The Complete 2 days in Bologna Itinerary
I had only been to Bologna once, passing from the airport to the train station, and I wasn’t really impressed. That’s why when we found the cheapest tickets to Italy, for 2 days in Bologna, I wasn’t expecting much.
Although we had a rocky start, by the end of my stay, I fell in love with the city.
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Table of Contents
- 2 days in Bologna itinerary
-
Day 1 – Things to see in Bologna on your first day
- Climb the Asinelli Tower and admire the leaning Garisenda Tower
- Piazza Maggiore and the San Petronio Basilica
- Fountain of Neptune (Piazza del Nettuno)
- Via Rizzoli
- (Window) Shopping in Bologna on Via Independenza
- Explore the streets and discover the hidden window in Via Piella
- Archiginnasio Library (Biblioteca Comunale dell’Archiginnasio)
- Salaborsa Library
- Bologna nightlife
- Day 2 – Things to see in Bologna on your second day
- Other things to see in Bologna if you have more time
- How to get to Bologna
- How to get around Bologna
- Where to stay for two days in Bologna
- When is the best time to visit Bologna
- Is Bologna worth visiting?
- Where to eat in Bologna and must-try food
- Other Italy Travel Resources
-
Day 1 – Things to see in Bologna on your first day
2 days in Bologna itinerary

When we arrived, the public transportation was on strike. Thus, we waited for almost one hour at different bus stops without any luck. It was a cold and windy February night when we found out that there was no Uber in Bologna.
Moreover, we could not find any taxi stop, so we were somehow left with the public transportation option. And fast, because it was already past 9 PM.
When we finally decided to walk for 20 minutes to the hotel, the bus eventually arrived. And it was full! Of course.
Keep on reading because it gets better, I promise!
During our 2 days in Bologna, the city surprised me, and I will answer all the questions I know you have because I also had them before going.
Bologna is often overlooked mainly because of its good position: only one hour away by fast train to the art-infused Florence, one hour and a half from Romeo and Juliet’s Verona, or two hours from the most romantic town on the water, Venice. Also, somehow, many other important Italian cities and landmarks step in front of Bologna, but I think the town needs a chance!
The city is called by the Italians in so many ways—La Dotta (because it is home to the oldest university in the Western world), La Rossa (because of its red buildings), and La Grassa (because it is home to some of the best food in Italy).
Day 1 – Things to see in Bologna on your first day
Saturday morning, we woke up early, had a delicious Italian breakfast, and headed to town. So what can we do in Bologna?
The first thing I noticed that impressed me was all the arches in the buildings—endless, picture-perfect heaven.
We reached the Torri Asinelli (Two Towers) just before it opened, some minutes before 9 AM.
The two towers are truly impressive, and if you want to take the perfect picture without the crowds in the background, make sure to get there early. Later, the streets get so crowded and lively that it will be impossible to shoot that picture you know you want.
Climb the Asinelli Tower and admire the leaning Garisenda Tower
Only a few steps from the main square (Piazza Maggiore), the Asinelli Tower is the tallest of the 2 you will see here. And it is the one you will be allowed to climb. The leaning tower of Bologna, the Garisenda Tower, is closed to the public.
We thought the view from the top must be amazing, so we decided to go up!
Please remember that tickets can be bought from BolognaWelcome in Piazza Maggiore and not from the tower.
If, however, you don’t want to wait in line for any of the tickets, the Bologna Welcome Card is the perfect solution!
You can purchase it online, and it offers the option of skipping the line for some of the attractions. It is valid for all of the main tourist attractions in Bologna. It’s the perfect solution for your 2 days in Bologna, right?
However, if you are looking for an alternative and don’t feel like buying the card, you can book an online ticket to the Torre degli Asinelli and a tasting of typical products. Check it out here!
Once we had bought the ticket, we came back to the tower and were lucky to get up with the second group to enter the tower, meaning it was still okay.
I won’t lie to you—the climb was tough! The tower has 97 m and hundreds of steep wooden stairs, and it is hard to believe it dates from before 1200.
But the climb is totally worth it! The view from the top is breathtaking, and the whole city, with the red stone buildings and colorful walls, can be easily seen from here.
Piazza Maggiore and the San Petronio Basilica
Since the main square (Piazza Maggiore) is so close to the Two Towers (Due Torri), this was our next stop, not before we stopped by to admire and take hundreds of pictures with the cherry trees in bloom.
Piazza Maggiore is exactly what you are expecting from an Italian main square. Imposing buildings (such as the Palazzo del Podestà, the Palazzo Comunale, or the Palazzo D’Accursio), people rushing around, terraces packed where everyone stops by for aperitivo or a coffee, and tens of galleries with shops.
The San Petronio Basilica, the half-white, half-black building that will catch your eye as soon as you enter the square, is impossible to miss. The building is impressive, but even nicer is the terrace, from which we have another beautiful panoramic view of Bologna.
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 7:45 am -1:30 pm and 3 pm-6:30 pm; Saturday and Sunday, 7:45 am-1:30 pm and 2:30 pm-6:30 pm
Panoramic terrace (54 meters in height) – entrance on the side Piazza Galvani: Monday-Thursday: 10 am-1 pm, 3 pm-6 pm; Friday-Sunday: 10 am-1 pm, 2:30 pm-6:30 pm
If you want to learn more about its history, book a 90-minute tour that includes a visit to the terrace for sweeping views. Check it out here!
Other churches to visit in Bologna:
- The Basilica di Santo Stefano – or the seven churches dating back to the Longobard times
- The Basilica San Domenico – for the history and art passionate.
Fountain of Neptune (Piazza del Nettuno)
Just a few steps away from Piazza Maggiore, we encountered Neptune, sitting gracefully in his fountain.
Built between 1563 and 1567 by the Flemish sculptor Jean de Boulogne, the statue sits today between the municipal building and Sala Borsa, which houses the municipal library on one side, and the Palazzo Re Enzo, which hosts exhibitions and other events on the other.
Via Rizzoli
Lined with an enchanting array of medieval buildings adorned with colorful facades, this lively thoroughfare is a captivating blend of history and modernity.
Strolling along Via Rizzoli, pedestrians encounter an eclectic mix of shops, boutiques, and cafes, offering a delightful shopping and dining experience.
The street is not only a commercial hub but also a cultural artery, housing architectural gems such as the Basilica di San Petronio, Bologna’s grandest church, and the medieval Palazzo dei Notai.
(Window) Shopping in Bologna on Via Independenza
Yes, yes, we weren’t there for the shopping, but who can stop two girls from window shopping?
All our friends were there: from Hermes to Louis Vuitton, Prada, Gucci and more.
If you meet them via Independenza, make sure to tell them hello from us.
Of course, the main shopping street in Bologna is home to more than luxury brands. It is also where you will find low-cost clothes shops, fast food places, and other small shops.
Don’t miss a walk in the Quadrilatero district.
The charming and historic neighborhood is renowned for its medieval architecture, vibrant atmosphere, and culinary delights. Nestled in the heart of the city, Quadrilatero is a maze of narrow streets and alleys lined with colorful buildings, bustling markets, and eclectic shops.
The Quadrilatero is particularly famous for its traditional food market, Mercato di Mezzo, where locals and tourists alike can explore stalls brimming with fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, cured meats, and other gastronomic treasures.
As the sun sets, the district transforms into a lively hub of restaurants, bars, and cafes, offering a delightful blend of authentic Italian cuisine and a buzzing social scene.
Tip: If you love flowers as much as I do, don’t hesitate to visit Frida’s, the most beautiful flower shop in Bologna.
Explore the streets and discover the hidden window in Via Piella
Get lost in a manner of speaking, of course, because it would be terribly hard to get lost in Bologna since the city center is not that big after all. We just left ourselves wandering around and got to see a lot of pretty colorful buildings, many churches (we are in Italy, after all), and towers.
It is said that Bologna used to have around 180 towers (only around 100 by some accounts), with only around 20 left today.
We spent almost one day just walking around because how else would you get the real feel of a town?
If you go to places further away from the city center, you will find the trattorias where Italians eat, the cafeterias where kids gather after school, and the coffee places where ladies meet up after their weekly hairdresser appointments.
Window on Via Piella
On our stroll, we passed by one of the main things you should not miss in your 2 days in Bologna: the secret window on Via Piella on the Reno canal.
Unfortunately, the place was under renovation and did not look as expected. But maybe you’ll have more luck than us!
We stopped by on a bench in a small park, sat in the sun, and took it all in.
Friends meeting for coffee and discussing daily problems at a small and fancy coffee place on the corner, couples walking their kids wearing their best suits, making me imagine they had some meal planned afterward with their larger family (as Italians usually do), old couples holding hands just going along with their normal lives, this little old lady with her fancy chair and a newspaper in hand reading it under the warm spring sun.
That’s what I love most about Italy, and that’s why I go back over and over again.
Guided Tours
Something else I always like to do in a new town is go on a tour with a local guide. They will always show you the hidden places, and you’ll be more efficient.
I prefer booking a tour online because the prices are always better, and I can make changes or cancel if something comes up and I cannot make it. On top of that, I no longer have to wait in line or waste time on location to decide.
Here are some great tours for Bologna:
- 3-hour the Red, the Wise, the Fat – art and churches, towers, and a trip to the local market.
- Red Bus city tour and food tasting – easier to get around and see it all from the top of an open bus.
- Highlights and hidden gems – a 3-hour tour with a local.
Archiginnasio Library (Biblioteca Comunale dell’Archiginnasio)
Right in the heart of Bologna, there’s this amazing place that will feel like Heaven for book lovers. And not only.
The building is both a public library and a museum.
The palace dates back to the 1500s, and throughout the years, it hosted the Law and Arts University. However, since the 1800s, it has been transformed into a library. The building was damaged in 1944 by a bomb and has been rebuilt.
Stepping inside feels like stepping into another era and world. Everything is so impressive, and you know exactly where you are due to the many arches in the interior garden. As you go even deeper into the palazzo, you will see that students have this place to study inside.
Salaborsa Library
Since we’re at the Library topic, and if you love books and bookshops as much as I do, another place worth seeing in Bologna is the Salaborsa Library.
Even if you spend only 15 minutes here and get lost between bookshelves and arches, these will be 15 minutes well spent during your 2 days in Bologna.
Address: Piazza del Nettuno, 3, 40124 Bologna BO, Italy
Bologna nightlife
As the night fell, we met some friends and decided to take advantage of the great nightlife this university city offers.
Before we knew it, the streets were filled with people, and everyone was enjoying their night out with a drink in hand.
The heart of Bologna, especially around the Piazza Maggiore and the surrounding streets, pulsates with energy as locals and visitors spill into the myriad of bars, pubs, and clubs that dot the cobblestone lanes.
Day 2 – Things to see in Bologna on your second day
The Botanical Garden of Bologna
We were initially planning on taking the train on the second day of our stay in Bologna and choosing from the many perfect day trips from Bologna, running to a small village nearby.
But since plans sometimes change, we decided otherwise while walking towards Bologna’s train station. And the one place that changed everything was the Botanical Garden of Bologna.
One of the oldest in Italy, found in the University area, the garden is not very large but still hosts many different plants and flowers.
We spent the morning in the park, listening to the birds singing in the blooming trees. Even though the place is close to the road, you won’t hear much, only the birds singing.
Basilica and Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca
And since we decided to stay for two whole days in Bologna, what else was there to do?
On Saturday, we tried to take the San Luca Express up to the hills to the Basilica of San Luca but did not manage because the line was so long, and we could not fit into the bus. Since there was only one other bus going up, and since it was getting darker, we decided to leave it for Sunday.
Tip: go on a tour from downtown Bologna to the Basilica and Sanctuary of San Luca – visit the monastery, learn about the Portici, and ride the train with a stunning panoramic view over the city. Check it out here!
It turned out that taking the bus on Sunday at around 11 AM was a good idea because we could enjoy the views and return to Bologna city center on foot.
Of course, one can choose to climb on foot while admiring the almost 4-kilometer portico, which has almost 600 arches. Or, as we did, one can do it the other way around.
The Basilica of San Luca is beautifully perched on the top of the hill, surrounded by beautiful nature that can be observed from the dome’s terrace. (another great experience included in the Bologna Welcome Plus card)
The long sanctuary connects the city (all the way from Porta Saragozza) to the basilica, which was initially built to shelter the yearly religious processions.
Park Villa Spada and Villa Delle Rose
Step outside of the normal road; who knows what you might find?
And that’s what we did when walking from the Basilica of San Luca towards Bologna.
On the right side of the road, there’s a theatre, and behind it, there’s a park. In the park, we found a beautiful villa—Villa Delle Rose— hosting a modern art gallery.
I must admit I hadn’t read about this place anywhere, and we came across it totally by chance, but I loved how quiet the area was. Behind it, there is a big garden, the perfect spot for beautiful pictures.
Walking just a few steps down the road, we found another charming surprise: Villa Spada.
Even though the museum was closed when we got there, the garden still looked impressive and was worth a visit. The villa is also surrounded by a huge park, where you will feel like you’re getting lost in the woods.
We climbed the hills, wandered around, stopped by the villa to take some dreamy pictures, and continued our descent towards Bologna.
It’s reasonable to assume this area is one of the best in the city (or at least that was my impression), judging by the beautiful houses perfectly located in a quiet area filled with gardens, blooming trees, and very close to the hills.
Plenty of old-style villas, but also new-style Italian houses.
I don’t know how other people are, but we always end up checking out the prices of houses, especially in Italy. When they look like this, who can blame me?
Other things to see in Bologna if you have more time
When you have more than just one day in Bologna or 2 days in Bologna, the town has so much to offer.
And this is what I would add to the trip for a 3rd day spent in Italy’s red town:
- Take a food tour: not only for the foodies but also for everyone in love with Italian cuisine. During a food tour, you will taste not only the local traditional dishes but also Italian wines. If you’re there only for the wine, book a wine-tasting tour in one of the oldest inns in town.
- Learn to make pasta at a pasta cooking class
- Go on a gourmet tour of Bologna – learn not only about the history of Bologna but also about some delicious chocolate, traditional cold cuts, local mortadella, salami, and much more. Check it out here!
- Mercato dell’ Erbe – head to the local market early in the morning and buy some of the freshest fruit, vegetables, cheese, and salumeria.
- Eat gelato at one of the best gelato places in Bologna: Cremeria Cavour and Cremeria Santo Stefano.
- The Park of Montagnola, situated near the historic center, serves as a retreat for locals and visitors seeking tranquility and natural beauty. The centerpiece of Montagnola is the neoclassical-style Teatro Montagnola, an open-air theater often hosting cultural events.
How to get to Bologna
Getting to Bologna depends on your current location and the mode of transportation you prefer.
By Plane: Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ) serves the city. You can book a flight to this airport from major international airports in Europe or outside.
By Train: Bologna has a well-connected railway station, Bologna Centrale. You can check train schedules and book tickets online or at the train station.
If you are planning to travel from distant destinations such as Milan, Rome, or Florence and wish to take advantage of the fast train system, it is advisable to book your ticket in advance for the best price.
For example, the fast train links Bologna to Milan in a little over 1 hour, while the intercity or regional trains will take around 3 hours between the two cities.
By Car: If you prefer driving, you can use a navigation app or a map to plan your route to Bologna. Italy has a well-maintained road network.
How to get around Bologna
The city is mostly walkable, with the most important attractions located relatively close to one another.
However, you might want to make use of the public transportation system. We did the entire itinerary on foot, but we took the tourist train to San Luca.
Where to stay for two days in Bologna
Of course, there are plenty of options when it comes to staying in Bologna for two days or more.
Since there weren’t any stairs in the city (an inside joke because we always end up choosing a hotel/apartment on the hill for the view, and it takes forever to reach it every day after having walked for miles), we decided not to stay in the heart of the city, but still walking distance from it.
At the end of the day, almost anywhere you choose to stay in Bologna, you will be within walking distance of the city center.
But here are some options for different budgets and distances from the city center:
Villa Benni B&B.
I had no idea this place existed, and we passed by it while coming down from the San Luca Basilica, stopped by the doors, and drooled, haha. It is a castle with a huge garden, animals, and all that. Who wouldn’t want to stay here?
Check availability and prices here!
Boutique Hotel Liberty 1904.
This is the hotel we chose to stay in, just a few steps outside the city center, away from the crowded streets.
It took us roughly 20 minutes on foot to traverse the many arches from the hotel to Piazza Maggiore, which is not much if you consider the price.
The hotel is clean, with small rooms and not an amazing view, but the breakfast is delicious. We woke up every day with the smell of fresh, warm croissants, looking forward to going down and eating some with a strong Italian cappuccino.
Check availability and prices here!
Hotel Metropolitan.
Perfectly set in the center of Bologna, with a rooftop terrace and lovely simple rooms, this is a good option if you want to stay close to all the main attractions.
Check availability and prices!
Hotel Touring.
With a beautiful rooftop terrace and a summer jacuzzi from where you can admire Bologna’s skyline after a full day of exploration, what more can you ask from the perfect place to stay in Bologna?
Check availability and prices!
We_Bologna.
This hostel is the perfect stop for your 2 days in Bologna if you are looking for cheaper accommodation.
Check availability and prices!
When is the best time to visit Bologna
We visited Bologna on a chilly February, but with the right clothing, this month would be perfect for an escape to the red city.
Better yet, we would suggest visiting Bologna during spring or autumn (March to May or September to November).
While we don’t usually encourage people to visit Italy during summer, because of the crowds and high temperatures, August is the month when most Italians escape the cities to hide at the sea or in the mountains, so that might be an option for you.
Is Bologna worth visiting?
First things first: is Bologna worth visiting?
One thing is certain: Bologna is not as popular as other Italian destinations, but I think that’s nothing more than an injustice.
And that’s because Bologna is so worth visiting!
First, its streets are filled with history, unique architecture, plenty of towers, and some hidden villas. Second, there’s a good part to its not being so famous: you can still find quiet corners.
Another good reason to choose Bologna as your main location when coming to the North of Italy is that you can easily get to many of the more important Italian towns by train.
So, long story short: yes, Bologna is worth visiting!
Where to eat in Bologna and must-try food
Known for its cuisine, the best tagliatelle al ragu, mortadella, and tortellini in brodo, Bologna is THE destination for foodies.
Even so, since we were always on the run, we just had a few meals, but we made those count.
Even when we were too tired to stay out and eat dinner and take something from Coop (a local supermarket), the food was delicious. You can find something so heavenly only in Italy. You can never go wrong with some parmigiano reggiano and some prosciutto.
But if you have more time, here are the places you shouldn’t miss.
Osteria dell’Orsa
The Osteria is located in the University area. The kitchen is open all day long until late at night. They don’t take reservations and are always packed with people.
We ate here on Saturday evening and were lucky to wait only 5 minutes outside to be seated, but if you are in a larger group, you could wait up to 45 minutes—1 hour.
They seat you at tables together, the food is delicious and traditional, and the prices are okay. Don’t expect luxury or anything; it’s just a true Italian experience.
I Portici Ristorante.
With a Michelin star, this restaurant serves delicious pasta. Book a table for a special night in town.
La Bottega di Franco.
Just look at the pictures on their site, and you will drool. Apart from that, the garden is incredibly romantic, perfect for lunch on a sunny Spring or Summer day.
Osteria Bottega.
Another Michelin-awarded restaurant to try when you have more time in Bologna.
Spaccanapoli.
The best Napoletana pizza in Bologna!
Other Italy Travel Resources
- Want to experience something different? Why not visit one of my 11 less-known Italian small towns?
- Heading South and want to plan your perfect vacation? Check out my one-week South Italy itinerary, and make sure to include Puglia or the Amalfi Coast.
- What’s one of the most beautiful destinations in Italy? Cinque Terre must be high on the list, and you must see it no matter if you choose to do so on a day trip from Genoa or plan a trip on itself.
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