What to do in Bologna in one day

Bologna, a special city for me

Bologna for me is a very special city.

It is the city where I started my life as a tour guide. It is the city where I have lived for several years and it has given me a lot.

For those who visit it as a tourist (and I have met many travelers thanks to the tours), Bologna is usually a fantastic surprise.
It is not part of the great Italian destinations like Venice, Florence and Rome, nor does it have the historical renown of Milan, Naples, Turin or Palermo.

However, those who visit it discover that Bologna is a treasure hidden in plain sight. Its history is rich in heritage and stories, its location on the Italian peninsula is strategic, and it remains an important cultural center of Italy, much more than its size might suggest.

Find out more about our tours in Bologna

One of the great advantages of Bologna is its compact size, which allows you to explore the city walking, without the need to use public transportation.

It is also possible:

✔ move quickly to/from airport or central station.
✔ Get to the hills and nature in less than 20 minutes walking.
✔ Taste the Bolognese and Emilian gastronomy, famous all over the world and an essential part of Italian cuisine.

What to do in a day in Bologna

If you want to visit Bologna in a few days or if you are just passing through, I want you too to have a special memory of this city.
Here is a quick list of things not to miss in Bologna:

🔹 Climb the Asinelli Tower.

The symbol of the city and the highest point of the historic center, from where you get a spectacular view of all of Bologna.
📌 Must-see: 🔗 English official link

🔹 Visit the Archiginnasio Museum.

📖 Former seat of the first university in Europe and the western world.

🔹 The 3 most special churches.

San Petronio, the largest basilica in Bologna.
San Stefano, a group of churches with a unique charm.
**Santa Maria della Vita, with its striking sculptural group of the "Lamentation over the Dead Christ".

🔹 Walk through the Jewish quarter.

From the gate of the old ghetto, between Calle del Carro and Calle Zamboni, to getting lost in the colorful houses of Calle dell'Inferno and Calle dei Giudei.

🔹 Admire the most beautiful porticoes.

📌 Recommended location: in front of Banco d'Italia in Piazza Cavour.
🔗 View on Google Maps

🔹 Eat the authentic bolognese.

🍝 Special tips for those traveling with Laia.

🔹 Drinking out in Bologna.

Via del Pratello: Bohemian atmosphere, taverns and bars frequented by locals.
Via Mascarella: More student atmosphere, perfect for getting to know the university nightlife.

🔹 Discover the 7 secrets of Bologna.

🔎 The best way to do it is by joining the 7 Secrets Freetour with Viaja con Laia There's no doubt about it! 😆 🔗 Find out more about our tours

🌿 Extra tip for hiking lovers.

🏛️ Visit San Luca, the most important sanctuary of the city.
It is connected to the center by the longest portico in the world (3.5 km), an uninterrupted route of arches that offers a unique experience.