Less touristy than Florence, this university town exudes a lively and youthful atmosphere. Bologna offers a wealth of experiences for a city trip, highlighted by its rich culinary tradition, from Tagliatelle al Ragù to Mortadella. Discover the best activities and valuable tips to make the most of your vacation.

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The Center of Activity: Piazza Maggiore

The main square of Bologna is the vibrant heart of the university town and a must-see. Nearby, you'll find some of the city's most important landmarks, and the square itself is perfect for taking a break at one of the surrounding cafés. Encircled by iconic sights such as the Basilica di San Petronio , the Neptune Fountain, and the Palazzo d'Accursio , Piazza Maggiore is a lively gathering spot for tourists and students alike. In the evening, the Piazza comes alive with street performers and musical acts, creating a vibrant and joyous atmosphere.

When you visit the Neptune Fountain , stand on a black stone in the pavement (known as the stone of shame), near the Biblioteca Salaborsa . Look at the thumb of Neptune from here. Can you see how the sculptor got back at the church? (If not, check out our fun facts in the Bologna guide.)

Visit the Basilica Santo Stefano

Basilika Santo Stefano , hailed as one of Bologna's most beautiful, is a complex of 7 churches spanning various historical periods. Referred to as Seven Churches (Sette Chiese) or Holy Jerusalem, this minor basilica on Piazza Santo Stefano boasts a labyrinth of interlocking structures, incorporating Romanesque, Lombard, and ancient Roman elements.

Step into its rich history via the 11th-century Chiesa del Crocefisso, housing the bones of San Petronio, leading to the austere, octagonal Chiesa del Santo Sepolcro. Visit the Courtyard of Pilate, featuring an 8th-century Lombard basin. Next, step into the Chiesa della Trinità which connects to a cloister and a small museum. Discover the oldest church, Santi Vitale e Agricola, with recycled Roman masonry and ancient tombs of two martyred saints. In the 5th-century Church of the Holy Sepulchre you'll find the relics of Bologna's first martyrs, Vitale and Agricola. Despite its central location, the basilica exudes a serene atmosphere, where even today, monks find peace within its walls.

Don't forget: respectful attire, covering from shoulders to knees.

Wander through the ancient Quadrilatero market district

The Quadrilatero district, conveniently located to the east of Piazza Maggiore, is a grid of compact streets around Via Clavature (Street of Locksmiths). This area is a must-visit for food enthusiasts and architecture buffs alike. Wander through narrow alleyways and tall archways and enjoy the lively atmosphere. This culinary haven is Bologna's oldest market, offering the best in Italian street food, regional wines, and homemade tortellini pasta. There are also a number of indoor markets including the Mercato di Mezzo .

Step into the Basilica di San Petronio

Located right next to the Piazza Maggiore, the Basilica di San Petronio is a striking example of Gothic architecture dating back to 1390. Dedicated to the city's patron saint and bishop, Saint Petronius, the basilica is especially known for its characteristic, unfinished Gothic facade. Notably, Emperor Charles V was crowned in 1530 by Pope Clement VII at this historical site. Inside, the 22 side chapels and the sounds of one of the oldest playable organs in the world are impressive.

Discover Bologna's very own Two Leaning Towers

Everyone knows the Leaning Tower of Pisa. But have you ever heard of the two Towers of Bologna ?
The Torre degli Asinelli and the Torre Garisenda are iconic landmarks of the city. The Torre degli Asinelli , impressive at 97.2 meters tall, is the tallest medieval leaning tower in the world. The smaller Torre Garisenda , known for its bold incline of 4 degrees, has inspired writers such as Dante and Charles Dickens over the centuries. In the 12th and 13th centuries, these towers were part of the defense structures that lined the skyline of Bologna.

A recently initiated restoration project with a budget of 20 million euros aims to secure the structure of the towers and protect them from further decay. The extensive restoration work is expected to take 10 years, during which time the climb up the 498 steps of the tower will unfortunately not be possible.