Things to do in Bologna
Discover Bologna's red-hued medieval architecture on foot, following the extensive covered porticoes across the city. Make a bee-line for the historic centre's heart, Piazza Maggiore, throwing a coin in the Neptune Fountain nearby. Visit the enormous San Petronio Basilica before heading east to the Two Towers. The taller Asinelli Tower can be climbed for bird's-eye views. Most museums close on Monday and smaller museums also shut for lunch.
Museums and Galleries
Expand all1. Archaeological Museum of Bologna - Ancient history museum
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South-east of Piazza Maggiore square, the Archaeological Museum of Bologna occupies a remarkable 15th-century palace. Collections trace Bologna's development from prehistoric to Roman times, with fine displays of statues, tombstones and coins. The Etruscan and Egyptian collections are particularly good.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
Free
Opening Hours
Tue-Fri 9am-3pm; Sat & Sun 10am-6.30pm
Address
2, Via dell'Archiginnasio, Bologna 40124
Telephone
+39 051 27 57 211
2. National Picture Gallery of Bologna - Fine art collection
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Bologna's outstanding collection of 13th-18th-century paintings is one of Europe's finest. Housed in a former monastery north-east of Piazza Maggiore square, the National Picture Gallery of Bologna's highlights include classic works by Raphael, Tintoretto, the Carracci brothers and Guido Reni.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
€4; concessions €2; children free
Opening Hours
Tue-Sun 9am-7pm
Address
56, Via Belle Arti, Bologna 40126
Telephone
+39 051 420 9411
3. Medieval Civic Museum - Middle ages museum
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Bologna's Medieval Civic Museum sheds light on the city's often turbulent history. The museum's fascinating collection of bronze statues, armour, artefacts, illuminated books and monumental tombs is housed in the beautifully frescoed Ghisilardi-Fava palace, north of Piazza Maggiore square.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
Free; exhibition charges may apply
Opening Hours
Tue-Fri 9am-3pm; Sat & Sun 10am-6.30pm
Address
4, Via Manzoni, Bologna 40121
Telephone
+39 051 219 3916
Attractions
Expand all4. Piazza Maggiore - Bologna's meeting place
Show more Pedestrianised Piazza Maggiore is Bologna's main square and favourite meeting point. Perfect for people-watching, the piazza is flanked by bustling cafés and some of the city's most imposing medieval and Renaissance buildings, including San Petronio Basilica and Palazzo Comunale (town hall).Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
Free
Opening Hours
Daily all day
Address
Piazza Maggiore, Bologna 40124
Transport
Bus 11, 20 or 30 to Piazza Maggiore
5. San Petronio Basilica - Patron saint basilica
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Named after Bologna's patron saint, San Petronio Basilica is the city's most important church. The Gothic masterpiece dominates Piazza Maggiore square, with 22 chapels and a notable carved doorway. Visit the museum to explore the history of the building's construction.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
Free
Opening Hours
Daily 7.45am-12.30pm and 3pm-6pm
Address
Piazza Maggiore, Bologna 40124
Telephone
+39 051 231415
6. Two Towers - Bologna's leaning towers
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Medieval Bologna was dotted with perhaps 100 towers, built by competing families for protection and prestige. Twenty remain, and the Asinelli and Garisenda, east of Piazza Maggiore square, are the most famous. Climb the taller, less tilted Asinelli for spectacular views.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
€3
Opening Hours
Daily May-Sep 9am-6pm, Oct-Apr 9am-5pm
Address
Piazza di Porta Ravegnana, Bologna 40126
7. Neptune Fountain - Imposing bronze statue
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Surrounded by cavorting cherubs and mermaids representing the Ganges, Nile, Amazon and Danube, the muscular statue of Neptune dominates Piazza Maggiore square's north-west corner. Neptune Fountain was sculpted by Flemish artist Giambologna in 1563. Visit at night when floodlit.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
Free
Opening Hours
Daily all day
Address
Piazza del Nettuno, Bologna 40124
Transport
Bus 11, 20 or 30 to Piazza Maggiore
8. Botanic Garden - University's historic gardens
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Bologna University's Botanic Garden is amongst the oldest in Europe, founded in 1568. A welcome stretch of green in the university precinct, the gardens include local and exotic specimens, medicinal plants, greenhouses, ornamental gardens and natural woodlands.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
Free
Opening Hours
Mon-Fri 8am-3pm; Sat 8am-1pm
Address
42, Via Irnerio, Bologna 40126
Telephone
+39 051 2091299
Special Things to do
Expand all9. Sunday Passeggiata - Walk under the porticoes
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Taking a Sunday Passeggiata (stroll) under Bologna's famous porticoes is a centuries-old tradition. From Piazza Maggiore square, head south-west to Porta Saragozza. From here, the world's longest portico leads to hilltop Madonna di San Luca Sanctuary for fabulous views.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
Free
Opening Hours
Daily all day
Address
Piazza Maggiore, Bologna 40124
Transport
Bus 11, 20 or 30 to Piazza Maggiore
