If you’re a food lover, Bologna, Italy should definitely be on your travel itinerary. The city is renowned for its culinary excellence and offers an excellent opportunity to explore Italian cuisine. You can also participate in activities such as wine tastings and cooking classes. With so much to see and do, it’s easy to see why Bologna is a popular tourist destination.

When we tell others we are full-time travelers, one of the most popular questions people ask is: “Where should I go?” The honest answer is: “It depends.” The best destination depends on what you want to do on your trip.

Every city is different and has its pros and cons. We can’t say which city is best or our favorite because we like them all (or, at least, most of them) for very different reasons.

When we start thinking about where we will go next, we consider several factors. Some are given more weight than others, but we want to ensure the destination has what we’re looking for and that there are no disqualifying issues (like weather or crowds).

To help you decide if Bologna is a good choice, we’ve analyzed a list of factors we consider when choosing a destination and answered the frequently asked questions.

This website contains affiliate links that may earn us a small commission at no additional cost to you.

We spent the entire month of May in Bologna and felt like we knew the city well. Based on our experience, we assigned each factor a score from 1 to 5, with 1 being the worst and 5 being the best. If the attribute is unavailable or does not apply, we give it a 0.

If you’re asking yourself, “Is Bologna worth visiting?” hopefully, this information will help you make a more informed decision.

Some factors may sway you in one direction or another, depending on your circumstances and interests—for example, the weather. If you like to go to the beach, you may be looking for hot weather in the summer. If you like winter sports, you may be looking for cold weather in the winter. On the other hand, if you want to explore the old town (like us), you may be looking for milder weather in the summer and winter. For this reason, you may need to take your situation into account.

While there are some exceptions, we assume the weather will be good in the Spring and Fall everywhere we consider visiting. So, we focus primarily on the Summer and Winter weather.

Hot in the Summer – 2

We were not in Bologna during the summer, but the average highs for June, July, and August are 80℉, 87℉, and 86℉, respectively.

Cold in the Winter – 3

We spent the month of May in Bologna. The temperature was ideal, but we experienced historic rains and flooding. Although the amount of rainfall during our stay was abnormal, it rains often during the spring. So, pack waterproof shoes, a raincoat, and an umbrella. Also, make sure your waterproof shoes have a grip sole. The stone gets very slick when wet. I didn’t have a pair and have since purchased a pair of Gore-tex hiking shoes for the smooth stone often found in old towns.

The average highs for December, January, and February are 45℉, 43℉, and 48℉, respectively.

Few Tourists in Large Groups – 3

Bologna has tourists in large groups, but they are not overwhelming and tend to hang out in the main square, which can easily accommodate them without infringing on other people’s enjoyment of the city. The side streets from the square that are home to the historic shops, delis, produce stalls, and restaurants can also get crowded, and I recommend visiting them first thing in the morning before the crowds arrive.

Few Cruise Ship Passengers – 5

Bologna is land-locked and not a cruise ship destination. It doesn’t have waves of cruise ship passengers moving through the city.

Few Tourists in Couples or Small Families – 3

Most tourists in Bologna are in small groups of couples, friends, and families. While there are lots of non-Italian tourists in Bologna, most of the crowds of people are local Italians. The main roads in Bologna shut down on the weekends, and the locals from the surrounding area flood the city center to walk around and eat at the cafes and restaurants. There are also lots of events in the main square, Piazza Maggiore. During the month we spent in Bologna, there were several concerts and one very large worker’s union event in the Piazza.

Pedestrian Only Areas – 4

Bologna is heaven for pedestrians. Not only do they close the main streets around the Piazza Maggiore to cars on the weekends, but the famous porticos offer endless exploring with low concern for vehicles. We were in Bologna for May, and it rained often. The extensive porticos allowed us to explore during the rainy days with minimum interruption.

Lines at Attractions – 5

Bologna has several museums, but they are not very popular tourist destinations. We purchased the Bologna Museum card and went to all the included museums. The lines at the museums are short, and the crowds are minimal.

The one area where you will find lines in Bologna is for restaurants. We recommend making reservations in advance for all restaurants that accept them and going early for both lunch and dinner for all the spots that don’t take reservations.

Beaches with Calm Water (Kid-Friendly) – 0

Bologna is not a beach destination since it is not on the coast.

Beaches with Rough Water – 0

Again, there are no beaches in Bologna.

Boating Activities/Kayaking – 0

Bologna doesn’t have a large river running through it and doesn’t offer boating activities in the city.

Rocky Swim Spots – 0

Bologna is not a destination for swimming.

Sunbathing – 0

You can leave your bathing suit at home for your trip to Bologna as it doesn’t offer many, if any, sunbathing opportunities.

Wine – 3

Bologna is in the Emilia-Romagna region, which is known for its production of sparkling wines called Lambrusco. We especially love sparkling wines and really enjoy Lambrusco wines. So, we had a wonderful time drinking local wines in Bologna. But, given Lambrusco’s low popularity around the world, our love for Lambrusco is not widely shared so we are giving this category a three since many people might not enjoy the local wines. But don’t let that keep you from visiting Bologna since you can find lots of wine from all over Italy served at restaurants and sold in wine shops. For more information on the local wines of Bologna, check out our Bologna Wine page.

Beer – 2

Bologna is in a region of Italy not known for its beer production. Wine is the most popular alcoholic beverage with spritz cocktails probably taking the second spot.

Specialty Liquor – 2

Italy produces specialty liquors, Grappa and Lemoncello. Neither are produced in Bologna’s Emilia-Romagna region, but they are sold in limited quantities in Bologna stores and can be enjoyed during your stay.

Specialty Food – 5

Bologna is famous for its specialty food. It has lots of shops that sell fresh tortellini, balsamic vinegar, parmesan cheese, prosciutto, and mortadella. The top thing to do in Bologna is to explore the many specialty food shops and stop for a board of sliced meats for lunch with a glass of wine. For more information on the local specialty food of Bologna, check out our Bologna Food page.

Seafood – 3

Bologna is not on the water and is not traditionally known as a seafood destination. However, you can find an excellent selection of fresh seafood for sale in the small seafood markets in the Old Town. These markets offer seafood to purchase and prepare yourself, so this is not a good option for anyone staying short-term without access to a kitchen or a desire to cook.

Although Bologna’s traditional cuisine is not seafood-forward, there are a couple of highly-rated restaurants that are known for their seafood dishes.

Meat – 5

Bologna is a destination for meat eaters. Between the cured meats, tortellini stuffed with prosciutto, and Bolognese, there are lots of delicious meat dishes.

Street Food – 3

Bologna has lots of deli shops and restaurants but not many street-food (grab-and-eat while walking) options. Most of its food options are casual sit-down spots.

Large Food Market with Restaurants – 5

Bologna has great food markets. The two most popular are the many shops of the Old Market in the Quadrilatero and the Mercato delle Erbe. The food markets of Bologna are amazing and one of the top attractions in the city.

Experiences

Want to learn about the local food and wine of Bologna? Book one of the highly-rated food and wine experiences below!

History – 3

Bologna has a very interesting history, which we learned about at the city history museum, but it doesn’t have the long and elaborate history of Rome. If you have time, I recommend visiting the city history museum and learning about Bologna’s history. But, if you are tight on time, I recommend skipping it and focusing your time on enjoying Bologna’s food and markets.

Architecture – 5

The historic center of Bologna has fantastic medieval architecture that will transport you back in time. The center is large and jam-packed with beautiful buildings.

Art – 3

We went to all the museums included in the Bologna City Card, which included the city art museum. While we very much enjoyed it, I wouldn’t recommend it if you are limited on time or money. That said, Bologna is not really a destination for art. Florence and Rome hold those titles and Bologna doesn’t seem interested in competing.

Museums – 4

Bologna has a handful of museums that can all be seen with the Bologna Welcome Card. Since we stayed in Bologna for a month, we purchased the cards and went to all of them. While I don’t regret going to all of them, I wouldn’t recommend it if you are only in Bologna for a few days. But, if you want to dive into Bologna’s history and explore the museums, you will be rewarded with quiet museums without large crowds.

Castles – 0

Bologna does not have castles.

Walled-City – 3

Bologna was encircled by three walls. The innermost wall, the second wall, and the third, outer wall. All the outer wall gates remain and we enjoyed a long walk circumventing the old city to see the old gates. There are a few small sections of the outer wall that still remain. The largest section is northeast of the city center near the University of Bologna. The other small sections are attached to buildings. Check out our Bologna Architecture page for pictures of all the ancient gates.

Palaces – 4

Bologna is full of palaces. Today they are hotels, museums, and government buildings. You can see several of them if you purchase the city museum card.

Hiking – 4

Bologna is a popular destination for hikers as it is the beginning of the Via Francesca della Sambuca. Hikers start in Bologna and head towards the Santuario Della Madonna di San Luca. We walked to the Sanctuary of Sant Luca and encountered many hikers beginning their journey.

Running – 4

Bologna is a good destination for running, and we saw lots of runners. The porticos offer covered running terrain, but they do get crowded so you should schedule your runs before everyone else is awake.

For more information on Bologna’s running routes, check out Map My Run.

High – Fashion Stores/Shopping – 4

Bologna has a lot to offer those looking for retail therapy during their stay and the Galleria Cavour is home to high-end fashion brands.

Nightlife – 5

Bologna is a university town and a popular destination for late-night eating and drinking.

Dog Friendly – 4

Bologna is very dog-friendly. Dogs are welcome in many short-term apartment rentals, the outdoor seating area of restaurants, and most markets. Dogs aren’t allowed in grocery stores like Genoa or Trieste but are still welcome in many venues, including FICO Eataly, a food amusement park.

Kid Friendly – 3

We don’t have kids, but unless your children are aspiring chefs or get jazzed by medieval architecture, Bologna doesn’t have a lot to offer. The one major exception is FICO Eataly, the food amusement park. We went there for an Italian wine-tasting festival. It was created to entertain children with tons of different activities while also offering tons for adults. If you are going to Bologna for more than a day, FICO Eataly is a must-see attraction. See our article on FICO Eataly for more information, including how to get there from the city center.

Experiences

Want to learn about Bologna’s history with a guide? Book a highly-rated Bologna city tour!

Great Grocery Stores – 2

The grocery stores in historic Bologna are not great. They are mostly small and expensive. My favorite medium-sized grocery store was the Pam on Via Guglielmo Marconi. But, the markets and specialty food stores have so much to offer that you can get away with only going to a mainstream grocery store for the essentials.

English Widely Spoken – 5

English is very widely spoken in Bologna. It is the only Italian city where I experienced grocery store workers in the non-tourist areas where the employees spoke English. They speak English very well and are very proud of it. I would ask them in Italian for something, and they would respond in English. Again, this is extremely rare in Italy, where most English speakers work in the tourist industry.

Outwardly Friendly Locals – 4

Bologna locals are very friendly, and many speak English very well.

American Tourists – 4

There are many American tourists in Bologna, and you won’t go a day without encountering Americans.

Accessible by Train – 5

The train station and high-speed trains make Bologna accessible by train from all over Europe. It is incredible how quick and easy it is to travel around Italy by train.

Day Trips by Train – 5

Bologna is a great base for day trips to nearby cities such as Modena and Parma. Modena is known for its balsamic vinegar factory tours and Italian motorsport links, making it a unique and interesting destination. Parma is known for its delicious charcuterie and cured meats, which are a must-try for any food lover. Bologna itself has much to offer, including miles of covered sidewalks, museums, and great food.

Other nearby cities such as Ferrara and Reggio Emilia are also easily accessible by train from Bologna, making it a convenient base for exploring Northern Italy.

If you don’t mind riding the train just a little longer, Ravenna and Verona can also be visited on a day-trip from Bologna.

Clean Streets – 4

Bologna streets are extremely clean.

Noise – 3

The central square of Bologna, Piazza Maggiore, can get noisy with the many concerts and events. If noise is a concern, I recommend you book your hotel a block or two away from Piazza Maggiore. But don’t go too far, since it is home to the best restaurants and sights of Bologna.

Food Cost – 3

The endless supply of tourists in Bologna creates a high demand for food and a high cost to go with it. Bologna is an expensive city for eating at restaurants.

Accommodation Cost – 3

Bologna is a very popular tourist destination and a popular base for exploring the rest of the Emilia-Romagna region. It doesn’t have tons of hotels, so the high demand and low supply create expensive hotel costs.

Activities Cost – 3

The most popular activities of Bologna are cooking classes, food tours, and eating the local food. These can be pricey and should be considered when planning your trip.

Transportation Cost – 5

Since Bologna is connected to Italy’s fantastic train system, transportation cost to and from Bologna is very reasonable.

If taking the train is not your thing, you can use a taxi, private transfer, or rent a car and drive. For taxis and private transfers, we recommend GetTransfer. For rental cars and price comparisons of national and local brands, we recommend Discover Cars.

There are many great places to stay in Bologna. For the best experience, we recommend staying near Piazza Maggiore (the castle marker on the map below). The area around Piazza Maggiore is the most pedestrian-friendly, surrounded by restaurants and historical shops, and the main streets close to vehicles on the weekends and turn it into a giant pedestrian paradise.

Here’s a map with hotel and apartment options that can be filtered to meet your needs. Select your travel dates to get specific availability and prices.

Book your stay now!

Absolutely! Bologna is definitely worth visiting. With its delicious food and vibrant atmosphere, Bologna is a city that is truly worth visiting. While it may have some drawbacks, such as higher costs for food, accommodation, and activities, the overall experience of exploring this charming Italian gem outweighs these factors.

Bologna, the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region in Italy, is well-known for its culinary delights, academic excellence, and rich history. Affectionately referred to as “La Grassa, La Dotta, La Rossa,” which translates to “The Fat One, The Learned One, The Red One,” Bologna encompasses a fascinating blend of gastronomy, education, and architectural beauty.

To fully enjoy the sights, sounds, and flavors of Bologna, it is recommended to spend at least 2-3 days in the city. This will give you enough time to wander through the historic streets, sample the local cuisine, and soak up Bologna’s vibrant atmosphere. When you’re ready to create your itinerary, check out our suggested walking tour of Bologna.

Both Bologna and Florence have their own unique charm and appeal. Bologna, with its rich culinary scene and vibrant atmosphere, offers a different experience compared to the artistic beauty and historical significance of Florence. While Florence may be more well-known as a tourist destination, Bologna’s lesser-known status adds to its authentic and off-the-beaten-path allure. Ultimately, whether Bologna or Florence is nicer will depend on your personal preferences and what you’re looking for in a travel experience.

Tourists visit Bologna for a variety of reasons. One of the main attractions is the city’s incredible food scene. Known as the gastronomic capital of Italy, Bologna offers a wide range of culinary delights, from fresh pasta and hearty ragu to delicious gelato and traditional balsamic vinegar.

In addition to its food, Bologna also boasts a rich history and fascinating architecture. The city is home to numerous medieval towers, beautiful churches, and the oldest university in the world. Visitors can explore the historic center with its intricate porticoes and hidden alleyways, or visit iconic landmarks such as the Two Towers, the Basilica of San Petronio, or the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca.

Yes, the city of Bologna is very safe.

The time of the year with good weather and fewer crowds is often called the shoulder season. The shoulder season in Bologna is May to June and September to October. For many, this is the best time of the year to visit.

We spent the entire month of May in Bologna. The weather was cool but very rainy. Events and festivals were happening on most weekends, and the city was very lively. But, it was not overcrowded.

If you fly into Guglielmo Marconi Airport, you can get to the city center by train, bus, or taxi. The airport is close to downtown (approximately 4 miles).

We recommend taking the train if you’re comfortable pulling your luggage on cobbled streets and your accommodation is close to the station. It only takes 7 minutes to get from the airport to Stazione Centrale. Unfortunately, it’s still a long walk from the train station to the city center.

Otherwise, you should probably take a taxi from the airport to your hotel. It will cost about 20€ and take 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic and drop-off location. To arrange a taxi or private transfer, we recommend GetTransfer.

It is not necessary to speak Italian to visit and enjoy Bologna. A large percentage of the locals speak English.

Your Bologna packing list should include very comfortable walking shoes and elastic pants (for all the food you’ll eat).

Do you need cellular data during your trip and don’t want to pay for roaming? We use eSIMs from Airalo during our travel and highly recommend them. They are cheap, easy to set up, and allow you to leave your primary sim card in your phone (so you don’t lose it). Click below for more info.

Bologna is located in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy.

Bologna is a picturesque city located in the Emilia Romagna region of northern Italy. Nestled in the heart of the country, it serves as a gateway to the beautiful Italian countryside. Bologna’s central location offers easy access to other major cities like Florence, Milan, and Venice.

Situated at the foot of the Apennine Mountains, Bologna enjoys a scenic setting that attracts travelers from far and wide. Its strategic position between the coast and the mountains has made it a historically significant city throughout the centuries.