One Day in Bologna Itinerary: Tips from Locals & the Top Tours Led by Them

Italy
Written By Amber Dunlap

This article may contain affiliate links. This means if you click a link on my blog and make a purchase, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

I had just one day in Bologna, but I didn’t let that stop me from making the most of it. In this post, I share the ultimate Bologna-in-a-day itinerary that will leave you full on food and culture, but also likely to find a way to return to this pretty and porticoed city in central Italy.

Bologna may not get the same tourist buzz as Florence, Venice, or Rome, but that’s exactly what makes it so rewarding. Known as La Dotta, La Grassa, La Rossa (“the Learned, the Fat, the Red”), Bologna is home to Europe’s oldest university, some of Italy’s most indulgent cuisine, and miles of terracotta-toned porticoes that glow at sunset.

If you, like me, have just one day in Bologna, here’s how to get straight to its heart — from whispering arches and leaning medieval towers to mortadella sandwiches, bustling markets, and a food tour that will carry you from aperitivo to dessert.

Morning: Arrive Hungry and Curious

Most day-trippers arrive in Bologna by train, and within a 20-minute walk you can be in the heart of the old town. Start your morning like a true Bolognese at Gamberini, the city’s oldest pasticceria. Order a cappuccino or espresso at the bar and pair it with something local like a brioche or croissant — soft, golden, and oozing custard. Or do what I did and go for whatever catches your eye. The one calling my name was a krapfen, which is a donut rolled in sugar and stuffed with custard, more commonly found in northern Italy.

With your caffeine and pastry fix in place, join a free walking tour with GuruWalk to get a lay of the land. Led by locals, these tours blend Bologna’s layered history with quirky stories you’d likely miss on your own. You’ll stroll through Piazza Maggiore, step inside the vast Basilica of San Petronio, and pause by the Fountain of Neptune (or refill your water bottle). The fountain, when viewed from certain angles, reveals a cheeky optical illusion courtesy of Giambologna, the Renaissance sculptor.

Don’t miss Bologna’s “whispering arches” in Palazzo del Podesta, where sound carries uncannily from one corner to another. Legend has it priests once used the acoustics to hear confessions from those with leprosy. Whether fact or folklore, it’s a fun acoustic trick to try out with a friend.

Midday: Towers, Markets, and Portico Wandering

By midday, it’s time to stretch your legs and explore Bologna’s landmarks on your own. While the famous Asinelli Tower is currently closed for safety reasons, you can still climb the Torre dell’Orologio (Clock Tower). This 12th-century tower offers sweeping views across the terracotta rooftops and winding streets, giving you a sense of Bologna’s layered history and charm.

Back on the ground, wander the Quadrilatero district, a maze of medieval market streets where cheesemongers, butchers, and pasta makers have worked for centuries. Inside the Mercato di Mezzo, you’ll find wheels of Parmigiano Reggiano, stacks of handmade tortellini, and shelves of aged balsamic vinegar. Grab a snack if you’re peckish — a slice of pizza al taglio or a small plate of salumi — and savor the sensory overload of aromas, colors, and textures.

Next, step into the Basilica di Santo Stefano, the Sette Chiese complex, a serene oasis of interlinked churches. Entry is free, and wandering the ancient halls feels like stepping back into medieval Bologna.

Of course, half the joy of Bologna is simply wandering. The city’s 40 kilometers of UNESCO-listed porticoes guide you past tucked-away courtyards, elegant shops, and quiet piazzas — all sheltered from sun and rain, perfect for an unhurried stroll.

Optional detours if time allows:

Afternoon into Evening: A Food Lover’s Dream

If Bologna is La Grassa (“the Fat”), the afternoon and evening are when the nickname comes alive. At 4:30 pm, join Delicious Bologna’s food tour, which unfolds like a progressive dinner through the city.

You’ll begin with a classic aperitivo — perhaps a glass of sparkling Pignoletto paired with cured meats — before moving on to traditional trattorias and wine bars. Along the way, expect to taste Bologna’s greatest hits:

  • Tagliatelle al ragù (not spaghetti Bolognese, as the world mistakenly calls it).

  • Tortellini in brodo, delicate pasta parcels served in a rich broth.

  • A variety of local cured meats, including mortadella, the city’s pride.

  • And finally, gelato or dessert to end the night on a sweet note.

The tour finishes around 10 pm, leaving you full, happy, and with a deeper understanding of how food and culture intertwine in Bologna.

✨ Delicious Bologna’s food tour was the highlight of my day in Bologna — and I honestly can’t recommend it enough. Learn more and book your tour with Delicious Bologna or check out these other highly-rated Bologna tours below:

 

Some Other Bologna Tour & Day Trip Ideas:

 

Alternative Evening Agenda: DIY-style

If you prefer to plan your own evening, you won’t go hungry. Start with an aperitivo at Camera a Sud, a cozy and stylish spot beloved for its cocktails, natural wines from local vineyards, and relaxed vibe, or L’Emporio, a tiny gem located near the city center but far enough from tourist traps. L’Emporio offers a curated selection of wines and local products personally chosen by the owner, whose unique passion shines through as he tells the story behind each item.

For dinner, the Michelin-starred Trattoria Da Me offers classic Bolognese dishes in a welcoming atmosphere. For a second option, Ristorante da Cesari is a historic spot beloved by locals for its authentic ragù and traditional pastas. And no day in Bologna is complete without a stop at Cremeria Cavour or Cremeria Mascarella, two of the city’s best gelaterias.

 

Bologna One-Day Trip FAQs

Is one day enough to see Bologna?
Yes. While Bologna deserves more time, one full day is enough to experience its historic center, iconic food, and highlights like Piazza Maggiore, the Basilica of San Petronio, and the city’s famous porticoes.

What should I not miss in Bologna in one day?

  • Piazza Maggiore and the Fountain of Neptune

  • The whispering arches near the Palazzo del Podestà

  • The Basilica di Santo Stefano (Sette Chiese)

  • Quadrilatero market district for food and local life

  • A taste of tagliatelle al ragù or tortellini in brodo

Can I climb a tower in Bologna right now?
The Asinelli Tower (part of the Two Towers) has been closed for safety since late 2023. Instead, you can climb the Torre dell’Orologio (Clock Tower) in Piazza Maggiore or visit San Michele in Bosco for panoramic city views.

What foods are typical of Bologna?

  • Tagliatelle al ragù (often called “Bolognese” abroad)

  • Tortellini in brodo (tiny stuffed pasta in broth)

  • Mortadella (the original inspiration for “bologna” cold cuts)

  • Parmigiano Reggiano and balsamic vinegar (from nearby Emilia-Romagna)

  • Crescentine or tigelle (flatbreads served with cured meats and spreads)

Where should I eat lunch or dinner if I only have one day?
Trattorias and osterias are the best bet. Popular choices include Trattoria Da Me, Ristorante da Cesari, and Osteria dell’Orsa for traditional pasta dishes. For aperitivo, head to Camera a Sud or L’Emporio.

Is Bologna walkable?
Yes. The historic center is compact and easily explored on foot. The famous porticoes provide shade and shelter, making walking pleasant in almost any weather.

How do I get to Bologna for a day trip?
Bologna is well connected by train:

  • From Florence: about 35 minutes

  • From Milan: about 1 hour

  • From Venice: about 1.5 hours

The train station is just a 15-minute walk from Piazza Maggiore.

Is Bologna expensive for travelers?
Not especially. Coffee and pastries are inexpensive, trattoria meals are moderate, and food tours are a splurge but excellent value. Compared to Florence, Venice, or Milan, Bologna is often more affordable.

When is the best time of year to visit Bologna?
Spring (April–June) and fall (September–October) are ideal for comfortable weather and food-focused events. Summers can be hot, and many restaurants close in August. Winters are quieter but cozy, especially for hearty dishes like ragù and tortellini in broth.


Found this helpful?
I spend a lot of time in coffee shops putting together content like this. If you’d like to support my work, consider buying me a coffee to show some love ❤️

 

Support the Blog While You Travel

Travel and give back to the blog by booking things like your hotels, tours, and trip insurance through the links below. When you use these links, they send a bit back my way at no additional cost to you. Your support is much appreciated!

Accommodations: Booking.com for hotels, HostelWorld for hostels, and Vrbo for vacation rentals

Tours & Experiences: Viator, GetYourGuide, and TripAdvisor for tours and experiences or GuruWalk for free walking tours

Flights: WayAway for booking, Hopper for knowing when to book, and Going for flight deal alerts

Buses, Shuttles & Trains: Bookaway or 12Go for shuttles and trains and Trainline for train tickets

SIM Cards & eSIMS: Airalo for eSIMS or Drimsim’s universal SIM card

Trip Insurance: Squaremouth, WorldTrips, and World Nomads

Visit my Travel Resources page for even more ways to support the blog with your travel purchases.

Amber Dunlap
Next

Annapurna Circuit Trek in Monsoon Season: What to Expect + Tips (2025 Guide)