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Bologna

Italy

Pace: balanced Historic Culinary Vibrant Authentic
Ideal trip length
2 - 4 days
Busiest
May-Sep
Bologna
Destination
Dates
Guests 1 room, 1 adults, 0 children
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Where to stay

Hotels in Bologna

Book direct on our own Bologna hotel pages — no booking fee and instant confirmation.

At a glance

Climate
Temperate
Languages
Italian and English
Local currency
EUR (EUR)
Local time
(GMT+2)
Ideal trip length
2–4 days
Cost level
3 of 5 · our research
Suggested area to stay
Centro Storico
Tap water
Generally described as safe to drink
Tipping
Not mandatory, rounding up or small tip appreciated.

What this place is for

History

95 · Outstanding

Culture

90 · Outstanding

Food

90 · Outstanding

Family 70 · Good

Our own 0–100 ratings for this one destination. They describe a city; they are not a league table of cities.

Food to try

Tagliatelle al Ragù Tortellini Mortadella Lasagne Verde

When to visit Bologna

How good each month is here, on this destination's own scale. It compares months within this city, never one city against another.

Best months: May, September Busiest: May-Sep
  1. Jan
    40

    Cold, damp

  2. Feb
    45

    Cold, damp

  3. Mar
    60

    Cool, spring begins

  4. Apr
    75

    Mild, pleasant

  5. May
    90

    Warm, ideal

  6. Jun
    85

    Hot, sunny

  7. Jul
    80

    Very hot

  8. Aug
    75

    Hot, quieter

  9. Sept
    90

    Warm, harvest

  10. Oct
    80

    Mild, autumn

  11. Nov
    60

    Cool, rainy

  12. Dec
    65

    Cold, festive

Things to do in Bologna

7 places worth your time, grouped by when they are at their best.

Best in the morning

3 places

Climb the Two Towers

Centro Storico 1.5 hrs

Ascend Bologna's iconic medieval towers for breathtaking city views.

Outdoors Good for children

Explore Quadrilatero Market

Centro Storico 2 hrs

Wander through Bologna's ancient food market, sampling local delicacies.

Outdoors Good for children

Walk to Sanctuary of San Luca

Hills West of Center 3 hrs

Follow the world's longest portico to a hilltop sanctuary with panoramic views.

Outdoors Good for children

Best in the afternoon

3 places

Visit Archiginnasio of Bologna

Centro Storico 1.5 hrs

Discover the historic seat of the University of Bologna and its stunning Anatomical Theatre.

Indoors

Indulge in a Food Tour

Centro Storico 3.5 hrs

Experience Bologna's culinary heritage with guided tastings of local specialties.

Indoors Good for children

Visit the Ducati Museum

Borgo Panigale 2 hrs

Discover the history and iconic motorcycles of the legendary Italian brand.

Indoors Good for children

Any time of day

1 place

Relax in Piazza Maggiore

Centro Storico 1 hr

Soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Bologna's main square, surrounded by historic buildings.

Outdoors Good for children

Bologna itineraries

View All itineraries
With the family

3 Days in Bologna — Family with Kids

Discover Bologna's delicious heart with fun activities for all ages.

This 3-day itinerary is crafted for families with children, blending Bologna's rich history and culinary delights with engaging, kid-friendly activities. Explore ancient towers, master pasta making, and discover hidden canals, ensuring memorable moments for everyone.

3 Days 11 Stops
See the full plan
Things to book

Tours and activities in Bologna

Guided tours, day trips and tickets to book alongside your stay.

Practical ratings

Our own ratings and key insights for this destination.

Eating & Culinary

Tagliatelle Al Ragù 95 · Outstanding
Tortellini 87 · Outstanding
Mortadella 78 · Very good
Lasagne Verde 70 · Good

Signature Experiences

Climb The Two Towers 95 · Outstanding
Explore Quadrilatero Market 91 · Outstanding
Visit Archiginnasio Of Bologna 87 · Outstanding
Walk To Sanctuary Of San Luca 83 · Very good
Indulge In A Food Tour 78 · Very good
Relax In Piazza Maggiore 74 · Good
Visit The Ducati Museum 70 · Good

Best Suitable For

Solo 95 · Outstanding
Couples 89 · Outstanding
Families 83 · Very good
Friends 76 · Very good
Digital Nomads 70 · Good

Planning & Tips

Wear comfortable shoes for walking the porticoes and cobblestone streets. 95 · Outstanding
Book popular restaurants in advance, especially for dinner. 83 · Very good
Consider a day trip to Modena or Parma for more culinary delights. 70 · Good

Ratings and recommendations are curated from local travel data.

Near Bologna

Straight-line distance from the centre of Bologna.

Getaways from Bologna

Places people from Bologna travel to, from our own travel research.

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