Bologna in a weekend: what to see, where to eat, how to get around
Bologna is perfect for a weekend: compact, packed with history and home to one of Italy's best-loved cuisines. Here is a two-day itinerary with what to see, where to eat and how to get around.
What to see
The heart of the city is Piazza Maggiore, with the Basilica of San Petronio and the Palazzo Comunale. A few steps away you find the Two Towers (climb the Asinelli Tower for the view over the rooftops), the Archiginnasio with its Anatomical Theatre and the striking Basilica of Santo Stefano, the complex of the Seven Churches.
Don't miss the porticoes of Bologna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site: almost 40 kilometres of covered walkways running through the city. The most famous one climbs up to the Sanctuary of San Luca, on the hills, with a view that rewards the walk.
Where to eat
Bologna is the city of ragù, tortellini and tagliatelle. In the Quadrilatero and at the Mercato di Mezzo, behind Piazza Maggiore, you find historic food shops, cured meats, cheeses and small trattorias. Treat yourself to a plate of tagliatelle al ragù, tortellini in broth and, to finish, a board of mortadella and Parmigiano.
One tip: book ahead for dinner at weekends, especially in the best-known trattorias in the centre.
How to get around
The centre is pedestrianised and easy to explore on foot: distances are short and the porticoes shelter you from sun and rain. For the outer areas there are the urban buses. From Marconi airport you reach the Central Station with the Marconi Express in about 7 minutes, and from there the centre is very close.
A two-day itinerary
Day 1 — Piazza Maggiore, San Petronio, climb the Asinelli Tower, lunch in the Quadrilatero, an afternoon between the Archiginnasio and Santo Stefano, aperitivo in the centre.
Day 2 — Walk under the porticoes up to San Luca (or take the bus), back for lunch in a trattoria, an afternoon among food shops and shopping streets.
Book your stay
To enjoy Bologna without a worry, choose one of the DreamNest homes: well-kept houses in the right parts of the city, with availability synced across our site, Airbnb and Booking.com.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need to visit Bologna?
A two-day weekend is enough to see the old town, climb one of the towers, stroll under the porticoes and enjoy the local cuisine. With a third day you can add San Luca or a day trip into Emilia.
How do I get from Bologna airport to the city centre?
Marconi airport is connected to the Central Station by the Marconi Express, a monorail that takes about 7 minutes; from the station the centre is a few minutes away on foot or by bus.
When is the best time to visit Bologna?
Spring and autumn offer mild weather and fewer crowds. Summer is hotter but the city stays lively; in winter the atmosphere under the porticoes is charming and the hearty dishes are at their best.