Things to do in Bologna

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Bologna
Bologna
Bologna
Bologna
Bologna

Bologna Attractions

There are opportunities for fun all over Bologna. From thrilling excursions to fascinating tourist attractions, this captivating city packs a punch. Ready to start working on your travel itinerary?

If you're ready to discover the best of Bologna, join a few of the top tours & day trips on offer, and have a friendly expert show you some of the most popular attractions. Offering free cancellations and no added fees, our {289 fun activities in Bologna fun activities in Bologna} are also worth browsing through.

Most popular activities in Bologna

Tours & day trips

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Bologna Small-Group Food Tour with Full Meal & Local Guide

Bologna Small-Group Food Tour with Full Meal & Local Guide

Activity duration is 3 hours and 30 minutes
9.6 out of 10 with 123 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $103 per adult
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Private & custom tours

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Bologna's Best Kept Secrets: Self-Guided Walking Tour

Bologna's Best Kept Secrets: Self-Guided Walking Tour

Activity duration is 8 hours and 30 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is $8 per adult
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Classes & workshops

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Bologna: Pasta Tagliatelle al Ragu Cooking Class with Wine

Bologna: Pasta Tagliatelle al Ragu Cooking Class with Wine

Activity duration is 3 hours
9.0 out of 10 with 89 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $69 per adult
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Adventure & outdoor

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Bologna: Bike Rental

Bologna: Bike Rental

Activity duration is 8 hours
9.6 out of 10 with 4 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $17 per adult
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Shows & concerts

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Bologna: Olive Grove and Vineyard Tour with Product Tastings

Bologna: Olive Grove and Vineyard Tour with Product Tastings

Activity duration is 1 hour
8.8 out of 10 with 8 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $20 per adult
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What to do in Bologna

Free Things to Do in Bologna

There's no need to endlessly reach for your wallet in Bologna. The following won't even cost a penny.

Luigi Bombicci Museum of Mineralogy - Chock-full of exhibits and artifacts, this gallery is a wonderland for knowledge-hungry minds.

Palazzo Comunale - If you're fascinated by history, this is one attraction you can't miss.

Piazza Maggiore - Spend some time in this popular place and experience life as a local.

Salaborsa Library - Well known among those who reside here, this place is worth stopping by.

Basilica of San Petronio - Do some soul searching or just savor the tranquil atmosphere at this place of worship.

Margherita Gardens - Renew your body, mind and soul by spending some time in nature.

Things to Do in Bologna with Kids

Bologna is a terrific place for a family break. Take the kids along and enjoy these family friendly experiences together:

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Bologna? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Bologna

Piazza Maggiore

Piazza Maggiore

Not only has this been the epicenter of Bologna since the 13th century, but it is also one of the largest and oldest squares in all of Italy.

Piazza Maggiore
BolognaFiere

BolognaFiere

Attend a conference or exhibition in the heart of historic Bologna at a sleek, modern and multipurpose center that hosts events throughout the year.

BolognaFiere
Panorama view of Bologna Renato Dall'Ara Stadium from outside. Stadio Dall'Ara. Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy

Stadio Renato Dall'Ara

Catch an event at Stadio Renato Dall'Ara during your trip to Bologna. Discover the fascinating museums and shops in this walkable area.

Stadio Renato Dall'Ara
Ducati Museum

Ducati Museum

Get an insider perspective and discover the history and prestige of the iconic Ducati motorcycle at this museum and factory.

Ducati Museum
Two Towers

Two Towers

A magnificent view over the medieval rooftops of Bologna’s city center is just reward for the arduous climb to the top of one of these ancient towers.

Two Towers
Via Indipendenza

Via Indipendenza

Find out about the history of Bologna when you spend time at Via Indipendenza. Check out the shops and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.

Via Indipendenza
Basilica Santo Stefano

Basilica Santo Stefano

Go for a stroll through this interconnected group of religious buildings, admiring the graceful architecture and valuable artwork in each.

Basilica Santo Stefano
Basilica of San Petronio

Basilica of San Petronio

See one of the largest churches in the world and learn the story behind its magnificent yet unfinished marble façade.

Basilica of San Petronio
Fountain of Neptune

Fountain of Neptune

This intriguing work of art is one of the most well-known symbols of Bologna and an important public gathering place.

Fountain of Neptune

Where to stay in Bologna

Find the best Bologna areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Bologna
Learn more about Bologna

Historic Center

Historic Center is known for its popular shops, and you can see some sights in the area like Via Indipendenza and Piazza VIII Agosto.

Photo by BARBARA ZOLI (page does not exist)
Open Photo by BARBARA ZOLI (page does not exist)

Santo Stefano

Santo Stefano is known for its charming coffeehouses, and you can make a stop by Basilica of San Domenico and Teatro Duse while in the area.

Navile

Unique features of Navile include the museums and historic sites. Make a stop by Navile Shopping Centre or Caserme Rosse while you're exploring the area.

Antikes, ziegelsteinernes Stadttor San Donato

San Donato

While visiting San Donato, you might make a stop by sights like EuropAuditorium Theater and Virtus Arena.

Saragozza-Porto

Saragozza-Porto is known for its great bars, and you can make a stop by Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca and Stadio Renato Dall'Ara while in the area.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Bologna

Panoramic view of the historical center with the towers, Bologna, Italy

Calderara di Reno

Romantic vine route with medieval castles in Italy. Emilia Romagna region, Levizzano castle and scenic village

Anzola dell'Emilia

Tavola imbandita con due bicchieri di vino rosso, formaggio parmigiano reggiano su un tagliere con coltello e miele in un contenitore di vetro con dosatore.

Granarolo dell'Emilia

Panorama view of Parco dei Gessi. Farneto, San Lazzaro di Savena, Bologna, Italy

Pianoro

Bologna Italy

Casalecchio di Reno

Adobe

San Lazzaro di Savena

Angera (VA), Italy - September 15, 2016: View of Rocca Borromea in Angera town, Angera, Maggiore Lake, Varese, Lombardy, Italy.

Castel Maggiore

Lights and shadows on the woodlad, the hills and the cultivated fields in Zena valley. Pianoro municipality, Bologna province, Emilia-Romagna, Italy.

Sasso Marconi

Frequently asked questions

Is Bologna worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in Bologna is visit Teatro Duse. Check this top sight off your list, then discover more of this area's dining and culture.
How do I spend a day in Bologna?
Start your day with a visit to Palazzo Fantuzzi and Palazzo Albergati. Then, explore other areas of Bologna for local dining and some retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Bologna?
You can't go home without exploring Teatro Duse, rated the top tourist attraction in Bologna.
Is three days enough to stay in Bologna?
Three days in Bologna is enough to enjoy the city's leading attractions. Many travelers stay for two days on average. Teatro Duse, Cattedrale di San Pietro and Bologna Museum of Modern Art are among the most popular sights. Want to discover more? Stick around a while longer to check off nearby hotspots like Modena.
Is Bologna a walkable city?
That depends on what you want to do and see in Bologna. Several attractions, including Teatro Duse and Cattedrale di San Pietro, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a stroll through some of Bologna's best neighborhoods, Historic Center is 0.3 miles away from downtown, while Saragozza-Porto is 2 miles away from the center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Bologna with kids?
Whether you're traveling with young explorers or adventure-seeking teens, a schedule filled with fun activities makes all the difference. Check out our ideas for what to do in Bologna with kids.

What to do in Bologna for adults?
Via Indipendenza and Via Zamboni are just two of the things to do in Bologna. With lots of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Bologna?
One of the best ways to find free things to do in Bologna is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on vibrant neighborhoods, parks and other highlights you can experience without opening your wallet. Cattedrale di San Pietro is one place that doesn't charge an admission fee.

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