Are you planning a trip to Italy and wondering whether it’s worth visiting Bologna?
Bologna might not be the first city that springs to mind when thinking about a trip to Italy, but maybe it should be.
Known for its history (home to the oldest university in the world) and world-renowned food (Bolognese!), Bologna offers plenty for travellers of all ages. There’s lots on offer in Bologna for kids with museums, parks, towers to climb and of course that delicious food.
So, is it worth visiting Bologna with your family? Absolutely. This charming Italian city provides a perfect blend of adventure, learning, and relaxation, making it an ideal destination for an amazing family trip. Read on for our guide on what to do while you’re in Bologna.
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7 Reasons to Visit Bologna
There are countless reasons to visit Bologna, but here are my top seven:
1. The History
Bologna’s historical centre is a treasure trove of medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture. Highlights include Piazza Maggiore, the Neptune Fountain, and the Two Towers (Due Torri).
Taking a walk around Bologna and visiting these impressive historic landmarks should be top of the list if you’re on a fleeting visit and you’re looking for things to do in Bologna in 1 day.
✅ Book HERE for some great walking tours of Bologna
2. The Food
Known as the food capital of Italy, Bologna will be a gastronomic experience like no other. Are your kids crazy about spaghetti bolognese? Make sure you indulge in Bologna’s traditional dish, tagliatelle al ragù – where it all started!
Other must-tries on your Bologna Italy itinerary are tortellini and mortadella. Don’t miss trying the pizza in Bologna Italy either, which has its own unique twist compared to other regions.
Where can you find the best Ragu in Bologna? This is, of course, open to debate. However, following some research, we went for Osteria Dell’ Orsa and we weren’t disappointed. The tagliatelle ragu is their most popular dish and is reasonably priced.
Portions aren’t huge (so you may want to order a couple of sides) but this is one good ragu! Queues are likely, especially in high season. TIP: Make sure you give them your name at the door when you arrive.
Since this is the food capital of Italy, one of the best things to do in Bologna is a food tour. You won’t regret it.
✅ Book HERE for popular food tours in Bologna – they sell out quickly!
3. The Oldest University in the World
Home to the University of Bologna, the oldest university in continuous operation worldwide, the city buzzes with youthful energy.
You can feel the university’s influence across the city and there are always lots of events happening linked to the university.
Make sure you stop by the university’s Zoological Museum which has a collection of rare species of animals. A great thing to do if you’re in Bologna with kids.
4. Beautiful Architecture and Porticoes
Bologna boasts nearly 38 km of porticoes. They provide shelter from the sun and rain but they’re also beautiful and add to the city’s charm. So much so that they’re recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
5. Wine Tasting
The region surrounding Bologna is well known for its wine production. Consider a wine-tasting tour in Bologna Italy to sample local varieties like Lambrusco and Pignoletto.
Many vineyards offer guided tours and tastings, suitable for families.
✅ Book HERE for wine-tasting experiences in Bologna
6. Family-Friendly Activities
Bologna is great for families, offering a range of activities suitable for children.
If you’re in Bologna with kids, visit the Museo della Storia di Bologna (which will tell you the story of Bologna), or enjoy a day at the Giardini Margherita, a large park with playgrounds and open spaces to play or enjoy a picnic.
7. Festivals and Events
Bologna hosts lots of festivals throughout the year, including the Bologna Jazz Festival, Cinema Ritrovato (a film festival), and several food festivals.
These events offer a great way to experience the city’s lively atmosphere.
Check out upcoming events in Bologna HERE.
Top Things to Do in Bologna
If you decide to visit Bologna, here are my top things to do while you’re there:
- Take a Walking Tour: Join a walking tour to get an overview of Bologna’s main attractions and hidden gems. These tours are usually led by local guides who provide insights into the city’s history, culture and everyday life (they usually have great recommendations on where to eat as well).
✅ Book HERE for some fantastic walking tours of Bologna
- Climb the Asinelli Tower: For some of the best views of Bologna, climb the 498 steps of the Asinelli Tower. It’s hard work climbing all those steps, but the breathtaking view from the top is worth the effort.
- Visit the Archiginnasio: Once the main building of the University of Bologna, the Archiginnasio is home to an impressive library and the fascinating Anatomical Theatre, where anatomy lectures were held in the 17th century.
- Explore the Quadrilatero Market: This historic market area is perfect for food lovers. Take a walk through the narrow streets and try some of the local produce such as cheese, cured meats, and fresh pasta. It’s also a great place to pick up some edible souvenirs.
- Relax in Giardini Margherita: As Bologna’s largest park, Giardini Margherita offers a peaceful escape from the busy city. It’s an ideal spot for a picnic or a walk and there’s plenty of space for kids to play too.
- Discover the Bologna National Gallery: Art enthusiasts will appreciate the Bologna National Gallery, home to an extensive collection of Italian Renaissance and Baroque paintings, including works by Raphael and Titian.
✅ Book Tours of Bologna with Get Your Guide HERE
Best Area to Stay in Bologna Italy
If you plan to stay overnight, here are my picks for best area to stay in Bologna:
Centro Storico (Historical Center)
Staying in the heart of Bologna places you within walking distance of the main attractions, restaurants, and shops. The Centro Storico is vibrant and bustling, perfect for those who want to be in the middle of the action.
✅ Book Hotels in Centro Storico via Booking.com
Bologna Fiere District
This area is ideal for those travelling on business due to its proximity to the Bologna Exhibition Centre. It’s well-connected to the city centre by public transport, making it convenient for both work and leisure and a little better value than staying in Centro Storico.
✅ Book Hotels in Bologna Fiere District via Booking.com
Santo Stefano
For a quieter, more residential feel, Santo Stefano has attractive streets, beautiful churches, and a more relaxed atmosphere. It’s a nice area with a local feel, yet still close to the main attractions. A good option for families.
✅ Book Hotels in Santa Stefano via Booking.com
Camping in Bologna Italy
For a unique experience, consider camping in or near Bologna. There are several campsites around Bologna that offer beautiful natural settings and a chance to enjoy the great outdoors.
For more information, head to PitchUp.
Best Time to Visit Bologna
Bologna makes a great destination to visit whatever the time of year, but there are a few things to consider when timing your trip.
Spring (March to June): Spring is one of the best times to visit Bologna due to the mild temperatures. Outdoor cafes and parks come to life, and it’s a great time for exploring the city on foot.
Autumn (September to October): Autumn offers pleasant weather and the harvest season, making it ideal for food and wine enthusiasts. The city is less crowded compared to summer, which means you’re likely to have a more relaxed experience.
Summer (July and August) Summer can be very hot and humid. It’s also high season and crowded with tourists. If you can avoid the height of summer, I would.
Winter (November to February) Winter, although fairly mild, isn’t ideal if you want to partake in outdoor activities. However, winter does offer the advantage of lower accommodation prices and fewer crowds.
Bologna Travel Tips
Here are the answers to some questions you might have about travelling to Bologna and where else in Italy you could combine your trip with.
Travelling to Bologna
Bologna is an accessible city and easy to get to by train, plane, and car. Bologna’s international airport is Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport which is less than 10 kilometres from the city centre.
Connecting the airport and the central railway station is the Marconi Express service – the journey will take you only seven minutes.
The second closest airport to Bologna is Florence, which is 77 kilometres away.
You can reach Bologna by train from elsewhere in Italy easily. Trains from Turin, Milan, Florence, Rome and Naples go frequently.
Where Else in Italy to Combine Your Visit
Combine a trip to Bologna with Tuscany (we loved Montepulciano) to the south or Venice to the north – both are easily reached from Bologna by train or car.
Cinque Terre is also not far from Bologna and worth visiting (although try to go in low season as it gets particularly busy).
You can get to Rome from Bologna by train in just over 2 hours so this is another great option if you want to lengthen your stay in Italy (and why wouldn’t you)?
Take a look at the map of Italy above to see where each of these suggested destinations is located.
Suggested Bologna Italy Itinerary
- 1 Day: Explore Piazza Maggiore, climb the Asinelli Tower, and visit the Quadrilatero Market. Book a food tour for the afternoon/evening.
- 2 Days: Add visits to the Archiginnasio and Zoological Museum at the university, Bologna National Gallery, and a walking tour to your itinerary.
- 3 Days: Include a day trip to a nearby vineyard for wine tasting and then head to Giardini Margherita for a relaxed afternoon.
Is Bologna Italy Worth Visiting: The Verdict
Bologna is undoubtedly worth visiting. If I’m honest, I wasn’t sure what to expect when we arrived in Bologna, but walking around the city I was pleasantly surprised. The porticoes and buildings are beautiful and the food here can’t be bettered.
Whether you’re planning a short trip or an extended stay, Bologna has something for everyone. So, pack your bags and get ready. This city has much more to it than Ragu!
