Bologna Travel Guide

Italy’s food capital: tortellini, ragù and arcaded streets.

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Region
Emilia-Romagna
Ideal stay
1.5 days
Best months
April to June, September to November

Top things to do in Bologna

Piazza Maggiore, the Two Towers and handmade tortellini

Food tour, then a day trip to Modena or Parma

Sample itinerary

  1. Day 1: Piazza Maggiore, the Two Towers and handmade tortellini
  2. Day 2: Food tour, then a day trip to Modena or Parma

Frequently asked questions

How many days do you need in Bologna?

Most visitors spend about 1.5 days in Bologna, and up to 2 days if they want to travel slowly or add day trips.

When is the best time to visit Bologna?

The best months are usually April to June, September to November. Summer is hot and busy in much of Italy, and some places are quiet in winter.

How do I get to Bologna from nearby places?

Florence: by train in about 1.5 h; Verona: by train in about 1.5 h; Siena & Chianti: best by car or regional bus, about 2.5 h. Times are rough estimates, so check current timetables.

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