Best Things To Do in Bologna

Do you like medieval times and good food? If so, you will love Bologna. This historic capital of the Emilia-Romagna region located in northern Italy offers many activities that you can enjoy during your vacation. Take advantage of gastronomic tours, cultural tours and much more.

Bologna is undoubtedly a Renaissance treasure. You can visit different important points of the city such as Piazza Maggiore, the Salaborsa Center, several museums, among other places. You will live a unique experience full of history.

If you travel during the fall in Bologna you can take advantage of the good weather to take a walk through the streets of this city. One of the places I recommend you to visit is the Fountain of Neptune, famous for all its characteristics: enigmatic, giant and erotic. It is certainly a monument that you must visit during your visit to Bologna.

This incredible icon of Bologna dates back to the sixteenth century, is located in Piazza Neptune and was created by the architect Bartolomeo Ammannati and the artists John of Bologna and Tommaso Laureti. Locals call it Il Gigante and you will quickly recognize it when you see it in the distance. It features a statue of the god Neptune, his trident, dolphins, several mermaids and shields. The whole construction is made of bronze, marble and rock.

It is worth mentioning that this monument was created after the Council of Trent. At that time Pope Pius IV ordered it as part of the architectural renovation of the city. A curious fact, but also considered a rumor, is that for a time the church had to put bronze pants on the statue of Neptune. The idea was not to scandalize the population with the nudity of the work. However, this measure was short-lived.

If you decide to take a guided tour in Bologna, make sure this point is on the stops to visit. It is worth stopping and appreciating the grandeur of this representative work of art. Don't forget to take some pictures!

Interesting details

• Price: free admission.
• Hours: you can go at any time.
• Location: Piazza del Nettuno, 40124 Bologna, Italy.

Thanks to the location of Bologna you can visit several small towns and cities in the surrounding area. With an excursion from Bologna you can save time and even money. However, another option is to travel on your own by learning to use public transportation or using cabs.

Among the tours you can take from Bologna are those to Verona, the land of Romeo and Juliet. There you can see the Arena, the Piazza dei Signori (with the statue dedicated to Dante), the Piazza delle Erbe, the Museo di Castelvecchio, among other memorable spots. However, keep in mind that in high season this is a very busy destination.

If you want to taste the best parmigiano cheese and prosciutto crudo, you should travel to Parma. This small town, close to Bologna, offers a quiet atmosphere all year round. There you can see the Ducal Palace and Gardens, the Farnese Theater, Piazza Garibaldi, among others.

Other cities you can visit are Padua, Modena, Ferrara, Florence and the beloved Venice. In the latter you can take boat rides through its canals. If you travel with your partner you can certainly have a beautiful and romantic experience. Don't forget to include monuments and famous sites in all your itineraries so you don't miss anything important.

If you are a fan of Italian brand vehicles you should take advantage of your stay in Bologna to visit the best car museums. You can choose different options that include one or more museums. Some of them even allow you to see the factory where the cars are made, so choose the option you like best!

The most popular is the Ferrari Museum in Maranello. The average entrance fee is 15 € and you can buy it online or at the museum. There you can enjoy a semi-professional Formula 1 simulator and other virtual experiences to feel what the drivers go through. You can also listen to the history of this brand and its evolution over time.

You can also visit the Lamborghini factory and museum in Sant'Agata Bolognese. Here you can see a dazzling display of cars, visit the souvenir store and enjoy a simulator. According to some people, this museum is simpler than the others.

Another must-see on your list is the Pagani factory and museum in San Cesario sul Panaro. This is the smallest of the three, but it has worthwhile exhibits. Take as many pictures as you can in these museums and enjoy the passion for motoring.

If you are in Bologna you should definitely try its typical dishes. For that I recommend you to do gastronomic tours. Some of them include a wine tasting or tasting of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and Italian ham. These are products that are manufactured in the city, so you can opt for tours inside the local factories and see what the whole process is like.

Sometimes these tours have a private car or are simply done on foot. If it is a small tasting, you will usually go to different restaurants. Among the dishes you will probably eat are tortellini pasta, famous for being served at the MasterChef Restaurant, Italian flatbread, fresh fruits and Italian sweets.

Depending on the type of tour you choose, you can have breakfast and lunch on the same tour. One of the advantages of going to restaurants is that for a few hours you get to see how the locals interact. For a passionate traveler this is one of the best experiences of their travels.

In case you are traveling during the coldest months of the year, I recommend taking a tour of the best museums in Bologna. You will be able to enjoy enclosed sites avoiding the cold outside while learning about the history of this emblematic city with traces of medieval times.

To begin with, I recommend you visit the Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna, one of the most important museums in Italy. It stands out for its collections of paintings by the Carracci and their followers. In addition, you will find part of the former headquarters of a Jesuit seminary. Are you going to miss it? Undoubtedly it cannot be missing in your itinerary.

The second stop to learn about the history and origin of Bologna that you cannot forget is the Civic Archaeological Museum. This site has more than 200 thousand archaeological pieces, from mummies to sculptures from ancient Rome. It is located a few meters from the city's Piazza Maggiore, a paradise full of history!

And finally, I recommend you visit the Museo d'Arte Moderna di Bologna (MAMbo) Here you will learn about Italy's modern art, independent works and much more. These museums are an open door to learn about the history of Bologna and lose yourself in an artistic paradise.

If you travel to Bologna during Christmas time you should be prepared for temperatures ranging from 3 °C to 10 °C. Wrap up warm and don't let the cold be an impediment to enjoy this city. These festivities are one of the best times of the year to enjoy Bologna's traditions.

Among its most popular customs are the gatherings held in Bologna's Town Hall. In the center of the historic center of the city next to the Basilica of San Petronio a giant Christmas tree is planted and decorated. It is a very beautiful attraction that you should not miss. Come and enjoy this site and its decorations with your loved ones.

Another entertaining activity is to visit Bologna's Christmas markets. One of the most popular in the city and in Italy is the Santa Lucia fair on Strada Maggiore. It starts in the second week of December and ends on the 23rd of that month. You can go and do some Christmas shopping.

And as I said at the beginning, the low temperatures are not an impediment to have a good time. Take advantage of the weather to enjoy ice skating in the outdoor rinks. Be brave and enjoy these Christmas gifts that the weather has for you. I assure you that you will have a great time.

During the hot season in Bologna the temperatures range from 25°C to 35°C. Although it can be hot, there are several things you can do during the summer. One of them is to take a tour by scooter or electric bike, so you can feel the breeze all over your body avoiding the heat while getting to know the city.

I recommend this kind of tours because they offer you the chance to ride a vespa scooter. This vehicle is an icon of Italian history that many dream of driving. These tours are usually done with few tourists so that they can follow the guide and feel comfortable on the tour.

Electric bicycles are more recommended because they will help you avoid efforts and therefore, you will not sweat excessively. This way, you will be able to tour the city without getting too tired. Regardless of the means of transportation you choose, I recommend you always carry your water bottle to keep you hydrated at all times.

When you meet the whole team, your first stop may be the Sanctuary of Our Lady of San Luca. They also usually pass by the Monumento ai Caduti di Sabbiuno. The Parco della Chiusa is also often included. Routes can be varied or customized to suit your tastes.

If you are going out in Bologna during a summer day, I recommend applying sunscreen all over your body. The sun can be aggressive during this time of the year, so it is best to protect yourself. You can also wear a hat and of course, comfortable clothes that allow you to perspire easily.

If you like to experience the nightlife of the cities you visit, one of the things you can do at night in B ologna is a pub crawl. It is a city full of joy, music and dancing. Take the opportunity to visit several famous places, taste the best wine and dine Italian style.

Among the places I recommend you to visit is Numa Restaurant & Ballroom. Although open on weekdays, Saturdays are dedicated to urban genres such as reggaeton and hip hop. It is an ideal place if you are looking to dance and have a good time with friends.

If you are not much into discotheques, I recommend you to visit Arterìa. It is a quiet place where you can enjoy live music events. You can also have your favorite drinks and dine on the best of the menu. This place also has spaces where you can dance if you feel like it at some point of the night.

If you are a wine lover I recommend you to visit Vinologico. Here you can enjoy a delicious dinner with an Italian wine recommended by the house. If you prefer to enjoy a good coffee instead, I suggest you visit the Black Cat Pub. As you can see there are options for all tastes and you will have no excuses to enjoy the night in Bologna.

If you travel to Bologna during spring you can enjoy nature by visiting some of its parks. This can be the most beautiful time to visit Bologna as there are many mountain landscapes, gardens and parks to relax. You can even rent a bike and ride more comfortably.

Besides walking around these places and enjoying the fresh air, you can also prepare a small breakfast or lunch. This is an ideal plan when traveling with children. One of the places I recommend is the Villa Ghigi Park. It has a variety of plants that adorn the landscape. I invite you to stroll freely through this small natural paradise. At the end of your tour you can refresh yourself in the Casa del Custodio.

On the other hand, the Margherita Gardens are considered the green lung of the center of Bologna. Its 26 hectares make it the largest park in the city. It is also the busiest of all, so if you want to get to know the locals a little closer this can be a good destination.

In these recommendations could not miss the Botanical Garden of the University of Bologna. It is one of the oldest in Italy, dating back to the sixteenth century. Another place you can visit is the bike path of the Navile canal. This is an ideal cycling and pedestrian path if you want to ride a bike and relax admiring the city.

Bologna 's Piazza Maggiore is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. It is an enclosed but cozy space where you can see the most important and imposing buildings of the city. It also allows you to admire old arcades and windows. It is certainly a delight for architects and amateurs.

Right in this square is located the Palazzo del Podestà, built in 1200. Its function at that time was to be the seat of the first local magistrate and his officials. Over the centuries its appearance changed until it adopted a Renaissance style and became a center for meetings and tourism.

A curious fact is that this palace was not only dedicated to politics. During the sixteenth and eighteenth centuries it became a renowned theater. To visit it, I recommend you to take a tour in a tourist bus and get off at the Palazzo del Podestà stop.

I also suggest you to walk through its gallery and enjoy a delicious coffee. From inside you can see the entire Plaza Mayor and on the second floor you will see beautiful paintings and sculptures. You can also approach the statues of San Domenico and San Petronio, located in the porticoes of the palace. Its structure functioned during the Middle Ages as a means for lepers and other sick people to confess to the priests.

Details of interest

• Price: free admission.
• Hours: open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Friday.
• Location: Piazza Maggiore, 1, 40124 Bologna, Italy.