The 13 best things to do in Bologna

What is it? Established in 1088, the University of Bologna is considered the oldest university in the Western world.

Why go? The University of Bologna isn’t just the oldest university – it’s one of the most beautiful. It’s worth spending time walking around the ancient buildings, start with the most famous of them all: the Archiginnasio, the first official seat of the university built in 1563. The building is an architectural wonder, with interior walls decorated with thousands of family coats of arms belonging to its first students. Don’t miss the intriguing Anatomical Theater, where students performed dissections at the white Carrara marble table, the Botanical Garden (one of the oldest in Italy) Palazzo Poggi (the university headquarters) and the stunning University library on Via Zamboni (tip: you can book a free tour in advance.)

Time Out tip: When you’ve had enough culture for the day,  pop into one of the student bars on Via Zamboni or in Piazza San Francesco with a copy of Dante’s ‘Inferno’ under your arm and see if you can blend in.

Address: University of Bologna (main headquarters: Palazzo Poggi), Via Zamboni 33, 40126 Bologna, Italy

Opening hours: General university area open daily, 24 hours. Specific university buildings vary

What is it? Bologna is a major foodie destination – people come from all of the world to get a taste of famous dishes that originated here: tagliatelle with ragu, tortellini in broth and lasanga (using green pasta from spinach). Not to mention the fact that the Emilia-Romagna region boasts the highest number of DOP food products in the country, a la parmesan reggiano from Parma and balsmic vinegar from Modena. 

Why go? The nice thing about Bologna is – unlike major tourist cities like Rome, Florence or Venice – you don’t have has many tourist traps to worry about. While some exisit, for the most part, any trattoria you dip into will also cater to locals and give you an authentic taste of local fare. If you’re looking for the best of the best, however, our favourites include Trattoria Anna Maria, Trattoria Battibecco Trattoria Collegio di Spanga or Trattoria da Me.

Address: Various locations across Bologna

What is it? A large gallery packed with contemporary Italian art from the past 70 years.

Why go? Located in an old bakery at the heart of the Manifattura delle Arti cultural district, MAMbo is a welcome tonic for when you’ve seen one too many Renaissance frescoes. In addition to the permanent and temporary modern art exhibits, the building also hosts the Morandi Museum, the largest public collection dedicated to Italian painter Giorgio Morandi. When you’re done with the experimental art and special exhibitions, head to the bar for a Hugo spritz (a northern Italian cocktail made with prosecco, gin and elderflower cordial) among the city’s cultural elite.

Address: Museo d’Arte Moderna di Bologna, Via Don Minzoni 14, 40121 Bologna, Italy

Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10am-6.30pm, Thursday 10am-10pm, closed Monday

What is it? Perched on the Monte della Guardia overlooking the city, this basilica is one of the major symbols of Bologna that attracts religious pilgrimages and tourists alike.

Why go? The journey is as impressive as the destination. Bologna is home to almost 40km of porticoes (archway-covered pathways), some of which date back to the Middle Ages, all of them with a height of seven feet – room for a horse and rider. You can reach the sanctuary from the city center by walking through 666 arches of porticos (3.8km) – the longest stretch of porticos in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Don’t miss the painting that the church was built to specifically house: the icon of the Madonna of San Luca.

Time Out tip: If you don’t feel like walking, you can catch the small tourist train from Piazza Maggiore nearly every hour during the day.

Address: Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca, Via di San Luca 36, 40135 Bologna, Italy

Opening hours: Daily 7am-7pm

What is it? Bologna’s elegantly designed main square.

Why go? This central place of action in Bologna, Piazza Maggiore is home many of the city’s most famous sites: the the gothic Basilica di San Petronio, an unfinished behemoth that includes 22 side chapels, the Fountain of Neptune and Sala Borsa library (where you can grab a coffee, a book or check out ancient roman ruins under the building.) There’s pretty much always live music, a performance act or something else to watch, but it’s also the perfect spot to watch the world go by with an aperitivo after the walk back from San Luca on the hill. Negroni, anyone?

Address: Piazza Maggiore, 40121 Bologna, Italy

Opening hours: Open 24 hours daily – entry to the square is free anytime

What is it? The most recognisable landmark of Bologna.

Why go? You’ve heard of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, but have you heard of the leaning tower of Bologna? These two neighboring towers, Torre Garisenda and Torre Asinelli, date back to the 1100s – back then there were more than 100 towers that dotted the city. While you used to be able to climb the towers, they are now completely blocked off for major restoration efforts to save the Torre Garisenda, the leaning tower that is at a high risk of collapse. The city has brought in experts from around the world to work on the project. While you can’t go up, it’s still worth admiring from afar. 

Address: Piazza di Porta Ravegnana, 40126 Bologna, Italy

Opening hours: Temporarily closed to visitors

What is it? Bologna is a food city, after all, and they don’t skimp on dessert. Here, you’ll find some of the most high-quality, delicious gelato on the planet. 

Why go? If you go to Italy and don’t gorge on gelato, did you even go? Bologna is home to more than 100 delicious gelaterias but some of the best include La Sorbetteria Castiglione, Cremeria Cavour and Cremeria Santo Stefano. At these spots, the gelato is made fresh daily with the best ingriedents, and they offer a mix of both classic and innovative flavours. 

Time Out tip: You’re in Bologna, why not try its famous ice cream flavour? Bologna is made from mascarpone cheese, and often topped with chocolate sauce. Divine. 

Address: Various locations across Bologna 

What is it? Where to head to spend some cash. 

Why go? The area around Piazza Maggiore is a shopping haven, especially for visitors who want to take a taste of Bologna home with them. From big box chains like Zara and Mango to more independent shops, explore the cobbled streets between Via Rizzoli and Via Clavature to pick up fresh pasta, handmade jewellery and a new outfit. When you’ve tired, there are plenty of cafes around for a pick-me-up espresso or Aperol spritz. 

Address: Centro Storico (Historic Centre), Bologna, Italy

Opening hours: Daily, 24 hours (public area). Shops vary

What is it? Aperitivo happens between 6-8pm, and it’s truly an art form in Italy. Restaurants don’t open their kitchens until 7pm at the very earliest, and proper dinner time isn’t really considered until 8pm. Before that is where the magic happens: aperitivo.

Why go? Here in Bologna, aperitivo means spritzes (though bars offer an array of cocktails and wine options) accompanied by a spread of free light snacks to nibble on as you chat and drink – olives, cold cuts, nuts, and grissini. Think of it as a warm-up to dinner. Our favorite spots for aperitivo: Marsalino, a small spot popular among locals that will give you perfectly made bruschetta and chips with your drink, or Gianni Vini, a friendly spot near Santo Stefano. Don’t miss the Sprtiz Emliano here, prepared with local Lambrusco wine. 

Address: Various locations across Bologna

What is it? A piazza centered around Basilica di Santo Stefano with a sprawling antique market. 

Why go? Not a lot of tourists know what a hotspot Bologna is for antique and vintage shopping. Don’t let that be you. Santo Stefano market takes place most Saturday and Sunday mornings, but unfortunately, there isn’t a sure-fire way to know if it will be operating on a particular day – you just have to show up and hope. That’s Italy for you. The good news, if the market is off the day you visit, it’s a great spot to grab a bite or drink. 

Address: Basilica di Santo Stefano, Via Santo Stefano 24, 40125 Bologna, Italy

Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday 9.30am-12.30pm, 2.30pm-6pm, Monday 6pm-7.30pm