What can you see and do in one day in Bologna, Italy?
Are you ready to spend one incredible day in Bologna? Bologna is Italy’s 7th biggest city, with a population of almost 400,000, and is the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. Bologna is famous for having vast amounts of delicious food, and because it is home to the oldest university in the world – it is a melting pot of young people.
Due to a large student population, the city has developed many affordable places to drink and eat. If you are lucky enough to travel here, with this guide, you will be able to experience the best Bologna has to offer.
What’s more, it is not unusual to find vibrant life in the city’s historic piazzas, where the locals come together to enjoy themselves. If you want a truly authentic Italian experience – then your one day in Bologna will be a highlight of your time in the country.
How to get to Bologna City
Airport – there is an international airport Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport.
From the airport, it will take about 20 minutes to drive to the city centre or you can catch the Marconi Express train service, which is a direct monorail service into Bologna train station.
Alternatively, you can get a transfer with Welcome Pickups offers a great experience and safety to its travellers.
– Local English-speaking drivers
– Flat, pre-paid fee
– Flight monitoring for delays
– 24/7 Customer support + free cancellation
Train – Bologna Centrale Railway Station is well-connected all over Italy by regional and high-speed lines. It is known to be the 5th busiest train station in Italy because it has almost 30 platforms.
Bus – the main bus station is in Piazza XX Settembre, 100m from the train station. You can reach Bologna by bus from all major cities in Italy and many countries, including but not limited to: Spain, England, Portugal, and Greece.
How to get around for one day in Bologna
Luckily, the centre of Bologna is not very big. This means that you can walk around from one end to the other quite quickly. Therefore, most attractions we mention in this one day in Bologna guide will be accessible by foot.
Good to know: Bologna is a bicycle-friendly city, and you will see many people cycling. There is a bike-sharing service available called Mobike, and there are many bike-sharing stations around the city.
When is the best time to visit Bologna?
Arguably, Bologna is a year-round destination due to its position in northern Italy. However, it can get hot in the summer months of July and August. Therefore, if you can visit on the shoulder season in either April – June or September – October, it would be ideal.
Useful information for one day in Bologna
Currency: Euro
Language: Italian
Food: Bologna is where the famous Ragu sauce (Bolognaise) was first made, as well as lasagne, tortellini, and mortadella (baloney). These are the foods to try in Bologna.
The 7 Secrets of Bologna
1. Part of the charm of Bologna links to the discovery of the seven secrets that characterise it1The three arrows under the wooden portico of Palazzo Isolani, in the main street. Tradition has it that during the escape of a squire, who was chased by three bandits, a beautiful lady (presumably the fugitive’s wife), looked out the window on the opposite side of the street completely naked. This made the three bandits shoot their arrows upwards because they were shocked. They hit the wooden porch, so the squire escaped safe and sound. However, the real challenge for visitors lies in spotting the three arrows, as no one has ever been able to find the third one. Good luck!
2. The statue of Neptune in Piazza Maggiore, if observed from the right angle, is unexpected. This perspective causes the thumb of his hand to look like an erect male organ. It is said to be the work of its creator, Giambologna, to deflect the prohibition imposed on him by the church.
3. The “wireless telephone”, is the effect that occurs when speaking from the ends of the two arches that make up the internal vault of the Palazzo del Podestà, also in Piazza Maggiore. The sound, following the strings, passes from one corner to another. It is said that it was a ploy that allowed lovers to communicate secretly or priests to confess!
4. The small window in Via Piella, which once opened, allows you to see the small river that flows under Bologna, which earned it the nickname of “Little Venice”.
5. The Latin inscription “panis vita, canabis protectio, vinum laetitia”, meaning “bread is life, cannabis is protection, wine is joy”, is visible under the arcades at the beginning of Via Indipendenza. This motto is said to indicate the wealth that hemp cultivation once brought to the city of Bologna.
6. The broken vase on the Torre degli Asinelli, which university students, (the superstitious ones) can visit only after graduating.
7. The Latin inscription “panum resis”, indicates that at the basis of all decisions, there must be knowledge, which is on a table in Palazzo Poggi, the seat of the Alma Mater Studiorum (the oldest university in Europe, founded in 1088).
The Top 9 Attractions for One day in Bologna
We appreciate that if you only have one day in Bologna you might be worried about how you can see all the main attractions. Well, we can guarantee that this list of the nine best things to do in Bologna will keep you satisfied with your trip, but also not overwhelmed about cramming too much into your day.
Piazza Maggiore
The main piazza, is undoubtedly Piazza Maggiore, surrounded by the Palazzo del Podestà, Palazzo d’Accursio (historic seat of the city hall), and the Basilica of San Petronio. Inside the latter, you can admire the longest sundial in the world and see a painting that became famous because the prophet Muhammad is presented in hell. The Piazza, during the summer months, hosts the open-air cinema, dedicated to great classics, as well as more recent and highly successful films.
Good to know: you will find the Bologna Visitor Information Centre here with up-to-date information about the city, and you can purchase the Bologna Card that can get you discounts on attractions.
Explore the Narrow Alleyways
From the piazza, you can stroll the narrow alleys. These are a characteristic of ancient Bologna, such as Via Delle Pescherie Vecchia and Via Delle Clavature, immersing yourself in the smells and scents of the many markets and places where you can taste platters of cold cuts and cheeses accompanied by a good wine.
The Two Towers – Garisenda and the Torre degli Asinelli
Arguably, the main symbols of Bologna are the two medieval towers. The Garisenda and the Torre degli Asinelli, the latter open to visitors to climb. There are about 500 steps to reach the top, so it is not easy, but you will be rewarded with incredible, panoramic views over the city at 97.2m. The entry costs € 5.00 per person. Read up-to-date information on their website.
Piazza della Mercanzia
Piazza Della Mercanzia is one of the most beautiful squares in the city.
Piazza Santo Stefano
Also known as the Seven Churches due to the peculiar church that stands at its centre. Here, every second Sunday of the month, the antique market takes place, where you can find objects and artefacts from every era and place.
Archiginnasio and The Municipal Library
A few steps from Piazza Maggiore, is the Archiginnasio, seat of the ancient university and the municipal library. This library is the largest in Emilia-Romagna homes a vast collection of books, manuscripts, letters, and more. You cannot go inside – but you can peep in. However, inside the Archiginnasio, there is an anatomical theatre from the old medical school in the 1600s. It is fascinating to see this in a place of such beauty.
The Basilica of San Luca
Outside the walls, you need to stop at the Basilica of San Luca, which can be reached along the long portico from Porta Saragozza to the top of the hill, where the basilica is located. The porticos are an attraction in themselves, and you can see them all over the city.
Explore the Parks
In addition to the historic centre, Bologna offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in the greenery of its parks. For example, you can visit Villa Ghigi, Villa Spada, and Giardini Margherita.
Enjoy the Nightlife
If you are looking for a beer or something stronger, the best areas to visit are Via Mascarella and Via Del Pratello, which offer a wide selection of clubs, bars, and pubs for all tastes. But not only that, in fact, in the warmer months, the two squares of the nightlife, Piazza San Francesco and Piazza Verdi, are filled with students enjoying themselves. The atmosphere is electric.
The Best Places to Eat and Drink in Bologna:
We mentioned that the city is a foodie haven, and here are the best spots to go on your trip. Of course, if you only have one day in Bologna then you won’t have time for all of them. Unless you want to make this a food day in Bologna instead? Which would be an AMAZING day.
Bocca Buona (via degli Usberti, 5). It is highly recommended that you try the starter based on fried puff pastry in the shape of tortellone, filled with squacquerone (typical spreadable cheese of the city), and covered with honey.
Sette Chiese (via Borgonuovo, 6), Is among the best osterias in terms of tortellini, cream, and ham, a must in Bologna.
Dell’Orsa (via Mentana, 1). You cannot book a table, and therefore you may have to wait in line at the entrance for over 30mins. However, it is worth it, and it will repay you with very generous portions of delicious tagliatelle with meat sauce.
Al 15 (via Mirasole, 13). It is renowned for the best lasagne in town, which can be accompanied by a fantastic tiramisu.
Delle Donzelle (via delle Donzelle, 4). For abundant and satisfying meals based on platters filled with cold cuts, cheeses, and crescentine.
Zerocinquantuno 051 (via de ’Pignattari, 1F). For the best combination of tigelle and wine.
Popular Day Trips from Bologna
There are some incredible day trips from Bologna that you should consider for you next trip. Some of these are recommended below:
Ferrara – a Renaissance art city that is on the route towards Venice. It is unexplored and gorgeous. Do not miss Castello Estense, Museo Archeologico Nazionale in Palazzo Schifanoia.
Distance from Bologna: 25-50 minutes by train.
Ravenna (tomb of Dante) – the city was the old capital of the Western Roman Empire, and now it is home to eight world heritage sites and the tomb of Dante Alighieri – the author of the Divine Comedy.
Distance from Bologna: 1 hour 10 minutes – to 1 hour 30 minutes by train.
Padua – home to Italy’s second-largest university, this medieval city, is the place to see stunning frescoes and experience something a little bit different.
Distance from Bologna: 1 hour 15 minutes – to 1 hour 50 minutes by train.
Overall, is Bologna worth visiting for one day?
Yes, Yes, 100% Yes!
We think it is impressive that after almost 1000 years, the city of Bologna is still brought to life by the university. The vibrancy makes it stand out from other cities in Italy and one day in Bologna is the perfect trip.
Also, did we mention the food? We think that alone should convince you, never mind the history and beautiful aesthetic! So, happy exploring and enjoy your one day in Bologna as much as we did.
Photo Credit: averagelives.com and unsplash.com
Huge thanks to Luca M. for his insider tips, for showing us around the city and for educating us about the 7 secrets of Bologna.
