One day in Bologna Itinerary – what to do in Bologna in 24h

Nestled in the heart of Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, Bologna effortlessly balances history, culture, and culinary delight. This city stole my heart with its vibrant vibes and mouthwatering food.

After spending several days exploring this gem, I’m here to help you make the most out of your 24 hours in Bologna with this carefully crafted 1 day in Bologna itinerary.

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One day in Bologna

Known as La Dotta, La Rossa, La Grassa, Bologna proudly wears these nicknames.

La Dotta refers to its scholarly past and the prestigious University of Bologna. La Rossa nods to the city’s red rooftops and left-leaning politics. Finally, La Grassa celebrates its rich culinary traditions, making it a haven for food lovers—if you’re a foodie, you’ll be plotting your extended stay before the day’s over.

Ready for an unforgettable day? Let’s dive into the best that Bologna has to offer!

Morning – Porticoes, views and cousine

09:00 AM: Portico and Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca

The Portico di San Luca, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the longest portico in the world, spans an impressive 3.8 kilometers. With 664 intricately designed arches, it extends from Porta Saragozza all the way to the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca, perched on Colle della Guardia overlooking the city.

You can choose to walk up to the Sanctuary of San Luca or take the San Luca Express which runs every half hour from Piazza Maggiore. Just be sure to book your tickets in advance, especially during the busy summer months. An even better option is this guided tour of the porticoes and the basilica.

As you make your way to the Sanctuary keep your eyes peeled for the stunning 18th-century Arco del Meloncello. Ingeniously designed to solve an intersection problem it forms a pedestrian portico over the road.

Inside the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca, you’ll find magnificent frescoes and artworks by renowned Italian painters and sculptors such as Creti, Reni, Pestrini, Mazza, and Bigari. However, for me, the highlight were the breathtaking views of Bologna from the hill.

12:00 Asinelli Tower

The twin towers of Bologna, known as Le Due Torri, are iconic symbols of the city. However, only the taller Asinelli Tower is accessible to the public.

Climbing its 498 somewhat precarious stairs is quite the challenge, but the effort is well worth it. From a height of 97 meters, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning 360-degree view of Bologna.

While many recommend climbing the Asinelli Tower at sunset, there are a couple of drawbacks. First, due to the tower’s opening hours, this is only possible in winter. Second, since the sun sets over Piazza Maggiore, you’ll end up gazing directly into the sun if you go late in the afternoon or evening.

For the best experience, I suggest making the ascent in the morning or at noon. This way, you can enjoy the panoramic views of the old town with the sun at your back.

Book your Asinelli Tower ticket with audio guide

13:00 Quadrilattero for Lunch

For a perfect lunch break, explore the Quadrilatero district tucked behind Behind Palazzo dei Banchi. Indulge in traditional delicacies like pasta al ragù or exquisite mortadella.

Choose a trattoria on Via degli Orefici for a sit-down meal, or head to Via Calzolai for outstanding street food. For an all-encompassing Bologna food experience, join this food tour that visits both Mercato delle Erbe and Mercato di Mezzo.

Book your Bologna food tour

Afternoon – Bologna Old Town

The compact and easily navigable historic center of Bologna makes it ideal for exploring on foot. I strongly suggest joining this walking tour to discover the city’s main attractions and immerse yourself in its fascinating history and culture.

14:00: Piazza Maggiore & Nettuno

Piazza Nettuno and Piazza Maggiore are the lively heart of Bologna, showcasing some of its most remarkable architectural masterpieces. Enjoy the music from street performers as you take in the impressive sights such as:

• Basilica di San Petronio,
• Palazzo dei Notai,
• Palazzo dei Banchi,
• Palazzo d’Accursio with its distinctive clocktower,
• Fontana del Nettuno,
• Palazzo del Podestà and
• Palazzo Re Enzo.

14:30 Clocktower and museum

The Clock Tower is part of Palazzo d’Accursio and admission is included with the museum ticket. Enjoy a breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view from the top, taking in sights such as Piazza Maggiore, Basilica of San Petronio, the iconic Asinelli towers and the rolling Bologna hills at the back.

Book your Clocktower ticket with audio guide

15:00 Basilica di San Petronio

Dedicated to the city’s patron saint, Basilica of St. Petronio was initially planned to surpass St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome in size but remained unfinished due to a rivalry with Rome.

Inside, you can explore three naves, 22 chapels, and marvel at the world’s oldest operational organ and a golden sundial.

From the side entrance, you can take the stairs or elevator to reach the terrace for stunning views of Piazza Maggiore.

15:30 Archiginnasio & Anatomical Theatre

The 16th-century Archiginnasio is the former main building of the University of Bologna and it now houses the exclusive Library of Bologna and the fascinating Teatro Anatomico.

This spruce-wood lecture hall featuring spellati wooden statues of human anatomy once hosted medical lectures. At the room’s center lies a marble table where students once conducted human dissections during their studies.

Book your Archiginnasio visit with audio guide

16:30 St. Stephen Square and the 7 churches

Piazza San Stefano offers a serene escape from the bustling Bologna city center. Use this opportunity to grab an aperitivo at one of the bars in the square or explore the Basilica of San Stefano, also known as Sette Chiese (Seven Churches).

This complex originally comprised seven churches but now only retains four, including their crypts;

• Church of the Crucifix (Chiesa del Crocifisso)
• Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Chiesa del Santo Sepolcro)
• Basilica of Saints Vitale and Agricola (Basilica dei Santi Vitale e Agricola)
• Church of the Trinity (Chiesa della Trinità)

Among these, the Chiesa del Santo Sepolcro is my favorite. Its octagonal design aims to replicate the tomb where Christ’s remains were placed, featuring a prominent central pulpit.

Evening – The cherry on top

17:30 Relax, art or shopping

You should still have a couple of hours before dinner time. Use this time to shop for souvenirs, relax at Parco Giardini Margherita and have a drink at Le Serre dei Giardini or visit the Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna.

A) Relax at Parco Giardini Margherita

Spanning 26 acres, Parco Giardini Margherita is Bologna’s main park, featuring ample recreational and relaxation areas. Its original English Romantic layout and an Etruscan burial ground add historical charm.

This park also serves as a hub for innovation and sustainability, particularly at Le Serre dei Giardini. This spot offers a trendy restaurant, bar, and extensive outdoor garden perfect for relaxation or coworking, making a popular hub for entrepreneurs and students.

B) Check out the local shops

Stroll the charming streets between Piazza San Stefano and the Ghetto Ebraico to discover incredible artisan and vintage shops.

My personal favorite is Profumi e Veleni, or Perfumes & Poisons. My favorite is Profumi e Veleni, meaning Perfumes & Poisons. Its fragrances waft onto the street, making it hard to miss.

C) Uncover Art at the Pinacoteca

Located on Via delle Belle Arti in a former Jesuit novitiate, the Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna is the city’s premier art gallery. It showcases an extensive collection of Emilian paintings from the 13th to 18th centuries, including works by Giotto, Raphael, Annibale Carracci, and Guido Reni.

The gallery is divided into eight sections, covering Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque art, offering a deep dive into the region’s artistic heritage.

19:30 Ghetto Ebraico

Once confining the Jewish community in medieval times, these narrow streets and courtyards have transformed into a vibrant hub of quirky shops, bars, and restaurants. The Ghetto is ideal for an aperitivo or dinner.

For drinks and bites, La Prosciutteria and Camera a Sud are top choices. In places like Lab16 or Caffè Zamboni, you can enjoy an apericena, a buffet-style meal with your drink. For a sit down dinner check out Pappare’ or Benso Ristorante.

How many days in Bologna

Two days in Bologna are the perfect amount of time to experience this wonderful city. You’ll be able to see all the main sights, do a food tour, visit some of the museums and galleries or walk up to Madonna della Salute.

You can see the main sights in Bologna in just one jam-packed day but ideally, you’ll spend the night here in order to experience the magical evening atmosphere.

With three days or more, you’ll be able to enjoy even more of the delicious food, venture out of the historic center and do some day trips from Bologna.

Getting to Bologna

By Air: Bologna is served by the Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport, located just 5.8 miles (9.3 km) from the city center. Taxis can be expensive, so make sure you book this private transfer instead.

By train: Italy boasts an excellent railway network, with high-speed Frecciarossa trains connecting Bologna to major cities throughout the country. The city center is just a short walk from the train station.

By car: Bologna is connected to nearby cities via motorway (A1 for Florence and Milan, A13 for Venice) and renting a car is a convenient way to get around Italy. However, bear in mind that central Bologna is a traffic-restricted area and parking in the city is limited.

Getting around Bologna

Bologna is a walkable city where you can easily explore the old town on foot. The picturesque porticoes protect you from rain and sun.

Cycling is another popular way to get around, as the city’s slow traffic is perfect for bike tours. Locals and tourists alike favor two wheels for leisurely exploration. For a unique twist, consider a Segway!

For those less mobile, Bologna offers excellent bus services covering major points of interest. The hop-on, hop-off bus is great for exploring the city’s landmarks with informative commentary. Alternatively, the San Luca Express departs from Piazza Maggiore, passing several sights en route to the Basilica of San Luca.

Is Bologna worth visiting?

Bologna is a must-visit for any food lover, offering countless regional delicacies you can only savor here—hence its nickname, “La Grassa.” But don’t worry, “La Rossa” and “La Dotta” won’t disappoint history and architecture enthusiasts either!

Best time to visit Bologna, Italy

Bologna is a destination for all seasons. Its extensive porticoes provide shelter from the rain and shade from the scorching sun, ensuring comfort year-round.

However, be aware that summers, especially July and August, can be quite hot, and the shorter days in winter may complicate planning. Personally, though, I find Italy in the winter quite charming.