Bologna, Italy - Travel Guide

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Updated: 2026-10-11

Bologna, known as 'the Fat,' 'the Learned,' and 'the Red,' is a vibrant city famous for its exquisite cuisine, the oldest university in the world, and historic towers. Visit to experience rich culture, stunning architecture, and authentic Italian gastronomy.

Top things to do in Bologna

Things to do in Bologna include Two Towers (Due Torri), Piazza Maggiore, Basilica di San Petronio. Here are 15 places worth knowing, with a short note on each.

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A sample 3-day itinerary for Bologna

Here is what 3 days in Bologna look like when the planner builds them: stops grouped by proximity so no day doubles back, one full day at a time. The same route can be built for any length, from two days to a week.

Day 1

Stops
5
Walking
12 min
  1. 1
    Piazza MaggioreSquare · Centro Storico
    100 m (🚶 2 min)
  2. 2
    Fontana di NettunoFountain
    50 m (🚶 5 min)
  3. 3
    Palazzo Re EnzoPalace
    50 m (🚶 1 min)
  4. 4
    Palazzo del PodestàPalace
    100 m (🚶 4 min)
  5. 5
    Basilica di San PetronioChurch · Centro Storico
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Day 2

Stops
7
  1. 1
    Arian BaptisteryMuseum
    500 m (🚶 9 min)
  2. 2
    Basilica of San VitaleChurch · Centro Storico
    50 m
  3. 3
    Mausoleo di Galla Placidia
    100 m
  4. 4
    National Museum of RavennaArchaeology museum · Centro Storico
    350 m (🚶 5 min)
  5. 5
    Piazza del PopoloSquare · Centro Storico
    250 m (🚶 4 min)
  6. 6
    Tomb of Dante AlighieriMausoleum · Zona del Silenzio
    1.2 km (🚶 20 min)
  7. 7
    Mausoleum of TheodoricMausoleum · Parco di Teodorico
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Day 3

Stops
2
Walking
1h
  1. 1
    Basilica of Sant'Apollinare NuovoChurch · Centro Storico
    4.6 km (🚶 1h / 🚌 24 min)
  2. 2
    Basilica di Sant'Apollinare in ClasseChurch
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This is an example. The planner builds a different route for your dates, real opening hours, how you get around and your own preferences.

Frequently asked questions

What are the top things to do in Bologna?

Two Towers (Due Torri), Piazza Maggiore, Basilica di San Petronio, Portico di San Luca, Santo Stefano Basilica (Seven Churches), Archiginnasio of Bologna and 9 more. Two Towers (Due Torri): Bologna's iconic symbol, the Asinelli and Garisenda towers offer spectacular panoramic views from the top.

What can you do in 3 days in Bologna?

Day 1: Piazza Maggiore, Fontana di Nettuno, Palazzo Re Enzo, Palazzo del Podestà. Day 2: Arian Baptistery, Basilica of San Vitale, Mausoleo di Galla Placidia, National Museum of Ravenna. Day 3: Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo, Basilica di Sant'Apollinare in Classe.

Which areas should you explore in Bologna?

The itinerary for Bologna runs through Centro Storico, Zona del Silenzio and Parco di Teodorico.

Which museums are worth visiting in Bologna?

Museums worth visiting in Bologna: Museo Ebraico, International museum and library of music, Arian Baptistery and National Museum of Ravenna (Centro Storico).

Which churches are worth seeing in Bologna?

Churches worth seeing in Bologna: Basilica di San Petronio (Centro Storico), Santo Stefano Basilica (Seven Churches) (Centro Storico), Basilica of San Vitale (Centro Storico), Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo (Centro Storico) and Basilica di Sant'Apollinare in Classe.

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