Bologna travel guide

Located in the heart of Emilia-Romagna, Bologna is a city that has much to offer its visitors.

Its thousand-year history, cultural richness and lively lifestyle make it one of the most fascinating destinations in Italy.

Chapters:

1. Bologna lifestyle
2. The soul of Bologna
3. The kitchen
4. Culture and monuments
5. Environment and sport
6. Nightlife

1 - Bologna lifestyle

Bologna's lifestyle is unique. The city lives at the pace of its inhabitants, who animate it with their passion, energy and love of life.

The arcades, with their elegant arches, are one of Bologna's distinguishing features and represent the beating heart of the city.

Every portico has a story to tell, every stone holds a secret. But the real charm of Bologna lies in its people.

The people of Bologna are known for their hospitality, friendliness and dedication to tradition.

To walk the streets of Bologna is to immerse oneself in a unique atmosphere, where every day is an opportunity to discover something new, to experience an adventure, to fall in love with this city again and again.

2- The soul of Bologna

The true essence of Bologna is manifested in its historic squares, monuments and traditions.

Piazza Maggiorewith its imposing Basilica of San Petronio, is the beating heart of the city and one of the most iconic places in Bologna.

But Bologna is also its lesser-known squares, its cobbled alleys, its lively markets and its traditional taverns.

It is the sound of the bells echoing in the squares, the scent of coffee wafting through the streets of the centre, the joy and energy in every corner.

Bologna is a living, breathing city that welcomes you with open arms and makes you feel at home.

3- The Kitchen

Bolognese cuisine is a cultural heritage, a sensory journey that takes you on a discovery of authentic flavours and local traditions.

Come on tortellini in broth at tagliatelle with meat sauce, from crescentine to mature cheeses, each dish tells a story of passion, dedication and craftsmanship.

But Bolognese cuisine is not just a gastronomic experience.

It is also a time of sharing, of conviviality, of joy.

Bologna's trattorias and restaurants are magical places where time seems to stand still and every bite is an unforgettable experience.

And with local markets, such as the Middle Market or that of the Erbe, you will have the opportunity to discover the fresh, quality products that make Bolognese cuisine so unique and appreciated all over the world.

4 - Culture and Monuments

Bologna is a city rich in artistic and architectural treasures. Its historic centre, declared UNESCO World Heritage Siteis a veritable open-air museum.

La National Art Gallery, with its collections of Renaissance works of art, and the Museo Civico Archeologico, with its evidence of the city's Etruscan and Roman past, are just some of the attractions that will make your stay in Bologna unforgettable.

But Bologna's culture is not limited to its museums and monuments.

You live in the streets, in its festivals, in its art exhibitions, in its events that enliven the city all year round. Bologna is a city that surprises you, that fascinates you, that involves you.

This cultural ferment is reflected in the numerous exhibitions organised in the city's palaces and museums. Among the most famous are:

• Palazzo Pepoli - Museum of the History of Bologna (Via Castiglione 8. Tue-Sun: 10h - 19h, +39 051 19936370)
• Palazzo Fava - Palazzo delle Esposizioni (Via Manzoni 2. Tue-Sun: 10h - 19h, +39 051 19936305)
• Palazzo Albergati (Via Saragozza 28. Daily: 10h - 20h, +39 051 030141)
• Museo Civico Archeologico di Bologna (Via dell'Archiginnasio 2. Mon, Wed-Fri: 9h - 18h; Sat, Sun and holidays: 10h - 18h30, +39 051 2757211)
• Museo Morandi (Via Don Giovanni Minzoni 14. Tue, Wed, Sun and holidays: 10h - 18h; Thu, Fri, Sat: 10h - 19h, +39 051 6496611)
• MAMbo - Museo d'Arte Moderna di Bologna (Via Don Giovanni Minzoni 14. Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun and holidays: 10h - 18h; Thu 10h - 22h, +39 051 6496611)

If you come to Bologna, there are some monuments that are real must-sees, which we hope you will explore. Below is a list of the must-sees:

• Piazza Maggiore, Basilica of San Petronio and the Neptune Fountain. The Piazza and the fountain are the symbol of Bologna;
• Torre degli Asinelli, 500 steps lead to the top, but the view repays the effort. Tradition dictates that only those who have graduated can climb it (4/Nov-29/Feb: 9.30am-5.45pm; 1/Mar-2/Nov: 9.30am-7.30pm);
• St Stephen's Square and its Basilica, famous for its seven churches built at different times one on top of the other (9am-12.30pm and 2.30pm-7pm);
• Sanctuary of San Luca, the longest portico in the world that climbs up through the hills of Bologna to the old Roman Basilica. It has 666 arches and depicts the serpent whose head is crushed by the Madonna (7am-12.30pm and 2.30pm-6pm winter months; 7am-12.30pm and 2.30pm-7pm summer months).
• Walk of the 7 secrets of Bologna.
  Access the QR code and discover the stages of the walk to learn all the secrets of the historic centre!

5 - Environment and sport

Bologna is also a green city, with numerous parks and green areas where you can enjoy moments of relaxation and tranquillity.

The Montagnola Park and the Margherita Gardenswith its shady paths and green meadows, is the ideal place for a walk in the fresh air or a morning jog.

But Bologna is also an active city, with numerous opportunities for sports enthusiasts.

Whether you are a fan of cycling, jogging or outdoor sports, you will always find something to do and discover in Bologna.

Parks and Gardens

• Margherita GardensViale Massimo Meliconi 1 (open 24h)
• Villa Ghigi Park, Via San Mamolo 105 (open daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
• Botanical GardenVia Irnerio 42 (8.30 am - 3.30 pm; Sat: 8.30 am - 1 pm)

6 - Nightlife

Bologna's nightlife is lively and dynamic, with a wide range of venues, bars and clubs enlivening the city's evenings.

From historic bars, where you can enjoy a glass of local wine or a creative cocktail, to trendy clubs, where you can dance until dawn, Bologna offers a variety of options for all tastes and ages.

Evenings in Bologna are enlivened by concerts, live shows, cultural events and much more, making each night unique and unforgettable.

Bologna is a city that conquers you, that fascinates you, that makes you fall in love at first sight.

With its culture, history, cuisine and unique lifestyle, it offers an authentic and unforgettable experience to anyone who visits.

Happy Hour

• Herb Market, food court & street food - Via Ugo Bassi 25
• Via Pescherie Vecchie, narrow street packed with tigelle, salumi and
  wine
• The Greenhouses, inside the park of Giardini Margherita, closed during
  winter - Via Castiglione 134
• Via De' Musei, Pfancy happy hour - oyster bar, champagne & crudités

Discos

• Cassero - electronic, Via Don Giovanni Minzoni 18, tel. +39
  0510957200
• Covo Club - alternative music, Viale Zagabria 1, tel. +39 051 505801
• Numa - disco, reggaeton, Via Alfieri Maserati 9, tel. +39 051 363591
• HobbyOne - pop, r&b, Via Mascarella, 2/A, tel. +39 0510088777

Live Music

• Bentivoglio Winery - jazz club, Via Mascarella 4/b
• Take Five Genuine Music Club - jazz & international, Via Cartoleria 15
• Unipol Arena - concerts, Via Gino Cervi 2, Casalecchio di Reno

And with the facilities of Queen Home Apartmentsyour stay will be even more pleasant and comfortable. Get ready to discover all the wonders of Bologna and fall in love with this extraordinary city!