So you have just one day in Bologna, Italy?
Don’t worry! You’ll be surprised at how much you can cover when you have a detailed itinerary for discovering the best of Bologna in a day.
Though the city is the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region and one of the absolute best food destinations in Italy, it is fairly small, and many of its best attractions are grouped close together.
In other words, you can cover a decent chunk of Bologna in 24 hours or less and walk away at the end feeling like you have gotten a fantastic snapshot of the city.
We’ve visited Bologna several times, including one trip where we spent a full month “living” in Bologna, hunting down all of its nooks, crannies, and best spots.
After many days worth of stuffing our faces, researching, and exploring, here’s our recommended itinerary for Bologna in a day.
We’ve tested this itinerary on family members we’ve shown around the city, and had a fantastic time showing our loved ones around.
Fair warning, though: this one day in Bologna itinerary is mostly centered around eating and then walking around/climbing up various things to work it off in time for the next meal!
The Ultimate One Day in Bologna Itinerary
Start your morning in Piazza Maggiore.
Bologna’s central piazza is easily the best place to kick off your one day Bologna itinerary.
This famous piazza is beautiful, it’s easy to find, and it’s surrounded by plenty of coffee and pastry shops for those (like us) who need a cappuccino to kick off a morning of exploring.
Yes, you’ll pay a bit more to enjoy a classic Italian breakfast overlooking the piazza, but there’s no doubt it’s a lovely view to start your day with!
While you’re in Piazza Maggiore, duck into the Basilica of San Petronio. It’s free to access and as of 2026, (still) doesn’t require any ticketed reservations or advance planning to visit.
Be sure to also take a look at the impressive Neptune’s Fountain!
As you wander, you’ll almost certainly come across buskers that add to the atmosphere, as well as a lovely view of your next stop…
Climb to the top of the Torre dell’Orologio (Clock Tower).
For a beautiful view of Bologna’s skyline, including its iconic two leaning towers (more on those in a bit!), head to the top of the clock tower.
Located right off the Piazza Maggiore, the Torre dell’Orologio is about a 200-step climb and delivers beautiful skyline views from two terraces, plus an up-close look at the clock itself.
Tickets also include access to the Municipal Art Collections housed on-site in the Palazzo d’Accursio, though note that the tower and museum have slightly different hours, so be sure to choose your ticket time carefully.
This is a great alternative to the now-permanently-closed San Petronio’s Terrace, which we adored.
Prepare to eat absolutely everything.
Bologna, and the Emilia-Romagna region in general, is a place to eat.
Widely considered one of the best food cities in Italy, Bologna is a heaven for those who love exploring local cuisine.
As you’re plotting out your goals when trying to see Bologna in a day, definitely make a point to schedule time for food.
From tagliatelle al ragù to tortellini en brodo, and from parmigiano-reggiano to traditional balsamic vinegar to mortadella (the “real” and sublime bologna), many of Italy’s most beloved foods come from Emilia-Romagna, and therefore are easily available in Bologna.
If you’d like to explore Bologna’s food scene in depth during your limited time in the city, we recommend spending your morning on a food tour like this!
This wildly popular food and market tour will point out some of Bologna’s major attractions while also teaching you all about Emilia-Romagna cuisine (with lots of sampling built in, of course).
If you go for the food tour, simply loop around and pick this Bologna itinerary back up for the afternoon when you’re finished, crossing off anything that you already saw.
Stop into the Anatomical Theatre & Library of Archiginnasio.
With only one day in Bologna, we don’t recommend spending too much time in museums.
Given how remarkable and convenientally located the Palace of Archiginnasio and its museums are, though, it’s definitely worth taking a quick peek!
The palace, which has long been owned by the University of Bologna, is home to a 17th-century carved anatomical theatre, which is incredibly beautiful and yet historically was used for medical students to learn human anatomy via cadaver, which was quite controversial at the time!
Down the hall, you’ll find the library, and while tourists aren’t allowed into most of it, even a quick glance is worth the time it takes to get there. It is gorgeous!
You can book tickets here, and choose between an audio tour (faster/more efficient and self-led) or a guided tour (which comes with access to some additional spaces).
Stroll down Via Drapperie and explore the Quadrilatero area.
Via Drapperie is one of the prettiest streets in Bologna and one of my all-time favorites in the city due to its combination of delicious food and incredibly eye-catching displays.
If you signed up for a food tour this morning, you’ve already explored Via Drapperie and the Quadrilatero, but if not, now is the time (and even if you’ve come by once, a second stroll to do a bit of shopping isn’t necessarily a bad idea).
Via Drapperie and its surrounding streets make up the oldest market in Bologna, dating back to the Middle Ages, and is known today as the Quadrilatero area.
Here, you can find everything from cheese shops and cured meat shops to flower stands and cafes, all of it ridiculously photogenic.
We never consider a trip to Bologna complete unless we enjoy a visit here!
Grab lunch in the Quadrilatero area.
If you didn’t eat as part of a food tour, we recommend stopping on or around Via Drapperie to grab lunch.
Not only is it a gorgeous place to enjoy a view with your meal when you only have one day to eat in Bologna, but you’ll also need the energy for your next stop!
If you’d like to sit inside, we recommend ducking into the Mercato di Mezzo, which offers plenty of options.
However, we suggest finding a small restaurant with outdoor seating instead.
It’s much more memorable to have lunch in Bologna when you’re able to watch the hustle and bustle of the busy streets over your pasta and wine.\
If you’d like to try a traditional Emilia-Romagnan dish for lunch, consider ordering tagliatelle al ragu (the real version of what the rest of the world knows as spaghetti bolognese), tortellini en brodo, zuppa inglese, or tortellacci.
Of course, you should definitely start your meal with a plate of Emilia-Romagnan cured meats, including mortadella (the delicious meat that has been radically altered and renamed bologna outside of Italy).
Head over to Torre Asinelli for a great view of Bologna.*
2026 Update: There is no doubt in my mind that Torre Asinelli offers the most incredible view of Bologna… but it is currently closed until at least 2028, and realistically likely longer.
As an alternative, if you have time, consider walking the famous portico of San Luca, or taking the tourist train up.
If you are planning well in advance, you can email the San Petronio Basilica about visiting their bell tower.
Willing to make a big splurge? You can enjoy the views from Torre Prendiparte… by staying there overnight.
As far as Asinelli goes, check here for any updates.
Here are our thoughts on climbing Asinelli before the closure:
Climbing the leaning medieval tower of Asinelli is a bit of a challenge for those of us who are scared of heights: at 498 perilous steps up (that almost always have at least one side open to a visible drop, though there is a handrail), it is by far the tallest tower in Bologna.
But, as someone who hated every second of the climb, I can attest that it was totally worth it.
Reaching the top of Torre Asinelli will give you incredibly epic views over Bologna, including views of Piazza Maggiore and a chance to see Torre Garisenda, which sits next door to Asinelli and has an even more pronounced lean, from above.
Because only a limited number of people are allowed to climb Torre Asinelli at a time, we recommend booking your ticket in advance through the official website.
Enjoy the porticoes.
Bologna is famous for its beautiful porticoes, which are so notable and beloved that they themselves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site!
These wide, covered walkways that are flanked by buildings on one side and columns on the other.
The city is filled with them, and they are not only beautiful, but they’re also functional!
The porticoes will keep you cool in the summer, dry in the rain, and far away from vehicle traffic at all times when you’re under them. They making visiting Bologna a breeze in all kinds of weather and conditions!
Check out Bologna’s hidden canals.
One of our favorite attractions in Bologna is its series of hidden canals, and spending a day in Bologna wouldn’t be complete without finding a couple of great viewpoints!
Bologna’s canal system dates back to the Middle Ages, but today, most of the canals are either filled in or covered, and aren’t visible to the public.
There are a few exceptions, though, and the city of Bologna helpfully provides this interactive map to help tourists find them.
With only one day in Bologna, we recommend starting with the most famous viewpoints.
The first is the view of a canal through a small window on Via Piella (while small, this shouldn’t be difficult to find: there was a literal line to take a look through it when we visited).
Cross the street, and there’s a pretty, open view of a canal on the opposite side of the street.
Enjoy a final meal in Bologna (if you can!).
Whether you’re enjoying a one day trip to Bologna from a nearby city like Florence or Parma, or you’re planning to spend the night (more on that in a moment), you’ll definitely want to sample one more round of food before saying goodbye to Bologna!
If you’ve been eating all day, that might look like a simple aperitivo (drink and small snack) in a piazza. Consider small Piazza Santo Stefano, or for a busy student environment, Piazza Verdi for that!
Alternatively, we’re big fans of cozy, traditional trattorias and osterias when eating in Italy, and Bologna is no exception.
Consider a visit to to Trattoria La Montanara, Trattoria Da Me, or Osteria dell’Orsa for a final plate of pasta or tortellini en brodo!
Where to Stay in Bologna, Italy
Looking for a well-reviewed, centrally located place to stay when enjoying one day in Bologna, Italy?
Our biggest advice is to prioritize somewhere within walking distance of Piazza Maggiore if you can, especially since you’re trying to experience the best of Bologna in 24 hours or less!
In the center of Bologna, B&B Casa Faccioli and Casa Isolani Piazza Maggiore, both located right by the Piazza Maggiore and therefore in the heart of Bologna’s best sightseeing, are excellent options for places to stay.
Hoping to stick to more of a budget? B&B Lame 87 is a bit further of a walk from the center, but is still extremely convenient and gets wonderful reviews (especially for its included breakfast).
Hoping to splurge on a luxurious and very memorable hotel?
You won’t forget checking into the grand and opulent Grand Hotel Majestic gia’ Baglioni anytime soon!
Check rates & book your stay in Bologna today!
More Than One Day in Bologna, Italy?
You can definitely fill more than a day in Bologna without getting bored!
We have cumulatively spent over a month in the city and plan to continue visiting over and over again.
If you have more time in Bologna, consider a visit to the Museum for the Memory of Ustica (the museum is centered around a controversial plane crash, and includes the plane!), ascending to the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca above the town, and paying a visit to the archaeological or history museum.
We also loved our visit to the Bologna National Gallery, which specializes in paintings from Emilia dating from the 13th to 18th centuries.
In a time when visiting Italy’s most popular destinations can often feel overwhelming, it’s downright refreshing to enjoy some beautiful art without making reservations or fighting for elbow room!
We have a full guide to the best things to do in Bologna here.
If you’d like to dive deeper into Bologna’s food scene (highly recommend) taking a cooking class or booking a behind-the-scenes foodie day trip to Parma and/or Modena.
Our cheese-and-balsamic-vinegar day trip from Bologna was not only one of our favorite food experiences in Italy of all time, it inspired several future visits to Emilia-Romagna travel destinations, including a sublime stay in the underrated city of Parma!
Getting Around Bologna for 24 Hours
Bologna is a very compact, walkable city.
Unless you have any specific limitations, nothing on this one day in Bologna itinerary will require anything other than walking to get around!
The Bologna Centrale train station (which is also the pickup location for the shuttle to the Bologna airport), is less than a 20-minute walk from Piazza Maggiore, so in all likelihood, you’ll be able to walk into town, as well!
Right across from the train station, you’ll also find the main Bologna bus station.
During the month we stayed in Bologna, we were staying on the outskirts, about a 25-minute walk from Piazza Maggiore… and even still, we took a bus exactly once while in Bologna: the day we arrived.
The bus system in Bologna is fairly extensive, so if you want to avoid some walking, that might be an option to consider.
If you do intend to use quite a bit of public transportation, you might want to price out the Bologna Welcome Card. However, as of 2026, it’s unlikely to be worth the money for most travelers following this one day Bologna itinerary.
It’s worth noting that, like in most of Italy, Uber is unavailable (except for Uber Black). Instead, if you need one, use IT Taxi or FreeNow for hailing taxis from your phone.
When to Spend a Day in Bologna, Italy
Like so many places in Italy, we consider spring and fall to be the best times to visit Bologna.
The weather will be less oppressive than the summer, and the markets and city life will be more active than in the chilly winter.
However, there are benefits to visiting Bologna for a day at any time of the year.
The summer sees festivals and great produce, and the winter will see decreased crowds.
No matter when you are able to spend one day in Bologna, take the opportunity!
Read More About Visiting Emilia-Romagna & Beyond
Excited to visit Bologna soon… and maybe some of the other incredible Italy travel destinations that are nearby, too?
If you found this one day Bologna itinerary helpful, we’d love to continue to be part of your travel planning process here on Our Escape Clause!
You can browse our ~150 Italy blog posts here, read more about us here, or check out these travel guides to places near Bologna:
- How to Visit the Mesmerizing Ravenna Mosaics (Itinerary, Tips & FAQ!)
- 25 Ruthlessly Curated Things to Do in Florence, Italy
- 7+ Fun Day Trips from Parma, Italy (+ How to Get There)
- How to Fall in Love With San Marino: Things to Do & Travel Guide!
- Charming Castell’Arquato, Italy: Things to Do + Travel Guide
Thank you! I think we’ll end up renting a car so we have freedom for our last day to explore in Italy! Your info on Bologna really helped so thanks for that too! Really like the vibe of the city.
So happy to hear that! Bologna is delightful, enjoy every moment. 🙂
We arrived in Bologna via train today and fly out the 22nd. Would love to see some cheese production (have 2 teen daughters with us) but trying to decide if it’s worth renting a car for the day (maybe Parma and Modena?) or just doing a tour. Would prefer to avoid large groups at ALL costs though I know anything more private may be out of our price range. Any ideas or thoughts are appreciated! Do you know of any affordable tours with transportation who keep groups small? Or any local car rentals? Thank you!
Hi Meridith!
It honestly depends on what you define as large groups. I believe our tour had around 8 people on it, I’d say 8-15 is about what to expect on a guided day trip style tour (they usually travel in large vans). Our group didn’t feel overwhelming to us!
You can certainly rent a car, but be sure to check with the factories you plan to go to in advance that they’re open and accepting visitors! For cars, we recommend looking at Discover Cars, they’ll pull up all the different agencies in the area (both local and international).
Hello,
Which Parmigiano Cheese Dairy would you recommend to visit?
Thank you
Hi Sara!
There are plenty of wonderful options. The most common method is to book through a tour (they tend to source excellent ones), but if you have access to a car and want to visit independently, this site has a good round-up of dairies: https://www.parmigianoreggiano.com/
Alright! Thank you!!
Hello Kate,
My name is Marco and I’m from Brazil. This summer I’ll be heading to Milan with my girlfriend and one of the places we were thinking to spend a day was Bologna. I have really enjoyed your itinerary and description of the city. I have 2 doubts I was wondering if you could answer me. Maybe our only day left to visit it will be on a monday. Bologna is a city that everything is closed during mondays or is it just normal? Also, you have posted a picture of a establishment written “La Prosciutteria”. Do you recommend there or that was just a random pic?
Thank you a lot!
Marco
Hi Marco! Many museums in Bologna are closed on Mondays, but restaurants and such will be operating as normal. The La Prosciutteria photo is just because we passed by the restaurant and it was photogenic, we didn’t eat there ourselves. Hope you have a great visit to Bologna!
Thank you for the tips! i will be in Bologna next week, I am super excited! Certainly after reading your post!
Thanks so much, Evi! Hope you love Bologna!
Going to do a day trip here from Florence – Please tell me your must-go-to restaurants for every meal, snacking, appertivos… Whatever you think 🙂 Thank you!
Yum!! You’re going to have such a good time. Unfortunately, our restaurant recommendations are a bit limited for Bologna because we cooked most of our meals at home. We had tasty pizza at a restaurant called La Bella Napoli, but you’ll probably want to stick with Emilia-Romagnan food on a day trip! I recommend ordering a tagliere misto at one point to get a great spread of Bologna’s cured meats and cheeses (we had a fabulous one on Via Drapperie, but I can’t find the restaurant name for the life of me). Be sure to also order tagliatelle al ragu–Osteria dell’Orsa is a very popular spot for it, but we haven’t eaten there ourselves.
What an interesting read. now I finally now what bologna is – her ein Austria it’s also called Mortadella (I’m not a fan, mor a Prosciutto kinda girl) but I’ve heard it beeing refered in US shows quite frequently.
So far, I’ve only been to Bologna for one night on a business trip in winter, so I only saw the city at night and quickly bought a huge chunk of Parmiggiano (which I then put in my freezer at home, cut into convenient pieces) I really need to return and visit during daylight and the sunny season.
I also had no idea about the cannals 🙂 thanks so much or sharing
Trish
You definitely had the right idea on what to do with limited time. 😀 The parmigiano-reggiano is amazing! I miss it every time we leave Italy.