Eat and Explore Bologna in a Day
What to Do in Bologna in a Day? Simple—spend it eating.
That’s exactly what we did. Bologna, known as La Grassa (The Fat One), is the foodie capital of Italy, and its locals take their cuisine seriously. The city’s rich culinary heritage includes dishes like tagliatelle al ragù (the original Bolognese meat sauce), tortellini, lasagna, and the famous mortadella (yes, Italian baloney).
But Bologna isn’t just about food. Its medieval terracotta buildings, UNESCO-recognized porticoes stretching over 62 km, art museums, and lively piazzas offer plenty to explore. As a vibrant university city, it’s also bursting with energy, and its nightlife scene was a delightful surprise during our visit.
Bologna had been high on our must-visit list for a while, and as food lovers, we were excited to dive into its culinary treasures. With only one day in Bologna, we knew it wasn’t enough to experience everything. Still, thanks to a fantastic food tour, we sampled the city’s iconic dishes while discovering some of its top sights.
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Although Bologna deserves more than a day, its compact size makes it possible to experience the city’s essence in less than 24 hours—especially if you prioritize eating (and plan well).
By the end of this guide, you’ll understand why Bologna is one of Italy’s most beloved yet underrated cities, standing apart from tourist hotspots like Rome, Florence, and Venice. Get ready for a day filled with flavor and unforgettable moments in Bologna.
Making the Most of One Day in Bologna
Bologna is a compact, walkable city where you can experience its essence in just one day—starting, of course, with the food. As the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region, often called Italy’s Food Valley, Bologna takes its cuisine seriously. Beyond the incredible food scene, there are key attractions and cultural experiences to enjoy, making it a fantastic destination even if you’re short on time.
We recommend booking a tour—whether it’s a food-focused adventure or a walking tour of the city. Tours not only guide you to top spots but also help you connect with Bologna’s history, culture, and rhythm, especially if it initially feels overwhelming as a bustling university city.
Take a Food Tour With Delicious Bologna
One of the best ways to experience Bologna in a day is through its food, and we can’t recommend the Delicious Bologna food tour enough. This was easily one of the best food tours we’ve ever taken—delicious dishes, a passionate guide, and excellent value.
The Daylight Food Tour includes multiple stops and showcases the culinary heart of Bologna. Here’s what we got to enjoy:
- A typical Italian breakfast of café and cornetto.
- We visited a local salumeria, where we learned about the art of cured meats.
- A tour of a pasta-making facility, watching skilled women handcraft tortellini and other traditional pastas.
- Sampling iconic cured meats and cheeses at a trattoria in the Quadrilatero: Prosciutto di Parma, Culatello di Zibello, Mortadella, and Parmigiano Reggiano.
- Lunch at a local restaurant with small portions of Bologna’s signature dishes: tortellini in brodo, tagliatelle al ragù, and lasagna verde—all paired with wine.
- A stop at the salumeria for a tasting of aged balsamic vinegars.
- Ending the tour with gelato from a local shop.
The tour’s small group size made it even more enjoyable, as we connected with other food lovers while exploring the city. Our guide’s enthusiasm for Bologna, its food, and its local businesses added depth to the experience.
If you’re visiting Bologna, don’t miss the chance to take this tour. It’s the perfect introduction to the city’s culinary heritage.
Other Food Tour Ideas:
Bologna walking tasting tour with Secret Food Tours [book here]
Bologna: Tastes and Traditions Food Tour with Market Visit [book here]
Two Towers of Bologna
The iconic Two Towers of Bologna (Le Due Torri) dominate the city center skyline. Built in the 12th century by two prominent families, they once marked the southern entrance to the city and symbolized wealth and power. Bologna was once home to over 100 towers, but these two remain the most famous.
- Torre degli Asinelli: Standing at 97.2 m (319 ft), this is the tallest tower in Bologna and is open to the public. You can climb 498 steps to the top for breathtaking city views for a small fee. If this is a priority for your visit, plan ahead and book tickets online.
- Torre Garisenda: Originally 60 m tall, this tower was reduced to 48.6 m (157 ft) in the 14th century due to structural concerns.
The towers are a must-see for history lovers and those seeking stunning panoramic views of Bologna.
Fun Fact: The Garisenda Tower leans at an impressive 4 degrees—slightly more than the Leaning Tower of Pisa, which tilts at 3.97 degrees!
Piazza Maggiore
Piazza Maggiore, Bologna’s grand central square, is at the heart of the city. Dating back to the 12th century, it’s one of Italy’s oldest and most historic piazzas.
While in this vibrant square, take time to admire:
- The medieval architecture and grandeur surrounding the piazza.
- The Basilica of San Petronio is a striking landmark that is free to enter.
- Neptune’s Fountain (il Gigante), an impressive statue that commands attention at the piazza’s center.
- The energy and lively atmosphere are filled with locals and visitors.
Piazza Maggiore is always buzzing with activity. During our visit, we loved watching people soak in the space, especially at night, when it was still full of life. An outdoor movie was set up, adding to the dynamic atmosphere.
The piazza is surrounded by some of Bologna’s most iconic buildings, including the Basilica of San Petronio, which is free to enter.
Whispering Walls in Piazza Maggiore
While visiting Piazza Maggiore, look for the whispering walls under the Palazzo del Podestà. These vaulted arches create a fascinating acoustic trick: when someone speaks into one corner, the sound travels to the diagonally opposite corner, allowing another person to hear the whisper.
Four corners are under the porticoes’ entrances, and this fun quirk has become one of Bologna’s most unique hidden gems. It’s a simple yet fun experience that adds a bit of mystery and wonder to your time in the piazza.
Tour Idea:
Highlights & Hidden Gems With Locals [book here]
The Porticoes of Bologna
The Porticoes of Bologna are an iconic feature of the city and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stretching over 40 miles, Bologna’s porticoes form the longest covered walkways in the world—and they were one of our favorite parts of visiting the city.
These unique structures connect different parts of Bologna, offering shade on sunny days and shelter from the rain. As you explore, you’ll notice how seamlessly they blend practicality with architectural charm, making them an essential part of the city’s character.
Explore the Quadrilatero of Bologna
The Quadrilatero is Bologna’s historic medieval market district, located between Piazza Maggiore and the Two Towers. This lively area is perfect for exploring, shopping, and enjoying a quick bite. Its charming corners feature colorful produce stands and inviting outdoor seating at cafés, making it a feast for the senses.
Food lovers should add the Quadrilatero to their itinerary. While it’s ideal for sampling fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and small plates of salumi and fromagerie, it’s not the go-to spot for authentic meals. Our food tour guide recommended it as a great place for drinks and light bites rather than a full dining experience.
This bustling, vibrant area is filled with locals and tourists, giving you a taste of Bologna’s energy and atmosphere.
Tour Idea:
Classic Walking Tour Bologna [book here]
Find Bologna’s Hidden Canals
Did you know Bologna has canals? We didn’t either! While they’re not exactly a secret, they are cleverly concealed. Known as The Little Venice, Bologna’s canals have been part of the city’s history since the 12th century.
Originally built as part of the city’s hydraulic system, the canals and underground pipes were once used to transport water throughout Bologna. Many of them are hidden behind buildings today, and you’ll only spot them if you know where to look.
Here are some must-visit spots to uncover Bologna’s hidden canals:
- Little Window on Via Piella: Peer through this small window to see a picturesque stretch of canal. (Google Map It)
- View from the Bridge on Via Malcontenti: Another excellent vantage point to admire Bologna’s waterways. (Google Map It)
- Chiusa della Grada: Visit this historic location to see where the canals enter the city. (Google Map It)
We recommend wandering through Bologna with these spots in mind and looking for unexpected glimpses of the canals as you explore.
Have an Aperitivo at Piazza Santo Stefano
Looking for a more relaxed spot to enjoy a drink away from the crowds? Head to Piazza Santo Stefano, one of Bologna’s most charming squares. With plenty of outdoor seating at cafés and restaurants, it’s the perfect place to unwind with an aperitivo while soaking up the atmosphere.
Also known as Seven Churches Square, seven historic religious buildings surround this piazza. The most notable is the Basilica di Santo Stefano, one of Bologna’s most important religious landmarks, and it’s free to enter.
Whether you’re sipping on a spritz or taking a quiet moment to explore the basilica, Piazza Santo Stefano offers a serene escape in the heart of the city.
Bologna Foods to Eat
Bologna, Italy’s foodie capital, offers a mouthwatering array of dishes. Here are five must-try specialties:
Where to eat: Cantina Bentivoglio
We struggled to pick just one place for dinner in Bologna, but our food guide saved the day with a fantastic recommendation: Cantina Bentivoglio. Known for live jazz music and excellent food, it was the perfect way to end our visit.
This old-school trattoria has upstairs and downstairs dining areas. The downstairs often hosts live music—ask about performances when reserving.
We ordered two courses each and shared a main entrée, indulging in:
- Pappardelle con funghi porcini e castagne: A rich, earthy pasta with chestnuts and porcini mushrooms that we still dream about.
- Cotoletta alla Bolognese: Massive and indulgent, it was the perfect dish to share after a day of feasting.
Tip: Download The Fork app before your trip to Italy. It is their version of Open Table and Resy. Just like it is here, you won’t find all restaurants, but sometimes it does help in a pinch to get same-day reservations or farther in advance. We successfully found a couple of excellent restaurants here during our travels in Italy.
Read more: Exploring the Food of Emilia-Romagna
Day Trip to Bologna: How to Get to Bologna
Though one day may seem short, Bologna’s compact and walkable historic center makes it easy to experience the city’s highlights at a relaxed pace. If you’re planning a day trip, here are some convenient transportation options from nearby cities in Italy.
Bologna could also be a great home base in Emilia Romagna. With its lively atmosphere and a central train station, it’s perfectly positioned for trips to nearby destinations like Modena, Ferrara, Parma, and even Florence.
Bologna Centrale is well-connected, making it an ideal destination for day trips:
- From Modena: 30 minutes by train
- From Florence: 40 minutes by train
- From Parma: 1 hour by train
- From Milan: 1 hour 15 minutes by train
Tip: Book train tickets in advance for the best fares. [Check train schedules here]
We decided to rent a car for our trip to Bologna, allowing us to explore at our own pace. Driving in Italy isn’t for everyone, but it’s a great option if you want the flexibility to visit nearby countryside or villages. From Modena, the drive took about an hour (though the train is faster).
Where to Park in Bologna: We parked at Parcheggio Piazza VIII Agosto, a convenient lot about a 10-minute walk from the city center. Address: 33, 40126 Bologna BO, Italy [Google Map It]
BEFORE YOU TRAVEL TO ITALY, CHECK OUT THESE RELATED READS:
- Unmissable Things to Do in Modena, Italy
- A Guide to Exploring Parma in a Day: Top Sights and Eats
- What to Eat in Emilia-Romagna: 10 Classic Foods
- Italy’s Best Experiences to Add to Your Travel Goals
Kathy Ava
Meet Kathy Ava, a food, travel, and cruise writer based in Los Angeles/Pasadena, and the owner and main writer of Tasty Itinerary. With over 20 years of experience planning trips and logistics at her full-time job and for herself, she's become a pro at crafting unforgettable tasty itineraries. She's always on the hunt for delicious, fun travel destinations and cruise itineraries. She firmly believes that life is short and we must make the most of it, so always say yes to dessert.