Things to Do in Bologna in Two Days
Bologna is one of our favorite cities in Italy, and for sure the nicest in the Emilia Romagna region. That’s why we strongly recommend spending as much time as possible there.
However, if you only have 2 days for Bologna we are here to help. Since there are lots of things to do in the city, you will have to rush a bit.
Follow our tips and you will get to see the best this ancient city has to offer. We are talking about enormous heritage, tones of art and culture, delish food, and vibrant hosts.
Day 1
Climb the Two Medieval Towers
Bologna is famous around Italy for its magical medieval towers. During the Middle Ages there were some 180 towers. Today, some 21 towers remain. You will see them scattered all around.
The Le Due Torri: Garisenda e degli Asinelli are the most famous ones. Both are next to each other a block from the main square. You can climb the Asinelli one. Dante mentions Garisenda, the one that leans.
The other must see tower is Torre Prendiparte, on a tiny square also in the center. You can also climb up to enjoy epic views of the city.
Spend Time on Piazza Maggiore
To us, the Piazza Maggiore is one of the nicest squares in Europe. Local people visit to socialize. The 16th Century Neptune Fountain is in front of the spectacular Palazzo d’Accursio.
It’s full of art, including frescoes. Go up the Torre dell’Orologio to enjoy the best views of Bologna. Go inside the Biblioteca Salaborsa to admire the books and the roman ruins beneath the floor.
The Basilica di San Petronio and its unfinished marble facade preside over the square. Go inside, and prepare to be dazzled. Its 22 chapels are breathtaking.
Learn History in the Anatomical Theater
From the temple, walk 2 minutes under the incredible UNESCO listed arches to the Museo Civico Archeologico. The 14th Century palace homes a huge collection of Etruscan, Egyptian, Greek and Roman artifacts.
The Palazzo dell’Archiginnasio e Teatro Anatomico is next, on Galvani Square. Be sure to walk under the arches that surround the square before entering the palace.
The 16th Century Palazzo was the main building of the Western’s world oldest university. It’s huge and fascinating so you will need to rush. Do not miss the 1636 theatre, the church, and the library.
Visit the Basilica – Santuario di Santo Stefano
The Basilica – Santuario di Santo Stefano is on pedestrian Santo Stefano square. We always have superb pasta directly on the square at Sette Chiese Bistrot and then enter the premises.
Locals call it the seven churches. The ancient complex homes several temples built over the centuries. The oldest building is San Vitale and Agricola Chapel. You have to see it to believe it.
Our favorite is the 5th Century Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Pilate’s courtyard is fascinating. Don’t skip the Church of the Trinity. The oldest crib in the world made of statues is there.
Visit the Basilica Patriarcale di San Domenico
The remains of the founder of the Dominicans are inside the Basilica Patriarcale di San Domenico, a short walk from the main square. The church dates back to the 12th Century.
We loved the square because it looks medieval. It’s paved and there’s a marble pulpit in the center. Look out for San Domenico’s pillar and the byzantine arch.
Go inside the church and admire its Baroque interior. Every single chapel along the main nave is interesting. Mozart himself played the church’s organ.
Relax in the Margherita Gardens
After exploring so many buildings, you will need some nature. The Giardini Margherita is the nicest urban park in Bologna. We are talking about 65 acres (26 hectares) of lush parks, ponds, statues, paths, lakes, and chalets.
The gardens are just off the city center, next to San Estefano gate. Don’t worry, if you get hungry or thirsty, there are three bars inside the park where you can have drinks and food until late.
Our favorite place in the park is the Serra Madre Cultural Center. It’s a place with food, drinks, benches and games. You will probably be the only foreigner there.
Day 2
Visit the Santuario di Madonna di San Luca
The 1765 Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca crowns a hill south of the city center. You can walk from Saragozza Gate through gardens and villas up the hill to the sanctuary in an hour.
Especially beautiful are the Arco del Meloncello and the Portico di San Luca. With its 666 arches, it’s the longest portico on the planet!
If you don’t have time, take a public bus from Piazza Maggiore to the Portico. It’s only a half an hour walk from there. To go directly from the square to the sanctuary, take the San Luca Express, included in Bologna Welcome Card.
Get Lost on the Streets of the Jewish Ghetto
Go back to the city center and visit the Jewish Quarter. It’s the neighborhood of narrow streets and aisles north of the Main Square. Local people visit all through the day to walk and have a drink.
We always stop for cold cuts, cheese, and bread at The Prosciutteria, on Guglielmo Oberdan Street. For coffee and cakes, we go to Caffè Terzi, on the same street.
Look out for the plaques on the walls with the names of victims of Nazis. Check out the 12th Century Uguzzoni Tower.
Visit Two Extraordinary Museums
A 10-minute walk from the Jewish Quarter along Zamboni Street takes you to the Museo di Palazzo Poggi and the Pinacoteca di Bologna. On your way there, you will pass the 1763 Municipal Theatre.
The 16th Century former university Palazzo Poggi homes an eclectic collection of art, science, and anatomy. One minute you are admiring the frescoes, and the next looking at old anatomical wax models. The library is fascinating.
The Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna comprises 30 halls full of paintings and art! Most are by local artists that lived from the 13th to 18th Century. The entire complex is gorgeous.
Visit the Iconic Finestrella
Not many visitors know that there’s a canal beneath the city of Bologna. To see it, go to Via Piella, north of the main square. Locals call it Piccola Venezia.
You are walking along a traditional street and then you notice a little window on the street, Finestrella. Take a peek and you will see a canal complete with colorful buildings.
Bologna’s canal system was built during the 12th to the 16th Centuries. The city needed to be connected to the River Po and its vessels. Closed during centuries, this section was opened in 2010.
Stroll along Via dell’Indipendenza
Via dell’Indipendenza links the train station with Piazza Maggiore, the main square. It’s probably the city’s main drag. All types of shops and eateries line the street.
You will walk under the city’s celebrated arches. Go at night and during the day. It’s safe and full of life. The best hotel in the city is here, the historic Grand Hotel Majestic.
The city’s Cathedral is in front of the hotel, the Cattedrale Metropolitana di San Pietro. The simple facade contrasts with the lavish interior of this 17th Century temple.
Have Lunch or Dinner in Quadrilatero
The Quadrilatero is the area east of the main square and west of the Two Towers. Though central, it’s an area favored mostly by locals. This is the place to eat and drink like a king.
We always stop at the Mercato di Mezzo. There are many restaurants inside this covered market. The atmosphere is magical. For simple authentic pasta head to nearby Trattoria Gianni.
The best place in the city for cocktails is the elegant NU Lounge Bar. It gets busy, the music is fantastic, and closes late at night.
Where to Stay in Bologna
The best place to stay in Bologna is the Grand Hotel Majestic in the center. We spent a luxurious weekend there. The grand palace is the only 5-star hotel in the city, and one of the best hotels in Europe.
We also stayed with family at the Art Hotel Orologio. They offer apartments and rooms. Ours faced the main square! Besides, they have complimentary bicycles. We even used them at night!
Our final recommendation goes to Hotel Touring, next to San Domenico square. We loved the hotel’s splendid rooftop terrace and hot tub with epic views over the city! Book a room with a balcony.
