10 Things to Do in Bologna

Do you like the medieval era and good food? If so, you'll love Bologna. This historic capital of the Emilia-Romagna region in northern Italy offers a wide range of activities to enjoy during your vacation. Take advantage of gastronomic and cultural tours, and much more.

Bologna is undoubtedly a Renaissance treasure. You can visit different important sites in the city , such as Piazza Maggiore, the Salaborsa Center, several museums, and other places. You will have a unique experience full of history.

If you travel to Bologna in the fall, you can take advantage of the good weather to stroll through the streets of this city. One of the places I recommend visiting is the Fountain of Neptune, famous for all its characteristics: enigmatic, gigantic, and erotic. It is undoubtedly a monument you must visit during your stay in Bologna.

This incredible icon of Bologna dates back to the 16th century. It is located in Neptune Square and was created by architect Bartolomeo Ammannati and artists Juan de Bolonia and Tommaso Laureti. Locals call it Il Gigante, and you will recognize it immediately when you see it from afar. It features a statue of the god Neptune, his trident, dolphins, several mermaids, and shields. The entire structure is made of bronze, marble, and rock.

It is worth noting that this monument was created after the Council of Trent. At that time, Pope Pius IV commissioned it as part of the architectural renovation of the city. A curious fact, but also considered a rumor, is that for a time the church had to put bronze pants on the statue of Neptune. The idea was not to scandalize the population with the nudity of the work. However, this measure did not last long.

If you decide to take a guided tour of Bologna, make sure this spot is on the list of places to visit. It is worth stopping to appreciate the grandeur of this representative work of art. Don't forget to take some pictures!

Details of interest

• Price: free admission.
• Hours: you can go at any time.
• Location: Piazza del Nettuno, 40124 Bologna, Italy.

Thanks to Bologna's location, you can visit several small towns and cities in the surrounding area. With an excursion from Bologna, you can save time and even money. However, another option is to travel on your own by learning how to use public transportation or taking a taxi.

Among the tours you can take from Bologna, those that go to Verona, the land of Romeo and Juliet, stand out. There you can see the Arena, Piazza dei Signori (with the statue dedicated to Dante), Piazza delle Erbe, the Museo di Castelvecchio, among other memorable sights. However, keep in mind that this is a very popular destination during peak seasons.

If you want to try the best Parmigiano cheese and prosciutto crudo, you should travel to Parma. This small city, close to Bologna, offers a peaceful atmosphere all year round. There you can see the Ducal Palace and Gardens, the Farnese Theater, Piazza Garibaldi, among others.

Other cities you can visit are Padua, Modena, Ferrara, Florence, and beloved Venice. In the latter, you can take boat rides through its canals. If you are traveling with your partner, you will undoubtedly have a romantic and beautiful experience. Don't forget to include monuments and famous sites in all your itineraries so you don't miss anything important.

If you are a fan of Italian cars, you should take advantage of your stay in Bologna to visit the best car museums. You can choose from different options that include one or more museums. Some of them even allow you to see the factory where the cars are manufactured. Choose the option you like best!

The most popular is the Ferrari Museum in Maranello. Admission costs an average of €15 and you can buy your ticket online or at the museum. There you can enjoy a semi-professional Formula 1 simulator and other virtual experiences that let you feel what drivers experience. You can also learn about the history of this brand and its evolution over time.

You can also visit the Lamborghini factory and museum in Sant'Agata Bolognese. Here you can see a dazzling display of cars, visit the gift shop, and enjoy a simulator. According to some people, this museum is simpler than the others.

Another must-see on your list is the Pagani factory and museum in San Cesario sul Panaro. This is the smallest of the three, but it has exhibitions that are well worth seeing. Take advantage of these museums to take as many photos as you can and enjoy the passion for motorsports.

If you're in Bologna, you should definitely try its typical dishes. For that, I recommend taking a food tour. Some of them include wine tasting or sampling Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and Italian ham. These are products that are made in the city, so you can opt for tours inside local factories and see how the whole process works.

Sometimes these tours include private transportation or are simply done on foot. If it is a small tasting, you will usually visit different restaurants. Among the dishes you will probably eat are tortellini pasta, famous for being served at the MasterChef Restaurant, Italian flatbread, fresh fruit, and Italian sweets.

Depending on the type of tour you choose, you can have breakfast and lunch on the same tour. One of the advantages of going to restaurants is that for a few hours you can see how the locals interact. For a passionate traveler, this is one of the best experiences of their trip.

If you are traveling during the colder months of the year, I recommend taking a tour of Bologna's best museums. You can enjoy indoor venues while avoiding the cold outside and learning about the history of this iconic city with its medieval features.

To start with, I recommend visiting the National Art Gallery of Bologna, one of the most important museums in Italy. It is notable for its collections of paintings by the Carracci and their followers. You will also find part of the former headquarters of a Jesuit seminary. Are you going to miss it? Without a doubt, it is a must-see on your itinerary.

The second stop to learn about the history and origins of Bologna that you can't miss is the Civic Archaeological Museum. This site has more than 200,000 archaeological pieces, from mummies to sculptures from ancient Rome. It is located a few meters from the city's Piazza Maggiore. A paradise steeped in history!

And finally, I recommend visiting the Museo d'Arte Moderna di Bologna (MAMbo). Here you will discover Italian modern art, independent works, and much more. These museums are a gateway to learning about the history of Bologna and losing yourself in an artistic paradise.

If you travel to Bologna during Christmas, you should be prepared for temperatures ranging from 3°C to 10°C. Dress warmly and don't let the cold stop you from enjoying this city. The holidays are one of the best times of the year to enjoy Bologna's traditions.

Among its most popular customs are the gatherings held at the Bologna City Hall. In the center of the historic city center, next to the Basilica of San Petronio, a giant Christmas tree is planted and decorated. It is a beautiful attraction that you should not miss. Come and enjoy this place and its decorations with your loved ones.

Another fun activity is visiting the Christmas markets in Bologna. One of the most popular in the city and in all of Italy is the Fiera di Santa Lucia on Strada Maggiore. It begins in the second week of December and ends on the 23rd of that month. You can go and do your Christmas shopping.

And as I said at the beginning, the low temperatures are no obstacle to having a good time. Take advantage of the weather to enjoy ice skating on the outdoor rinks. Take courage and enjoy these Christmas gifts that the weather has in store for you. I assure you that you will have a good time.

During the hot season in Bologna, temperatures range from 25°C to 35°C. Although it can be hot, there are several things you can do during the summer. One of them is to take a tour on a Vespa scooter or electric bike, so you can feel the breeze on your whole body and avoid the heat while getting to know the city.

I recommend these types of tours because they offer you the chance to ride a Vespa scooter. This vehicle is an icon of Italian history that many dream of riding. These tours are usually done with few tourists so that they can follow the guide and feel comfortable on the tour.

Electric bikes are more recommended because they help you avoid exertion and therefore excessive sweating. This way, you can explore the city without getting too tired. Regardless of the means of transportation you choose, I always recommend bringing a bottle of water to stay hydrated at all times.

Once you meet up with the group, your first stop may be the Sanctuary of Our Lady of San Luca. They also usually pass by the Monumento ai Caduti di Sabbiuno. The Parco della Chiusa is also often included. The routes can vary or be customized according to your preferences.

If you are going out in Bologna on a summer day, I recommend applying sunscreen all over your body. The sun can be aggressive at this time of year, so it is best to protect yourself. You can also wear a hat and, of course, comfortable clothing that allows you to perspire easily.

If you like to experience the nightlife of the cities you visit, one of the things you can do at night in Bologna is a tour of its bars. It is a city full of joy, music, and dancing. Take advantage of visiting several famous places, try the best wine, and enjoy an Italian-style dinner.

Among the places I recommend visiting is Numa Restaurant & Ballroom. Although they are open on weekdays, Saturdays are dedicated to urban genres such as reggaeton and hip hop. It's an ideal place if you want to dance and have a good time with friends.

If you're not really into nightclubs, I recommend visiting Arterìa. It's a quiet place where you can enjoy live music events. You can also have your favorite drinks and dine on the best of the menu. This venue also has spaces where you can dance if you feel like it at some point during the night.

If you're a wine lover, I recommend visiting Vinologico. Here you can enjoy a delicious dinner with an Italian wine recommended by the house. If, on the other hand, you prefer to enjoy a good coffee, I recommend visiting the Black Cat Pub. As you can see, there are options for all tastes, so you'll have no excuse not to enjoy the nightlife in Bologna.

If you travel to Bologna in the spring, you can enjoy nature by visiting some of its parks. This may be the most beautiful time to visit Bologna, as there are many mountain landscapes, gardens, and parks to relax in. You can even rent a bike and ride around more comfortably.

In addition to walking peacefully through these places and enjoying the fresh air, you can also prepare a small breakfast or lunch. This is an ideal plan when traveling with children. One of the places I recommend is Villa Ghigi Park. It has a variety of plants that adorn the landscape. I invite you to stroll freely through this small natural paradise. At the end of your tour, you can refresh yourself at the Casa del Custodio.

On the other hand, the Margherita Gardens are considered the green lung of central Bologna. Its 26 hectares make it the largest park in the city. It is also the busiest of all, so if you want to get to know the locals a little better, this may be a good destination.

These recommendations would not be complete without the Botanical Garden of the University of Bologna. It is one of the oldest in Italy, dating back to the 16th century. Another place you can visit is the Navile Canal Bike Path. This is an ideal cycling and walking path if you want to ride your bike and relax while admiring the city.

Palazzo del Podestà

Piazza Maggiore in Bologna is a popular spot that tends to attract both locals and tourists. It is an enclosed but welcoming space where you can see the city's most important and imposing buildings. It also allows you to admire ancient arcades and windows. It is undoubtedly a delight for architects and enthusiasts.

The Palazzo del Podestà, built in 1200, is located right in this square. At that time, its function was to be the seat of the first local magistrate and his officials. Over the centuries, its appearance changed until it adopted a Renaissance style and became a center for meetings and tourism.

An interesting fact is that this palace was not only dedicated to politics. During the 16th and 18th centuries, it became a renowned theater. To visit it, I recommend taking the tourist bus tour and getting off at the Palazzo del Podestà stop.

I also suggest you stroll through its gallery and enjoy a delicious coffee. From inside, you can see the entire Piazza Maggiore, and on the second floor, you will find beautiful paintings and sculptures. You can also visit the statues of San Domenico and San Petronio, located in the palace's porticoes. During the Middle Ages, this structure was used as a place for lepers and other sick people to confess to priests.

Details of interest

• Price: free admission.
• Hours: open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.
• Location: Piazza Maggiore, 1, 40124 Bologna, Italy.