Things to do in Bologna

Bologna is one of Italy’s most rewarding cities to explore, which is also famously known as La Rossa, La Grassa, and La Dotta. Located in northern Italy, it is famous for rich food traditions, medieval towers, long covered porticoes, and the oldest university in Europe. The city offers an authentic Italian feel, fewer crowds than Rome or Florence, and better value for money. Bologna is often included in every well-curated Italy tour package by Thrillophilia for travellers who want history, food, and local life in one place without the hassle of managing accommodations, sightseeing, and transfers on their own.

One of the top things to do in Bologna is walking under the UNESCO-listed porticoes, especially the 3.8 km Portico di San Luca leading to the hilltop sanctuary. Food lovers can explore Mercato di Mezzo and Mercato delle Erbe for tortellini, tagliatelle al ragù, mortadella, and Parmigiano Reggiano. You can climb the Asinelli Tower for city views, visit Piazza Maggiore, and explore the Seven Churches of Santo Stefano. Hidden canals near Via delle Moline show a quieter side of the city.

You can also take cooking classes, enjoy opera at Teatro Comunale, visit the Ducati Museum, or go wine tasting in the Colli Bolognesi hills. Bologna is a great base for day trips like Ravenna’s mosaics or Modena’s balsamic vinegar, which makes it a must-visit inclusion in any Europe tour package.

Explore Historic Landmarks

• Walk the Portico di San Luca – Stroll the 3.8 km UNESCO-listed portico leading to the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca.
• Climb Asinelli Tower – Ascend 498 steps for panoramic views of Bologna’s historic rooftops and Piazza Maggiore.
• Visit Santo Stefano Complex – Explore the Seven Churches, including the Basilica of Santo Stefano and Cloister of the Monastery.
• Discover Hidden Canals – Spot the small canals near Via Piella and Via delle Moline, including Bologna’s “Little Venice.”
• Admire Piazza Maggiore & Neptune Fountain – Enjoy the central square with medieval palaces and the iconic Neptune Fountain.

Experience Culinary Delights

• Taste Bologna’s Food Markets – Sample tortellini, tagliatelle al ragù, mortadella, and Parmigiano Reggiano at Mercato di Mezzo and Mercato delle Erbe.
• Learn Pasta-Making with a Local Chef – Make traditional Bolognese pasta in an authentic kitchen.
• Join a Street Food Walking Tour – Explore the Quadrilatero area and try local snacks, cheeses, and cured meats.
• Tour Parmigiano & Balsamic Vinegar Producers – Visit Modena’s estates for hands-on cheese and vinegar experiences.
• Enjoy Wine Tasting in Colli Bolognesi – Sip regional wines amid scenic vineyards of the Emilia-Romagna hills.

Immerse in Culture & Arts

• Attend Opera at Teatro Comunale – Experience live performances in Bologna’s historic 18th-century theatre.
• Explore Ducati Museum & Factory – Learn about Italian motorcycle engineering and see iconic Ducati models.
• Take a Day Trip to Ravenna – Discover Byzantine mosaics at Basilica di San Vitale and Mausoleum of Galla Placidia.
• Drive a Vintage Fiat 500 – Cruise Bologna’s historic streets and nearby countryside in a classic car.
• Fly on a Hot Air Balloon – View vineyards, mediaeval villages, and rolling hills from above Emilia-Romagna.

Things to do in Bologna

Here are some top things to do:

1. Walk beneath the world’s longest Portico to San Luca

Walking beneath the Portico di San Luca, which is the world’s longest covered walkway, is one of the top things to do in Bologna. The walk, which stretches 3.8 km, begins at Porta Saragozza and leads uphill to the San Luca Sanctuary through 666 arches. Along the route, you pass painted ceilings, small chapels, stair sections, and the Arco del Meloncello. You can stop at viewpoints, watch locals doing the climb, and closely observe the structure built for pilgrims before ending the walk at the basilica.

What to experience:

• Admire 666 arches leading to the San Luca Sanctuary with detailed painted ceilings.
• Stop at the Arco del Meloncello for photos and city views.
• Observe pilgrims walking and local residents exercising along the portico.
• Explore small chapels along the walkway showing traditional religious art.
• Enjoy panoramic views of Bologna’s rooftops and surrounding hills from the basilica.

Nearby attractions:

• Basilica di San Luca
• Porta Saragozza
• Parco della Montagnola
• Piazza Maggiore
• Santo Stefano Churches

2. Eat Your Way Through Bologna’s Food Markets

Eating your way through Bologna’s food markets is one of the best things to do in Bologna to experience local food. At Mercato di Mezzo, you can eat fresh tortellini, tagliatelle al ragù, mortadella sandwiches, seafood snacks, and aged Parmigiano Reggiano. Mercato delle Erbe is ideal for burrata, pecorino cheese, piadina sandwiches, fried seafood, pizza slices, and small plates with wine. At farmers’ markets like Mercato Ritrovato and Mercato del Novale, you can eat fresh cheese, seasonal fruits, and grilled seafood with Pignoletto wine.

What to experience:

• Taste fresh tortellini, tagliatelle al ragù, and mortadella sandwiches.
• Sample aged Parmigiano Reggiano and burrata cheese in traditional stalls.
• Try seafood snacks, fried delicacies, and piadina with local wine.
• Explore seasonal fruits and fresh cheese at nearby farmers’ markets.
• Watch artisans making fresh pasta, bread, and sweets on-site.

Nearby attractions:

• Mercato delle Erbe
• Quadrilatero Market
• Piazza Maggiore
• Fountain of Neptune
• Torre degli Asinelli

3. Learn Pasta-Making and Italian Cooking from a Local Chef

A pasta making and Italian cooking class with a local chef lets you learn how traditional Bolognese food is prepared at home. Inside a real local kitchen, you learn to make fresh egg pasta from scratch, including tagliatelle and tortelloni. The chef explains how to knead dough, shape pasta, and cook authentic ragù alla Bolognese apart from basic sauce timing and seasoning methods. After cooking, you sit down to eat the dishes you prepared, enjoy local wine, and finish with homemade tiramisu.

What to experience:

• Prepare fresh egg pasta like tagliatelle and tortelloni under chef guidance.
• Learn authentic ragù alla Bolognese with timing and seasoning techniques.
• Shape, knead, and cook pasta using traditional methods and utensils.
• Enjoy the dishes with local wine and a homemade dessert like tiramisu.
• Gain insights into Italian culinary culture and kitchen practices.

Nearby attractions:

• Mercato di Mezzo
• Piazza Maggiore
• Teatro Comunale
• Quadrilatero Market
• Basilica di San Petronio

4. Discover Bologna’s Hidden Canals

Discovering hidden canals is one of the best things to do in Bologna​, as it shows a lesser-known side of the city shaped by water. You can start near Via delle Moline to hear flowing water where old mills once worked. Walk to the Cavaticcio Canal, which once fed the Naviglio waterway and powered factories. Along the Reno Canal near Via Riva di Reno, you learn where water once flowed underground, supplying workshops and protecting the city from floods.

What to experience:

• Walk along Cavaticcio Canal to see old water mill sites.
• Explore Reno Canal near Via Riva di Reno for underground waterways.
• Discover historic workshops powered by canal water in medieval times.
• Observe quieter sections revealing Bologna’s original city structure.
• Take photos of reflections and quaint bridges over small canal sections.

Nearby attractions:

• Piazza Maggiore
• Basilica di San Petronio
• Mercato delle Erbe
• Palazzo Poggi
• Teatro Anatomico

5. Climb the Asinelli Tower for City Views

Climbing the Asinelli Tower is clearly among the cool things to do in Bologna​, as you get to admire the beauty of the city from high above. Built between 1109 and 1119, it is the tallest leaning mediaeval tower in Italy. You enter from Piazza di Porta Ravegnana and climb 498 wooden steps to reach the top. During the climb, you can see the old wooden staircase and the interior structure of the tower. From the rooftop terrace, you can view Bologna’s red rooftops, the Garisenda Tower below, the Apennines, and the Po Valley on clear days.

What to experience:

• Climb 498 wooden steps to reach the top of this leaning tower.
• View Garisenda Tower, red rooftops, and distant Apennine mountains.
• Observe historic construction details and wooden staircases inside the tower.
• Take panoramic photographs of Piazza di Porta Ravegnana below.
• Learn about the medieval towers’ history and their importance in Bologna.

Nearby attractions:

• Torre Garisenda
• Piazza Maggiore
• Quadrilatero Market
• Basilica di San Petronio
• Palazzo Re Enzo

6. Explore the Seven Churches of Santo Stefano

Exploring the Seven Churches of Santo Stefano is one of the top things to do in Bologna as you walk through a unique religious complex. You enter through the Church of the Crucifix, which leads to an underground crypt holding the remains of Saints Vitale and Agricola. Visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which has a central shrine that symbolizes Christ’s tomb. 

You then see the Church of Saints Vitale and Agricola, which is known for its ancient sarcophagi. Walk through Pilate’s Courtyard to notice symbolic stones, mosaics, and the historic basin. The visit also includes witnessing the quiet cloisters and the small museum displaying relics and medieval objects.

What to experience:

• Walk through Church of the Crucifix and visit the underground crypt.
• Explore Church of the Holy Sepulchre with its central shrine.
• See ancient sarcophagi in Saints Vitale and Agricola church.
• Observe mosaics and symbolic stones in Pilate’s Courtyard.
• Visit the small museum with medieval relics and religious artefacts.

Nearby attractions:

• Piazza Santo Stefano
• Basilica di San Petronio
• Quadrilatero Market
• Palazzo d’Accursio
• Teatro Comunale

7. Attend an Opera at Teatro Comunale di Bologna

Opera at Teatro Comunale di Bologna is one of the best things to do in Bologna as it lets you experience Italy’s historic opera house. Built in 1763, this theatre features a bell-shaped auditorium designed for clear acoustics. During a performance, you sit beneath the large central chandelier and face a deep stage framed by ornate boxes. Productions include classic Italian operas, symphonic concerts, and ballet. You can watch a full orchestra in the pit, detailed stage sets in motion, and skilled vocal performances which reflect Bologna’s status as a UNESCO City of Music.

How to reach: Santo Stefano complex is located around X km from Bologna city centre. Reachable in Y minutes via Z route.

What to experience:

• Walk through Church of the Crucifix and visit the underground crypt.
• Explore Church of the Holy Sepulchre with its central shrine.
• See ancient sarcophagi in Saints Vitale and Agricola church.
• Observe mosaics and symbolic stones in Pilate’s Courtyard.
• Visit the small museum with medieval relics and religious artefacts.

Nearby attractions:

• Piazza Santo Stefano
• Basilica di San Petronio
• Quadrilatero Market
• Palazzo d’Accursio
• Teatro Comunale

8. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride Over the Emilia-Romagna Countryside

Taking a hot air balloon ride over the Emilia-Romagna is one of the Bologna Italy things to do to enjoy the region's landscapes from above. After an early morning pickup from Bologna, you can travel to the launch area near Ferrara and watch the balloon inflate. During the one-hour flight, see vineyards, open fields, small villages, and the Po River. The route passes over the UNESCO-listed city of Ferrara, where Castello Estense and medieval palaces are visible. After landing, the experience ends with a sparkling wine toast and return transfer.

What to experience:

• Float above vineyards, fields, small villages, and the Po River.
• Enjoy aerial views of Ferrara’s Castello Estense and medieval palaces.
• Take sunrise or early morning flight for stunning light photography.
• Experience the thrill of balloon flight with professional pilots.
• Conclude with a sparkling wine toast and countryside return transfer.

Nearby attractions:

• Ferrara city centre
• Castello Estense
• Po River
• Palazzo dei Diamanti
• Cathedral of Ferrara

9. Visit Ducati Factory & Museum with a Guided Tour

Visiting the Ducati Factory and Museum is one of the things to do in Bologna Italy, where you can explore Italy’s most famous motorcycle brand. At its Borgo Panigale headquarters, you can see historic road bikes, championship-winning racing motorcycles, and a timeline highlighting key moments in Ducati’s history. The guided factory tour takes you through machining areas, engine assembly lines, and final inspection zones where motorcycles are prepared for delivery. You also learn how Ducati engines and frames are built, understanding the brand’s focus on performance, design, and racing heritage.

What to experience:

• Explore historic road bikes and championship-winning Ducati motorcycles.
• Tour machining areas, engine assembly, and final inspection zones.
• Learn about Ducati engine design, frames, and racing heritage.
• See a timeline highlighting key moments in Ducati history.
• Enjoy interactive exhibits showcasing innovation and performance focus.

Nearby attractions:

• Borgo Panigale district
• Museo Ducati
• Ducati Factory Shop
• Bologna Fiere
• Parco Nord

10. Enjoy a Wine Tasting in the Colli Bolognesi Hills

Enjoying a wine tasting in the Colli Bolognesi Hills is one of the best things to do in Bologna, as it lets you explore the Pignoletto DOCG wine region. At a family-run winery on Bella Vista hill, you walk through vineyards and learn about grape harvesting and pruning. Inside the cellar, you see oak barrels and aging rooms where the wines mature. The experience ends with a guided tasting of four to five wines, which includes local Pignoletto and Controluce Rosso DOC, paired with Mortadella IGP and Parmigiano Reggiano.

What to experience:

• Walk through family-run vineyards learning about grape pruning and harvesting.
• Observe oak barrels and wine aging rooms inside the cellar.
• Taste four to five wines, including local Pignoletto DOCG varieties.
• Pair wines with Mortadella IGP, Parmigiano Reggiano, and tigelle bread.
• Learn about local wine-making traditions and regional Italian varieties.

Nearby attractions:

• Bella Vista Hill
• Piazza Maggiore
• Mercato di Mezzo
• Basilica di San Luca
• Torre degli Asinelli

11. Take a Parmigiano Reggiano & Balsamic Vinegar Day Tour from Bologna

A Parmigiano Reggiano and Balsamic Vinegar day tour is one of the Bologna things to do,​ as you get to visit three local producers in Emilia-Romagna. At a Parmigiano factory, you can watch cheese wheels being made and taste different-aged Parmigiano Reggiano with fresh ricotta. In the Bologna hills, stop at a small winery to try local wines with tigelle bread and salami. Pay a final visit to a traditional acetaia in Modena, where you can taste aged Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale DOP, including 12-year and 25-year varieties.

What to experience:

• Visit a Parmigiano Reggiano factory and see cheese-making processes.
• Taste freshly made Parmigiano Reggiano and different-aged cheese varieties.
• Stop at a small winery for wine tasting with tigelle bread and salami.
• Visit a traditional acetaia in Modena to taste aged balsamic vinegar.
• Learn about regional food traditions and culinary craftsmanship.

Nearby attractions:

• Modena Cathedral
• Piazza Grande, Modena
• Mercato Albinelli
• Ferrari Museum, Maranello
• Torre Ghirlandina

12. Join a Street Food Walking Tour in the Quadrilatero

Joining a street food walking tour in the Quadrilatero is one of the things to do Bologna​, as it takes you through the oldest food market. As you walk the narrow lanes, you stop at historic shops to taste fresh tortellini, tagliatelle with ragù, mortadella, prosciutto, and aged Parmigiano Reggiano. In this market near Piazza Maggiore, you can also try tigelle bread, crescentine, and local sweets from traditional bakeries. The guide explains how these foods are made and why the Quadrilatero has been the city’s main trading and eating area since medieval times.

What to experience:

• Walk narrow lanes tasting tortellini, tagliatelle al ragù, and mortadella.
• Sample local treats like crescentine, tigelle, and traditional sweets.
• Learn the history of the Quadrilatero as the city’s trading hub.
• Visit historic shops to watch food preparation and cooking techniques.
• Enjoy guided explanations of ingredients, flavours, and traditional recipes.

Nearby attractions:

• Piazza Maggiore
• Basilica di San Petronio
• Fountain of Neptune
• Via dell’Indipendenza
• Mercato di Mezzo

13. Take a Day Trip to Ravenna for Byzantine Mosaics

Discovering Ravenna’s Byzantine mosaics is one of the popular things to do in Bologna, as you get to explore UNESCO-listed monuments from the 4th to 6th centuries. At San Vitale, you can see detailed mosaics of Emperor Justinian, Empress Theodora, and biblical scenes. Visit the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, which shows a deep blue ceiling filled with golden stars and the Good Shepherd. 

You can witness the Neonian and Arian Baptisteries, which display mosaic domes of Christ’s baptism. See Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, which features long walls of martyrs and virgins in procession. Outside the city, witness symbolic mosaics using sheep, peacocks, and crosses to explain early Christian beliefs in Sant’Apollinare in Classe.

What to experience:

• Explore San Vitale with mosaics of Emperor Justinian and Empress Theodora.
• Visit Mausoleum of Galla Placidia with golden star-filled ceilings.
• Witness the Neonian and Arian Baptisteries with early Christian mosaics.
• See Sant’Apollinare Nuovo’s long walls of martyrs and virgins.
• Observe symbolic mosaics of sheep, peacocks, and crosses in churches.

Nearby attractions:

• Basilica di Sant’Apollinare in Classe
• Dante’s Tomb
• Piazza del Popolo
• Mausoleum of Theodoric
• National Museum of Ravenna

14. Take a Private Fiat 500 or Vintage Car Tour

A private Fiat 500 tour is one of the things to do in Bologna, as it lets you explore in a fully restored classic Italian car. You can drive past historic villas and quiet parks, stopping at San Michele in Bosco for views of the city. The route includes Sacrario di Sabbiuno, where you see the Resistance Memorial, and Parco Cavaioni, which are known for open green spaces. You can also visit the hilltop monastery of Eremo di Ronzano and the Basilica di San Luca’s long portico and hilltop sanctuary up close.

What to experience:

• Drive in a restored Fiat 500 or vintage car across scenic routes.
• Stop at San Michele in Bosco for panoramic city views.
• Visit Sacrario di Sabbiuno Resistance Memorial and Parco Cavaioni.
• Explore Eremo di Ronzano monastery and hillside landscapes.
• See the Basilica di San Luca and Portico di San Luca closely.

Nearby attractions:

• Portico di San Luca
• Basilica di San Luca
• San Michele in Bosco
• Piazza Maggiore
• Torre degli Asinelli

15. Explore Bologna by Night on a Guided History Walk

A guided evening walk is one of the things to do in Bologna, which lets you discover Bologna’s illuminated streets and historic squares after dark. You can start at Piazza del Nettuno and admire the Fountain of Neptune and the surrounding palaces. Move to Piazza Maggiore, which is the heart of the city and stroll under the famous Portici di Bologna. You can explore the lively Quadrilatero market and visit Piazza della Mercanzia along with Piazza Santo Stefano. End your tour at the iconic Two Towers, as your guide shares fascinating stories and legends of the city along the way.

What to experience:

• Float above vineyards, small villages, fields, and the Po River.
• View UNESCO-listed Ferrara landmarks like Castello Estense from above.
• Enjoy sunrise or early morning flight for optimal lighting.
• Experience professional balloon flight with pilot commentary and guidance.
• Celebrate with sparkling wine toast post-landing and countryside transfer.

Nearby attractions:

• Ferrara city centre
• Castello Estense
• Po River
• Palazzo dei Diamanti
• Cathedral of Ferrara