Are you heading to Bologna and wondering how to spend your time? Don’t worry, I have the perfect 2 day itinerary so you can make the most of your trip.
Bologna is known for many things: red-bricked buildings, miles of portico-lined streets and, of course, the food. With 2 days in Bologna, you can see all this, and fall in love with the city as much as I did.
When solo backpacking in Northern Italy, I had a few days in the middle of my trip with no idea where to go. I was in Lake Garda and was making my way south to spend a few days in Florence. Looking at trains, I noticed Bologna and decided to give it a go, and I am so glad I did.
Bologna is one of Italy’s most underrated cities. The Emilia-Romagna region is known for its requisite wine and fine cuisine, and Bologna encapsulated this all. I spent hours walking Bologna, simply admiring its beautiful streets, enjoying its food, and relaxing in the Italian culture.
This itinerary is exactly how I spent my time in Bologna, with a few adjustments to make it even more streamlined. It is the perfect way to spend 2 days in Bologna for a truly memorable adventure.
Off to Get Lost is reader-supported. Some of the links in 2 Days in Bologna: The Perfect Itinerary are affiliate links, meaning that at no additional cost to you, I will receive an affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.
Quick Facts for Travelling Bologna:
Currency: Euros €
Best Time of Year to Travel: April and May will help you avoid crowds but still give you plenty of sun to enjoy.
Tipping Culture: Tipping is not expected but is always appreciated for good service.
Visa Requirments: For most places, you can travel to Italy without a visa if your stay is less than 90 days. Make sure to check the full information here to check you are eligible.
Travel Insurance: It’s always important to get travel insurance. I like to use VisitorsCoverage. They have a variety of packages depending on who you are and where you’re travelling. Check out their Europe Travel Plus plan.
Is it worth staying in Bologna?
Bologna is one of the most underrated cities in Italy and absolutely worth visiting.
Last year, I backpacked around Northern Italy and visited cities such as Milan and Florence. They are all beautiful places, but there was something about Bologna that stuck with me. It has beautiful architecture and food that draws many people to Italy, but it was the city’s wonderful atmosphere that really made me fall for it.
As one of the oldest university cities in Italy, Bologna has a very relaxed vibe. It is filled with young people simply enjoying life. If your goal is to have a relaxed vacation, wander the streets are your own pace and have a few drinks in good bars playing good music, this is the place for you.
Add in the city’s history, there is something for everyone. There’s so much for you to experience in Bologna, I am sure after these 2 days in the city, you’ll be wanting more.
Looking forward to your trip to Italy? Make sure also to check out my ultimate guide to travelling Italy as a solo female traveller!
Is 2 days enough in Bologna?
2 days is absolutely enough time to see Bologna. It’s a relatively compact city and most of the highlights are within walking distance.
Heck, you could probably squeeze all the top things to do in Bologna in just a single day. But that would be a hue rush. You’re much more likely to enjoy your stay if you take at least two days.
If you take one weekend to explore Bologna, you can set yourself at a good pace. The itinerary I have created for you today is perfect for doing just that.
You can see Bologna’s highlights in 2 days, exploring the many museums and galleries, relaxing with a pistachio-stuffed croissant in a cafe, and wandering the porticoes without feeling any burnout by the end.
Read Also: The Best 19 Day Trips from Bologna!
Short on Time? Here are My Top 3 Tours to See Bologna
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Bologna City Centre Walking Tour
Duration | 2 hours
Highlights | Palazzo d’Accursio, Piazza Maggiore, Saint Petronio, Piazza della Mercanzia, Piazza Santo Stefano, Two Towers, Bologna
Bologna Unesco Porticos and San Luca Guided Minibus Tour
Duration | 2 hours
Highlights | Discover the Unesco Porticoes, a local guide telling you about Bologna’s history, enjoy the tour from the comfort of a minibus, visit San Luca
Bologna Secret Food Tour
Duration | 3 hours
Highlights | Visit Piazza S. Stefano, select local cheeses and charcuterie, enjoy wine at Bologna’s oldest tavern, sample some artisanal gelato
How to Spend the Perfect 2 Days in Bologna
Bologna is a city with lots to offer, from delicious food to medieval architecture to statues of Greek gods. Luckily, most of the city’s highlights are all within walking distance. This itinerary will show you how to see all of Bologna’s highlights in just 2 days.
2 Days in Bologna: Day 1
Breakfast: Italian Pastries
You’re going to start your 2 days in Bologna strong by diving into some food. Throughout Bologna, you’ll find cafes selling croissants and pastries that are perfect for breakfast.
My personal favourite are the pistachio croissants. Not only do you get all that buttery goodness, but it is stuffed with this delicious pistachio cream that is incredibly delicious.
There’s little better to start your day off with. I got mine from a small cafe called Al Bricco D’oro. The staff were friendly, they had seats outside, and it was close to both my hostel and Bologna’s historic centre.
Bologna’s Infamous Porticoes
Whilst I don’t have a specific destination in mind, you’ll have already spotted the beautiful archways that cover the streets of Bologna. These Porticoes are made up of almost 62km of stunning arches. They are decorated in an array of forms, from wooden carvings to intricate paintings.
They’re built to protect the streets from the strong Italian sun in the summer months, and the rain in the winter. For me, they were one of my favourite parts of the city, and completely unique to Bologna. Take your time to admire them as we move through the rest of this 2-day itinerary.
Le Due Torri (The Two Towers)
Bologna’s cityscape is dominated by Le Due Torri (The Two Towers). Located in the city centre, the two towers have become an iconic symbol of Bologna, making them the perfect starting point for your 2-day itinerary.
Whilst the Towers were built for military purposes, they were also used the show off the affluence of the family who built them. However, due to some foundational problems, the towers began to tilt. The top of the second tower has collapsed, and it is only safe to climb the taller tower, the Torre Degli Asinelli.
Built between 1109 and 1119, Torre Degli Asinelli has 498 steps leading to the top which sits at 97.02 meters high. Whilst that may seem a lot, it is one of the best things to do in Bologna, and I would highly recommend it. The stunning panoramic views of the city are worth the climb.
Tickets must be bought in advance. You can do this online or at the Bologna Welcome Information Office. You need to book at least one day in advance. Tickets cost €5.
Santuario di Santa Maria della Vita
Located just a 5-minute walk from Le Due Torri is the Santuario di Santa Maria della Vita. The eighteenth-century interior of this church is a stunning sight to see, and it houses the famous Lamentation over the Dead Christ by Niccolò dell’Arca.
It is also the home of the Museum of Health and Assistance. The museum showcases Bologna’s medical history through an array of scientific materials, 17th and 18th-century paintings and the famous “jewel” of the Sun King by Jean Petitot.
The Church is free to enter.
Note: The Church is closed on Mondays, check here for opening times.
Piazza Maggiore
The Piazza Maggiore is the central square of Bologna. You’ll wander through here time and time again during your stay. It is surrounded on each side by incredible buildings, many of which you’ll want to explore. Despite the time that has passed, it feels like stepping into a piece of history and it remains pretty similar to how it was in the 15th century.
Some of the buildings you’ll find here are the Palazzo d’Accursio, the city’s Town Hall and home to the Civit Art Collection, the Palazzo dei Notai, the Palazzo del Podestà and the Palazzo dei Banchi.
Basilica of San Petronio
Also on the Piazza Maggiore, you’ll find the Basilica San Petronio. This is the largest and most important church in Bologna. Its construction began in 1390, however as you can see by the exposed red brick, the facade remains unfinished.
Different sections of the interior have been completed at different times, and it now has 22 chapels decorated by multiple artists. You can visit its two most famous chapels: the Music Chapel of San Petronio, and the Chapel of the Magi. The Music Chapel of San Petronio has the oldest functioning organ in the world, and the Chapel of the Magi is the only chapel to still preserve the original decoration.
It is free to enter the Basilica and the museum. It costs €5 to enter the Chapel of the Magi, and €5 to enter the panoramic terrace.
Fountain of Neptune
Just off the Piazza Maggiore is the famous Fountain of Neptune. Not to be confused with the fountain in Florence, Bologna’s Fountain of Neptune was built in 1564 and 1566 and is quite a sight to see. Neptune himself weighs over 2000kg, earning himself the accurate nickname, Il Gigante.
Not only is the statue of Neptune himself incredibly imposing, but the lactating nereids that sit at its base are quite eye-catching.
This is a popular photo spot in the city and has become one of Bologna’s iconic symbols To avoid the big tourist crowds, you’ll want to head here early.
The Archiginnasio di Bologna and the Teatro Anatomico
One of my favourite places to visit was the Archiginnasio di Bologna. Once the main building of the university, the Palace was built between 1562 and 1563 and is a stunning example of medieval architecture.
The Archiginnasio is now home to the Biblioteca Comunale. Bolonga’s public library is unlike any I’ve been to, the entrance alone is an incredible sight.
Inside, there are two classrooms (inaccessible to the public) and two lecture halls. Around the walls, you will find bookcases filled with interesting-looking books. It was lovely to browse the titles, even if my lack of Italian meant I had no idea what they were about!
The Teatro Anatomico (Anatomical Theatre) is also something to check out. The theatre is decorated with many dark wood carvings by Antonio Levante in 1637 to teach anatomy. Don’t forget to look up for an impressive statue of Appolo who sits keeping an eye on everything happening below.
Why not try this audio-guided tour and local tasting to discover the centre of Bologna’s historical centre?
Basilica Santuario Santo Stefano
Known as the “settle chiese” (“seven churches”), the Santo Stefano is a complex of multiple buildings crafted in different eras.
Here, you’ll find the Church of the Crucifix, the Church of the Calvario, the Church of Saint Vitale and Saint Agricola and the Church of the Trinity.
On your way, grab an ice cream from the Cremeria la Vecchia Stalla (there are so many flavours to choose from here, you’ll struggle for a minute!). It’s just down the street so once you have your ice cream of choice, take a seat in the square and admire the church’s exterior for a moment. Then, when you’re ready, head inside to explore these fascinating buildings of history.
2 Days in Bologna: Day 2
Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca
The Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca sits above Bologna in the surrounding hills and has been a sight for religious worship for centuries. You might have even spotted its signature shape from the top of the two towers. So yes, it’s quite a walk away from Bologna’s centre, but, in my opinion, it’s a walk you won’t want to miss.
The sanctuary is connected to the city through a 4-kilometre portico with 666 archways. Whilst it is a long and steep walk, I would highly recommend doing it. The archways are beautiful with beautiful views of Bologna, it is a lovely way to spend your morning.
However, if you don’t fancy the walk, there is a mini train that regularly runs up the side of the portico so you can still see the Sanctuary.
Once you reach the sanctuary, the views of the city below of incredible. You can see everything for miles around. Take this view even further by heading to the panoramic terrace. You can buy tickets to access this on the day at the sanctuary.
Quadrilatero
Once you’ve seen the city from above, it’s time to see it up close once again. Bologna’s oldest market is situated in the Quadrilatero. It is a vibrant and exciting place to visit. You’ll find stunning examples of medieval architecture, incredible street food and local market stalls that have been there for generations.
Take your time to wander its small streets, and enjoy the many things it has to offer.
Archaeological Museum
Bologna has plenty of museums, but one of the best is the Archaeological Museum. Holding one of the most important archaeological collections in Italy, there’s everything from local history to the classical. Its home to pieces of Greek and Roman art, Egyptian antiques, and local Gallic artefacts from Bologna.
The museum is in the centre of the city near the Piazza Maggiore and is open from Tuesday – Sunday. Tickets can be purchased on the day, or you can get yours in advance here. Tickets cost €6.
Montagnola Park
Bologna doesn’t have very many green spaces in its city centre, so the quiet oasis of Montagnola Park is a welcomed pause in your busy weekend. In the park, you’ll find the ruins of the Castello di Galliera, an ancient fortification that’s been destroyed 5 times.
Next to the ruins, you’ll find the beautiful Pincio Staircase, a scenographic work that is decorated by statues inspired by Bologna’s history.
I grabbed an ice cream and headed here with a good book to enjoy an hour or two of the sunshine, and it made for a lovely afternoon.
A Final Feast: Ragù
You can’t visit Bolong without having some ragù. If you fancy a lovely sit-down meal with some good Italian wine, head to Osteria dell’Orsa. With a relaxed atmosphere, you get the best of Italian hospitality here with great traditional dishes from Bologna, including the infamous Ragù.
However, another great way to enjoy the meal was at the restaurant aptly named Ragù. With a small but select menu, you can choose to eat in, sit outside in the sunshine, or have it as a takeaway. The dishes were reasonably priced from 4-10€ and were delicious. Make this a lunch on the go or your main evening meal to finish your 2 days in Bologna.
How to get to Bologna
Italy is a popular and well-travelled destination, with a great network. As a country, it’s very accessible, and Bologna is pretty easy to get to. Its central location means you can get to Bologna by plane, train or car easily enough.
Flying
Bologna’s International Airport is just a 7-minute train journey from the Bologna train station. The trains run every 7 minutes from 5.40 am to midnight, so you won’t have to hang around for long.
You can get tickets from the machines at the station and city centre, or purchase them through the Marconi Express website. Tickets cost €11 for a single, or €20 for a return. There are also family and group ticket options available.
My favourite way to get cheap flights is to use Skyscanner. On Skyscanner, you can easily compare different airlines to find the best deals for the dates you need.
Train
Italy is renowned for its fast rail service, and you can regularly get high-speed trains to Bologna.
Omio is a great place to start when looking for trains. I like to use it to research the best route, and transport method as well as purchase tickets. You can use it on a web browser or download their app.
However, I love to use Trainline to book most of my tickets. It is a great app to get the cheapest tickets available as it offers split-saver tickets. It’s an automated service that buys multiple tickets for a single journey, finding the cheapest combination for you. It’s no more hassle for you, don’t worry, but conveniently saves you money. Pretty good, right?
How to get around Bologna
Bologna is small enough that for this 2-day itinerary, your feet are going to be your best form of transport. However, if you don’t want to walk across the whole city, the city has an efficient and well-connected bus system.
An ordinary ticket will cost you €1.50 when bought in advance (€2.00 if bought on board). The tickets work by giving you access to all lines for a 75-minute period. You simply validate the ticket before your first journey, and then you can use it as many times as you like for the next 75 minutes.
If you think you’ll be using the bus a lot, or are travelling in a group, check out the City Pass ticket. This includes 10 tickets, and up to 7 passengers can use it at a time. This means you can use it for 10 separate trips, or as a small group for one single trip. This ticket costs €14.
You can also get a 24-hour ticket. It costs €6 and lasts 24 hours from the point of validation. It must be validated at the beginning of every bus journey you take within 24 hours.
Where to stay in Bologna for 2 Days
Not sure where to stay for your weekend trip in Bologna? I’ve written a full post breaking down all the best areas to stay in Bologna with hotel recommendations for every budget.
However, if you want quick highlights, here are two great places to stay whether you’re on a budget or looking for a little bit of luxury.
Best Budget Option for 2 Days in Bologna: Il Nosadillo Hostel
I loved staying at this hostel. It’s quite small, with just four rooms (one female dorm and three mixed). This gives it an inviting feel, and the communal area makes it easy to make friends, whether it’s with other travellers or the staff, most of whom are also travelling. Many stories and laughter will be shared when staying here.
Breakfast comes free, and they have full kitchen facilities for you to use throughout the day. And the bathroom was incredible, which is always a welcomed bonus when travelling on the road!
BOOK | Il Nosadillo Hostel
Best Luxury Stayin Bologna: Starhotels Excelsior
If you’re looking to stay in a 4-star hotel in a great location, the Starhotels Excelsior is the place to go. Situated just opposite the Bologna train station, it is a 15-minute walk to the central square Piazza Maggiore.
The hotel has great facilities including a gourmet restaurant, a free gym, and a bar. It is decorated with an elegant modern interior which adds to your relaxing stay. There is very little you will be left wanting when staying at Starhotels Excelsior, that’s for sure!
BOOK | Starhotels Excelsior
Not quite what you’re looking for? Check out more places to stay on Hostelworld.com and Booking.com. They’re the two sites I use most often to find the lowest prices when booking accommodation.
FAQs for 2 Days in Bologna
Is Bologna a walkable city?
Yes, Bologna is the perfect city for simple walking around. Not only is Bologna perfectly walkable, but it is also a city you’ll want to walk. The many kilometres of porticoes that cover the walkways make the whole city a wonder.
Is Bologna expensive?
Bologna is one of the least expensive cities in Northern Italy. If you book in advance, and choose the right restaurants, you can easily travel to Bologna on a budget.
Having said that, Italy is an expensive destination. Its beautiful cities and natural beauty have drawn a lot of tourists to Italy for many years. Bologna will still be more expensive than some other cities in Europe.
Is it safe to walk around Bologna?
Bologna is a very safe city to walk around. As a student city, there are always lots of people around, and I never once felt unsafe being here. Having said that, you should always look after yourself when travelling alone. Take the same precautions as you would at home, and you should be just fine.
Mainly, look out for pickpocketers. With more and more tourists visiting each summer, it’s becoming increasingly common.
When should I visit Bologna?
The best time to visit Bologna is early spring or early Autumn. Not only is summer stiflingly hot, but as with most places in Europe, it gets busy in the summer months. Visiting in April/May or late September/October means you’ll still have warm weather without having to waste your precious 2 days in Bologna queuing for museums.
The Wrap-Up: 2 Days in Bologna
And there we have the perfect 2-day itinerary for Bologna! This itinerary shows the city’s highlights, from up above and up close. You’ll see beautiful medieval architecture, enjoy incredible food, and visit some wonderful places.
Bologna has such a relaxing but vibrant atmosphere, and it is a joy to wander and simply be. In just 2 days, I fell in love with Bologna, and I hope this itinerary helps you to do the same.
Planning a trip to Italy? Here are some more Off To Get Lost posts to get you started:
One Day in Verona: The Perfect Itinerary
12 Best Things to Do in Sirmione, Lake Garda
15 Best Things to Do in Bologna
5 Ways to Backpack Northern Italy in 7 Days
