Travel Guide Bologna
Nicknamed La Dotta, or the Savant, Bologna is a city with a rich history and unrivalled gastronomy. Home to the oldest university in the Western world, Bologna is an architectural treasure trove, with its porticoes stretching for 40 km, offering shade and shelter all year round.
Strolling through the cobbled streets, you're immediately seduced by the warmth of the city. The red hues of its buildings, from which it derives its nickname La Rossa, offer a fascinating contrast to the greenery of the surrounding hills. Take a stroll around the Due Torri, Asinelli and Garisenda, some of Bologna's most famous landmarks. Climb the Asinelli Tower for a panoramic view of the city.
The Basilica of San Petronio, in Piazza Maggiore, is one of the largest churches in Europe. Its unfinished façade is unique, and the interior is richly decorated. L'Archiginnasio is the former headquarters of the University of Bologna. Don't miss the Teatro Anatomico, where dissections were performed!
Bologna boasts a network of underground canals, a reminder of the days when the city was surrounded by water. La Finestrella on Via Piella offers a charming glimpse of these hidden canals. And, nestled on a hill overlooking the city, the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca offers a breathtaking view of the city. You can reach it via the world's longest arch-portico, a 3.5 km covered walkway. Then, discover a magnificent palace that today houses the town hall. It contains many works of art and overlooks Piazza Maggiore. Visit Bologna's Museum of Modern Art, MAMbo, featuring works by Italian and international artists from the 20th century to the present day.
Finally, rediscovered and restored in the 1990s, the old Jewish Quarter with its narrow streets and boutiques is a charming place for a stroll. These sites, combined with local markets, traditional cafés and picturesque alleyways, make Bologna a destination rich in cultural discoveries.
But what makes every visitor's heart beat faster is its gastronomic reputation. Considered the cradle of Italian cuisine, Bologna is home to such delicacies as tagliatelle with ragù, mortadella and Parmigiano Reggiano.
Just a stone's throw from Piazza Maggiore, the city's nerve center, you'll discover the charm of the Quartier de la Mercanzia, with its artisan boutiques and delicatessens. Further afield, the Archaeological Museum reveals the Etruscan and Roman origins of the region.
Our Bologna Tourist Guide invites you to explore all the city's most beautiful sites , as well as discovering the best hotels and most unusual restaurants . Because in Bologna, gastronomy is a story to be taken seriously! Immerse yourself in Bologna's vibrant musical atmosphere! The streets regularly echo with the sounds of operas, concerts and festivals at venues such as the Teatro Comunale.
Bologna is an invitation to adventure, whether to sample a delicious dish or to immerse yourself in the history of one of Italy's most emblematic cities.
What to visit Bologna?
Suggested addresses Bologna
When to go to Bologna?
Bologna, the beating heart ofEmilia-Romagna, is a perfect blend of history, culture and, of course, delizie culinarie! But when is the best time to visit this magnificent city? Note that it offers a wealth of experiences all year round:
In January and February, Bologna dons its winter coat, with a certain frozen charm, but also cooler temperatures, fewer tourists and more attractive prices.
March and April see the historic alleyways come alive again and café terraces fill up under the mild sunshine.
May and June are the golden months for exploring Bologna. The weather is pleasant and the days are long.
July and August are the hottest months, often crowded because of the summer vacations. However, this is also the time when various local festivals liven up the streets.
September is an ideal month, with mild weather and fewer crowds. It's the best time to visit Bologna.
October offers an autumnal atmosphere, and is also the time when students flock to university, adding a vibrant energy to the city.
November and December bring a festive atmosphere. Bologna lights up with Christmas decorations, markets and events.
What's on your mind? When to visit Bologna? The best times are spring and autumn.
Weather at the moment
Bologna enjoys a moderate continental climate, typical of the Emilia-Romagna region:
During the high season, particularly between June and August, the city experiences warm, even scorching temperatures.
Conversely, in the low season, particularly between December and February, temperatures are much cooler, close to freezing.
Spring and autumn are intermediate periods, perfect for strolling through the city's narrow streets or exploring the surrounding countryside.
It's worth noting, however, that despite its inland location, Bologna does experience rainy spells, especially in spring and autumn. So don't forget to bring an umbrella, especially if you visit the city's famous arcades during these periods.
The cost of living in Bologna is reasonable. The currency is the euro (€), which is stable and widely used in many European countries. ATMs are ubiquitous in the city, and most establishments accept card payments. For small purchases or in some local markets, bring cash.
Tips are always appreciated. Finally, in economy mode, youth hostels and local trattorias offer affordable accommodation and meals at prices between €10 and €15. In comfort mode, 3-star hotels and mid-range restaurants range from €70 to €120 per night for accommodation and €20 to €35 for a meal. And in luxury mode, 5-star hotels and gourmet restaurants, with prices starting at €200 per night and meals from €50 and up, are available.
Are you planning to discover the cultural and gastronomic delights of Bologna? Here are a few formalities to consider before you leave.
For European Union citizens, getting to Bologna is easy. A valid identity card or passport is all you need for a stay of less than 90 days. If you come from outside the EU, check visa requirements for Bologna. Some countries require a short-stay (Schengen) visa, while others are exempt for stays of less than 90 days.
For longer stays, or for other reasons such as work or study, additional formalities may be required. We strongly advise you to contact the nearestItalian embassy or consulate for precise, up-to-date information. You should also take out travel or health insurance to cover your stay in Bologna.
When planning a trip to Bologna, there are no specific vaccinations required. Just check that your usual vaccinations, such as diphtheria-tetanus-polio, are up to date. The city's tap water is of excellent quality and safe to drink. Many restaurants and cafés also serve filtered water to their customers. Bologna has excellent pharmacies and medical facilities, so be sure to bring a first-aid kit.
Practical information
- When to travel?
- Weather forecast
- Budget
- Formalities
- Health
- How to travel by yourself?
- How to get organized?
- Getting around
Media
How to go to Bologna? Our advice & tips
Discovering Bologna as part of an organized tour allows you to enjoy the magnificent city without worrying about logistics. Here are a few tips for a successful organized adventure. Opt for a tour that highlights Bologna's gastronomic heritage. After all, it's the birthplace of Bolognese sauce! Join a tour that takes you through local markets, hidden trattorias and workshops where you can sample fresh tortellini. If history is more your cup of tea, choose a tour focused on architecture. Bologna is full of medieval wonders, with its famous portici, arcades and leaning towers.
Going alone in Bologna is an invitation to the unexpected and to Italian charm. If the idea of immersing yourself in this historic and gastronomic city appeals to you, here are a few tips for a successful solo getaway. First, lose yourself in the winding streets of the old town. Just strolling beneath the famous portici is a real treat. You might stumble across a local trattoria where the nonnas still prepare tagliatelle al ragù by hand. Be sure to sit down in a local café to enjoy an authentic espresso while watching the comings and goings of the Bolognese. Don't hesitate to strike up a conversation with the locals. You may be surprised by their warmth and willingness to share the secrets of their city. Going alone in Bologna means opening yourself up to spontaneity, listening to local stories and soaking up the all'italiana rhythm of life. Take the time to live and feel this unique city!
Bologna is ideal for exploring on foot, with its narrow streets and emblematic squares. If you want to go a little further, opt for the self-service bicycles, very popular with Bolognese. The efficient bus network covers the whole city and its surroundings. Keep a few coins in your pocket to pay directly on board. To explore the surrounding countryside, Bologna's train stations offer frequent connections to destinations such as Modena and Parma. Climb aboard a regional train and enjoy theEmilia-Romagna countryside as it unfolds before your eyes. Bologna is a city on a human scale, where every street corner hides a surprise. Allora,pronti a partire?
