{"id":46487,"date":"2025-07-22T14:51:54","date_gmt":"2025-07-22T12:51:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/demo.winalist.fr\/blog?p=46487"},"modified":"2025-07-30T14:53:31","modified_gmt":"2025-07-30T12:53:31","slug":"bologna-things-to-do","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.winalist.com\/blog\/italy\/emilia-romagna\/bologna-things-to-do","title":{"rendered":"Top Things to Do in Bologna: See the Best of in One or Two Days"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Welcome to Bologna<\/strong>, the bold and beautiful capital of Emilia-Romagna, where medieval towers meet modern buzz, and every street corner tempts you with something to taste, sip, or admire. Whether you\u2019re planning a quick stop or a full weekend deep dive, the things to do in Bologna are anything but ordinary. Think golden-hued porticoes stretching for miles, lively markets humming with energy, and food so good it might ruin pasta for you anywhere else. From wandering historic alleys to sipping local reds on a sun-drenched terrace, this city offers a little magic in every moment, especially for fans of Emilia-Romagna wineries<\/a> looking to explore off the beaten vineyard path.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What are the best things to do in Bologna?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Wander around Piazza Maggiore<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Piazza Maggiore<\/strong> sets the tone for Bologna, wide, welcoming, and steeped in centuries of stories. Framed by heavyweights like the Basilica of San Petronio, Palazzo d\u2019Accursio, and Palazzo del Podest\u00e0, this square has been the city\u2019s stage since the Middle Ages. It\u2019s where locals meet for a quick espresso or political debate, where open-air concerts echo between medieval walls, and where you, too, can pause and feel the weight of history in motion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Get lost in Quadrilatero <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Wander into the Quadrilatero<\/strong> and you\u2019re instantly in Bologna\u2019s delicious past, and very alive present. This historic market district, buzzing since the Middle Ages, is a maze of narrow lanes packed with hanging prosciutto, towers of parmigiano, fresh mortadella, and handmade pasta ready to go. Locals squeeze past tourists with baskets full of the good stuff, and tiny wine shops tempt you in with bottles from nearby vineyards. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Explore the Basilica of San Petronio<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Rising proudly over Piazza Maggiore, the Basilica of San Petronio<\/strong> isn\u2019t just massive, it\u2019s magnetic. One of the largest churches in the world, its half-finished fa\u00e7ade only adds to the drama. Step inside and you\u2019ll find a jaw-dropping interior: sweeping arches, rich frescoes, and a 67-meter-long sundial<\/strong> slicing through the floor, used to mark time and track the stars. Entry is free, but the atmosphere is priceless, a space where Bologna\u2019s artistic ambition and political history come together under one vast roof. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Visit the Fountain of Neptune<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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In the middle of it all, Neptune<\/strong> stands tall, bronze, bare, and totally unbothered. Locals call him \"Il Gigante\"<\/strong>, and once you\u2019re face to face with him, you get why. The fountain\u2019s been watching over Bologna since the 1500s, but somehow still feels like the coolest guy in the square. Take a minute, lean on the railing, and look around. This spot gives you one of the best angles on the whole city center. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Walk to the Two Towers <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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No trip to Bologna feels complete until you\u2019ve stood beneath the Torre degli Asinelli<\/strong>, or better yet, climbed it. This towering landmark tilts just slightly (because Bologna likes a bit of drama), and if you\u2019re up for the 498-step<\/strong> workout, the view at the top is all reward: red rooftops, rolling hills, and the whole city laid out like a painting. Right next to it, the smaller but steeper Garisenda Tower leans with a little extra attitude.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Delve into Bologna's past at the University <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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The University of Bologna<\/strong> is the oldest university in Europe and a pillar of the city's identity. Located nearby is the Archiginnasio of Bologna<\/strong>, home to the historic anatomical theatre<\/strong> and library<\/strong>. With its intricate fresco<\/strong> decorations and celestial ceiling, it\u2019s a must-see for culture seekers and history buffs spending a day exploring the city<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What are the best things to do around Bologna?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Climb to San Luca <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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A visit to Bologna hits differently when you make your way up to San Luca<\/strong>. Perched on a hill just outside the city, the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca watches over Bologna like an old friend, and getting there is half the fun. You can walk the entire Portico di San Luca, a stunning 3.8 km stretch of arches (yep, the longest covered walkway in the world), or ride the little San Luca Express if you\u2019re feeling chill. At the top, it\u2019s all golden domes, fresh air, and panoramic views that stretch from the city rooftops to the distant Apennines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Wander the wine trails of Emilia-Romagna<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Just 45 minutes from Bologna, the rolling hills of Emilia-Romagna<\/strong> open up into a wine lover\u2019s dream. Think sun-drenched vineyards, family-run estates, and tasting rooms where Lambrusco<\/strong> and Sangiovese<\/strong> pour generously. These curated experiences aren\u2019t just about the wine, they\u2019re about the full spread: prosciutto, mortadella, aged balsamic, and stories that come straight from the source. It\u2019s one of the best day trips from the city, blending Bologna\u2019s deep food culture with a glass (or three) of something local and bold. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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