The Best Day Trips from Bologna: Discover Italy One Day at a Time

Nestled in the heart of Emilia-Romagna, Bologna is much more than just a culinary capital, it’s the ideal starting point for exploring Northern Italy. Whether you’re in town for a weekend, for a wine tasting in Bologna or spending a full week in Bologna, or short on time, the strategic location of this university city allows you to plan the best day trips from Bologna. From historic Renaissance towns, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and the picturesque wine-soaked hills of Emilia to stunning mosaics and coastal escapes, this guide will help you make the most out of your days in Bologna through curated suggestions for culture lovers, wine enthusiasts, and foodies alike.

Best things to do on a day trip from Bologna?

1- Explore the flavors of Modena

Modena is one of those day trips from Bologna that hits all the right notes, fast cars, rich flavors, and just enough elegance to make you want to dress up a little. Only 30 minutes by train, it’s the home of traditional balsamic vinegar, buttery tagliatelle, and the kind of Ferrari museums that make you feel like a kid again. Swing by a local acetaia to sip the good stuff straight from the barrel, then grab lunch where Parmigiano Reggiano is treated like gold and visit Modena wineries.

Looking for the full scoop on this flavorful gem? Visit Modena Italy and let your taste buds lead the way.

2- Visit Parma for prosciutto and armigiano paradise

Parma is a full-blown flavor fest, and trust us, your appetite will thank you. From melt-in-your-mouth prosciutto to golden chunks of Parmigiano Reggiano, this city knows how to feed you right. Take a food tour through historic cheese cellars and ham producers, then slow it down with a walk through the stunning Romanesque Cathedral or catch a glimpse of opera royalty at Teatro Regio. Pair it with a Modena visit for the ultimate double-taste day, because yes, you can have your cheese and eat it too.

Don’t miss our team’s best tips when you visit Parma Italy we saved you the tastiest spots.

3- Discover Renaissance elegance in Ferrara

Just under an hour from Bologna, Ferrara feels like stepping into a Renaissance daydream—minus the crowds. This UNESCO-listed gem serves up real moats, drawbridges, and palace-lined streets that are almost too perfect to be real. Start at Castello Estense, then wander into the historic center where bicycles outnumber cars and the café scene is effortlessly charming. It’s quiet, grand, and just quirky enough to steal your heart.

Check out our team’s top tips and visit Ferrara Italy, we’ve mapped out all the good stuff.

4- Wander the Mosaics of Ravenna

If you’re into jaw-dropping art without elbowing through a crowd, Ravenna is your spot. Just over an hour from Bologna, this laid-back city is home to some of the most mind-blowing Byzantine mosaics you’ll ever see, seriously, the sparkle is real. Step into the Basilica di San Vitale or the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia and prepare to be quietly stunned. It’s the perfect escape for art lovers, history buffs, or anyone who appreciates a slower, more soulful vibe. Ready to shine a light on Ravenna’s best-kept secrets?

Dive into our favorite things to do in Ravenna Italy, we’ve got all the mosaic magic mapped out.

5- Stroll through timeless streets in Florence

Only an hour by train, Florence is that effortless day trip that turns into a full-blown love affair. Climb the Duomo, stare down at a Botticelli at the Uffizi, and let the Renaissance magic completely sweep you up. Grab a gelato, wander along the Arno, and lose track of time (it’s part of the vibe). Tip: book those museum tickets early, this city’s got fans. Want to hit all the iconic spots and a few local favorites while you’re at it?

Don’t miss our guide to the best things to do Florence, it’s got your art, eats, and views covered.

6- Admire Romeo and Juliet’s Verona

Verona brings the drama in all the best ways. Just 90 minutes from Bologna by train, this city delivers Roman ruins, winding lanes, and a whole lot of romantic energy. You’ve got the Arena di Verona, still hosting open-air concerts like it’s 30 BC, and streets that feel lifted from a film set. Sure, Romeo and Juliet made it famous, but Verona’s charm goes way beyond the balcony.

Planning your own scene-stealing getaway? Cue the curtain rise with our favorite things to do in Verona, because this city was made for the main characters.

7- Relax at Rimini

Rimini isn’t just a beach town, it’s a city with serious layers. Sure, the Adriatic shoreline is lively and sun-soaked, but wander inland and you’ll find Roman arches, Renaissance piazzas, and a surprisingly rich cultural scene. From the Tiberius Bridge to the Tempio Malatestiano, Rimini blends seaside energy with centuries of history and art. It’s a summer day trip from Bologna that brings way more than sand and a lot of Rimini wine tastings.

Curious where ancient roads and coastal vibes collide? Check out our guide to the best things to do in Rimini Italy, because this city’s got range.

8- Soak in the charm of Reggio Emilia

Reggio Emilia flies under the radar, and that’s exactly why it’s worth your time. Known as the birthplace of the Italian flag, this peaceful town offers a slower, more authentic slice of local life. Wander through open-air markets, linger in quiet piazzas, and pop into the Basilica della Ghiara for a dose of art and calm. It’s the kind of day trip from Bologna where no one’s rushing, the food is honest, the Reggio-Emilia wineries are worth it and the charm sneaks up on you.

9- See living history in San Marino

Craving a passport stamp with a view? San Marino, one of Europe’s tiniest countries, is just a day trip away from Bologna and totally worth the ride. Perched high on a mountaintop, it’s all stone towers, cobbled lanes, and sweeping views that stretch for miles. Wander through medieval streets, explore the old castle fortresses, and soak in that “another country before dinner” feeling. It’s a quick train-and-bus combo to get there, but once you’re standing above the clouds, you’ll be glad you made the climb.

10- Walk to timeless art in Mantova

Mantova (or Mantua, if you’re feeling fancy) is a lakeside stunner with serious Renaissance swagger. Once home to Italy’s most powerful court, this UNESCO-listed gem is packed with fresco-filled palaces, grand piazzas, and the kind of quiet beauty that sneaks up on you. Wander through the Palazzo Ducale, lose yourself in painted ceilings, and let the mix of art, water, and history work its magic.

11- Marvel at Venice in a Day

Sure, it’s an early start, but hopping on a morning train from Bologna gets you to Venice just in time to beat the crowds and catch the canals in full glow. Wander across Rialto Bridge, step into the golden light of St. Mark’s Basilica, and let the city’s surreal, water-bound charm pull you in. Stay late, grab cicchetti by the Grand Canal, and take the night train home with a heart (and phone) full of memories.

Ready to float through a day you won’t forget? Dive into our favorite things to do in Venice, because this city always delivers.

12- Taste the best of Emilia at local wineries

The hills of Emilia-Romagna are dotted with vineyards that feel straight out of a postcard, and they’re just a quick escape from Bologna. From fizzy, fruit-forward Lambruscos to bold reds that taste like sunshine and rolling fields, this region knows its wine. Hop on a local tour and you’ll find yourself sipping in cellar courtyards, chatting with winemakers, and pairing every glass with bites of prosciutto, Parmigiano, or fresh focaccia.

Good to know before day trips from Bologna