Bologna is one of northern Italy's most enchanting cities, known to locals by three nicknames: "la Dotta" (the Learned) for the world's oldest university, "la Grassa" (the Fat) for its unparalleled gastronomy, and "la Rossa" (the Red) for its characteristic red-brick buildings. The capital of the Emilia-Romagna region is less crowded than Rome or Florence, yet abounds in cultural richness, culinary experiences and historical monuments. Here are the 10 best Bologna sights not worth missing on a visit.
1. Piazza Maggiore
The heart of Bologna and its central square has been the hub of the city's communal life since the 13th century. The square is framed by the huge, unfinished facade of the Basilica of San Petronio, the Palazzo d'Accursio (the town hall), the Palazzo del Podestà and the Palazzo dei Banchi. Open-air concerts, markets and cultural events are regularly held on the square. In the evening the illuminated buildings create a romantic atmosphere, it's worth lingering on the square over a coffee.
2. Due Torri – the Asinelli and Garisenda towers
Bologna's iconic medieval towers are defining elements of the city's silhouette, erected in the 12th century by rival noble families. The Asinelli Tower is 97.2 metres tall, and after climbing 498 steps a stunning panorama opens over the red-brick rooftops and the distant Apennine ranges. The neighbouring Garisenda Tower is currently closed because of its 3.4-metre lean, Dante also mentioned it in the Divine Comedy. The towers form the city's most iconic photo spot, especially at sunset.
3. University of Bologna (Università di Bologna)
Founded in 1088, this institution is the world's oldest continuously operating university and the basis of Bologna's scholarly reputation. The university's historic building, the Palazzo Poggi, now operates as a museum, where natural-science collections, maps and anatomical wax models can be seen. The great hall of the Archiginnasio palace and the Anatomical Theatre, with its carved wooden panelling, evoke the university's early period. Copernicus, Petrarch and Erasmus all studied on the campus, the intellectual heritage is still palpable.
4. Basilica of Santo Stefano
Known as the "Seven Churches", this church complex is Bologna's most unusual sacred site, consisting of several interconnected churches and courtyards. The complex's origins reach back to the 5th century, and it was built on the model of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. In the inner courtyard, the Basin of Pilate and the Romanesque columns radiate a timeless atmosphere. The site is free to visit and offers a calm, meditative experience in contrast to the crowded city centre.
5. Mercato delle Erbe
Bologna's most authentic covered market has operated since 1910 near Via Ugo Bassi and represents the heart of the local food culture. On the stalls, fresh vegetables, fruits, cheeses, cured meats and local specialities line up, from parmigiano reggiano through mortadella to dozens of fresh pastas. In recent years the market has also developed into a food hub: small bar counters and food stalls offer a cheap, quality lunch and aperitivo. The best time is the morning hours, when locals shop here too.
6. Basilica of San Luca and its porticoes
Standing atop the Colle della Guardia hill above the city, this basilica is connected to the centre by the world's longest portico, the 3.8-kilometre-long portico counts 666 arches. The uphill walk takes 45–60 minutes, and the shade of the porticoes makes the climb bearable even in summer. The basilica, dedicated to the city's patron, the Virgin Mary, is an important place of pilgrimage. The view from the hilltop extends over the whole Po plain, on a clear day all the way to the Alps.
7. Bologna's porticoes (UNESCO World Heritage)
Bologna's porticoes run for a total of about 62 kilometres through the city, and since 2021 they have been on the UNESCO World Heritage list. The porticoes originate in the Middle Ages, when the growing university population led to the upper floors of houses being extended over the street. The most beautiful stretches are found along Via Santo Stefano, Via Galliera and Strada Maggiore, in varied styles from medieval wood to Renaissance stone. The porticoes represent not only aesthetic value but also provide practical shelter for walkers in both rain and heat.
8. FICO Eataly World
On the edge of the city, this gastronomic theme park, opened in 2017, presents the whole of Italian food production in a single location. Across the 100,000-square-metre area, real stables, vineyards, restaurants, workshops and interactive displays await visitors. You can also sign up for cheese-making, pasta-making and wine-tasting workshops, the offering is extremely varied. The site is reachable from the centre in 20 minutes by bus, and it's worth setting aside at least half a day for it.
9. Archiginnasio palace
Built in 1563, this building was the former central seat of the University of Bologna, and today it operates as a library and cultural venue. The main sight is the Teatro Anatomico, a 17th-century anatomy lecture hall whose wooden carved statues and ceiling decoration transport you into the world of Renaissance medicine. The upper-floor corridors of the palace are covered with thousands of coats of arms, the family emblems of former students and professors. Admission is only €3, and the site is rarely crowded, so it allows peaceful exploration.
10. MAMbo – Museum of Contemporary Art
The Museo d'Arte Moderna di Bologna is housed in a former bread factory and presents one of the most important collections of Italian contemporary art. The permanent exhibition documents Italian artistic movements from the 1950s to the present day, including Arte Povera and the Transavantgarde. The museum regularly organises temporary exhibitions, performances and workshops, bringing the latest trends of the international contemporary scene to Bologna. The Thursday evening opening welcomes visitors with discounted admission and special programmes.
Practical tips
- Weather: Bologna is hot and humid in summer (35–40 °C), cool and foggy in winter (0–8 °C). The best time is spring and autumn, pleasant temperatures of 18–25 °C are then typical.
- Transport: The city centre is full of car-free zones and narrow streets, so on foot is most convenient. Bologna Centrale station provides excellent connections to Florence (37 minutes), Milan (65 minutes) and Venice (90 minutes) by high-speed train.
- Money-saving option: The Bologna Welcome Card provides discounted admission to museums and discounts at restaurants. Many churches and squares are free to visit, the city is highly enjoyable for free too.
- eSIM tip: Italy is an EU member, so with an EU subscription roaming is free under EU rules. For heavier data use, it's worth getting a local eSIM plan, which offers a larger allowance at a better price.
- Gastronomy: Avoid the tourist traps around the main square, look instead for local trattorias around Via del Pratello or Via Saragozza. Bolognese cuisine is best learned on a cooking course, many locals organise half-day courses on making fresh pasta and ragù.