Top sights in Bologna
Bologna is one of those cities that might not appear to have too much going on in the way of 'sights', but as soon as you start wandering around, you will discover plenty to keep you occupied!
WE LOVE BOLOGNA SO MUCH, WE RECENTLY GOT MARRIED THERE! IF YOU'RE THINKING ABOUT GETTING MARRIED IN ITALY, THEN HERE'S OUR HONEST REVIEW OF THE WHOLE EXPERIENCE!
1. Basilica of San Petronio
The facade alone makes this building the highlight of Bologna for me in terms of sights. It’s so interesting because not only does it look half finished, but it is! It was supposed to be the biggest Church in the world, but that dream got squashed when they ran out of room! They practically gave up and couldn’t decide on how to finish it, so what you’ll see when you visit is a very ‘unique’ design. It’s free to enter and is very fascinating!
2. Two Towers
Forget the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Bologna has its very own Leaning Tower! Whilst one of these bad boys is standing straight, the it’s brother is very much slanting to one side. Until recently, you could actually climb the tower [the straight one, that is!] and it gave you great views of the whole city, it’s very beautiful! However they are old school, and so to get that insta worthy view, we had to climb the 498 steps inside the tower. It’s pretty narrow in there and so they only let a certain number of people in at any one time.
As of 2024, the tower is leaning so much that they've had to close them off to the public. You can still look, but not touch!
3. Piazza Maggiore
This is a really impressive and cute square in the city centre. Lots of things are happening in and around the square, and it is also where you’ll find the Basilica of San Petronio!
4. Via dell'Indipendenza
I actually stayed on this large street, and it’s a great central spot to base yourself. Known as the shopping area, there are heaps of shops and cafes and is a great place to mooch.
This street is completely pedestrianised on the weekends, and so make sure you don't get caught out on a Monday when the cars are back on the roads!
There are some top notch gelato shops on this street too, and so be sure to stop off for a snack.
5. Renato Dall'Ara Stadium
Go and experience an Italian football game in the evening! Home to Bologna FC, it was such a great atmosphere with the crowds really getting involved. There won’t be a dull moment, and tickets are not too expensive!
For more information on getting European football tickets, check out my blog post here.
6. Finestrella
Word of warning: Known as ‘Little Venice’, this hugely popular tourist attraction is supposed to show a canal like you would see in Venice if you look through the cute little window. We first visited Bologna in October, and so it was not exactly ‘dry season’. HOWEVER, the canal had completely dried up, meaning that all we were looking at was an empty river bed. It was definitely not worth waiting in the queue, and so have a look online before making the trip, to see if the canal is in fact a canal! Here are some photos that we've taken over the years to show the mixed views we've had!
7. FICO World Eataly
I am yet to go and check this place out, but it’s on my list for when I visit in February! If you’re not familia, Eataly is a huge Italian ‘megastore’ chain that have restaurants, a supermarket and bars inside one building! They have one in London which is insane, you can find more info on that in my blog post here. Bologna is home to ‘FICO World Eataly’, which is an Italian Food Theme Park! Yes, you read that correctly. Hop on some rides, take part in a cooking class, eat some great pasta and drink yourself silly with some red wine!
8. The Portico di San Luca
Bologna is known for its arched walkways throughout the city. But this one is the longest portici (which means covered walkway) in the entire world.
It's is made up of 666 arches, and spans 3.8km long. It might be a hefty walk, but it's absolutely worth it. At the end of the rainbow (aka, the walk) you'll get to San Luca, and what a beauty she is.
Dedicate a morning for this, and at least if it rains you'll be undercover!
WE ABSOLUTELY FELL IN LOVE WITH THE CITY, THE CULTURE, ITS PEOPLE AND OF COURSE THE FOOD! CHECK OUT OUR STACKED FOOD GUIDE, IT WILL KEEP YOU FULL FOR MONTHS!