Top Things to Do in Bologna
About the City
Bologna, the savory heart of Italy, sits like a plump meatball nestled in the spaghetti-like network of roads that lace the Emilia-Romagna region. Renowned for its delectable cuisine, the city is a gastronomic paradise whose name alone – think Bolognese sauce – can send drool dribbling down the chin of foodies worldwide. Amble through the archaic porticos that stretch for miles, shielding you from the elements like an attentive nonna with her protective arm. Beneath the porticos, a historical tapestry unfurls in a maze of medieval buildings, with the University of Bologna – an ancient beacon of learning – infusing the city with youthful vigor and intellectual buzz. Teetering towers lean with an endearing tipsiness while piazzas pulse with life, welcoming with open arms both the leisurely and the lovelorn. Yet, all is not a bed of tortellini. The hustle can fray nerves, traffic can clog veins of the city, and one may find themselves unwittingly playing a game of hopscotch across a seemingly endless array of doggy landmines. Summer’s caress turns into an overheated embrace, coaxing sweat from pores like a determined chef wrings water from fresh mozzarella. Nevertheless, Bologna remains a dish best savored slowly, flaws and all, leaving a lingering taste of la dolce vita on the tongue.
Things to Do in Bologna
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Snap a Pic with the Neptune Fountain
SightsMake a splash with a visit to Bologna's Neptune Fountain, where you can chill with the big man himself, Neptune! This massive bronze sculpture is a masterpiece of the Mannerist period, and it's got en...
Sample Crescenza Cheese in Bologna
Food & DrinkAlright foodies, prepare your taste buds for the ultra-creamy, super spreadable Crescenza cheese! This soft, fresh cheese with its mild and milky flavor is just waiting for you to slather it on a piec...
Urban Trekking Tour
OutdoorsStrap on your comfiest sneakers, 'cause you're about to discover Bologna one step at a time! Urban trekking is the perfect mix of city vibes and exercise, taking you through the city's rich history wh...
Serenade with Street Musicians
The UnexpectedFeeling musical? Find a friendly band of street musicians and jump into an impromptu jam session! Whether you're clapping, singing along, or showcasing your harmonica skills, it's all about making tho...
Attend a Secret Cinema
The UnexpectedShhh, grab your popcorn and join the exclusive crowd! Bologna's got a host of secret cinema events where avant-garde films meet unique settings. Imagine watching a classic Italian flick in a hidden co...
Embark on a Speakeasy Expedition
The UnexpectedReady to whisper the secret password? Dive into the roaring twenties with a hunt for Bologna's hidden speakeasies. Nestled behind unmarked doors and unsuspecting storefronts, these cozy hideouts serve...
Arcade Ahoy!
The UnexpectedGet ready to jump back in time and embrace your inner kid with a twist. It’s not all about historical sights in Bologna; you can actually revisit the golden era of gaming with a side of aperitivo! Ima...
Urban Trekking Tour
OutdoorsStrap on your comfiest sneakers, 'cause you're about to discover Bologna one step at a time! Urban trekking is the perfect mix of city vibes and exercise, taking you through the city's rich history wh...
Bocce Ball Bonanza
OutdoorsHey there, Bologna visitor! Ready to roll some balls Italian style? Bocce ball is where it's at! Grab your friends or make some new ones at the local courts and join in the fun of this classic Italian...
Rollin' Down the Reno
OutdoorsReady to add some splash to your Bologna stay? Grab a kayak and paddle your heart out along the Reno River. With the sun on your face and the water beneath you, there's no better way to soak up the lo...
Bocce Ball Bonanza
OutdoorsHey there, Bologna visitor! Ready to roll some balls Italian style? Bocce ball is where it's at! Grab your friends or make some new ones at the local courts and join in the fun of this classic Italian...
Devour a Bologna Panino
Food & DrinkGet your hands on the ultimate sandwich experience with a Bologna Panino! Jam-packed with a mix of local cold cuts, cheese, and maybe even some grilled veggies, this panino is no joke. It's the handhe...
Find the Hidden Canals
SightsPsst, did you know Bologna's got canals? They're like a mini Venice in the city! Play explorer and seek out these hidden waterways for a unique peek into Bologna's watery past.
Marvel at the Beauty of Santa Maria della Vita
SightsPrepare to have your socks knocked off by the jaw-dropping Baroque masterpiece that is the Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Vita. Home to the stunning terracotta sculpture 'Compianto sul Cristo Morto' b...
Uncover the Secrets of the Salaborsa Library
SightsWho said libraries are just for book nerds? Step into the Palazzo d'Accursio and be wowed by the Salaborsa, Bologna's main public library. With its eye-catching glass floor peering down into ancient R...
Bask in the Beauty of the Basilica di Santo Stefano
SightsStep into the tranquil courtyards of the Basilica di Santo Stefano, where you can get lost in a complex of seven churches all nestled together like a spiritual nesting doll. With its serene cloisters ...
Gorge on Gelato
Food & DrinkReady to get the scoop on Bologna's best frozen treat? Indulge in the creamiest, dreamiest gelato of your life, with flavors that'll make your taste buds do a happy dance! From classic chocolate to ad...
Nibble on Tortellini in Brodo
Food & DrinkDive into a bowl of Tortellini in Brodo, where these tiny pasta parcels swim in a sea of savory broth. It's a culinary high dive, so get ready to plunge into the nostalgia of Italian nonna's kitchen w...
Indulge in a Bomba di Risotto
Food & DrinkIt's time to step up your risotto game with the Bomba di Risotto – a crispy, deep-fried ball of saffron-infused risotto with a heart of melted mozzarella. It's the bomb, quite literally, and once you'...
Antiques Amble
The UnexpectedGet ready to time travel at Bologna's antique markets! Sift through a mesmerizing maze of old-world treasures, from vintage vinyl to retro relics. It's like a treasure hunt where you can barter like a...