What to do in Province of Bologna

Activities, attractions and tours

Basilica of San Petronio featuring a church or cathedral, interior views and religious elements
Basilica Santo Stefano featuring a square or plaza, heritage architecture and a church or cathedral
Fountain of Neptune showing a fountain, a statue or sculpture and heritage architecture
Province of Bologna
Bologna which includes outdoor art

Province of Bologna Attractions

Bologna is famous for its cuisine, culture and history. It has been called la Grassa (the fat one) thanks to its appreciation of the finer things in life - and its restaurants will certainly please those who enjoy great food. It has also been called la Dotta (the learned one) because of its history of learning and culture - the first university in the western world opened its doors here and the city is awash with galleries, museums and music venues. Finally it has been called la Rossa (the red one) - and visitors cannot help but admire its terracotta buildings and miles of porticoes that line the beautifully colonnaded medieval grid that forms the city.

Areas & Neighbourhoods in Bologna

Bologna’s city centre is compact and eminently walkable - take a walking or cycling tour to take in all that is on offer.

Via dell’Indipendenza - Bologna’s main thoroughfare will always take you to the heart of the action and offer you plenty of cafes, bars and restaurants along the way.

Piazza Maggiore and Piazza del Nettuno - These two linked central squares are at the medieval heart of the city. Around these will be many eating out options and more historic palaces, churches, galleries and museums than you could ever imagine. If all that history gets too much just drop by Via Clavature for the wonderful produce displays of the market stalls.

The University Quarter - The east of the historic centre is where many of the old university buildings can be found and today offers the best part of the city for bohemian vibe and cosmopolitan cafe culture.

Things to See in Bologna

The historic centre of Bologna is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful in Italy. It is certainly the best preserved and offers a veritable feast for the eyes with its distinguishing palette of warm reds, burnt oranges and yellow ochres. Must-see sights include the delightful central square at the Piazza Maggiore, the iconic towers of Bologna, the 22 chapels of San Petronio Basilica and the imposing, monumental fountain of Neptune.

Things to Do in Bologna

Bologna was named by UNESCO as a Creative City of Music - take the chance to listen to some opera at the Teatro Comunale or some jazz, funk (or pretty much whatever takes your fancy) in clubs and pubs throughout the city. If the delightful cuisine of Bologna has whetted your appetite there are cookery courses where you can learn some of the region’s best culinary secrets. Art galleries and museums provide enough food for thought if cooking is not your thing. Or, of course, you can just kick back in the university quarter and happily watch the world go by: there’s always something happening in Bologna.

You can also book top Bologna hotels and great Bologna holidays right here on Expedia.co.uk.



Most fun & popular experiences in Province of Bologna

Tours & day trips

See all 322 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 141 activities

Classes & workshops

See all 57 activities

Adventure & outdoor

See all 18 activities

Shows & concerts

See all 17 activities

What to do in Province of Bologna



 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 


 

Day trip destinations from Province of Bologna