Best Things To Do in Bologna

Do you like medieval times and good food? If so, you'll love Bologna. This historic capital of the Emilia-Romagna region located in northern Italy offers many activities that you can enjoy during your holiday. Take advantage of gastronomic tours, cultural tours and much more.

Bologna is undoubtedly a Renaissance treasure. You can visit different important points of the city such as the Piazza Maggiore, the Salaborsa Centre, several museums, among other places. You will live a unique experience full of history.

If you travel to Bologna during autumn you can take advantage of the good weather to take a walk through the streets of this city. One of the places I recommend you to visit is the Fountain of Neptune, famous for all its characteristics: enigmatic, gigantic and erotic. Without a doubt it is a monument that you must visit during your stay in Bologna.

This incredible icon of Bologna dates back to the 16th century, it is located in Neptune Square and was created by the architect Bartolomeo Ammannati and the artists John of Bologna and Tommaso Laureti. The locals call it Il Gigante and you will quickly recognise it when you see it from afar. It features a statue of the god Neptune, his trident, dolphins, several mermaids and shields. The whole construction is made of bronze, marble and rock.

It is worth noting that this monument was created after the Council of Trent. At that time Pope Pius IV ordered it as part of the architectural renovation of the city. A curious fact, but also considered a rumour, is that for a time the church had to put bronze trousers on the statue of Neptune. The idea was not to scandalise the population with the nudity of the statue. However, this measure was short-lived.

If you decide to take a guided tour of Bologna, make sure that this point is on the stops to visit. It is worth stopping and appreciating the grandeur of this representative work of art - don't forget to take some pictures!

Interesting details

• Price: free admission.
• Hours: You can go at any time.
• Location: Piazza del Nettuno, 40124 Bologna, Italy.

Thanks to Bologna's location you can visit several small towns and cities in the surrounding area. With an excursion from Bologna you can save time and even money. However, another option is to travel on your own, learning to use public transport or taking a taxi.

Among the tours you can take from Bologna are those to Verona, the land of Romeo and Juliet. There you can see the Arena, the Piazza dei Signori (with the statue dedicated to Dante), the Piazza delle Erbe, the Museo di Castelvecchio, among other memorable sights. However, be aware that in high season this is a very busy destination.

If you want to taste the best parmigiano cheese and prosciutto crudo, you should travel to Parma. This small town, close to Bologna, offers a quiet atmosphere all year round. There you can see the Ducal Palace and Gardens, the Farnese Theatre, the Piazza Garibaldi, among others.

Other cities you can visit are Padua, Modena, Ferrara, Florence and the beloved Venice. In the latter you can take boat trips through its canals. If you travel with your partner, you will undoubtedly have a beautiful and romantic experience. Don't forget to include famous monuments and sites in all your itineraries so you don't miss anything important.

If you are a fan of Italian car brands you should take advantage of your stay in Bologna to visit the best car museums. You can choose different options that include one or more museums. Some of them even allow you to see the factory where the cars are made - choose the option you like best!

The most popular is the Ferrari Museum in Maranello. Tickets cost an average of €15 and can be purchased online or at the museum. There you can enjoy a semi-professional Formula 1 simulator and other virtual experiences so you can feel what the drivers go through. You can also hear about the history of the brand and its evolution over time.

You can also visit the Lamborghini factory and museum in Sant'Agata Bolognese. Here you can see a dazzling display of cars, visit the souvenir shop and enjoy a simulator. According to some people, this museum is simpler than the others.

Another must-see is the Pagani factory and museum in San Cesario sul Panaro. This is the smallest of the three, but has worthwhile exhibits. Take as many pictures as you can in these museums and enjoy the passion for motoring.

If you are in Bologna you should definitely try its typical dishes. For that I recommend gastronomic tours. Some of them include a wine tasting or a tasting of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and Italian ham. These are products that are made in the city, so you can opt for tours inside the local factories and see what the whole process is like.

Sometimes these tours have a private car or are simply done on foot. If it's a small tasting, you'll usually visit a number of different restaurants. Among the dishes you are likely to eat are tortellini pasta, famous for being served in the MasterChef Restaurant, Italian flatbread, fresh fruit and Italian sweets.

Depending on the type of tour you choose, you may be able to have breakfast and lunch on the same tour. One of the advantages of going to restaurants is that for a few hours you get to see how the locals interact. For a passionate traveller, this is one of the best experiences of their travels.

In case you are travelling during the coldest months of the year, I recommend you to take a tour of the best museums in Bologna. You'll be able to enjoy the enclosed sites avoiding the cold outside while learning about the history of this emblematic city with medieval features.

To start with, I recommend you visit the Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna, one of the most important museums in Italy. It is noted for its collections of paintings by the Carracci and their followers. You will also find part of the former site of a Jesuit seminary. Are you going to miss it? It is definitely a must on your itinerary.

The second stop to learn about the history and origins of Bologna that you cannot miss is the Civic Archaeological Museum. This site has more than 200 thousand archaeological pieces, from mummies to sculptures from ancient Rome. It is located a few metres from the city's Piazza Maggiore, a paradise full of history!

And finally, I recommend you visit the Museo d'Arte Moderna di Bologna (MAMbo) Here you will learn about Italy's modern art, independent works and much more. These museums are an open door to discover the history of Bologna and lose yourself in an artistic paradise.

If you travel to Bologna at Christmas time, be prepared for temperatures ranging from 3°C to 10°C (39°F to 50°F). Wrap up warm and don't let the cold weather stop you from enjoying the city. These festivities are one of the best times of the year to enjoy Bologna's traditions.

Among its most popular customs are the gatherings held in Bologna's Town Hall. A giant Christmas tree is planted and decorated in the centre of the historic centre of the city next to the Basilica of San Petronio. It is a beautiful attraction that you should not miss. Come and enjoy this site and its decorations with your loved ones.

Another entertaining activity is to visit Bologna's Christmas markets. One of the most popular in the city and in Italy is the Santa Lucia fair on Strada Maggiore. It starts in the second week of December and ends on the 23rd of that month. You can go and do some Christmas shopping.

And as I said at the beginning, the low temperatures are no impediment to having a good time. Take advantage of the weather to enjoy ice skating on the outdoor rinks. Be brave and enjoy these Christmas gifts that the weather has in store for you. I assure you that you will have a great time.

During the hot season in Bologna the temperatures range from 25°C to 35°C. Although it can be hot, there are several things you can do during the summer. One of them is to take a tour by scooter or electric bike, so you can feel the breeze all over your body and avoid the heat while getting to know the city.

I recommend this kind of tours because they offer you the chance to ride a scooter. This vehicle is an icon of Italian history that many people dream of riding. These tours are usually done with few tourists so that they can follow the guide and feel comfortable on the tour.

Electric bicycles, on the other hand, are more recommended because they will help you avoid exerting yourself and therefore, you won't sweat excessively. This way you will be able to tour the city without getting too tired. Regardless of the means of transport you choose, I recommend you always carry a bottle of water to keep you hydrated at all times.

When you meet up with the whole team, your first stop may be the Sanctuary of Our Lady of San Luca. You may also pass by the Monumento ai Caduti di Sabbiuno. The Parco della Chiusa is also often included. Routes can be varied or customised to suit your tastes.

If you are going out in Bologna on a summer day, I recommend applying sunscreen all over your body. The sun can be aggressive during this time of the year, so it is best to protect yourself. You can also bring a hat and, of course, comfortable clothes that allow you to perspire easily.

If you like to experience the nightlife of the cities you visit, one of the things you can do at night in B ologna is a pub crawl in Bologna. It is a city full of joy, music and dancing. Take the opportunity to visit several famous places, taste the best wine and dine Italian style.

Among the places I recommend you visit is Numa Restaurant & Ballroom. Although open on weekdays, Saturdays are dedicated to urban genres such as reggaeton and hip hop. It's an ideal place if you're looking to dance and have a good time with friends.

If you're not much of a clubber, I recommend a visit to Arterìa. It is a quiet place where you can enjoy live music events. You can also have your favourite drinks and dine on the best of the menu. This place also has spaces where you can dance if you feel like it at some point of the night.

If you are a wine lover I recommend you to visit Vinologico. Here you can enjoy a delicious dinner with an Italian wine recommended by the house. If you prefer to enjoy a good coffee, I recommend you to visit the Black Cat Pub. As you can see, there are options for all tastes and you will have no excuses to enjoy the nightlife in Bologna.

If you travel to Bologna during spring you can enjoy nature by visiting some of its parks. This can be the most beautiful time to visit Bologna as there is plenty of mountain scenery, gardens and parks to relax. You can even rent a bike and ride around more comfortably.

Besides walking around these places and enjoying the fresh air, you can also prepare a small breakfast or lunch. This is an ideal plan when travelling with children. One of the places I recommend is the Villa Ghigi Park. It has a variety of plants that adorn the landscape. I invite you to stroll freely through this small natural paradise. At the end of your walk you can refresh yourself in the Casa del Custodio.

On the other hand, the Margherita Gardens are considered the green lung of the centre of Bologna. Its 26 hectares make it the largest park in the city. It is also the busiest of all, so if you want to get to know the locals a little better, this could be a good destination.

The Botanical Garden of the University of Bologna could not be missing from these recommendations. It is one of the oldest in Italy, dating back to the 16th century. Another place you can visit is the Navile canal bike path. This is an ideal cycling and pedestrian path if you want to ride a bike and relax while admiring the city.

Bologna 's Piazza Maggiore is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. It is an enclosed but welcoming space where you can see the most important and imposing buildings of the city. It also allows you to admire old arcades and large windows. It is undoubtedly a delight for architects and amateurs.

The Palazzo del Podestà, built in 1200, is located right in this square. Its function at that time was to be the seat of the first local magistrate and his officials. Over the centuries its appearance changed until it adopted a Renaissance style and became a centre for meetings and tourism.

A curious fact is that this palace was not only dedicated to politics. During the 16th and 18th centuries it became a renowned theatre. To visit it, I recommend you take a tourist bus tour and get off at the Palazzo del Podestà stop.

I also suggest you take a stroll through its gallery and enjoy a delicious coffee. From inside you can see the entire Plaza Mayor and on the first floor you will see beautiful paintings and sculptures. You can also visit the statues of San Domenico and San Petronio, located in the porticoes of the palace. Its structure functioned during the Middle Ages as a means for lepers and other sick people to confess to the priests.

Interesting details

• Price: free admission.
• Opening Hours: Open from 9am to 7pm Monday to Friday.
• Location: Piazza Maggiore, 1, 40124 Bologna, Italy.