Bologna isn't on many people's radars when it comes to booking their Italian trips - it doesn't always fall into company with the likes of Rome, Florence and Venice - but I'm here to tell you that is absolutely should be.
Something about Bologna, its terracotta-toned porticoes lining every street in the city, is endearing. You come to Bologna to slow down and stay for a while. There aren't as many heavy-hitting tourist attractions that cause visitors to line up for hours, but instead there is a slow vibe, good food (Bologna is one of the food capitals of Italy), gorgeous architecture and a sense of feeling local even if you've only been there for a few minutes.
I had just one night in Bologna - although I wish I had many more - and in that time I squeezed in as much as I could of this gorgeous Italian city. Here is my guide to 24 hours in Bologna:
How to Get to Bologna
I arrived in Bologna by car from Venice, an easy drive down the A13. There is plenty of parking available in this bustling university city.
I left Bologna by train bound for Florence. The train station in Bologna is huge with a whopping 19 platforms, so make sure you get there in plenty of time to find your platform and not miss your train. Bologna Centrale is situated at the northern side of the city.
Coming from further away? You can also fly into Bologna; the international airport is just 8km outside the city and you can take the Marconi Express which takes just seven minutes from the airport to the train station!
Bologna Centrale
How to Get Around Bologna
Bologna is the perfect city for walking. The UNESCO World Heritage porticoes that line every street provide cool shade and a safe space to walk separated from the main roads which are popular with bikes. There are more than 62km of porticoes throughout Bologna and are a true icon of the city.
If you're looking to get up the Santuario della Madonna di San Luca, you can either hike along the 4.9km of porticoes up the hill or you can also take the San Luca Express, a regularly-running train that ferries tourists from central Bologna up to the sanctuary on the hill.
The San Luca Express to the Santuario della Madonna di San Luca
Where to Stay in Bologna
Bologna is a super progressive, liberal and hip town so if you're here for a bit longer, I can highly recommend booking an artsy apartment as your base for a while and using it as a place to chill out, cook, read and enjoy the city vibes.
I was just here for a night and for the backpackers out there, look no further than the Dopa Hostel. It's the best hostel in Bologna and has been perfectly designed with backpackers in mind. It's a big converted apartment in a quiet building in the perfect location; about 15 minutes from Bologna Centrale and ten minutes into the centre of the city. Breakfast is included too, and I think it's the comfiest bedding I've ever slept on in a hostel.
Things to Eat in Bologna
Bologna is one of the most important food capitals of Italy. It is the home of the world famous bolognese (or tagliatelle al ragù in Italian). One of the priorities of your time spent in Bologna simply has to be to eat!
I'm vegetarian (mostly vegan, but gelato...) so I can't eat a traditional bolognese but I found a sublime vegan alternative. Other traditional foods originating from Bologna include tortellini, mortadella and lasagne. Below, you'll spot the vegetarian lasagne that I ate inside a library, which might just be one of the most beautiful restaurants I've ever dined in.
Majori Gelati - vegan gluten free gelato and cone
ZEM Vegan Bistro - vegan bolognese
Va Mo Là - vegetarian lasagne in a library
Cremeria Cavour
Best Things to Do in Bologna
I only had 24 hours in Bologna and could easily have stayed a whole week, just wandering the gorgeous orange tones of the porticoes and popping in and out of the many food spots and boutique shopping.
Head up to the Santuario della Madonna di San Luca
If you do just one thing in Bologna, make it a visit to the Santuario. Located up on a hill southwest of central Bologna, this gorgeous sanctuary is an icon of the city.
You can reach it a few ways; find out in my guide to visiting the Santuario della Madonna di San Luca.
Explore the UNESCO porticoes
Honestly, I spent a few hours just wandering through the city in search of the most gorgeous porticoes. Bologna is the perfect city for walking. The more than 62km of UNESCO World Heritage porticoes line every street, providing cool shade and a safe space to walk separated from the main roads which are popular with bikes.
Visit the World's Oldest University
Founded in 1088, the University in Bologna is the oldest in the entire world. That makes this a very special city, holding a title of profound importance: of education and knowledge. You can almost feel it in every street and crevice.
Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna
Step into the Teatro Anatomico
Part of the university, this absolutely exquisite wooden-panelled lecture hall was built in the 16th century. While bombed in the Second World War, it was immediately reconstructed using original materials. It is simply awe-inspiring, feature highly detailed anatomical wooden statues for learning.
You can buy tickets on site for €3, which also includes a visit to the magical library on site.
Two Towers
Closed during my time in Bologna, normally a climb up these towers, built in the 12th century, offers one of the best views in all of Bologna.
Piazza Santo Stefano and Basilica Santuario Santo Stefano
On your wanders along the porticoes, it's worth stopping in at the pretty Piazza Santo Stefano, perhaps for an espresso in the leafy shade, and stepping inside the beautifully designed Basilica Santuario Santo Stefano.
Fontana del Nettuno
This famous statue is a meeting point in the heart of Bologna, where most of the walking tours seem to begin. Mermaids surround a bronze figure of Neptune, God of the Sea, built in the 16th century.
Basilica di San Petronio
This gorgeous basilica is free to visit. You must cover your shoulders and knees; if you aren't, you can buy disposable paper clothing for €2. Unfortunately I couldn't return the clothing which was a bummer so I gave mine to another woman in the line when I had finished wearing it on my shoulders for the few minutes I stepped inside.
Quadrilatero
This is the main market in Bologna, dating back to the Middle Ages. It's worth wandering around a bit and checking out all the different food spots, market halls, cafes and boutique shops.
Piazza Cavour
This was worth mentioning simply because (a) it was home to my favourite porticoes in the entire city and (b) the best gelato in the entire city.
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Hi! I’m Jana, a Dutch-German-British-Canadian with a dream of seeing every country in the world. I am a storyteller, photographer and adventurer passionate about documenting and sharing my travels.
