What to do in Bologna for free

Tips from a tourist guide: what to do for free in Bologna

One of the most common questions we get on tours is: 💬 *What to do for free in Bologna?

That's why I decided to sit down and write this guide with the best free things you can do in Bologna.

We start with one of the most hidden but completely free attractions: The archaeological excavations of Sala Borsa, the city's central library overlooking Piazza Maggiore.
This place hides Roman remains visible through a glass floor, offering a glimpse into Bologna's history.

⛪ Free churches not to be missed.

These are some of the most important churches in the city and their entrance is free:

San Petronio: The largest church in the city, overlooking Piazza Maggiore.
Santo Stefano (The Seven Churches)**: An architectural ensemble full of history and secrets.
San Pietro**: The city's cathedral and seat of the archbishopric. Here you can find a free copy of the sculpture Mourning the Dead Christ by Niccolò dell'Arca.
Santa Maria della Vita: A fascinating example of Italian Baroque in the heart of Bologna. *(Note: access to the original sculpture by Niccolò dell'Arca costs 5€).
San Francesco: A rare example of Italian Gothic in a square with a special charm. At nightfall, the area comes alive with people celebrating.

🚶 For those who love to walk....

If you like to walk and discover the city without rushing, here are some must-see walks:

🔹 Hike up to the Sanctuary of San Luca.

A 3.5 km walk from the center, completely covered by the longest portico in the world.
Ideal even on rainy days, this route leads to one of the most beloved places by the Bolognese.

🔹 Lose yourself in the Quadrilatero.

A medieval neighborhood full of life, where bookstores, fishmongers and historic taverns such as La Taberna del Sol mix.
Here you can experience the true spirit of Bologna, between the ancient and the modern.

🔹 Tour the Galleria Cavour.

A free walk through the showcase of luxury in Bologna.
Here you can find the boutiques of high-end brands, perfect for fashion lovers.

🔹 Admire the Portico of the Bank of Italy.

📍 Location: Piazza Cavour Here the impressive thing is not the bench, but the domes between the arches, decorated to make it the most elegant portico in Bologna.

🔹 Explore the parks of Villa Spada and Villa Ghigi.

For those who want to immerse themselves in nature, these parks offer many hidden attractions:

🌳 Villa Spada: Relax in a small but charming Italian-style garden, with well-tended plants and classical statues.
🍒 Villa Ghigi: Stroll among fruit trees, especially cherry and fig trees, and if in season, taste some fruit!

🔹 Discover Corte Isolani.

📍 Piazza Santo Stefano. A gallery that today houses stores and restaurants, but gives an insight into the grandeur of the Bolognese palaces.
Walking through it, you are still inside the same historic building, but only by seeing it in person do you understand its magnitude.

🔎 Moreover, here you will find the oldest preserved portico of the city, under whose wooden arches is hidden one of the seven secrets of Bologna.

🔎 But... what are the 7 secrets of Bologna?

The seven secrets of the city are hidden throughout the streets of Bologna.
You can try to discover them on your own or join the freetour of the 7 Secrets of Bologna to learn the stories and legends surrounding them.

🔗 Find out more about our tours.

🎭 Conclusion: Enjoy Bologna free of charge

I hope this guide of free attractions will help you discover the magic of Bologna: A city full of history, legends and traditions ranging from architecture to gastronomy.

And who knows, maybe we'll see you soon in the busy streets of the Quadrilatero, enjoying a bologna sandwich or a spritz! 🍹