Bologna
Western Europe · Italy
Did you know?
- The Archiginnasio houses an anatomical theatre.
- The university traces its foundation to 1088.
- Osteria del Sole lets drinkers bring their own food.
See also
Overview
Bologna pairs a lively student atmosphere with terracotta roofs and covered porticos. Tagliatelle al ragù and tortellini give food a central place in a visit.
Languages: Catalan, Italian
Why go?
Bologna is a beautiful and historic city in Emilia-Romagna, home to the oldest university in the Western world (founded 1088). It offers a lively student population, excellent cuisine (tagliatelle al ragù, tortellini), and a striking brick terracotta-roofed cityscape with miles of covered porticos. The city is known as 'Bologna la rossa' for its red-hued architecture.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting in
Guglielmo Marconi International Airport (BLQ) has international flights from Amsterdam, Brussels, Copenhagen, Dublin, Edinburgh, Frankfurt, Istanbul, London, Madrid, Manchester, Moscow, Paris, Prague, Vienna, and Zagreb (seasonal). The main railway station is Bologna Centrale, one of Italy's busiest, with high-speed rail. The intercity bus station (Autostazione di Bologna) is at Piazza XX Settembre near Porta Galliera.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting around
The historic centre is compact and best explored on foot, with many streets under covered porticos. Public buses (TPER) serve the city and suburbs; tickets can be purchased at TPER Via Marconi office. Bicycle rentals are also available. The San Luca hilltop sanctuary is reachable by bus 58 (every 30 min) or the tourist train (€13).
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Where to stay
Bologna has a range of accommodation from hostels to luxury hotels. Backpacker-friendly options include Il Nosadillo (dorm beds €24-30) and Collegio Universitario S. Tommaso d'Aquino (€50 single, closed 01:00-07:00). Mid-range hotels cluster near the train station and in the centre, such as Hotel University Bologna (singles from €60).
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Food and drink
Bologna is the gastronomic centre of Italy. Local dishes include tagliatelle al ragù, lasagne alla bolognese, tortellini in brodo, and mortadella. Budget eats: Tigellino (tigellini €1.70-1.90), I Matti Della Polenta (polenta pieces €4.50), and Mercato di Mezzo for varied food courts. For a unique experience, bring your own food to Osteria del Sole. Drink in Via Zamboni (student bars) or Via Pratello for the alternative scene.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Things to do
Top sights include Piazza Maggiore with Basilica di San Petronio (free entry), the Two Towers (Asinelli closed for renovation until ~2033), and the Fountain of Neptune. Visit the Archiginnasio (€3) for the anatomical theatre. Museums like Museo Civico Archeologico (€7) and Pinacoteca Nazionale (free for under 18) are worth a look. Walk the 666 porticos to San Luca sanctuary. Free parks: Giardini Margherita and Giardino della Montagnola.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Day trips
Bologna is a transport hub for easy day trips to Ferrara, Rimini, Ravenna, Faenza, Cesena, Reggio Emilia, Modena, and Padua. Also consider the Museo Lamborghini in Sant'Agata Bolognese or the Certosa cemetery.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Budget
A daily backpacker budget in Bologna is around €40-60. Dorm beds start at €24-30. A meal at a trattoria costs €20-30; street food like polenta or tigellini is €4-8. Gelato from Grom or Il Gelatauro is €3-7. Public bus tickets are affordable. Many museums charge €3-7 or are free.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Connectivity
As of September 2021, Bologna has 5G coverage from all Italian carriers. Free WiFi is available in many cafes and public spaces. Power plugs are Type F (Schuko) and Type L, standard voltage 230V.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go next
Direct trains and buses connect Bologna to Ferrara, Rimini, Ravenna, Faenza, Cesena, Reggio Emilia, Modena, and Padua. Padua is a well-preserved old city to the north.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- eat
Caffè Terzi
Features single estate coffees.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Caffè Zanarini
Best terrace in town. Stylish waiters serve quality food. A 0.75 l bottle San Pellegrino costs €2.50. Good value for your money.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Caminetto D'Oro
Good service, good wine list and fine food at a price.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Centro Natura
Excellent lunches with the self-service mode, fast and practical, but also beautiful dinners on Friday and Saturday with table service. Vegetarian, organic, good food with large portions, relaxing environment and kind staff.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Cremeria Cavour
This new arrival on the gelato scene is giving everyone else a run for their money with many excellent flavor combinations.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Enoteca Italiana
It has twice been voted best in Italy. Great for a stand up sandwich (Pancetta with Balsamic or a Mortadella Panino) and an excellent glass of the wine of your choice.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Gamberini
Some of the finest appetizers in town; great pastries (paste) too.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Grom
Consistently superb gelato, from the local outpost of an Italian chain. Try the pistachio, and the almond "granita".
Recorded price: €3–7 for a copetta (Nov 2019)
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Connectivity
5G from all Italian carriers as of Sept 2021.
Language
Italian is the official language; English spoken in tourist areas.
Money
Currency is Euro (€). Credit cards widely accepted; cash useful for small purchases.
Transport
Bologna Centrale is a major rail hub. City buses by TPER.