Three days in Bologna are enough to see the sights, sample the local cuisine and take a day trip in the area.
A destination with vibrancy, rich history, and culinary tradition is the renowned Bologna. 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 country's acclaimed local products are produced, such as Parmesan, mortadella, etc. It offers many attractions, 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 city's pulse.
What to see
Attractions
Iconic landmarks aren't missing from this charming city of Italy either. As soon as you arrive in its historic center, you'll see the most characteristic landmark, the Two Towers, Asinelli and Garisenda, visible from almost all points. You can also climb up and admire the view from their summits.
A stroll through Bologna's medieval center will take you through its entire history. Since its size isn't large, you can easily explore on foot. Do as the locals do and meet at the famous Fontana del Nettuno (Fountain of Neptune). Pass by the main square Piazza Maggiore - there you'll find Palazzo d’Accursio, home to the Municipal Government since the 14th century, and the Basilica of San Petronio (Basilica di San Petronio).
In Santo Stefano square you'll admire the Basilica Santuario Santo Stefano, a complex known as "Seven Churches" (Sette Chiese) due to its layout. 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, don't be surprised. Try this little game yourself and you'll hear what the person standing on the opposite side is saying. If you're in the mood for a walk, start from Porta Saragozza and head toward the Sanctuary of the Madonna of San Luca (Santuario di Madonna di San Luca), where you'll enjoy the city's enchanting views.
Museums
The city's museums are many, so the options don't run out, always depending on your interests. For speed lovers there are two museums. Those who love motorcycles 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 history of Italian art from the second postwar period to today unfolds at MAMbo, Bologna's Museum of Modern Art, housed in a former bakery. The National Art Gallery of Bologna has a large collection of Renaissance artists, among them El Greco's masterpiece "The Last Supper".
What to do
The most popular image among travelers on social media is Bologna's "Little Venice", Piccola Venezia. It's best to visit as early as possible, as large numbers gather to take the famous photo from the Finestrella di Via Piella window with the impressive view of the canal.
Bologna is famed for its endless porticoes, which run through its entire 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's raining 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 famous in Europe. After you admire the building of the Università di Bologna, wander its neighborhood, as there are buildings of historical interest there such as the Municipal Theater.
There are many spots where you'll enjoy views from above in the city. Apart from the Two Towers, you can also climb to the top of the Torre dell’Orologio. There you'll see where "Crimson Bologna" (Bologna La Rossa) got its nickname, with the red roofs spreading out before your eyes. If shopping is on your agenda, visit the commercial Via Farini with Galleria Cavour. In Italy's open-air markets we always find hidden treasures. Every Friday and Saturday the Mercato Piazzola takes place in Piazza dell’Otto Agosto from morning until afternoon. Wander among the 400 stalls, where you'll find almost everything: clothes, bags, home goods, and food.
Strolls in the city don't end here, as there are also places to enjoy greenery. The city's largest park, Giardini Margherita, is a garden clearly inspired by romantic British parks. There you'll also find a distinctive cafe, Le Serre, where you'll sit among greenhouses. In Parco della Montagnola, you'll admire a cinematic setting with the ruins of a 14th-century castle.
Book lovers won't be disappointed either, as the impressive Biblioteca Salabrosa has been in the heart of the city since 2001, in Palazzo d’Accursio. Get lost in its collection, which includes at least 300,000 titles, and sit down to rest from walking.
What to try
Don't leave Bologna without trying the famed Bolognese at Osteria dell’Orsa. In reality the dish is known as tagliatelle al ragù Bolognese and it's a little different from what we know in Greece. Since Italy without pizza isn't possible, visit Pizzeria Altero for pizza with prosciutto.
The Emilia-Romagna region is famed for its cured meats and cheeses. At Mò Mortadella Lab you'll savor sandwiches (panini) with mortadella and a variety of local cheeses. At Osteria del Sole you'll get to know the region's wines, while at Cantina Bentivoglio you'll accompany your dishes with live jazz melodies.
In Italy every afternoon is aperitivo time. Grab one of the hundreds of tables along the city's streets to enjoy your spritz. One of the most popular bars to drink your 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-cafe Modo Infoshop, you'll accompany your coffee with reading.
Nearby getaways
The nearby getaways you can take with Bologna as your base are many, as there are several cities you can visit either for half a day or for a full day. Florence is just 40 minutes away by train, while in about an hour you'll 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.
