Bologna-7-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

  • Morning: Arrive in Bologna by train or car. Check-in at your hotel (see below for recommendations).
  • 10:00 AM: Visit the Piazza Maggiore, a historic square surrounded by impressive buildings, including the Palazzo del Comune (Town Hall) and the Basilica di San Petronio.
  • Lunch: Head to Trattoria dell’Orso (Via Dell’Orso, 1), a cozy restaurant serving traditional Bolognese cuisine. Try their famous tagliatelle al ragù alla bolognese!
  • Afternoon: Explore the narrow streets and alleys of the historic center, including the Mercato di Mezzo, a bustling marketplace filled with local produce and souvenirs.
  • Evening: Enjoy a classic Italian aperitivo at Bar Piazza (Piazza Maggiore), where you can people-watch while sipping on a Negroni or Aperol Spritz.

Day 2: Food and Wine

  • Morning: Visit the Mercato Coperto, a historic marketplace offering a wide range of local specialties, including fresh produce, cheeses, and cured meats.
  • 12:00 PM: Take a food tour (see below for recommendations) to sample some of Bologna’s famous dishes, such as tortellini en brodo and ragù alla bolognese.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Museo della Cucina (Via dell’Indipendenza, 13), a museum dedicated to the culinary history of Bologna.
  • Evening: Dine at La Sorriso (Via del Mille, 11), a Michelin-starred restaurant serving innovative, farm-to-table cuisine.

Day 3: History and Architecture

  • Morning: Visit the Basilica di San Petronio, a stunning Gothic church featuring an impressive facade and intricate interior decorations.
  • 10:00 AM: Explore the Palazzo Re Enzo (Via dell’Indipendenza, 13), a historic palace that now houses the Museo Civico.
  • Lunch: Head to Trattoria del 25 Aprile (Via del Mille, 11), a cozy restaurant serving traditional Bolognese cuisine in a charming atmosphere.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Torre degli Asinelli, a medieval tower offering breathtaking views of the city.

Day 4: Nature and Relaxation

  • Morning: Take a stroll through the beautiful Parco della Montagnola, a large public park featuring walking trails, gardens, and a peaceful atmosphere.
  • 10:00 AM: Visit the Giardini Margherita, a charming park offering a tranquil escape from the city’s bustle.
  • Lunch: Enjoy a picnic in the park or head to Caffè Costanza (Via del Mille, 11), a cozy café serving delicious sandwiches and salads.
  • Afternoon: Treat yourself to a rejuvenating massage at Spa & Wellness Bologna (Via dell’Indipendenza, 13).

Day 5: Culture and Entertainment

  • Morning: Visit the Teatro Comunale, a historic theater hosting various performances throughout the year.
  • 12:00 PM: Explore the Mercato di Mezzo, a bustling marketplace filled with local produce, souvenirs, and street performers.
  • Lunch: Head to Trattoria al Covo (Via dell’Orso, 1), a cozy restaurant serving traditional Bolognese cuisine in a charming atmosphere.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Museo della Musica, a museum showcasing a wide range of musical instruments and historical artifacts.

Day 6: Shopping and Markets

  • Morning: Visit the Mercato Coperto, a historic marketplace offering a wide range of local specialties, including fresh produce, cheeses, and cured meats.
  • 10:00 AM: Explore the Via dell’Indipendenza, a charming shopping street featuring various boutiques, souvenir shops, and cafes.
  • Lunch: Head to Trattoria del 25 Aprile (Via del Mille, 11), a cozy restaurant serving traditional Bolognese cuisine in a charming atmosphere.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Mercato di Mezzo, a bustling marketplace filled with local produce, souvenirs, and street performers.

Day 7: Departure

  • Morning: Check-out of your hotel and depart for the airport or train station.
  • Last-minute shopping: Stop by the Mercato Coperto to pick up some last-minute souvenirs or snacks before departing.

Hotel Recommendations

  • Grand Hotel Majestic (Via dell’Indipendenza, 15): A luxurious hotel located in the heart of Bologna’s historic center.
  • Hotel Art (Via dell’Orso, 1): A stylish hotel featuring modern rooms and a charming atmosphere.
  • B&B Casa della Musica (Via del Mille, 11): A cozy bed-and-breakfast offering comfortable rooms and a warm welcome.

Food Tour Recommendations

  • Bologna Food Tour (Via dell’Indipendenza, 15): A guided tour exploring Bologna’s culinary traditions and sampling local specialties.
  • Taste of Emilia Romagna (Via del Mille, 11): A food tour showcasing the region’s rich gastronomic heritage.

Transportation

  • Trains: Regular trains connect Bologna to major cities in Italy and Europe. The city is also accessible by car via the A14 highway.
  • Buses: Local buses connect the historic center with surrounding neighborhoods and suburbs.
  • Taxis: Available at taxi stands or by phone reservation.

Tips

  • Language: Italian is the official language, but many locals speak English, especially in the tourism industry.
  • Currency: The Euro (€) is the official currency. Credit cards are widely accepted.
  • Weather: Bologna experiences a humid subtropical climate with mild winters and warm summers.
  • Safety: As with any city, take normal precautions to ensure your safety and security.

Other Interesting Information

  • Bologna’s nickname: “La Grassa” (The Fat One) due to its rich gastronomic heritage.
  • Bologna’s famous dish: Tortellini en brodo, a traditional pasta dish served in a chicken broth.
  • Bologna’s cultural events: The city hosts various festivals and events throughout the year, including the Festa della Repubblica (Italian Republic Day) on June 2nd.