Must-Visit Attractions in Bologna
The birthplace of bolognese sauce is perfect for a food-lover’s pilgrimage, but Bologna has more going for it than meaty pasta. Explore this northern Italian city’s vaulted arcades, museums and basilicas, plus its fantastic eateries.
Well-known the world over for its fabulous food and eponymous pasta sauce, Bologna – the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region – is the perfect destination for experiencing and tasting the real Italy. The red-brick-and-terracotta medieval centre is characterised by porticoes and medieval towers, and is easily explored on foot. Bologna’s university, dating from 1088 and one of the oldest in the world, continues to thrive and contributes to the city’s successful combination of tradition and innovation. Here are the top must-visit attractions in Bologna, Italy.
1. Spaghetti (or tagliatelle) bolognese
Restaurant, Italian
Widely considered as Italy’s foodie capital, Bologna takes its specialities seriously and over 30 traditional recipes are registered at the Chamber of Commerce, which also keeps a strip of gold the exact dimensions of perfect tagliatelle – 8mm, for your information. Meat-filled tortellini and tagliatelle al ragù – the authentic version of spaghetti bolognese – reign when it comes to pasta. Find out what real bolognese sauce tastes like at informal lunch spot Sfoglia Rina or in the evening at traditional Trattoria Serghei, then try to recreate it when you get home.
2. Covered arcades (portici)
Historical Landmark
With more covered pavements than anywhere else in the world – nearly 24mi (40km) – in Bologna, you’re always protected from the rain or hot sun. These porticoes first began to appear in the 11th century to house the city’s fast-growing university population above the arcades, without occupying extra terrain, and in 1288 a law was passed making them obligatory. While some original medieval wooden porticoes remain, including at Strada Maggiore 19, in Via Marsala and behind the Corona d’Oro Hotel, most are brick or stone, with columns, archways, vaulted ceilings and marble floors.
3. Quadrilatero old market
Market
Produce stalls and food shops have filled this knot of narrow lanes just off Piazza Maggiore with colour and aroma since medieval times. Nowadays, it’s one of Bologna’s most picturesque spots for a snack or meal at the numerous deli-eateries. Don’t miss the Osteria del Sole wine bar which dates from 1465 – only wine is served, but you can bring your own food. For more tasty market bites check out Mercato delle Erbe, the city’s largest covered food market, which is also in the centre.
4. Museo della Storia di Bologna
Museum
5. Asinelli Tower
Building
6. Piazza Maggiore
Building
7. Basilica di Santo Stefano
Church
8. San Luca Sanctuary
Church
9. FICO food centre
Market, Italian
Since its 2021 makeover, this massive foodie centre just outside the city – hop on bus 35 – has become a kind of theme park dedicated to the origins of food, with fun and educational experiences both for children and adults: think multimedia exhibits, live demonstrations, tastings and cookery classes. There are farm animals and crops, producers of traditional foods and plenty of opportunities for the two most important elements of a trip to Bologna, eating and drinking.
10. Former ghetto district
Wine Bar, Italian
With its compact tangle of cobbled alleys, Bologna’s historic former ghetto district, just round the corner from the Asinelli Tower, is one of the most atmospheric parts of town. Craft workshops sell beautiful handmade items including traditionally made artistic prints and custom shoes, and there’s a Jewish museum and heritage centre. Soak up the atmosphere over an aperitivo at wine bar Camera a Sud.
Looking for somewhere to stay? Book into one of the best hotels in Bologna. We’ve compiled the top things to see and do in Bologna, including the best museums. Don’t miss the city’s best restaurants.
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