio with its clock tower, the majestic Basilica of San Petronio, Palazzo dei Banchi, and Palazzo del Podestà .
Walking across Piazza Maggiore, you can feel the centuries of history while soaking up the lively atmosphere, making it one of the most memorable Bologna places to see.
Bologna must see attractions: Piazza Maggiore
Basilica di San Petronio
Dominating Piazza Maggiore, the Basilica di San Petronio is one of the largest churches in Europe and the most important in Bologna.Â
Built between the 14th and 17th centuries in an original Italian Gothic style, its vast interior and grand proportions impress visitors immediately, making it a must-see for anyone planning what to see in Bologna.
The basilica’s façade remains unfinished, a detail that sparks curiosity and legends — some say funds ran out, others claim the Vatican halted construction to prevent it from surpassing St. Peter’s in Rome.Â
Inside, visitors can admire the world’s longest meridian etched into the floor, a remarkable blend of art, science, and history.
Despite its massive dimensions, the church feels harmonious and balanced, offering a serene space to reflect or simply appreciate its architectural elegance.
Free to enter, the Basilica di San Petronio is a highlight for anyone exploring Bologna top sights, and visitors should remember that modest attire is required.
Bologna what to see: The Basilica of San Petronio
Le Due Torri
The most iconic sight and symbol of Bologna is the pair of leaning towers known as Le Due Torri, defining the city skyline and beloved by locals and visitors alike.
The taller tower, Torre degli Asinelli, reaches 97.2 meters, making it the tallest leaning medieval tower in the world, while its shorter, more tilted companion is the Garisenda.
Built between 1109 and 1119, these towers are among the twenty medieval structures that have survived the centuries.
Climbing the Torre degli Asinelli offers a breathtaking panorama of Bologna, though as of August 2025, it is closed for restoration until further notice.
Even from the ground, the sight of these historic towers provides a striking perspective and remains a must Bologna what to see and do.
Bologna what to see and do: Le Due Torri
Via Pescherie Vecchie
In the heart of the Quadrilatero, Bologna’s medieval market district, Via Pescherie Vecchie is a street where history and food culture blend seamlessly. Once home to the city’s fishmongers, today it is lined with delicatessens, bakeries, wine shops, and small trattorias serving local specialities.
Walking here is a feast for the senses: the scent of mortadella, wheels of Parmigiano, baskets of fresh pasta, and bottles of regional wine create an atmosphere that captures Bologna things to do and see at its most authentic.
For those curious to dive even deeper into local flavours, you can also read more about the Bologna street food scene in this guide, which explores the best things to do in Bologna for food lovers.
This bustling street is perfect for tasting local flavours on the go or picking up edible souvenirs. Whether you stop for a quick lunch, an aperitivo, or simply to wander, Via Pescherie Vecchie is among the best places to visit in Bologna for anyone eager to explore the city’s culinary identity.
Bologna what to see and do: eat and drink in Pescherie Vecchie
Via del Pratello
Via del Pratello is one of Bologna’s most alternative streets, revealing a completely different side of the city after sunset.
By day, it may seem quiet or even sleepy, but as night falls, the street comes alive with osterie, pubs, restaurants, and bars where locals and visitors gather to eat, drink, and socialise.
Sharing food, drinks, and ideas is at the heart of the Pratello experience, making it a must-visit for anyone planning Bologna what to do.
The street is also home to artisan workshops, barbers, newsstands, and cultural clubs, offering a mix of activities beyond the nightlife.
Each year on April 25, the Pratello R’esiste event fills the street with music, food stalls, and a lively celebration of the liberation from fascism.
Including Via del Pratello in your itinerary ensures you experience one of the most authentic and engaging aspects of Bologna, adding it to your list of Bologna things to do and see.
What to do in Bologna Italy: stroll at night in via del Pratello
Not sure about Where to Stay In Bologna? Check here the Best Accommodations in town, close to all the amenities and point of interests.
Le Sette Chiese
The Basilica of Santo Stefano, better known as the Complex of the Seven Churches, is one of the most fascinating Bologna must see attractions.
Its irregular architecture, shaped by centuries of additions and restorations, draws visitors into a journey through time.
Built in the 5th century at the will of San Petronio, the complex was originally designed to replicate the holy sites of Christ’s Passion, giving it a unique spiritual and historical significance.
Exploring its chapels, cloisters, and courtyards, visitors can admire the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Church of Saints Vitale and Agricola, the courtyard of Pilate, and the medieval cloister.
A visit here is among the best things to do in Bologna for anyone interested in art, architecture, and history, offering an immersive experience far beyond a typical sightseeing stop.
Standing in Piazza Santo Stefano, where the basilica dominates the square, also provides a moment to appreciate one of Bologna places to see that combine cultural depth with spiritual charm.
Bologna what to see: Sette Chiese
San Luca
San Luca is one of the most iconic symbols of Bologna, alongside the Two Towers. Perched atop the Colle della Guardia at roughly 300 meters above sea level, the Sanctuary of San Luca dominates the city and the surrounding plain, offering breathtaking views that make it one of the top sights in Bologna.
The baroque-style church was constructed between 1723 and 1757. Inside, it houses the Byzantine representation of the Madonna and Child, which has been carried in an annual Ascension procession since 1443, drawing pilgrims for centuries.
Visitors can reach the sanctuary on foot from Porta Saragozza, following the world’s longest portico, with 666 arches, 15 chapels, and 3,796 meters of covered walkway, now recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Beyond its spiritual significance, the path and sanctuary provide a unique perspective of Bologna, combining history, architecture, and panoramic vistas.
A visit to San Luca is an essential experience for anyone planning what to do in Bologna Italy, offering both cultural depth and one of the most scenic viewpoints among Bologna top sights.
Bologna what to see and do: Go to San Luca and admire the panorama
Sala Borsa
Inside Palazzo d’Accursio on Piazza Maggiore, Sala Borsa is a cultural and multimedia hub where history and modern life intersect.
Opened in 2001, this space quickly became one of Bologna must see attractions. Visitors can admire the glass-paned floor of the Piazza Coperta, revealing archaeological remains that trace the city’s evolution—from Villanovian huts of the 7th century BC to Etruscan Felsina and Roman Bononia founded in 189 BC.
Descending to the small museum offers a closer look at these ruins, showcasing Bologna’s role as a civic and religious centre through the centuries.
Sala Borsa perfectly embodies what to see in Bologna for those exploring beyond the main streets, combining ancient foundations with a lively contemporary cultural scene of exhibitions, events, and learning spaces.
Cinema Modernissimo
The Cinema Modernissimo is one of Bologna must see attractions, located in the heart of the city and part of the historic Cineteca di Bologna.Â
This Art Deco and Liberty-style cinema has been a cultural landmark for over 90 years, hosting screenings of classic films, restored masterpieces, and special events with renowned directors, authors, and film professionals: Martin Scorsese, Wes Anderson, Wim Wenders, just to name a few.
Its revival also transformed the underpass of Via Rizzoli into a small exhibition space, offering visitors a unique and immersive experience.Â
For those seeking a mix of culture and leisure, the Caffè Pathé allows guests to enjoy a typical local meal of Tortellini while watching a film, combining gastronomy and cinema in a single visit.Â
This makes it one of the best things to do in Bologna for cinema lovers and fans of historic architecture, ensuring a memorable stop in the city’s cultural landscape.
Have a Food Tour!
Bologna is often called the food capital of Italy, a title well deserved thanks to its incredible culinary tradition.Â
From rich lasagna to authentic tagliatelle al ragù — never confused with the tourist invention of spaghetti bolognese — the city offers so many specialities that visitors can easily feel overwhelmed.Â
One of the best things to do in Bologna is to join a guided food tour, which allows you to taste a wide range of traditional dishes in just a few hours.Â
With a local foodie expert, you’ll discover hidden gems, learn the history behind the recipes, and enjoy everything from appetisers to gelato, paired with excellent regional wines.Â
For travellers deciding on Bologna what to see and do, a Delicious Bologna tour is the perfect way to experience the city through its most authentic flavours.
Conclusions
Exploring Bologna is like walking through a living museum where every street, square, and flavour tells a story.Â
From medieval towers to lively markets and grand basilicas, the city offers layers of history and culture that make it unforgettable.Â
Food lovers, history enthusiasts, and art admirers alike will find endless Bologna places to see that reflect the city’s unique character.Â
With so much to discover, from iconic landmarks to hidden gems, the best places to visit in Bologna ensure that every trip becomes a journey worth remembering.
