Three days in Bologna are enough to see the sights, savor the local cuisine and take a day trip in the area.
Famed Bologna is a destination brimming with energy, rich history, and culinary tradition. The capital of Emilia-Romagna boasts -perhaps- the oldest university in Europe and is famous for its student life, bars and restaurants. Bologna belongs to the regions where the countrys acclaimed local products are produced, such as Parmesan, mortadella, etc. It offers many sights, museums and open-air markets, while its porticoes make it even more distinctive. A few days are enough to get a good taste and feel the citys pulse.
What to see
Attractions
Iconic landmarks are not missing from this charming Italian city either. As soon as you arrive in its historic center, you will see its most characteristic landmark, the Two Towers Asinelli and Garisenda, which are visible from almost everywhere. You can climb up and admire the view from their top.
A stroll through Bolognas medieval center will take you through its entire history. Since its area is not large, you can easily explore on foot. Do as the locals do and meet at the famous Fontana del Nettuno (Fountain of Neptune). Walk through the main square Piazza Maggiore - there youll encounter Palazzo d’Accursio, where the Municipal Authority has been housed since the 14th century, and the Basilica of Saint Petronius (Basilica di San Petronio).
In Santo Stefano square youll admire the Basilica Santuario Santo Stefano, a complex known as "Seven Churches" (Sette Chiese), due to its structure. The impressive Palazzo del Podestà is known for its architecture as well as its unusual acoustics. If you see someone bringing their ear close to one of the walls under the dome, dont be surprised. Try this little game yourself and youll hear what the person standing on the opposite side is saying. If youre in the mood for a walk, start from Porta Saragozza and head towards the Sanctuary of the Madonna of San Luca (Santuario di Madonna di San Luca), where youll enjoy the citys enchanting view.
Museums
The citys museums are many, so youll have plenty of choices depending on your interests. For speed lovers there are two museums. Those who love motorbikes will learn everything about their evolution at the Ducati museum and those who prefer fast cars will be impressed by the top models at the Museo Automobili Lamborghini.
The story of Italian art from the second postwar period to today unfolds at MAMbo, Bolognas Museum of Modern Art, housed in a former bakery. The National Gallery of Bologna holds a large collection of works by Renaissance artists, among them El Grecos masterpiece "The Last Supper".
What to do
The most popular image among travelers on social media is Bolognas "Little Venice", Piccola Venezia. Its best to visit as early as possible, as many people gather to take the famous photo from the Finestrella di Via Piella window with its striking view of the canal.
Bologna is famous for its endless porticoes, which run throughout its historic center and have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The network reaches about 40 kilometers, which means you can walk even when it rains, without getting wet. One of the famous porticoes is the Portico del Pavaglione, with its impressive floor of red stones with shells.
The city is among the most popular for student life, as it teems with students and vibrancy. The University of Bologna is one of the most renowned in Europe. After admiring the building of the Università di Bologna, wander its neighborhood, as there youll find buildings of historical interest such as the Municipal Theater.
There are many spots to enjoy views of the city from above. Besides the Two Towers, you can also climb to the top of the Torre dell’Orologio. There youll see where the city gets its nickname, the "Red Bologna" (Bologna La Rossa), with the red roofs spreading out before your eyes. If shopping is on your agenda, visit the shopping Via Farini with Galleria Cavour. In Italys open-air markets we always find hidden treasures. Every Friday and Saturday the Mercato Piazzola takes place in Piazza dell’Otto Agosto from morning till afternoon. Wander among the 400 stalls, where youll find almost everything: clothes, bags, household items and food.
The citys strolls dont end here, as there are also places to enjoy some green. The citys largest park, Giardini Margherita, is a garden clearly inspired by romantic British parks. There youll also find a distinctive café, Le Serre, where youll sit among greenhouses. In Parco della Montagnola, youll admire a cinematic setting with the ruins of a 14th-century castle.
Book lovers wont be disappointed either, as the impressive Biblioteca Salabrosa has been in the heart of the city since 2001, in Palazzo d’Accursio. Lose yourself in its collection, which includes at least 300,000 titles and take a seat to rest from the walking.
What to try
Dont leave Bologna without trying the famed Bolognese at Osteria dell’Orsa. In reality the dish is known as tagliatelle al ragù Bolognese and is a little different from what we know in Greece. Since Italy without pizza is impossible, visit Pizzeria Altero for pizza with prosciutto.
The Emilia-Romagna region is famous for its cured meats and cheeses. At Mò Mortadella Lab youll savor sandwiches (panini) with mortadella and a variety of local cheeses. At Osteria del Sole youll get to know the regions wines, while at Cantina Bentivoglio where youll accompany the dishes with live jazz melodies.
In Italy every afternoon is aperitivo time. Grab one of the hundreds of little tables on the citys streets to enjoy your spritz. One of the most popular bars for a cocktail is Le Stanze, which was once a church.
A few stops for Italian espresso are essential. Pair it with pancakes at Pappare’, or with a croissant filled with crème pâtissière at Café Pasticceria Gamberini which has been operating since 1907. At the bookstore-café Modo Infoshop, youll pair your coffee with some reading.
Nearby getaways
There are many nearby getaways you can make based in Bologna, as there are several cities you can visit either for half a day or a full day. Florence is just 40 minutes away by train, while in about an hour youll reach Ravenna and Ferrara. Modena is just half an hour away and you can combine it with Parma which is an hour from Bologna on the same route.
