Are you currently in Bologna? Then these 5 top activities in Bologna are perfect for you!

Based on the most popular attractions and tours offered on platforms like GetYourGuide for Bologna, here are 5 top activities you shouldn't miss:

Culinary Tour Bologna (Food Tour):

Bologna, often referred to as the culinary capital of Italy ("La Grassa" – The Fat One), is the perfect place for a food tour. Such guided tours focus on the high-quality products of the Emilia-Romagna region and the local specialties.

🍽️ Typical Culinary Tours in Bologna

Most food tours are guided walking tours through the Old Town and the historic market district of Quadrilatero, combined with tastings.

🍝 Typical Tastings and Highlights

On a classic food tour in Bologna, you usually sample the region's iconic dishes and products:

• Mortadella: The famous, finely textured sausage, often tasted at a local delicatessen.

• Parmigiano Reggiano: Tasting of the "King of Cheeses" from the region.

• Traditional Balsamic Vinegar (Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena): A high-quality, aged vinegar, often sampled directly from the producer (or in specialized shops).

• Fresh Pasta: Tortellini (often served in broth) or Tagliatelle al Ragù (the authentic Bolognese sauce). Some tours include a visit with a "Sfoglina" (pasta maker).

• Local Wine: A glass of wine from Emilia-Romagna, such as Sangiovese or Pignoletto, usually in a traditional Osteria (wine bar).

• Street Food/Sweets: Tigelle (small round breads) or Crescentine (fried breads), and finishing with Gelato (ice cream) or Torta di Riso (rice cake).

🚶 Different Types of Food Tours

• Classic Walking Food Tour (3-4 hours): Focus on the Old Town, local markets, and traditional shops (as described above).

• Evening Food Tour / Aperitivo Tour (2-3 hours): Focuses on the Italian Aperitivo culture, combined with wine and small snacks (Cicchetti or Stuzzichini).

• Full-Day Emilia-Romagna Food Experience: These tours often include trips outside the city to producers of Parmigiano Reggiano, Balsamic Vinegar, and/or Prosciutto di Parma (lasts 6-8 hours).

• Cooking Classes: A popular alternative where you learn how to prepare fresh pasta (e.g., Tortellini or Tagliatelle) and Tiramisu.

You can book the tour directly here:

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Ascent of the Asinelli Tower (Torre degli Asinelli)

Climbing the Torre degli Asinelli is the highlight for many visitors to Bologna, offering an unbeatable panoramic view over the "Red City."

Key Facts about the Ascent:

🚨 Important Notice (Current Situation)

Please note that the Torre degli Asinelli may be temporarily closed to the public due to maintenance work in the surrounding area. It is advisable to check the current status on the official Bologna Welcome website beforehand.

The Clock Tower (Torre dell'Orologio) at the Palazzo d'Accursio on Piazza Maggiore is often recommended as an alternative for a panoramic view.

Booking and Visit

• Ticket Requirement: Access is subject to a fee and only possible with a mandatory reservation for a specific time slot.

• Ticket Purchase: Tickets should be bought online or at the Bologna Welcome Point on Piazza Maggiore.

• Recommendations: The ascent is not recommended for individuals with heart or respiratory conditions, severe vertigo, or claustrophobia. Punctuality is important, as entry may be denied in case of delay.

• The View: Once at the top, you will be rewarded with a spectacular 360-degree view of the countless red rooftops (hence the name "la rossa") and the surrounding hills.

The Torre degli Asinelli stands next to its smaller, even more severely leaning twin, the Torre Garisenda, which is not accessible for safety reasons. Together, they form the famous Due Torri, the landmark of Bologna.

You can book your tour directly here:

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Walking Tour of the Old Town and Piazza Maggiore

A guided or self-guided walking tour through the Old Town and Piazza Maggiore is the best way to experience Bologna's historic heart and its most important landmarks.

🏛️ Piazza Maggiore (The Heart of Bologna)

Bologna's main square is surrounded by impressive medieval and Renaissance palaces and serves as the central starting point for any city walk.

Basilica di San Petronio: Bologna’s massive, unfinished main church (half of the façade is clad) is the tenth-largest church in the world. Inside, you can find the famous Cassini Sundial (Meridian).

Palazzo d'Accursio (City Hall): This complex of medieval buildings houses the City Hall and the municipal art collections. You can also enjoy a panoramic view from its Clock Tower.

Palazzo del Podestà: An imposing 13th-century palace that dominates the square. Look for the "Whispering Arch" under the Torre dell'Arengo—a special acoustic effect allows two people to whisper across the corners and still hear each other on the opposite side.

Neptune Fountain (Fontana del Nettuno): Located right next to the Piazza Maggiore on the Piazza del Nettuno, this famous Renaissance sculpture of the god Neptune is a popular photo spot and the true landmark of Bologna.

🚶 Further Highlights on the Tour

The Two Towers (Le Due Torri): Just a short walk away, the leaning towers Torre degli Asinelli and Torre Garisenda soar into the sky. The Asinelli Tower (the taller one) can be climbed and offers the best view over the city.

Quadrilatero Market: This historic commercial district, situated between Piazza Maggiore and the Towers, is the culinary core of the city. Narrow alleys full of delicatessens, butcher shops, and wine bars invite visitors to sample and linger (ideal for combining with a Food Tour).

Palazzo dell'Archiginnasio: The original seat of the University of Bologna, the oldest university in Europe. Here, you should definitely visit the fascinating wooden Teatro Anatomico (Anatomical Theatre).

Basilica di Santo Stefano (Seven Churches): A complex of interconnected churches and courtyards that offers a striking spiritual and architectural atmosphere.

⏱️ Duration

A guided historical walking tour typically lasts 1.5 to 2.5 hours. If you visit all the mentioned attractions at a relaxed pace (including the tower climb), you will need half to a full day.

You can book the tour directly here:

Package holidays to Bologna can be found here on Check24!*

Visiting the Bologna Santuario della Madonna di San Luca

The visit to the Santuario della Madonna di San Luca is a cultural, architectural, and physical highlight in Bologna.

The Experience: The World's Longest Portico

The uniqueness of the visit lies not only in the Basilica itself but also in the journey to get there:

The Portico: The Santuario, situated on the Colle della Guardia hill, is connected to the city by the world's longest covered arcade (portico). This arcade is nearly 4 kilometers long and consists of an impressive 666 arches.

Historical Significance: It was constructed in the 17th and 18th centuries to shield pilgrims on their way to the Basilica from the wind and weather. Since 2021, the Portico has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Arcades of Bologna.

The Ascent: The path begins at the Porta Saragozza on the edge of the city and starts to climb significantly at the Arco del Meloncello. The ascent is a popular fitness and pilgrimage destination that rewards visitors with picturesque views of the surrounding hills.

The Basilica and the View

The Basilica: The Basilica in its current form was completed in the 18th century in the Baroque style. It houses the revered Byzantine icon of the Madonna with Child, which legend claims was painted by the Evangelist Luke.

San Luca Sky Experience (Panoramic Terrace): For the best panoramic view of Bologna and the Po Valley, you can climb the terrace, which is located at an elevation of about 42 meters (often for a small fee, sometimes included in the Bologna Welcome Card PLUS).

Travel Options

You have several ways to reach the Santuario:

On Foot (The Classic Pilgrimage): Start at Porta Saragozza and walk the entire portico uphill. This takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes of pure walking time (one way) and requires a good level of fitness.

San Luca Express: This is a tourist road train that departs from Piazza Maggiore, travels along the arcades to the Santuario, and offers an audio guide. This is the most comfortable and informative way to get to the top.

Public Transport: Arrival is also possible via public buses (e.g., bus line 20 or 58) combined with a short walk.

Taxi: The quickest, but most expensive option.

The visit to the Santuario di San Luca uniquely combines religion, architecture, and a nature experience, making it a true symbol of the city of Bologna.

You can book the tour directly here:

Package holidays to Bologna can be found here on Check24!*

Bologna Day Trip to the "Motor Valley" (e.g., Lamborghini or Ferrari Museum):

The day trip to the "Motor Valley" (Motori Valley) is an absolute must for car enthusiasts, as Bologna is located in Emilia-Romagna, the home of world-famous brands.

🚗 Tour Overview

These tours typically offer a guided journey to the production sites and museums of Italy's supercars.

• Core Attractions: The most popular destinations are the Lamborghini Museum in Sant'Agata Bolognese and the Ferrari Museum in Maranello.

• Extended Options: Many full-day tours also include the Pagani Museum or the Enzo Ferrari Museum in Modena.

• Culinary Combination: The excursion is often linked with local gastronomy and includes lunch at a traditional Agriturismo, as well as visits to producers of Parmigiano Reggiano or traditional Balsamic Vinegar from Modena.

⏱️ Duration and Itinerary

• Duration: Most combined tours are full-day excursions and last approximately 7 to 9 hours (including transfer time to and from Bologna).

• Itinerary: Tours usually start in the morning in Bologna. After hotel pick-up or meeting at a central location, you drive to the museums. A typical itinerary might include: a visit to the Lamborghini Museum, lunch, a visit to the Ferrari Museum, and the return journey.

🎟️ Special Experiences

• Factory Tours: Some tours offer the option to book a guided factory tour (e.g., at Lamborghini or Ferrari). Caution: Factory tours are often strictly limited, must be booked well in advance, and are more expensive.

• Test Drives: For the ultimate adrenaline rush, many local operators in Maranello offer the option of a test drive in a Ferrari or Lamborghini (at an additional cost).

• F1 Simulator: The museums often feature professional simulators, allowing visitors to experience the feeling of a Formula 1 pilot themselves.

💶 Costs

Prices vary widely depending on the scope:

• Simple Museum Ticket (without tour/transfer): Can start at around €18 to €45 per museum.

• Small Group Tour (2 museums + lunch + transfer): Generally starts at around €165 to €190 per person.

• Exclusive Full-Day Tours (3 museums + factory + gourmet meal + transfer): Often cost €440 and above per person.

This day trip offers a perfect blend of Italian engineering, history, and high speed, often complemented by the finest flavors of Emilia-Romagna.

You can book your tour directly here:

Package holidays to Bologna can be found here on Check24!*

5 Top Activities in Bologna - A Summary

Bologna offers a unique blend of culture, history, and, above all, outstanding cuisine, making the city an ideal destination for a varied city break. The historic centre is compact and can be explored perfectly on foot, even in the rain, thanks to the miles of arcades (porticos) that are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At the heart of the city, the Piazza Maggiore forms the architectural focal point, surrounded by significant structures such as the Basilica of San Petronio with its unfinished façade and the Fountain of Neptune. Although climbing the landmark, the leaning Asinelli Tower, may currently be restricted (due to maintenance), the Clock Tower in the Palazzo d'Accursio offers an impressive alternative view of the city's red rooftops. Complementing the architecture are historical sites like the former university seat Palazzo dell'Archiginnasio with its Anatomical Theatre. However, the main attraction remains Bologna's cuisine, which is why a culinary tour through the Quadrilatero district, featuring tastings of Mortadella, fresh pasta like Tortellini al Ragù, and local wine, is almost essential to fully grasp the soul of this city known as "La Grassa" (The Fat One). Furthermore, home to Europe's oldest university and a large student population, Bologna maintains a vibrant, youthful flair that perfectly complements its historical treasures.

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