Bologna-6-day-itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Exploration
- Morning: Arrive at Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ) or take a train to Bologna Centrale Station. From there, take a taxi or bus to your accommodation.
- 10:00 AM: Check-in at Hotel Metropolitan (€100/night) or B&B La Signoria (€60/night), both in the city center.
- 11:30 AM: Visit the Piazza Maggiore, one of Europe’s oldest squares, surrounded by impressive medieval buildings like the Basilica di San Petronio and Palazzo Comunale.
- 1:00 PM: Grab lunch at Trattoria Le Ghiottoni (€15/meal), serving traditional Bolognese dishes.
- 3:00 PM: Explore the nearby Mercato Coperto, a historic marketplace with local food, flowers, and souvenirs.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at Ristorante La Sorrisa (€30/meal), offering modern Italian cuisine.
Day 2: Food and Wine
- 9:00 AM: Visit the Mercato Coperto again to sample local food and drinks, such as prosciutto di Parma and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
- 11:00 AM: Take a wine tour at Azienda Agricola La Scolca (€20/person), learning about Emilia-Romagna’s renowned wines.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at Osteria dell’Orsa (€15/meal), serving traditional Bolognese dishes with a focus on local ingredients.
- 3:00 PM: Visit the Museo della Città di Bologna, showcasing the city’s history, art, and architecture.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at Ristorante La Gensola (€30/meal), offering traditional Italian cuisine with a focus on local ingredients.
Day 3: Medieval Charm
- 9:00 AM: Visit the Basilica di San Petronio, one of Europe’s largest churches, featuring stunning Gothic architecture.
- 11:00 AM: Explore the nearby Piazza del Nettuno, surrounded by impressive medieval buildings and a beautiful fountain.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at Trattoria al Cielo (€15/meal), serving traditional Bolognese dishes with a focus on local ingredients.
- 3:00 PM: Visit the Museo Civico Archeologico di Bologna, showcasing the city’s archaeological history and art.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at Ristorante Il Tamarro (€30/meal), offering modern Italian cuisine with a focus on local ingredients.
Day 4: Art and Culture
- 9:00 AM: Visit the Galleria d’Arte Moderna (€10/person), showcasing modern art from Emilia-Romagna.
- 11:00 AM: Explore the nearby Palazzo Fava, a stunning example of Renaissance architecture with beautiful frescoes.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at Osteria dell’Orsa (€15/meal), serving traditional Bolognese dishes with a focus on local ingredients.
- 3:00 PM: Visit the Museo d’Arte Provincia di Bologna, showcasing modern art from Emilia-Romagna.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at Ristorante La Gensola (€30/meal), offering traditional Italian cuisine with a focus on local ingredients.
Day 5: Day Trip to Ravenna
- 8:00 AM: Take a train or bus to Ravenna (€10/person, round-trip).
- 9:00 AM: Visit the Basilica di San Vitale, a stunning example of Byzantine architecture and art.
- 11:00 AM: Explore the nearby Mausoleo di Galla Placidia, showcasing beautiful mosaics and ancient art.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at Trattoria al Cielo (€15/meal), serving traditional Bolognese dishes with a focus on local ingredients.
- 3:00 PM: Visit the Museo Nazionale di Ravenna, showcasing art, history, and culture from Emilia-Romagna.
Day 6: Shopping and Relaxation
- 9:00 AM: Explore the nearby Piazza Maggiore, surrounded by impressive medieval buildings.
- 11:00 AM: Visit the Mercato Coperto, a historic marketplace with local food, flowers, and souvenirs.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at Osteria dell’Orsa (€15/meal), serving traditional Bolognese dishes with a focus on local ingredients.
- 3:00 PM: Visit the Basilica di San Petronio, one of Europe’s largest churches, featuring stunning Gothic architecture.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at Ristorante La Gensola (€30/meal), offering traditional Italian cuisine with a focus on local ingredients.
Things to Know:
- Bologna has a public transportation system that includes buses and trams. A single ticket costs €1.50.
- The city center is relatively flat, making it easy to explore on foot.
- Be prepared for crowds during peak tourist season (June-September).
- Try local specialties like prosciutto di Parma, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, and tagliatelle al ragù.
Tips:
- Visit the city’s famous marketplaces, such as Mercato Coperto, to sample local food and drinks.
- Explore the city’s historic center on foot to discover hidden gems and stunning architecture.
- Don’t miss the opportunity to try traditional Bolognese dishes like tagliatelle al ragù or tortellini en brodo.
Other Things of Interest:
- Bologna Airport: Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ) is located about 6 km from the city center.
- Train Station: Bologna Centrale Station is a major transportation hub with connections to other Italian cities and Europe.
- Cultural Events: Check out local events, such as concerts, festivals, and exhibitions, at the Palazzo Fava or other cultural venues.
Accommodation:
- Hotel Metropolitan: €100/night
- B&B La Signoria: €60/night
Food and Drink:
- Trattoria Le Ghiottoni: €15/meal
- Osteria dell’Orsa: €15/meal
- Ristorante La Sorrisa: €30/meal
- Ristorante La Gensola: €30/meal
Transportation:
- Single bus ticket: €1.50
- Train to Ravenna: €10/person, round-trip