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Planning a trip to Bologna, Italy? You’re in the right place!
We’ve explored the best of Bologna, from its historic towers to its world-renowned cuisine. Now, we’re here to share the top experiences you can’t miss! In this blog, you’ll find everything you need to make the most of your visit to Italy’s food capital.
Whether you want to master traditional pasta-making, explore the city’s medieval streets, or visit legendary car museums, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to start planning an unforgettable adventure in Bologna. Let’s go!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did in Bologna was this full-day food tour! We visited local factories and producers to see how famous products like Parmigiano cheese and prosciutto are made. Of course, there were tastings along with breakfast and a multi-course Italian lunch with wine!
- Don't Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
- Things to do in Bologna, Italy
- 1. Dive into Bologna’s history on a city walking tour
- 2. Go behind the scenes of Bologna’s famous food-producing region
- 3. Learn how to cook traditional dishes in the Culinary Capital of Italy
- 4. Visit Italy’s famous car museums – Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Pagani
- 5. Discover the local hot spots on a food tour in Bologna
- 6. Explore Bologna on an e-bike
- Where to Stay in Bologna, Italy
- Thanks for reading!
- Stay safe in Europe & avoid scams!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Renting a Car in Italy
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
Things to do in Bologna, Italy
1. Dive into Bologna’s history on a city walking tour
- Duration: 2 hours
- Time: 10:30 am, 3 pm, or 5 pm
- Highlights: Quadrilatero market, Archiginnasio Di Bologna, statue of Neptune, Basilica of San Petronio, the Two Towers, Piazza Santo Stefano
- Inclusions: Guided walking tour, certified tour guide
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check 550+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
This historic walking tour is the perfect introduction to beautiful Bologna! We loved strolling through the city’s historic streets with our knowledgeable guide, Christine. She really brought the past to life for us!
We started at the Basilica di San Petronio, and learned how it’s still unfinished, despite being built in 1930! Christine explained its fascinating history and shared the secrets behind its 22 side chapels. Next, we stepped into the Archiginnasio di Bologna, once the main building of the world’s oldest university.
From there, we wandered through the bustling Quadrilatero, Bologna’s ancient market district. The narrow streets were lined with historic shops selling fresh pasta, cured meats, and fine cheeses. It was the perfect place to soak in the city’s gastronomic culture!
No visit to Bologna is complete without seeing Le Due Torri, the city’s famous leaning towers. Although we didn’t climb them, standing beneath these medieval giants and hearing their history was impressive.
Finally, we ended at the picturesque Piazza Santo Stefano, a peaceful square surrounded by beautiful architecture. We did this tour on our first day in Bologna, and we highly recommend that you do the same!
Reserve your spot on this tour here!
2. Go behind the scenes of Bologna’s famous food-producing region
- Duration: 9 hours
- Time: 7 am
- Highlights: Visiting local factories and family-run producers, learning how famous products like Parmigiano cheese and prosciutto are made, sampling hand-crafted products, enjoying breakfast and a multi-course Italian lunch with wine pairings
- Inclusions: Round trip transport, driver and guide, breakfast, food tastings, lunch, wine, coffee, tea
- Rating: 5 stars (check 950+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you do only one thing in Bologna, make it this incredible full-day food tour! It’s a really special (and delicious) deep dive into Emilia-Romagna’s food culture.
We started with a visit to a Parmigiano factory in the countryside, where we got to watch this beloved cheese being made before our very eyes. It was pretty mesmerizing to watch the cheesemakers craft each wheel!
Next, we ventured into the rolling hills of Modena to discover the magic of balsamic vinegar. We got to visit an aging room and walk between the barrels before tasting different types of real traditional balsamic vinegar.
Finally, we arrived at the prosciutto factory, where we learned the art behind this delicate, melt-in-your-mouth ham. And just when we thought it couldn’t get better, it was time for lunch! We were treated to a veritable feast of fresh pasta, charcuterie, and cheeses with lots of fantastic wine pairings. We were so full that we even skipped dinner that night!
The guides were fantastic, the food was mind-blowing, and the experience was flawless from start to finish. Don’t just take our word for it, either – you can check out almost 1,000 five-star reviews here. If you love food, history, and unforgettable experiences, book this tour ASAP!
Book our favorite Bologna tour here!
3. Learn how to cook traditional dishes in the Culinary Capital of Italy
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 10 am
- Highlights: Cook with a local host in her home kitchen, learn how to prepare beloved traditional dishes, make fresh tagliatelle and tortelloni, create two different sauces from scratch, enjoy lunch with wine and dessert
- Inclusions: All ingredients and equipment, local chef instructor, lunch, wine, dessert
- Rating: 5 stars (check 400+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you want to experience Bologna like a true local, booking this home cooking class is an absolute must. Cooking alongside our host, Grazia, in her warm and welcoming kitchen was one of the highlights of our trip!
We received a warm welcome from Grazia, and she treated us like family the entire time. We got hands-on as she guided us through every step of making fresh tagliatelle and tortelloni from scratch. She shared expert tips and secrets that have been passed down by her family for generations. And I must say, kneading the dough, rolling it out, and shaping each piece by hand was so much fun!
We were also super excited to learn how to make Bologna’s famous ragu, which is known as “bolognese” to the rest of the world. And between cooking, we chatted about Bologna’s culinary traditions, its historic markets, and even a little local gossip. Then came the best part: lunch!
Our small group sat around Grazia’s table together and feasted on huge plates of homemade pasta, which were perfectly paired with Italian wines. Then, we capped off an incredible meal with a semifreddo dessert and a sip of limoncello.
If you love food, culture, and hands-on experiences, don’t miss this class. With HUNDREDS of five-star reviews (read them here!) it’s clear we weren’t the only ones who left with full stomachs and happy hearts. We’ll never look at pasta the same way again!
Book this top-rated cooking class here!
4. Visit Italy’s famous car museums – Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Pagani
- Duration: 8 hours
- Time: 8:30 am
- Highlights: Visiting Italy’s Motor Valley, the Ferrari Museum, Lamborghini Museum and Factory, Pagani Museum and Factory, driving an exciting Formula 1 simulator, option to upgrade and drive a Ferrari or Lamborghini on the road
- Inclusions: Round trip transport, admission to all three museums, Formula 1 simulator experience, tour leader, English-speaking museum guides, lunch
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check 120+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you’re a car enthusiast, this tour of Italy’s Motor Valley is a dream come true! It’s the perfect way to experience Italy’s most iconic supercars without the hassle of arranging transport between factories and museums, which can be tricky.
The day kicked off with hotel pickup and a comfortable ride to the legendary Ferrari Museum in Maranello. Seeing the evolution of Ferrari’s engineering was incredible, and our guide took us on the journey from vintage classics to cutting-edge Formula 1 cars. We also thought that the F1 simulator was so much fun. It’s certainly the closest that I’ll ever get to driving like Schumacher!
The next stop was the Lamborghini Museum and Factory, where we got to see the supercars being assembled on the production line. Even if you’re not into cars, there’s no denying that that’s a pretty cool experience!
Finally, we arrived at the Pagani Factory, where we saw art and engineering collide. Every car felt like a museum piece – beautiful, yet built for insane speed.
The included lunch in the countryside was the perfect way to recharge before heading back to Bologna. The entire experience was seamless, thanks to our fantastic guide. If you love fast cars, don’t miss out on this tour!
Check availability and book this tour here!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
5. Discover the local hot spots on a food tour in Bologna
- Duration: 4 hours
- Time: Tours available between 9:45 am – 3:30 pm
- Highlights: Walking tour of Bologna, sampling local favorite foods, tasting wine, learning about Bologna and its food heritage, visiting an authentic bottega, exploring the Quadrilatero food market
- Inclusions: All food samples, wine, coffee, local liquor, English-speaking local guide
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 900+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
We had an incredible time on this walking food tour of Bologna, and we can’t recommend it enough! It was the perfect way to experience the city’s incredible culinary heritage while wandering through its charming medieval streets.
We kicked things off at Palazzo della Mercanzia, where our guide gave us a fascinating introduction to Bologna’s food culture. Then, it was straight into the Quadrilatero market, which is a vibrant hub of local delicacies. We sampled Parmigiano Reggiano, learned about its aging process, and got insider tips on how to buy the best quality cheese.
One of the highlights was watching pasta being made from scratch at a local bottega. Seeing the skill and precision that goes into rolling out tagliatelle and stuffing tortellini made me appreciate every bite even more. We also visited a traditional balsamic vinegar producer, where we sampled aged Aceto Balsamico di Modena, paired with local cheese. Yum!
Throughout the tour, we also enjoyed freshly baked pastries, local wines, and even a few surprises. This includes a delicious secret dish that I won’t spoil for you!
By the time we finished the tour, our stomachs were full, and we had big smiles. This tour has hundreds of glowing reviews for a reason so don’t miss it if you’re in Bologna! It’s the best way to eat like a local and discover the city’s soul through its food.
Book this food tour here with FREE cancellation!
Related Read: If you’re spending a few days in Bologna, check out our 3-day itinerary to make the most of your time!
6. Explore Bologna on an e-bike
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 9 am, 12 pm, or 3 pm
- Highlights: Cruising through Bologna on an e-bike, Santuario di Madonna di San Luca, Parco di Villa Spada, Parco della Chiusa, Certosa di Bologna monastery
- Inclusions: E-bike rental, helmet, certified guide, snacks, alcoholic drinks
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 80+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Exploring Bologna on this e-bike tour was so much fun, and the perfect blend of history, nature, and food!
We started our journey by pedaling through the charming streets of Bologna before heading up to the Santuario di Madonna di San Luca. The climb was effortless with the e-bikes, so it allowed us to fully enjoy the breathtaking views. Our guide, Fabrizio, was amazing and shared so many insights about the city with us.
Next, we rode to Parco di Villa Spada, a site with deep historical significance as a symbol of resistance in Emilia Romagna. Fabrizio shared the story of the region’s conflict during WWII, which was super interesting.
We also visited the historic Parco della Chiusa and the Certosa di Bologna, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site used as a monastery for more than 400 years. It was absolutely gorgeous, and we loved seeing all of the sculptures.
Of course, no tour of Bologna would be complete without food! We ended with a well-deserved aperitif and some mortadella and tigelle. It was the perfect way to wrap up a fantastic day.
This tour allowed us to cover so much ground in just 3 hours and thanks to the e-bikes, we weren’t even tired after. We would definitely do this tour again!
Check the details and book this tour here!
Where to Stay in Bologna, Italy
Now that your Bologna itinerary is set, it’s time to find the perfect place to stay! Bologna has plenty of options, but some are much better than others. So to make it easier, I’ve rounded up the best hotels in the city for every budget!
Luxury – $$$
Grand Hotel Majestic già Baglioni is the ultimate luxury stay in Bologna. Set in an 18th-century palace near Piazza Maggiore, this 5-star hotel has elegant rooms, two on-site restaurants, and a stylish bar. Plus, breakfast is included, so you can start your day in Bologna the right way!
Prices vary depending on the time of year but usually range between €600- €800 per night. You can check prices and book this stay on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
Starhotels Excelsior is a solid mid-range pick in Bologna, perfectly located next to the gardens of Parco della Montagnola and just a 15-minute walk from Bologna Cathedral and Piazza Maggiore. The rooms are spacious and modern, with soundproofing for a quiet night’s sleep. There’s also an on-site restaurant, bar, and fitness center—plus, breakfast is available to start your day right!
Prices are usually around €150 per night and you can book this stay on Booking.com.
Budget – $
Hotel Maggiore is a great budget-friendly stay in Bologna, offering clean and comfortable rooms with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and minibars. It’s located just outside the city center, with easy bus access to Bologna’s top sights. Guests can also take advantage of the on-site bar and free bike rentals for exploring the city!
Rooms can start as low as €90 per night. You can reserve your room here on Booking.com!
For more options, see all of the hotels in Bologna here!
Related Read: For a full breakdown of the best areas and hotels in Bologna, check out our detailed where to stay guide here!
Renting a Car in Italy
Renting a car in Italy is one of the best ways to explore the country beyond the cities—think charming Tuscan villages, dramatic Amalfi Coast drives, and hidden gems in the countryside. While Italy’s roads can be a little chaotic (especially in cities), with the right preparation, renting a car here can be an unforgettable and rewarding experience!
We always use Discover Cars when booking our rentals, and highly recommend them. They compare dozens of providers to find you the best rates, include important filters like “automatic transmission,” and offer affordable full insurance coverage. For more info, you can read our in-depth Discover Cars review here.
Tips for Renting a Car in Italy
- Drive on the right: Italians drive on the right-hand side of the road and overtake on the left. Right turns on red are illegal, and you must often yield to vehicles coming from the right at intersections.
- Stay alert and confident: Italian driving can feel aggressive in cities—expect assertive drivers, scooters weaving through traffic, and liberal horn use (often just a form of communication). Stay calm and practice defensive driving.
- Insurance is a must: We highly recommend adding full coverage insurance when booking. Minor damage like scratches and dents is common, especially in cities, and Discover Cars’ full protection gives you peace of mind at a low cost!
- Mind the ZTL zones: Many city centers have restricted traffic zones called ZTLs. Entering without a permit can result in a fine. Check with your hotel and use GPS with ZTL alerts.
- Choose the right vehicle: Roads in Italy can be narrow and parking tight, so a compact car is usually best. Most rentals are manual, but if you need an automatic, you can easily filter for one when booking with Discover Cars.
What You Need to Rent a Car in Italy
- A valid driver’s license from your home country.
- If you’re from outside the EU, you’ll likely need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
- A credit card in the driver’s name is typically required for the security deposit.
- You must be at least 18 years old, but renters under 25 may incur a young driver surcharge.
Ready to hit the road? Book your car with Discover Cars here and discover the freedom of exploring Italy on your own terms!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
That’s all for our guide on the best things to do in Bologna! I hope it was helpful as you plan your time here. The food is worth the trip alone! But as we found out, there are so many other amazing things to discover too.
If this is just the start of your travels, have a look at our full travel blog here with destinations all over the world. If you’re staying in Italy for a bit, the blogs below should come in handy!
How to Spend TWO DAYS in Bologna, Italy: 2-Day Itinerary
10 Best Things to do in Venice, Italy