Things to do in Bologna

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Bologna featuring outdoor eating, heritage architecture and a square or plaza
Bologna featuring heritage elements
Bologna which includes food and markets
Basilica of San Petronio showing interior views, religious elements and a church or cathedral
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 {240 fun activities in Bologna fun activities in Bologna} are also worth browsing through.

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Most popular activities in Bologna

Tours & day trips

See all 206 activities
Bologna: Traditional Bolognese Pasta making with a Meal

Bologna: Traditional Bolognese Pasta making with a Meal

Activity duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is $70 per adult
Bologna: Traditional Bolognese Pasta making with a MealOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 92 activities
Top 3 Supercar Visit Lamborghini, Ferrari, Pagani from Venice

Top 3 Supercar Visit Lamborghini, Ferrari, Pagani from Venice

Activity duration is 6 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is $445 per adult*
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Classes & workshops

See all 44 activities
Bologna: Traditional Bolognese Pasta making with a Meal

Bologna: Traditional Bolognese Pasta making with a Meal

Activity duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is $70 per adult
Bologna: Traditional Bolognese Pasta making with a MealOpens in new tab

Adventure & outdoor

See all 12 activities
Bologna: Panoramic Bike Tour

Bologna: Panoramic Bike Tour

Activity duration is 2 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is $53 per adult
Bologna: Panoramic Bike TourOpens in new tab

Recommended things to do in Bologna

Number of things to do
240
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Audio guides to discover Bologna: food, culture, art and history: $6
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

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

BolognaFiere

BolognaFiere

4.5/5(57 reviews)

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
Bologna featuring a square or plaza, a city and heritage architecture

Piazza Maggiore

4.5/5(217 reviews)

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
Ducati Museum which includes interior views

Ducati Museum

4.5/5(14 reviews)

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

Ducati Museum
Bologna featuring heritage elements

Two Towers

4.5/5(77 reviews)

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
Basilica of San Petronio showing religious elements, heritage elements and a church or cathedral

Basilica of San Petronio

4.5/5(128 reviews)

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 showing a statue or sculpture and a fountain

Fountain of Neptune

4.5/5(165 reviews)

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

Fountain of Neptune
Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca

Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca

4.5/5(18 reviews)

Walk the world’s longest portico to reach this stunning church and catch some of Bologna’s best city and countryside views.

Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca
Bologna

Via Indipendenza

3.5/5(12 reviews)

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 featuring a square or plaza, a small town or village and heritage architecture

Basilica Santo Stefano

4.5/5(108 reviews)

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

Basilica Santo Stefano

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Bologna

Historic Center featuring heritage elements and street scenes

Historic Center

4/5(235 area reviews)

Medieval landmarks, masterpieces by famous artists, superb museums, bars, trattorias and fashion outlets line the atmospheric streets of Bologna’s historic center.

Historic Center
Palazzo Comunale featuring heritage architecture and a square or plaza

Santo Stefano

5/5(3 area reviews)

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.

Santo Stefano
Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca

Saragozza-Porto

4/5(13 area reviews)

Walk to a revered hilltop church and visit a lively soccer stadium, elegant gardens and medieval landmarks in this laid-back neighborhood.

Saragozza-Porto
BolognaFiere featuring signage and modern architecture

Bologna Fiere District

Exhibition centers, performance venues, museums and attractive parks are some of the highlights of this modern business district in Bologna.

Bologna Fiere District
This is a photo of a monument which is part of cultural heritage of Italy. This monument participates in the contest Wiki Loves Monuments Italia 2015. See authorisations.
Photo by Fabio difra (page does not exist) (CC BY-SA)

Bolognina

If you're spending some time in Bolognina, Ippodromo Arcoveggio and Museum for the Memory of Ustica are top sights worth seeing.

Bolognina
Archaeological Museum which includes a fountain and heritage elements

Quadrilatero

If you're spending some time in Quadrilatero, Galleria Cavour Shopping Center and Piazza Maggiore are top sights worth seeing.

Quadrilatero
See our Where To Stay guide

 

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

Photo "Castenaso" by Eutampieri (page does not exist) (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Eutampieri (page does not exist) (CC BY-SA)

Castenaso

Photo by Massimo Monfredini

Casalecchio di Reno

San Lazzaro di Savena

San Lazzaro di Savena

Photo by Anjeza Muço

Zola Predosa

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.