Bologna
City Travel Guide

Bologna Guide

Explore the best of Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, including attractions, local neighborhoods, transportation options, and travel tips to help you plan a smoother trip.

Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ) Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy 9 Live Events Next 90 days

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What are the top attractions in Bologna?
Must-see places, ranked by popularity
All on Viator →

Quick answer 16 top-rated attractions in Bologna, ranked by traveler popularity. Tickets & tours bookable via Viator with free cancellation on most experiences.

Book Bologna Attractions & Tours on Viator300,000+ experiences worldwide • Free cancellation on most bookings • Instant confirmation
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Piazza MaggioreAttraction
★ 4.7
Piazza Maggiore
Piazza Maggiore, 40124 Bologna BO, Italy
Explore →88,261 reviews
The Two Towers: Garisenda & AsinelliAttraction
★ 4.7
The Two Towers: Garisenda & Asinelli
P.za di Porta Ravegnana, 40126 Bologna BO, Italy
Explore →33,858 reviews
Piazza Santo StefanoAttraction
★ 4.8
Piazza Santo Stefano
Via Santo Stefano, 40125 Bologna BO, Italy
Explore →12,445 reviews
Giardini MargheritaAttraction
★ 4.6
Giardini Margherita
Viale Giovanni Gozzadini, 40136 Bologna BO, Italy
Explore →17,676 reviews
Mercato delle ErbeAttraction
★ 4.3
Mercato delle Erbe
Via Ugo Bassi, 25, 40121 Bologna BO, Italy
Explore →14,303 reviews
Neptune's FountainAttraction
★ 4.7
Neptune's Fountain
Piazza del Nettuno, 40124 Bologna BO, Italy
Explore →6,203 reviews
Mercato di MezzoAttraction
★ 4.4
Mercato di Mezzo
F8VV+8W, Via Clavature, 12, 40124 Bologna BO, Italy
Explore →9,833 reviews
Metropolitan Cathedral of St PeterAttraction
★ 4.7
Metropolitan Cathedral of St Peter
Via dell'Indipendenza, 7, 40125 Bologna BO, Italy
Explore →5,199 reviews
Museo DucatiAttraction
★ 4.5
Museo Ducati
Via Antonio Cavalieri Ducati, 3, 40132 Bologna BO, I...
Explore →6,623 reviews
Basilica of San DomenicoAttraction
★ 4.7
Basilica of San Domenico
P.za S. Domenico, 13, 40124 Bologna BO, Italy
Explore →4,350 reviews
Arco del MeloncelloAttraction
★ 4.6
Arco del Meloncello
Strada Statale 64 Porrettana, 23, 40135 Bologna BO, ...
Explore →5,158 reviews
Bologna National Art GalleryAttraction
★ 4.6
Bologna National Art Gallery
Via delle Belle Arti, 56, 40126 Bologna BO, Italy
Explore →4,038 reviews
Porta SaragozzaAttraction
★ 4.5
Porta Saragozza
P.za di Porta Saragozza, 1, 40123 Bologna BO, Italy
Explore →3,906 reviews
MAMbo - Museo d'Arte Moderna di BolognaAttraction
★ 4.2
MAMbo - Museo d'Arte Moderna di Bologna
Via Don Giovanni Minzoni, 14, 40121 Bologna BO, Italy
Explore →4,835 reviews
Archiginnasio Municipal LibraryAttraction
★ 4.6
Archiginnasio Municipal Library
P.zza Galvani, 1, 40124 Bologna BO, Italy
Explore →1,734 reviews
La Piccola VeneziaAttraction
★ 4.1
La Piccola Venezia
Via Piella, 40126 Bologna BO, Italy
Explore →3,040 reviews
What are the best tours and experiences in Bologna?
Hop-on-hop-off, food tours, day trips, skip-the-line tickets
GetYourGuide →

Quick answer Top tour formats in Bologna include hop-on-hop-off bus loops, food and walking tours, day trips, and skip-the-line attraction tickets. All bookable through Viator or GetYourGuide with free cancellation on most options.

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Where can I shop in Bologna?
Malls, markets, and retail districts

Quick answer Top shopping destinations in Bologna from major malls to local markets. Browse the rail below for hours, locations, and ratings.

What events are happening in Bologna?
Concerts, sports & shows in the next 90 days
All events →

Quick answer 9 upcoming events in Bologna across the next 90 days, including concerts, sports, and live shows. Tickets via Ticketmaster.

Music / Folk / Folk
JUN
25
OF MONSTERS AND MEN
Via di Corticella, 147
Concert
JUN
28
Max Pezzali
Bologna
Music / Folk / Folk
JUN
29
Aldous Harding
Locomotiv Club
Music / Rock / Pop
JUN
29
Subsonica - Terre Rare 96 - 26 | Sequoie Music Park
Via di Corticella, 147
Music / Rock / Alternative Rock
JUL
7
Jet
Via di Corticella, 147
Arts & Theatre / Theatre / Miscellaneous
JUL
9
Serena Rossi
Arena Flegrea
Music / Hip-Hop/Rap / Hip-Hop/Rap
JUL
12
Frah Quintale
Via di Corticella, 147
Music / Rock / Alternative Rock
JUL
16
Interpol
Via di Corticella, 147
Concert
JUL
21
TROPICO
Via di Corticella, 147, Bologna
Frequently asked questions about Bologna
Common traveler questions answered
What are the top things to do in Bologna?
Bologna offers world-class attractions, guided tours, restaurants, nightlife, shopping districts and live events. Explore the rails above for ranked attractions, food & drink picks, shows and experiences happening in the next 90 days.
How many days do I need in Bologna?
Most travelers find 3-5 days is enough to see the main attractions in Bologna, with extra time for day trips or beach time. Long weekends (3 days) work for highlight tours; a full week lets you slow down and explore neighborhoods, cuisine and nearby destinations.
What's the best way to get around Bologna?
Public transport, walking, taxis and rideshares cover most central areas. Renting a car gives you the most flexibility for day trips, beaches, and destinations outside the city center, with all major suppliers available at Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ).
When is the best time to visit Bologna?
Shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) typically offer the best balance of weather, crowds, and prices. Summer brings peak attractions and events but also the highest hotel rates and longest queues. Check current event listings above to align your visit with festivals or shows that interest you.
Where is the best area to stay in Bologna?
Central neighborhoods near top attractions are convenient for first-time visitors. Compare hotel rates from hundreds of sites using the KAYAK link in the sidebar to find the right balance of price, location, and amenities for your trip.
Do I need a car in Bologna?
It depends on your itinerary. For city-focused trips with central hotels, public transport and rideshares often work fine. If you plan beach days, day trips, or visits to suburbs and surrounding areas, a rental car is usually faster and cheaper than booking individual transfers.

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