Your guide to the perfect 24 hours in Italy’s most delicious city
Planning a quick visit to Bologna and wondering how to make the most of just one day? You’re in the right place. Whether you’re stopping by between Florence and Venice or considering one of the many day trips from Bologna, this city has plenty to offer (even if you’re short on time).
From medieval towers to fresh pasta and world-class gelato, here’s how to soak up the best of Bologna in just 24 hours.
Morning: climb, stroll and sip
Start your day early with a walk through the historic city center. Bologna is known as “La Dotta, La Grassa, La Rossa” (The Learned, The Fat, The Red) for good reason: it’s home to the Europe’s oldest university, some of Italy’s best food, and terracotta-colored roofs as far as the eye can see.
Feeling ambitious? Head straight to the Torre degli Asinelli, one of Bologna’s iconic medieval towers. It’s a 498-step climb to the top, but the views over the red rooftops and rolling hills are absolutely worth it!
After the climb, enjoy a typical Italian breakfast: a cappuccino and a fresh cornetto at a local bar. You’ll find excellent options near Piazza Maggiore, just follow the scent of baked pastry.
Late Morning: culture & markets
On your way to Piazza Maggiore, the heart of the city, admire the architecture, from the massive Basilica di San Petronio to the elegant Palazzo d’Accursio.
Just off the square lies the Quadrilatero, Bologna’s historic market district. This maze of narrow streets is full of food stalls, cheese shops, fresh pasta makers, and lively locals doing their shopping. It’s the perfect place to soak up the atmosphere and maybe grab some mortadella or Parmigiano to nibble on later.
Lunch: eat like a local
There’s no visiting Bologna without diving into its culinary traditions! If you only have one meal here, make it count.
Order a plate of tagliatelle al ragĂą (what many people mistakenly call “spaghetti bolognese”) at a traditional trattoria. Add a glass of local Sangiovese wine and you’re set for a truly Bolognese experience.
Afternoon: porticoes, panoramas and ice-cream
After lunch, take it slow. Bologna is famous for its porticoes: you’ll find nearly 40 kilometers of them throughout the city. Strolling under their arches is not only beautiful, but it also offers shade and charm.
If you have the time (and energy), consider walking or taking a taxi to the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca, perched on a hill just outside the city. The walk up involves over 600 porticoed arches (the longest in the world) and rewards you with panoramic views of the countryside.
If you’d rather keep things relaxed, have an ice-cream from one of the local gelaterias and enjoy it while people-watching in Giardini Margherita, Bologna’s green escape.
Evening: aperitivo and city lights
Wrap up your day with an aperitivo in the heart of the city. Head back to Piazza Santo Stefano or Via del Pratello for a glass of wine and some snacks as the city lights start to glow.
Not ready to stop? Many wine bars and enotecas offer small plates of local specialties, just enough to keep the evening going without needing a full dinner.
More time to explore?
One day in Bologna gives you a great taste of the city, but if you have a little more time, even better! Here’s what to consider if you’re planning a longer stay.
What to do in Bologna for 2 days
With two days in Bologna, you can slow down and explore beyond the highlights. Visit Bologna’s museums like the Museo della Storia or the Pinacoteca Nazionale, take a guided food tour or join a pasta-making class to learn the secrets of fresh tagliatelle. And don’t miss the chance to discover some of the lesser-known churches and local wine bars tucked into quiet streets.
What to do in Bologna for 3 days
Staying three days? That’s the perfect excuse to mix city life with countryside charm. Dedicate one day to exploring the surrounding region, from the food valleys of Modena and Parma to the Motor Valley for Ferrari and Lamborghini fans.
Bologna is also a great base for day trips to Ravenna, Ferrara or the hills of Romagna, all just a short train ride away.
👉 Explore more things to do in Bologna & Emilia-Romagna
