Bologna 5 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the City Center

Morning

  • Arrive at Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ) and take a taxi or bus (Aerobus) to your accommodation
  • Check-in to your hotel, such as Hotel Porta San Mamolo or Hotel Metropolitan

Afternoon

  • Start at Piazza Maggiore, the heart of Bologna’s historic center
  • Visit the Basilica di San Petronio, a stunning example of Gothic architecture
  • Explore the Quadilbero, a complex of medieval buildings and towers
  • Wander through the Portici, the iconic arcades that line the city streets

Evening

  • Enjoy traditional Bolognese cuisine at Trattoria Anna Maria or Ristorante Diana
  • Try some Tortellini in Brodo, a classic Bologna dish
  • Take a stroll along the Via Rizzoli, lined with shops and cafes

Things to Know

  • Bologna is known as “La Grassa” (the fat one) due to its rich culinary tradition
  • The city has over 40 km of porticos, making it easy to explore on foot

Day 2: Culture and History

Morning

  • Visit the Museo di Palazzo Poggi, a museum showcasing the university’s history and art collections
  • Explore the Teatro Anatomico, a beautiful Baroque theater
  • Stop by the Biblioteca Salaborsa, one of Italy’s oldest and most beautiful libraries

Afternoon

  • Visit the Galleria dell’Accademia di Belle Arti, featuring works by famous Italian artists
  • Explore the Museo Internazionale e Biblioteca della Musica, dedicated to music and its history
  • Wander through the charming Quartiere Santo Stefano neighborhood

Evening

  • Enjoy a traditional Bolognese dinner at Ristorante Del Leone or Trattoria Dal Biassanot
  • Take in a show or concert at the Teatro Comunale di Bologna

Transportation

  • Use public transportation (Tper) or walk/bike to get around the city
  • Buy a Bologna Welcome Card for free admission to many attractions and public transport

Day 3: Food and Wine

Morning

  • Visit the Mercato di Mezzo, a bustling marketplace with fresh produce and local specialties
  • Take a Food Tour, sampling Bolognese delicacies and drinks
  • Explore the Quartiere delle Sette Chiese, a charming neighborhood with historic churches

Afternoon

  • Visit a local Winery or Vineyard, such as Cantina Sociale di Bologna or Fattoria Castelluccio
  • Learn about traditional Bolognese cuisine at a Cooking Class
  • Relax in the beautiful Giardino Margherita, a tranquil oasis in the city

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Ristorante La Montanara, known for its creative takes on traditional dishes
  • Try some Gelato at one of the many local shops, such as Gelateria Giusti or Cremolatti

Tips

  • Be sure to try some of Bologna’s famous Prosciutto di Parma and Parmigiano Reggiano
  • Don’t miss the Aperitivo, a pre-dinner drink and snack tradition in Italy

Day 4: Day Trip to Modena

Morning

  • Take a train from Bologna Centrale to Modena ( approx. 30 minutes)
  • Visit the Cattedrale di Modena, a stunning example of Romanesque architecture
  • Explore the Piazza Grande, a beautiful square surrounded by historic buildings

Afternoon

  • Visit the Museo Casa Enzo Ferrari, dedicated to the life and work of the famous car designer
  • Stop by the Acetaia Giusti, a traditional vinegar producer
  • Wander through the charming streets and canals of Modena’s historic center

Evening

  • Return to Bologna and enjoy dinner at Ristorante Il Pagliaccio or Trattoria La Ghiotta
  • Take in a show or concert at the Teatro Stignani

Day 5: Last Day in Bologna

Morning

  • Visit the Museo di Palazzo Davanzati, featuring art and artifacts from the Middle Ages to the Baroque period
  • Explore the Orto Botanico dell’Università di Bologna, a beautiful botanical garden
  • Stop by the Chiesa di San Giacomo Maggiore, a stunning example of Gothic architecture

Afternoon

  • Visit the Torre degli Asinelli, one of the city’s iconic towers
  • Wander through the charming streets and canals of Bologna’s historic center
  • Last-minute shopping for souvenirs or local specialties

Evening

  • Enjoy a farewell dinner at Ristorante La Prosciutteria or Trattoria del Leone
  • Take in a show or concert at the Teatro Comunale di Bologna

Things to Know

  • Don’t forget to validate your train ticket before boarding
  • Be sure to try some of Bologna’s famous Panettone, a sweet bread typically served during the holidays