Katie and Pierce
Bologna might not be as famous as Rome or Florence, but this northern Italian gem packs a serious punch when it comes to attractions. From medieval towers to food paradises, here are some must-see spots in the city that locals lovingly call “La Rossa” (The Red One) thanks to its stunning terracotta buildings.
1. Museo Civico Archeologico (Archaeological Museum)
Get your history fix at Bologna’s Archaeological Museum, home to one of the most impressive Egyptian collections in Italy. The museum is housed in a former hospital and offers a fascinating journey through time, from ancient Egypt to the Etruscan and Roman civilizations. Don’t miss the bronze statuettes and the well-preserved mummies!
2. Portico di San Luca
Feel like stretching your legs? The Portico di San Luca is the longest covered walkway in the world at nearly 4 kilometers. This stunning arcade of 666 arches connects the city center to the Sanctuary of San Luca on the hill above Bologna. The walk is beautiful, gradually ascending with breathtaking views of the countryside along the way.
3. Quadrilatero (Historic Market Area)
Food lovers, rejoice! The Quadrilatero is the beating heart of Bologna’s food scene. This medieval market district near Piazza Maggiore is filled with colorful stalls selling everything from fresh pasta to local cheeses, cured meats, and sweet treats. The narrow alleyways burst with amazing smells, sights, and tastes that will leave you dreaming of Bologna long after you’ve left.
4. Museo d’Arte Moderna di Bologna (MAMbo)
Contemporary art enthusiasts will love MAMbo, Bologna’s modern art museum housed in a former bakery. The permanent collection focuses on Italian art from the 1950s onward, while temporary exhibitions showcase cutting-edge international artists. The museum also houses the Giorgio Morandi Museum, dedicated to Bologna’s famous still-life painter.
5. Piazza Santo Stefano
This charming triangular piazza is home to one of Bologna’s most magical spots. The square leads to the complex of Santo Stefano and is lined with beautiful porticos and palaces. On the second Sunday of each month, it hosts a lovely antique market where you can hunt for unique treasures. It’s the perfect place to sit at an outdoor café and watch local life unfold.
6. FICO Eataly World (Food Theme Park)
Imagine Disneyland, but for food. That’s FICO Eataly World, the largest food park in the world! Located just outside the city center, this massive complex lets you see how Italian food is made, from field to fork. Watch cheese being pulled, pasta being shaped, and gelato being churned before tasting it all. There are over 40 restaurants and food stalls to choose from, so come hungry!
7. Basilica di San Petronio
Named after Bologna’s patron saint, this imposing church dominates Piazza Maggiore and is the tenth largest church in the world. Its façade remains famously unfinished, with marble covering only the lower half. Step inside to see the longest indoor meridian line in the world, designed by astronomer Giovanni Cassini in 1655. The church also offers access to a panoramic terrace with gorgeous views over the city.
8. Finestrella (Little Window with Canal View)
Bologna has a secret: it once had more canals than Venice! Today, most are hidden underground, but you can peek at one through the Finestrella di Via Piella, a small window in an otherwise ordinary wall. Open the little wooden shutter and you’ll discover a picturesque view of the Canale delle Moline, with colorful buildings reflecting in the water. It’s like finding a secret portal to another Bologna!
9. Villa Ghigi Park
Escape the city bustle at Villa Ghigi Park, a beautiful green space on the hills just south of the city center. Less touristy than other parks, Villa Ghigi offers wonderful walking paths through woodland and meadows, with stunning panoramic views of Bologna’s red rooftops. It’s particularly magical in autumn when the leaves change color, or in spring when wildflowers carpet the grounds.
10. Santuario Madonna di San Luca
Perched high on a hill overlooking Bologna, this stunning sanctuary is the endpoint of the famous portico. The church itself is beautiful, with an elegant dome and elaborate interior, but the real star is the view. From here, you can see all of Bologna spread out below, with the countryside beyond. The sanctuary holds a special place in locals’ hearts and is definitely worth the climb.
11. Piazza Maggiore
The living room of Bologna, Piazza Maggiore is the city’s main square and has been its beating heart since medieval times. Surrounded by important buildings like Palazzo d’Accursio and Basilica di San Petronio, it’s where locals gather to chat, people-watch, and relax. In summer, the square transforms into an open-air cinema, with movies projected onto a massive screen. Pure magic!
12. Mercato delle Erbe
For a taste of authentic local life, head to Mercato delle Erbe, Bologna’s largest indoor market. By day, it’s filled with vendors selling fresh produce, meats, and seafood. By evening, it transforms into a lively food hall where you can sample everything from traditional Bolognese dishes to international cuisine. Grab a glass of Pignoletto (local sparkling wine) and join the locals for aperitivo.
13. Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna (National Art Gallery)
Art buffs shouldn’t miss Bologna’s National Art Gallery, which houses an outstanding collection of Emilian paintings from the 13th to the 18th centuries. The gallery showcases works by Raphael, Giotto, and the Carracci brothers, among many others. The collection is particularly strong in Renaissance and Baroque periods, giving visitors a comprehensive overview of the region’s artistic evolution.
14. Le Due Torri (Asinelli and Garisenda Towers)
Bologna once had over 100 towers, built by wealthy families to show off their status. Today, just over 20 remain, with the Two Towers being the most famous. The taller Asinelli Tower (97 meters) can be climbed for amazing views if you’re up for tackling nearly 500 steps. Its companion, the shorter and visibly leaning Garisenda Tower, was immortalized in Dante’s Divine Comedy.
15. Teatro Anatomico (Anatomical Theater)
One of Bologna’s most unique attractions, the wooden Anatomical Theater was built in 1637 for public anatomy lessons at Europe’s oldest university. The room is beautifully carved with statues of famous physicians watching over the central dissection table. Look for the two skinned figures supporting the teacher’s chair, and notice the small door through which the Inquisition priest would monitor lectures to ensure they didn’t contradict Church teachings.
16. University of Bologna
Founded in 1088, the University of Bologna holds the title of the oldest university in the Western world. Its historic buildings are scattered throughout the city center, but the main complex near Via Zamboni offers beautiful courtyards and historic halls to explore. The student population keeps the city young and vibrant, with plenty of affordable eateries and lively bars in the university district.
17. Basilica Santuario Santo Stefano (Seven Churches Complex)
Known as “Sette Chiese” (Seven Churches), this fascinating religious complex originally contained seven interconnected churches, though only four remain today. Walking through it feels like traveling through time, with each section built in a different era. The peaceful courtyards, ancient baptistery, and beautiful cloisters create a serene atmosphere that contrasts with the bustle of the city.
18. Cattedrale Metropolitana di San Pietro (Bologna Cathedral)
Often overlooked in favor of San Petronio, Bologna’s actual cathedral is a hidden gem. While its exterior is relatively plain, step inside to discover a breathtaking Baroque interior with soaring white arches, ornate chapels, and beautiful artwork. The cathedral’s bell tower dates back to the 13th century and offers a less crowded alternative to the Asinelli Tower for city views.
19. Giardini Margherita
Bologna’s largest public park, the Giardini Margherita is where locals go to jog, picnic, or simply escape the urban environment. Created in the late 19th century, this English-style garden features a small lake, playgrounds, and plenty of shady spots to relax. In summer, the park comes alive with open-air bars, concerts, and events, making it a perfect spot to experience local culture.
20. Museo Internazionale e Biblioteca della Musica (Music Museum)
Housed in the stunning 16th-century Palazzo Sanguinetti, this museum celebrates Bologna’s rich musical heritage. The collection includes rare instruments, original manuscripts, and personal items belonging to famous composers like Mozart. The palazzo itself is worth visiting for its spectacular frescoed rooms, which provide a perfect backdrop for the musical treasures on display.
21. Archiginnasio di Bologna
Once the main building of the University of Bologna, the Archiginnasio now houses the city’s main library and the famous Anatomical Theater. The building’s walls and ceilings are covered with thousands of coats of arms belonging to former students and professors. The reading rooms maintain their ancient charm, making this one of the most atmospheric libraries you’ll ever visit.
Bologna may be known as Italy’s food capital, but as you can see, there’s so much more to discover in this underrated city. Whether you’re climbing medieval towers, strolling under the city’s famous porticoes, or simply soaking up the atmosphere in historic piazzas, Bologna offers visitors an authentic slice of Italian life without the overwhelming crowds of more touristy destinations.
