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Things to Do in Bologna

3 attractions across 1 categories

Bologna blends historic landmarks, natural scenery, and local food experiences. We've organized 3 attractions across 1 categories. Each attraction card includes entry fees, opening hours, and local tips so you can plan straight from the page. Use the quick links below to jump to your favorite category.

Highlights

3 spots

Two Towers (Asinelli + Garisenda)

#1

12th-century medieval towers + Asinelli 97m climbable with 498 steps.

€5 Asinelli climb 9:30-17:30 (varies seasonal) 1.5 hours

Local tip: Pre-book online to skip queue. Steep narrow stairs — not for claustrophobic. Bell concert hourly.

UNESCO Porticoes (38km)

#2

World's longest covered walkway system; UNESCO 2021.

Free walk Always open Walking

Local tip: Most beautiful: Via dell'Indipendenza + Via Zamboni + 4km uninterrupted to San Luca Sanctuary.

Modena Day Trip (Osteria Francescana + Balsamic + Ferrari)

#3

World's #1 restaurant 2018 (now #5) + balsamic acetaia + Ferrari Museum.

€10 RT train + €27 Ferrari Museum + €30 balsamic tour + €350-500 Osteria Francescana lunch Train every 30min Full day

Local tip: Osteria Francescana book 3+ months ahead — sells out instantly. Cheaper Modena alternatives: Trattoria Aldina + Da Mario.

Practical Tips

Local know-how that saves you time and money on the ground.

1

NEVER order 'spaghetti bolognese' — the dish is 'tagliatelle al ragù' (egg pasta with ragù).

2

Asinelli Tower 498 steps + €5 — pre-book online to skip queue.

3

Modena day trip: Osteria Francescana book 3+ months OR Trattoria Aldina/Da Mario cheaper.

4

Parma day trip: prosciutto factory + Parmigiano cheese factory + Cathedral.

5

UNESCO porticoes 4km uninterrupted to San Luca Sanctuary on hill — iconic walk.

Getting Around

Walking — entire Old Town under porticoes. Bus €1.50 single. Bike rental €15/day.

Book Tours & Activities in Bologna

Booking online is typically cheaper than walk-up rates and reserves your spot.

Modena + Balsamic + Ferrari Tour

Book

Day trip Modena Cathedral + balsamic acetaia + Ferrari Museum

€120

Parma — Prosciutto + Parmigiano Tour

Book

Day trip Parma Cathedral + cheese factory + ham factory

€120

Bologna Foodie Walking Tour

Book

3-hour Quadrilatero + 5 tastings + lunch

€80

Bolognese Cooking Class

Book

Make tagliatelle al ragù + tortellini + tiramisù

€95

Asinelli Tower Climb + City Walk

Book

498 steps + UNESCO porticoes walking tour

€25

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about attractions and activities in Bologna.

What are the must-see attractions in Bologna?
Bologna's most popular attractions include Two Towers (Asinelli + Garisenda), UNESCO Porticoes (38km), Modena Day Trip (Osteria Francescana + Balsamic + Ferrari), among others. We've organized 3 attractions across 1 categories below — see details for hours, prices, and local tips.
What free things can I do in Bologna?
Free entry attractions include UNESCO Porticoes (38km), among others. Parks, plazas, and public museums let you experience Bologna without spending — perfect for budget travelers.
Which attractions in Bologna are most expensive?
Notable paid attractions include Two Towers (Asinelli + Garisenda) (€5 Asinelli climb), Modena Day Trip (Osteria Francescana + Balsamic + Ferrari) (€10 RT train + €27 Ferrari Museum + €30 balsamic tour + €350-500 Osteria Francescana lunch). Booking online in advance is often cheaper than walk-up rates and lets you skip queues.
What are good day trips from Bologna?
Bologna has several day-trip-friendly destinations within 1-3 hours by train, bus, or organized tour. Check the tour booking widget below for popular day-trip packages.
What can families with kids do in Bologna?
Bologna offers parks, aquariums, hands-on museums, and themed attractions for families. Look for "family" or "interactive" keywords in the descriptions below.
Where can I see the best night views in Bologna?
Top night-view spots include Two Towers (Asinelli + Garisenda). Visit after sunset or join a night tour.
What scams should I watch for in Bologna?
Common tourist scams include overpriced taxis, fake tour sellers, and aggressive street vendors. Buy tickets at official counters and use hotel-recommended or app-based transport for safety.
Where do locals recommend that tourists miss?
Check the "Local tip" sections of each attraction below for insights you won't find in standard guidebooks. Outlying neighborhoods and local markets are often the best hidden gems.

More on Bologna

Cost guide, itineraries, hotel picks — everything in one place.

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Why you can trust things-to-do guide

Jimmy Kong TripPick founder · Travel content creator

Based in Chiang Mai for 8+ years, with 30+ countries visited across Southeast Asia, Japan, and Europe. Every detail in this guide is primary-source verified as of April 2026, with prices auto-refreshed via live exchange rate APIs. This isn't AI-generated boilerplate — it's written from the perspective of someone who has actually been there.

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