Things to Do in Bologna: Porticoes, Towers, Food and Day Trips (2026)

The best things to do in Bologna revolve around three things: covered streets, medieval towers and some of the richest food in Italy. However, one classic, the climb up the Asinelli tower, is currently off the list. This guide covers what to see, what to eat and how to use the city as a base for Emilia-Romagna.

Last updated: September 26, 2026

Things to do in Bologna at a glance

Getting to Bologna and getting around

Bologna sits at the center of Italy’s high-speed rail network, so trains from Florence, Milan, Venice and Rome arrive at Bologna Centrale. In addition, Bologna’s Marconi airport lies just outside the city. Then, once you arrive, walk. The historic center is compact and flat, and most sights sit within a short stroll of Piazza Maggiore. For a wider route, see our northern Italy itinerary. For mosaics, plan a Ravenna day trip from Bologna by regional train.

Walk the porticoes

Bologna’s covered arcades are its signature. According to UNESCO, the Porticoes of Bologna became a World Heritage site in 2021. In total, the city’s porticoes run for about 62 km (checked September 2026). As a result, you can cross much of the center in the shade or out of the rain.

The styles change as you walk. For example, Strada Maggiore has tall medieval porticoes with wooden beams, while the 20th-century Barca district shows modern concrete ones. Also, Via Zamboni leads through the university quarter, where the arcades fill with students.

The Two Towers: what you can see now

The Asinelli and the Garisenda, both medieval, lean over Piazza di Porta Ravegnana. In 2023, however, monitoring showed a safety problem with the Garisenda. According to Bologna Welcome, the city’s official tourism office, the Asinelli tower has been closed since October 23, 2023. Also, fences surround the Garisenda until the restoration ends (checked September 2026).

In fact, the official booking page still shows the tower as closed, with no reopening date. So check it before you plan the climb. Meanwhile, the office suggests the Clock Tower in Piazza Maggiore as an alternative for views over the rooftops.

Piazza Maggiore and the old university

First, Piazza Maggiore is the center of city life. The huge Basilica of San Petronio fills one side, with a facade that was never finished. Next to it, the Fountain of Neptune, by Giambologna, marks the corner with Piazza del Nettuno.

Just behind the basilica stands the Archiginnasio, the seat of the university from the 16th century. Inside, the wooden Anatomical Theater shows where students once watched dissections. Then walk east to Santo Stefano, a group of linked churches locals call the “Seven Churches”. By contrast with the busy piazza, its courtyards are quiet.

Eat your way through Bologna

Food is one of the main things to do in Bologna, and many visitors come for it alone. The city gave its name to ragù alla bolognese, a slow-cooked meat sauce served with fresh tagliatelle, never spaghetti. Also look for tortellini in broth, mortadella and lasagne verdi.

For shopping and snacks, walk the Quadrilatero, the grid of lanes next to Piazza Maggiore. There, delis sell cured meats, cheese and fresh pasta. In the evening, join the aperitivo, the pre-dinner drink with small bites, in the university area or around Via del Pratello.

For guided tastings, a Bologna food tour covers the Quadrilatero and the classic products. Alternatively, a Bologna cooking class teaches you to roll sfoglia, the fresh egg pasta sheet. For more options, browse our food tours in Italy and cooking classes in Italy.

Walk up to San Luca

Finally, the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca sits on a hill southwest of the center. Above all, the way up is the attraction: a single long portico climbs from Porta Saragozza to the church. It is part of the UNESCO-listed porticoes. The walk is steep in its last stretch, so wear good shoes and allow half a day for the round trip. At the top, the views reach across the Po Valley and the Apennine hills.

Day trips from Bologna

Bologna makes an excellent base for Emilia-Romagna, because regional and fast trains reach several food capitals in a short ride. Here are the most popular options:

• Modena: traditional balsamic vinegar, cathedral and Ferrari country. Consider a Modena balsamic vinegar tour or a Ferrari tour in Maranello.
• Parma: Parmigiano Reggiano and Parma ham. A Parma food tour with Parmigiano and prosciutto visits the producers.
• Ravenna: Byzantine mosaics in early churches. A Ravenna mosaics tour explains them in context.

Similarly, Florence is close by train, so you can combine the two cities. For that side, see our Florence travel guide and the best day trips from Florence.

When to go and how long to stay

Two days cover the main things to do in Bologna, and a third day adds a food trip to Modena or Parma. Fall is an excellent season: the heat is gone, the porticoes keep you dry on rainy days, and truffles and new-season produce reach the menus. In August, by contrast, some family-run restaurants close for the summer break. For timing across Italy, read our guide to the best time to visit Italy.

Car and motorcycle fans can build a day around the museums of Motor Valley Italy, all within easy reach of Bologna.

Bologna sets its city tax by room price rather than stars; see how in our Italy tourist tax guide.

Want these sights in a sensible order? Our Bologna itinerary lays them out in 1, 2 and 3-day plans.

If you fly in, our guide to Bologna airport to city center explains the monorail, the bus and taxi fares.

Staying overnight in Bologna? Compare places to stay below, and see our Bologna itinerary to plan the rest of the trip.

Affiliate links: if you book through them, Italy2Love earns a commission at no extra cost to you.

Where to stay: for a base nearby, see our independent hotel profile of Royal Hotel Carlton, with location, parking and access details checked in October 2026.

Things to do in Bologna: frequently asked questions

Can you climb the Asinelli tower in Bologna?

Not at the moment. The Asinelli tower has been closed since October 2023 because of safety works on the nearby Garisenda, and the official booking page shows no reopening date.

Are Bologna’s porticoes a UNESCO site?

Yes. The Porticoes of Bologna became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2021.

How many days do you need in Bologna?

Two days cover the historic center and the food. Add a third day for Modena, Parma or Ravenna.

What food is Bologna famous for?

Tagliatelle with ragù, tortellini in broth, mortadella and lasagne verdi.

Is Bologna a good base for day trips?

Yes. Fast trains reach Modena, Parma, Ravenna and Florence, so you can sleep in one place and see much of the region.