What to do in Bologna

Activities, attractions and tours

Bologna
Bologna
Bologna
Bologna
Bologna

Bologna Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Bologna has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Bologna, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to Bologna with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in Bologna

Bologna is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Bologna, and make it a breeze to explore Bologna and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Bologna to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to Bologna, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in Bologna.

Bologna attractions

Bologna has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in Bologna to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Bologna.

Looking for things to do in Bologna can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of Bologna or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Bologna attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    One Key members save % or more on select activities, hotels, cars and holiday rentals.
    Learn about One Key

Most fun & popular experiences in Bologna

Tours & day trips

See all 228 activities
Bologna: Open Bus City Tour and Local Food Tasting

Bologna: Open Bus City Tour and Local Food Tasting

Activity duration is 1 day
7.0 out of 10 with 147 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is £35 per adult
Bologna: Open Bus City Tour and Local Food TastingOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 85 activities
Day Tour Parmigiano, Ferrari Museum, Balsamic, Lambrusco, Lunch with Transf...

Day Tour Parmigiano, Ferrari Museum, Balsamic, Lambrusco, Lunch with Transf...

Activity duration is 8 hours and 30 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 24 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is £148 per adult
Day Tour Parmigiano, Ferrari Museum, Balsamic, Lambrusco, Lunch with Transf...Opens in new tab

Classes & workshops

See all 59 activities
Bologna Tortellini Cooking Class with Local Chef & Wine

Bologna Tortellini Cooking Class with Local Chef & Wine

Activity duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is £74 per adult
Bologna Tortellini Cooking Class with Local Chef & WineOpens in new tab

Adventure & outdoor

See all 12 activities
Bologna: Bike Rental

Bologna: Bike Rental

Activity duration is 8 hours
9.6 out of 10 with 4 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is £13 per adult
Bologna: Bike RentalOpens in new tab

Holiday & seasonal tours

See all 3 activities
Degustazione di vini alla Cantina Montevecchio Isolani

Degustazione di vini alla Cantina Montevecchio Isolani

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is £44 per adult
Degustazione di vini alla Cantina Montevecchio IsolaniOpens in new tab

Recommended things to do in Bologna

Number of things to do
274
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Bologna's Best Kept Secrets: Self-Guided Walking Tour: £3
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Bologna

Popular places to visit

BolognaFiere

BolognaFiere

Attend a conference or exhibition in the heart of historic Bologna at a sleek, modern and multipurpose center that hosts events throughout the year.

BolognaFiere
Piazza Maggiore

Piazza Maggiore

Not only has this been the epicenter of Bologna since the 13th century, but it is also one of the largest and oldest squares in all of Italy.

Piazza Maggiore
Panorama view of Bologna Renato Dall'Ara Stadium from outside. Stadio Dall'Ara. Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy

Stadio Renato Dall'Ara

Catch an event at Stadio Renato Dall'Ara during your trip to Bologna. Discover the fascinating museums and shops in this walkable area.

Stadio Renato Dall'Ara
Ducati Museum

Ducati Museum

Get an insider perspective and discover the history and prestige of the iconic Ducati motorcycle at this museum and factory.

Ducati Museum
Two Towers

Two Towers

A magnificent view over the medieval rooftops of Bologna’s city center is just reward for the arduous climb to the top of one of these ancient towers.

Two Towers
Via Indipendenza

Via Indipendenza

Find out about the history of Bologna when you take a trip to Via Indipendenza. Visit the shops and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.

Via Indipendenza
Basilica of San Petronio

Basilica of San Petronio

See one of the largest churches in the world and learn the story behind its magnificent yet unfinished marble façade.

Basilica of San Petronio
Basilica Santo Stefano

Basilica Santo Stefano

Go for a stroll through this interconnected group of religious buildings, admiring the graceful architecture and valuable artwork in each.

Basilica Santo Stefano
Fountain of Neptune

Fountain of Neptune

This intriguing work of art is one of the most well-known symbols of Bologna and an important public gathering place.

Fountain of Neptune

Explore areas of Bologna

Historic Center

Historic Center

4/5(220 area reviews)

Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Via Indipendenza to Piazza VIII Agosto – discover Historic Center, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Historic Center
Santo Stefano

Santo Stefano

4/5(2 area reviews)

Travellers come to Santo Stefano for its cosy coffee shops, and you can see top attractions like Basilica of San Domenico and Teatro Duse while you're in town.

Santo Stefano
Bologna Fiere District

Bologna Fiere District

Museums, historical sites and gardens are some highlights of Bologna Fiere District. Make a stop by Parco Nord Arena or Caserme Rosse while you're exploring.

Bologna Fiere District
Saragozza-Porto

Saragozza-Porto

4/5(11 area reviews)

Saragozza-Porto is popular for its lively bars, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Portico of San Luca or Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca.

Saragozza-Porto
Bolognina

Bolognina

While visiting Bolognina, you might make a stop by sights like Ippodromo Arcoveggio and Museum for the Memory of Ustica.

Bolognina
Aerial video of Bologna city center at sunset, Emilia Romagna, Italy

San Donato-San Vitale

4/5(22 area reviews)

San Donato-San Vitale is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by FICO Eataly World and EuropAuditorium Theater while in the area.

San Donato-San Vitale

 

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 Bologna

Panoramic view of the historical center with the towers, Bologna, Italy

Calderara di Reno

Panorama view of Parco dei Gessi. Farneto, San Lazzaro di Savena, Bologna, Italy

Pianoro

Casalecchio di Reno

Casalecchio di Reno

Adobe

San Lazzaro di Savena

Angera (VA), Italy - September 15, 2016: View of Rocca Borromea in Angera town, Angera, Maggiore Lake, Varese, Lombardy, Italy.

Castel Maggiore

Lights and shadows on the woodlad, the hills and the cultivated fields in Zena valley. Pianoro municipality, Bologna province, Emilia-Romagna, Italy.

Sasso Marconi

Bologna landmark Abbey of Monteveglio horizontal background Emilia Romagna region

Zola Predosa

Adobe

Borgonuovo

Frequently asked questions

Is Bologna worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in Bologna is explore Cattedrale di San Pietro. Check this major sight off your to-do list, then discover more of this area's dining and culture.
How do I spend a day in Bologna?
Start your adventures with a visit to Palazzo Albergati and Palazzo Fantuzzi. Then, check out different areas of Bologna for local dining and some retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Bologna?
The top tourist attraction in Bologna is Cattedrale di San Pietro, so make sure to include it on your itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Bologna?
You can easily tick off leading sights like Cattedrale di San Pietro, Teatro Duse and Bologna Museum of Modern Art with a three-day stay in Bologna. On average, most travellers plan two days here. There's plenty to see and do nearby too, so stay a while longer and head to Modena.
Is Bologna a walkable city?
That comes down to what you want to do and see in Bologna. Several key attractions, like Cattedrale di San Pietro and Teatro Duse, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a wander through some of Bologna's neighbourhoods, Historic Centre is 0.48 kms (0.30 miles) away from downtown, while Saragozza-Porto is 3 kms (2 miles) away from the centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Bologna with kids?
If you're searching for attractions and activities for all the family, here are some excellent ideas for what to do in Bologna with kids.

What to do in Bologna for adults?
Via Indipendenza and Via Zamboni are just a couple of the things to do in Bologna. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Bologna?
One of the simplest ways to learn about free things to do in Bologna is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider tips on hip neighbourhoods, parks and other highlights you can enjoy without getting your cash out. Cattedrale di San Pietro is one place that doesn't have an admission fee.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia