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3 Days in Bologna: How to Plan the Perfect Bologna Itinerary

View of Bologna from the Asinelli Tower during 3 days in Bologna itinerary
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Are you planning to visit Bologna for a few days? Bologna is one of our favorite cities in Italy. In total, we’ve spent over 2 months here, exploring and eating our way through this beautiful city.

With 3 days in Bologna, you have plenty of time to see the main sites, eat at some of the city’s top restaurants, and do a foodie day trip to meet local producers.

This 3-day Bologna itinerary includes the best things to do in Bologna, delicious places to eat, our top hotel picks, and practical information to help you have the best experience.

3 Days in Bologna Itinerary Overview

Here is an overview of the best things to do in Bologna in 3 days. These are all included in this itinerary.

  • Bologna Food Tour
  • Piazza Maggiore
  • Neptune’s Fountain
  • Basilica di San Petronio
  • Archiginnasio Palace
  • Asinelli Tower
  • Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca
  • Quadrilatero
  • Palazzo d’Accursio & Clock Tower
  • Seven Churches of Santo Stefano
  • La Piccola Venezia
  • Foodie Day Trip to Modena and Parma

Day 1 Bologna Itinerary

Day 1 Overview: Food Tour, Piazza Maggiore, Archiginnasio Palace, and the Asinelli Tower

The first two days in this guide are the same as our 2 Days in Bologna itinerary.

Go on a Food Tour

Bologna food tour in the Quadrilatero.

What better way to get to know Italy’s foodie capital than by going on a food tour? We always recommend booking a food tour on your first day in Bologna.

It’s a great way to taste a sampling of the local cuisine and to get to know your way around the city center.

We have taken this Classic Bologna Food Tour twice, and we loved the variety of foods we got to try.

On the tour, you’ll try some delicious local coffee, meet sfoglinas (pasta makers), walk through the market, visit the oldest bar in Bologna, taste some tagliatelle al ragu, and learn about the history of the city while you’re at it.

Spoiler alert – you’ll be extremely full by the end of the tour!

Book our favorite Food Tour in Bologna here!

Walk around Piazza Maggiore

The Piazza Maggiore in Bologna, Italy.

Dating back to the 13th century, Piazza Maggiore is the main square in Bologna. The piazza is home to some of the post important buildings in the city, including Palazzo Re Enzo, Palazzo d’Accursio (the town hall), and the Basilica di San Petronio.

In the corner of the square, just across from Palazzo Re Enzo, is Palazzo del Nettuno where you’ll find Neptune’s Fountain. The fountain features a bronze statue of the Roman god of the sea – Neptune.

Neptune's Fountain in the Piazza Maggiore in Bologna, Italy.

It was commissioned by the Pope in the 15th century and is a reminder of the Catholic church’s power and significance in Italy and around the world.

If you need a place to relax, then sit down at one of the bars in the Piazza Maggiore, order a drink or snack, and enjoy some people watching. Because of the location, the prices are a bit higher than other local bars, but the views are worth it in our opinion.

READ ALSO: Best Things to do in Bologna

Go inside Basilica di San Petronio

Basilica di San PEtronio in Bologna, italy

At the heart of Piazza Maggiore is the Basilica di San Petronio. This is the main church in Bologna and is one of the largest churches in the world.

As you may notice from the exterior, the church is incomplete. Construction on the basilica started in the 14th century but was never completed due to various reasons.

One of the famous legends is that Pope Pius IV stopped construction on the church because it was going to be bigger than St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Hence, it was never finished.

There are a couple of things that are worth seeing inside of the church. The first is the 67-meter-long meridian line that was designed by Gian Domenico Cassini.

The meridian line inside of the Basilica di San Petronio in Bologna italy

On a sunny day around noon, there is a tiny circle of light that shines along the line showing the date and time of year. The position changes daily with the movement of the sun.

The second thing you must visit is the Chapel of the Magi. For a small fee, you can step inside of the chapel and see one of the most controversial artworks in Bologna called “Heaven and Hell” by Giovvani di Pietro.

This fresco depicts Dante’s “Inferno” and shows a large monstrous looking creature eating humans in hell and saints looking down from heaven above.

Opening hours: Everyday from 8:30 am – 1:00 pm / 2:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Ticket price: Access to the main church is free. €5 fee to visit the museum, which includes Magi’s Chapel (Bolognini), Saint Sebastian’s Chapel, Saint Vincent Chapel
Address: Piazza Maggiore, 40124 Bologna BO, Italy

Visit the Archiginnasio Palace

Anatomical Theater at the University of Bologna

One of the main attractions in Bologna is the Archiginnasio Palace. This beautiful palace is home to the original Bologna University – the world’s oldest university.

You can visit the main floor for free. The walls are covered in coats of arms that represent students who attended the university in from the 16th to 18th centuries.

Make your way up the stairs to the second level and purchase your ticket to visit the Anatomical Theater. We suggest reserving your tickets online in advance if you are visiting during the summer peak season.

The Anatomical Theater is a spectacular room completely decorated with wood paneling and wooden statues. At the center of the room is a marble table that was specifically designed to dissect corpses for anatomy lectures that were held here.

University of Bologna

Continue down the hall, admiring the frescoed ceilings and the detailed coats of arms along the walls. At the other end is Stabat Mater Hall. Classes on law were held in this room, and today conferences and other lectures are hosted here.

Peek inside the door at the far end of Stabat Mater Hall to get a glimpse into the Municipal Library. Unfortunately, only students and staff can visit the library, but it’s cool to see nonetheless.

Opening hours: Monday – Saturday from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Ticket prices: €3 per person
Address: Piazza Galvani, 1, 40124 Bologna BO, Italy

Climb the Asinelli Tower

View from the asinelli tower in bologna italy

The Asinelli Tower, located at the end of Via Rizzoli, is one of the few towers still standing in Bologna. Back in the Middle Ages, there were around 180 towers in Bologna. The towers represented the wealth and power of prominent families in the city.

The Asinelli tower is 97.2 meters tall making it the tallest tower in Bologna. You can climb the 498 steps to the top for amazing panoramic views overlooking the historic center and the surrounding hills.

We recommend climbing the tower near the end of the day when the lighting is best for photos. Don’t forget your camera!

View of the two towers in Bologna

Standing next to the Asinelli Tower is the Garisenda Tower. Together these are known as Le Due Torri, or two towers.

It’s easy to spot the Garisenda Tower because it’s leaning. In fact, since the 14th century, people have been worried about it collapsing, but it hasn’t yet!

Book your tickets for the Asinneli Tower online at the official website. We highly recommend reserving in advance, as time slots book up quickly.

*Winter 2024 Update – The tower is currently closed for renovations. Therefore, it is not possible to climb to the top until the works are completed.

Opening hours: 10:00am – 5:15pm (fall and winter hours vary)
Ticket price: €5 per person
Address: P.za di Porta Ravegnana, 40126 Bologna BO, Italy

Day 2 Bologna Itinerary

Day 2 Overview: Portico di San Luca, Quadrilatero, Palazzo d’Accursio, Santo Stefano Complex, La Piccola Venezia

Walk to the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca

Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca in Bologna

One of our favorite things to do in Bologna is to walk the Portico di San Luca. We’ve done this three times now, and it’s one of our favorite activities in all of Italy.

The Portico di San Luca is the longest portico, or covered walkway, in the world. From start to finish, the portico is around 3.8km (2.4 miles) long and has a total of 666 arches.

Get up early and start the walk before or around 9AM to beat the rush. Also, if you’re visiting during the summer, you want to start early to avoid the afternoon heat.

Start your journey from your hotel, or from the Piazza Maggiore, and follow the route on Google Maps until you reach Porta Saragozza. This is the official starting point of the portico and the walk.

From here, get ready to hike. There are a mix of stairs and uphill climbs until you reach the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca at the top of the Colle della Guardia hill.

View of the Portico di San Luca in Bologna
View of the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca in Bologna

It takes around 1.5 hours to reach the top from the city center. Make sure to bring snacks and water, as you’ll need it along the way.

You can also stop along the way at a cafe, such as Bar Billi, for a snack and drink.

Once you’re at the top, you can visit the inside of the church and even go to the top of the dome for small fee.

Tip: Wear comfortable walking shoes! This is a long, uphill walk, and your feet will get tired.

San Luca Express Train

If you’re not interested in walking the Portico di San Luca, then you can take the San Luca Express train instead. This tourist train departs from the Piazza Maggiore every 40 minutes, depending on the time of day, and takes about 20-40 minutes to reach the top.

San Luca Express train bologna

We’ve taken the train a couple of times and it’s a great alternative to walking. You still get to enjoy the views without having to walk to the top.

Round trip tickets cost €12. Book your train tickets in advance, or you can book your tickets in person at the Piazza Maggiore. Try to reserve online beforehand, as these tend to sell out during peak season.

Read our full guide on walking the Portico di San Luca.

Opening hours: Everyday from 7:00am – 7:00pm
Ticket Price: The basilica is free to visit | €5 fee to climb to the top of the dome
Address: Via di San Luca, 36, 40135 Bologna BO, Italy

Explore the Quadrilatero

quadrilatero market in bologna

The Quadrilatero is the oldest outdoor market in Bologna. Located adjacent to Piazza Maggiore, take your time to wander around, shop for some food souvenirs, and browse the different food stalls.

Locals sell everything from traditional balsamic vinegar, Parmigiano Reggiano, and Mortadella to fresh produce and fish. You can see locals lined up to buy fish at the fish market in the mornings.

Tip: You can find Parmigiano Reggiano that is vacuum packed and sealed, so you can take it home with you.

The streets in the quadrilatero in bologna
Shop selling local specialties at the quadrilatero market in bologna

If you are looking for a simple and quick lunch, we recommend getting an outdoor table at Salumeria Simoni. Order one of their charcuterie boards with cured meats and cheese to get a taste of some of the foods from the Emilia Romagna region.

Here are a few of our favorite shops in the Quadrilatero:

  • Osteria del Sole – This is the oldest bar in Bologna where you can bring your own food and purchase drinks at the bar.
  • Tamburini – A mini market selling a fantastic selection of local goods.
  • Ancient Aguzzeria Horse – Our favorite place to buy pasta tools, such as pasta stamps and rollers.
  • Roccati – A wonderful chocolate shop. Try their Gianduja chocolate, my personal favorite.

Visit the Clock Tower and Palazzo d’Accursio

View of the Palazzo d'Accursio from the main square in Bologna

In the Piazza Maggiore, there is a large clock tower overlooking the square. Reserve tickets and climb to the top of the tower for a great view of the piazza.

The building connected to the clock tower is the Palazzo d’Accursio. This is Bologna’s town hall, and on the top level you’ll also find the Municipal Art Collections.

In our opinion, the Palazzo d’Accursio is one of the best hidden gems

in Bologna. The museum is made of up of a series of well-decorated rooms with gorgeous furniture. Artworks and artifacts flank the walls but the real showstopper is the frescoed ceilings.

Palazzo d'Accursio Bologna

I’ve been here a couple of times, and it’s a must visit during your three days in Bologna.

You need to pre-book a time slot to climb up the clock tower. Reserve your tickets online at the official website.

If you’re visiting during the fall and winter, you can just book tickets in person.

Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday from 10:00am – 5:00pm
Ticket prices: €8 for both the clock tower and art collections
Address: Piazza Maggiore, 6, 40121 Bologna BO, Italy

Visit the Seven Churches of Santo Stefano

This Santo Stefano complex comprises of seven churches dating back to the 5th century. Step inside and make your way through the seven churches, noticing the difference in architecture, as each one was built in a different time period.

The oldest of the seven churches it the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Built in the 5th century, this is a replica of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem.

The Santo Stefano Complex is open daily and is free to visit.

Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday from 9:30am – 12:30pm and 2:30pm – 7:00pm | Monday 6:00pm – 7:30pm (only the basilica is open this day)
Ticket price: Free
Address: Complesso di Santo Stefano Via Santo Stefano, 24 – 40125

Get Gelato at Cremeria Santo Stefano

Cone of chocolate gelato in Bologna, Italy

Bologna is home to over 100 gelato shops! This is quite a feat considering the city isn’t that big.

You can’t visit Bologna without getting gelato from the best gelato shop in the city – Cremeria Santo Stefano.

Just a short walk from the Santo Stefano Church complex, Cremeria Santo Stefano’s gelato is known for its unique flavors and excellent texture and consistency.

In our opinion, it’s the best gelato in Italy, and Bologna locals agree with us.

There is often a line, especially on the weekends, so be prepared to wait for a bit.

Our go-to flavors are Caffe Bianco and Crema Libanese. Their seasonal flavors like pomegranate, chestnut, and pumpkin are also worth trying!

READ ALSO: 8 Best Gelato Shops in Bologna

Wander the Porticoes

Beautiful porticoes in Bologna, Italy

After getting your gelato, take some time to explore the less touristy parts of Bologna. Wander underneath the city’s porticoes that feel like an endless maze and experience the local neighborhoods.

There are over 62km (38 miles) of porticoes in Bologna, and recently, in 2021, they were named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

One of the most beautifully decorated porticoes is in Piazza Cavour. Look up and admire the colorful, detailed frescoes along the ceiling.

READ ALSO: Best Museums in Bologna, Italy

Find the Hidden Canals

The hidden canal in Bologna with a beautiful view of the orange-hued buildings.

Surprisingly, there are over 60km (37 miles) of canals in Bologna. Back in the 12th century, these canals were mainly used to power mills in the city for grinding flour and other necessities.

Almost all of the canals are covered now, and they run underneath Bologna’s city center. To get an idea of what Bologna looked like during the Middle Ages, head to La Piccola Venezia to see one of the remaining uncovered canals.

Peek through this tiny window for a great photo opportunity, or simply enjoy the view.

Aperitvo

wine tasting in Bologna, Italy

For one of the most unique experiences in Bologna, head to Osteria del Sole for aperitivo. In Italy, aperitivo is a pre-dinner drink and social outing.

Osteria del Sole is the oldest bar in Bologna, dating back to 1465. You won’t find any food at this bar. The rule is you bring your own food and buy the drinks here.

Get a Pignoletto (white sparkling wine) or Lambrusco (red sparkling wine) – both local to Emilia Romagna.

They also serve Champagne, liquor, and beer.

Here are a couple of other options for aperitivo in Bologna:

Day 3 Bologna Itinerary

With three days in Bologna, you have time for either a foodie day trip to meet local producers. Or you can stay in Bologna and take a morning cooking class and visit some more of the city’s sites.

We outline both options below.

Option #1: Foodie Day Trip

Parmesan cheese wheels in Parma, Italy

No trip to Italy’s food capital is complete without a foodie day trip to the Emilia Romagna countryside. Visit local producers, taste Parmesan cheese, Prosciutto, and traditional balsamic vinegar straight from the source.

We have done four different tours to the producers in the region, and we could do it four more times. It’s truly the best way to experience the passion and hard work that goes into making these iconic Italian foods.

We recommend booking this Bologna Food Experience.

This full-day tour departs from Bologna and takes you to the hills of Modena and the flatlands of Parma. You’ll visit a Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese factory in the morning to watch how it’s made.

Afterwards, you’ll visit a Prosciutto factory where you’ll get to taste one of the most delicious cured meats, followed by a lunch.

Finally, you’ll go to an acetaia, a traditional vinegar house, for a tasting of traditional balsamic vinegar. Trust us – it’s unlike anything you’ve ever had.

Option #2: Cooking Class + Museums

Your second options is to take a cooking class in Bologna and spend more time visiting some of the sites in the city.

Take a cooking class

Tortelli pasta cooking class in Emilia Romagna
Pasta cooking class in Bologna italy

Put your cooking skills to the test and learn how to make authentic Bolognese pasta. We’ve done several cooking classes in Bologna, and we make fresh pasta on a weekly basis at home!

We recommend booking this Pasta Cooking Class where you’ll learn to make homemade pasta in a local’s home.

Church of Santa Maria della Vita

Another hidden gem in Bologna is the Church of Santa Maria della Vita. This unassuming church is home to one of the most significant Renaissance sculptures, “The Lamentation Over the Dead Christ” by Niccolò dell’Arca.

This 15th century sculpture captures so much emotion and shows the Virgin Mary and Mary Magdalene mourning over the death of Jesus.

You can find more information about the church on the official website.

Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00am – 18:30pm (last entry at 18.00)
Ticket prices: €5 to visit the Lamentation of Niccolò Dell’Arca | €9 to visit the Lamentation of Niccolò Dell’Arca and Oratorio dei Battuti
Address: Via Clavature, 8/10, 40124 Bologna BO, Italy

Pinacoteca Nazionale

Pinacotecta in Bologna

Located near the university district, the Pinacoteca Nazionale is the National Art Gallery in Bologna. It features some of the most important artworks in the city, including from the Renaissance and Baraoque periods.

Book your tickets online on the official site or in person at the museum. No need to reserve in advance.

Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday from 9am – 7pm (Wednesdays from 9am – 2pm)
Ticket prices: €8 for adults | €2 for kids | Free with Bologna Welcome Card
Address: Via delle Belle Arti, 56, 40126 Bologna BO, Italy

Map of Bologna

From the best places to eat in Bologna to the city’s main attractions, use this map to help guide you through this 3 days in Bologna itinerary.

To save the map to Google Maps on your phone or computer, click on the star next to the title. Once you do this, you’ll be able to find the map in your “saved maps” list on your phone.

To see a list of all the items on the map, click the box with arrow on the left. To enlarge the map, click the box on the right.

How to Get Around Bologna

Everything on this itinerary is within a 10-20 minute walk. There is no need to use public transportation.

The only exception is the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca, which sits atop the hill. You can either take the tourist train or do the 1.5 hour walk to the top.

There is a bus system in Bologna if needed. You can purchase physical tickets at any tobacco shop, or you can pay with contactless payment on the bus.

How to Get to Bologna

Piazzale Ovest in Bologna Train Station

Bologna is well-connected with the rest of Europe via its train station and international airport. Here are some tips on getting to Bologna, Italy.

Getting to Bologna by train

The train is the best and most convenient way to get to Bologna if you are already in Italy.

Bologna Centrale train station is a major hub in northern Italy. With Bologna’s central location, it’s quick to get from other major cities like Milan, Florence, Venice, and even Rome.

Here are some popular train routes:

  • Milan to Bologna train: High-speed train takes between 1h 5min to 1h 21min | Regional train takes 2h 50min
  • Florence to Bologna train: High-speed train takes 38 minutes | Regional train takes 1h 27min
  • Venice to Bologna train: High-speed train takes 1h 33min | Regional train takes 2h 6min’

Getting from Florence to Bologna is the quickest route, and is even a popular day trip.

Book your tickets on the Trenitalia website or app beforehand. This is the official site to book trains in Italy. We suggest booking your tickets at least a week in advance for regional trains and three weeks in advance for high-speed trains.

Planning last minute? You can purchase your tickets at the Bologna Central station on the day of. Just make sure to arrive a bit earlier to give yourself extra time to buy the tickets.

Getting to Bologna by car

We do not recommend driving to Bologna. The train is much easier to navigate than having to worry about parking and driving in a bigger Italian city.

With that being said, if you do rent a car, then park in a garage near the train station. You cannot drive in the city center as these are restricted zones. You’ll most likely end up getting a ticket.

You can easily book a car rental just for the day through Discover Cars, our go-to rental site for cars in Italy. We’ve done this several times and have only had positive experiences.

Getting to Bologna by plane

Are you starting your Italy trip in Bologna? The Bologna Guglielmo Marconi airport is close to the city center and connects you with the rest of Europe.

To get from the Bologna airport to the city center, you’ll want to take the Marconi Express train from to the Bologna train station.

Marconi Express entrance

The train runs every 7 minutes throughout the day and costs €11 each way or €20 round trip. You can review the timetable and book your tickets here. You can also use contactless payment to purchase your tickets at the station. We used our credit card and it was super easy!

The monorail drops you off at Bologna train station. From here, it’s a 15-20 minute walk to the center of the city.

Alternatively, you can take a taxi from the airport to your accommodation. It takes around 15-20 minutes and is pretty reasonably priced.

Where to Eat in Bologna

The Bologna restaurant scene is fantastic. With 3 days in Bologna, you have the opportunity to try quite a few restaurants. However, it can be hard choosing the best places.

Luckily, we’ve eaten our way through Bologna over the course of 2 months, and we’re sharing our list of the top places to eat below. For more options, check out our guide to the 35 Best Restaurants in Bologna.

  • Caffe Terzi – Our favorite cafe in Bologna that makes an amazing cappucinno and brioche. Perfect for breakfast.
  • Salumeria SimoniThe best place to go to get a charcuterie board.
  • Trattoria da me – A great place to get crescentina and cured meats, plus local specialties like friggione.
  • All’ Osteria Bottega – Hands down, one of the best Bologna restaurants and one that we go back to every time we are in the city. Every dish is heavenly, but if you want something unique (and delicious!), try the roasted baby pigeon.
  • Da Cesari– A good place to try different varieties of pasta dishes. Try the tagliatelle with porcini mushrooms in the fall.
  • Caminetto d’oro – Fantastic grilled meats and truffle pasta dishes.
  • Trattoria collegio di Spagna– Delicious food all around. Try the cotoletta alla bolognese and zucchini dishes.

Foods to Try in Bologna

Tagliatelli al Ragu Bologna food

Wondering what foods you must eat during your 3 days in Bologna? We have an entire article dedicated to the best foods in Bologna that you can check out, or here is a list of our must-try foods below.

  • Tagliatelle al Ragu – The most famous and popular dish in Bologna is ragu served with homemade tagliatelle, an egg-based pasta. It’s a meat sauce that is heavy, rich, acidic, and perfectly balanced.
  • Tortellini – This small hat-shaped pasta is often stuffed with a pork mixture. It’s best eaten as a soup with a meat-based broth and topped with some fresh parmesan.
  • Tortelloni – This pasta is usually stuffed with a ricotta and spinach mixture and served with sage and butter. During the fall, you can get it stuffed with pumpkin, which is our personal favorite way to eat it.
  • Lasagne Verde – This green, spinach-based pasta is layered with ragu and bechamel sauce, creating the perfect combination of rich and creamy flavors.
  • Crescentina – Made with flour, salt, lard, and water, this Emilia Romagna staple is most often served with a plate of cured meats as an appetizer.
  • Mortadella – This savory meat is served as an appetizer at most restaurants and is a must-try in Bologna.
  • Lambrusco & Pignoletto – These are the two wines of Emilia Romagna, both sparkling, and pair well with the fatty foods from Bologna.

Where to Stay in Bologna

While Bologna is not a huge city, we suggest staying in Centro Storico (the historic center). This area is located in the heart of Bologna and everything is within walking distance.

Hotels tend to book up quickly in Bologna, especially during the busy summer season. Try to reserve at least a few months in advance for the best rates and options.

Best time to Visit Bologna

View of Bologna and the hills from the top of the Asinelli Tower during 2 days in Bologna.

Based on our experience, October is the best month to visit Bologna. Not only is the weather mild and temperate, but the food scene this time of year is top notch.

With pumpkin, porcini mushrooms, and truffles all in season, you have so many incredible seasonal pasta options to choose from.

Summers are extremely hot and crowded in Bologna. If you’re visiting in June and July, make sure to plan far in advance. Book your hotels at least 4-6 months before your trip, as prices get expensive and places sell out.

Avoid Bologna in August. We visited Bologna during this time during our first visit to the city, and most restaurants are closed. Many of the locals are on holiday, and therefore, the city is very quiet. Try visiting in September instead.

Winters are pretty mild in Bologna, and it’s actually a great time to enjoy the city without tourists. Plus, the hearty food from Bologna is best eaten when it’s colder outside.

Tips for Visiting Bologna in 3 Days

View of the basilica in the Piazza Maggiore in BOlogna
  • Weekends are busy: Weekends in Bologna are extremely busy. Both locals and tourists flock to the city, with restaurants booked out, and the main areas especially packed. If you can, try to visit during the week.
  • Many restaurants are closed on Sundays: Many restaurants are closed on Sunday, so don’t expect to eat at your top picks.
  • Book restaurants in advance: Restaurants fill up quickly in Bologna. Try to call ahead at least a few days in advance to get a reservation.
  • Museums close on Sunday or Monday: Many of the main sights are closed on either Sunday or Monday. Double check the hours that we’ve shared in this itinerary to make sure certain attractions are open on the day you visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fruit stand at the quadrilatero in Bologna, Italy

Is 3 days in Bologna too much?

No. In our opinion, 3 days in Bologna is the perfect amount of time to see the main sites, taste the local cuisine, and do a day trip to food producers in the region.

How many days do you need in Emilia Romagna?

Emilia Romagna is a large region located in northern Italy and Bologna is its capital. We recommend spending a week in the region visiting smaller towns, such as Parma, Modena, Ravenna, and Dozza, in addition to Bologna. There is a lot to see here.

What is the most famous food in Bologna?

Bologna is famous for many foods. The most famous dish is Tagliatelle al Ragu, which most westerners know as “pasta alla Bolognese.” A few of the famous food products from Bologna and the Emilia Romagna region are balsamic vinegar from Modena, Parma ham (Prosciutto) from Parma, and Parmigiano Reggiano (Parmesan cheese) from Parma.

ITALY TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE

Italy Travel Insurance – Should you get travel insurance for Italy? YES! We always get travel insurance before all of our trips for peace of mind. Check out Travel Insurance Master to find the best plan for you.

Italy Rental Cars – Is it safe to rent a car in Italy? Yes! We’ve rented a car in Italy too many times to count, and it’s definitely the most convenient way to get around the countryside. We rented our car through Discover Cars (our go-to rental agency), which helps you find the best rates no matter where you are traveling.

Italy Phone Plans – If your phone plan does not offer free coverage in Italy, then we suggest getting an eSIM. We used Airalo during our trip to Italy, and we had fantastic coverage the entire time. It’s easy to download and you can even top up via the app if needed.

Italy Hotels – Wondering where to book your accommodations for Italy? We’ve been reserving all of our hotels through Booking for years. Their messaging tool makes it easy to communicate with the hotels, and there are endless options to choose from.

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