Archiginnasio and Anatomical Theatre
The sixteenth-century seat of the old University of Bologna, its walls covered in student coats of arms, with a carved wooden anatomy theatre where dissections were once taught.
Italy
Bologna
Bologna is the city Italians call la dotta, la grassa e la rossa: the learned one, for the oldest university in the Western world; the fat one, for a kitchen that gave the world tortellini, tagliatelle al ragù and mortadella; and the red one, for its terracotta roofs and brick palaces.
It is also one of the easiest Italian cities to love on foot. Some forty kilometres of porticoes, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, shelter its streets from sun and rain, leading from the vast Piazza Maggiore and the unfinished Basilica of San Petronio to the medieval market lanes of the Quadrilatero, the Seven Churches of Santo Stefano and the anatomy theatre of the old university. The longest portico of all climbs 666 arches to the hilltop Sanctuary of San Luca. Beyond the walls, Modena and Parma make easy day trips for balsamic vinegar and Parmigiano Reggiano. This guide covers what is open in November 2026, what to book, where to eat your way through the city and where to stay, with honest notes on the leaning towers that are still closed for repairs.
Don't miss
Archiginnasio and Anatomical Theatre
The sixteenth-century seat of the old University of Bologna, its walls covered in student coats of arms, with a carved wooden anatomy theatre where dissections were once taught.
Sanctuary of San Luca and the Portico
The hilltop sanctuary that watches over Bologna, reached by the longest portico in the world, 666 arches climbing from the city gate, or by the little San Luca Express train.
Basilica di San Petronio and Piazza Maggiore
The colossal Gothic basilica on Piazza Maggiore, with its famously unfinished facade, a giant meridian line on the floor and the Neptune Fountain on the square beside it.
Santo Stefano (Seven Churches)
A cluster of interlocking churches, courtyards and a Romanesque cloister on a lovely sloping piazza, known to the Bolognese simply as the Seven Churches.
Things to do in Bologna
FreeBasilica di San Petronio and Piazza Maggiore
The colossal Gothic basilica on Piazza Maggiore, with its famously unfinished facade, a giant meridian line on the floor and the Neptune Fountain on the square beside it.
45 minutes to 1 hourDetails →
Clock Tower and Municipal Art Collections
Climb the clock tower of Palazzo d’Accursio, the town hall on Piazza Maggiore, past the old clock mechanism to two terraces over the rooftops, then tour the city art collections.
FreeSanto Stefano (Seven Churches)
A cluster of interlocking churches, courtyards and a Romanesque cloister on a lovely sloping piazza, known to the Bolognese simply as the Seven Churches.
45 minutes to 1 hourDetails →
Sanctuary of San Luca and the Portico
The hilltop sanctuary that watches over Bologna, reached by the longest portico in the world, 666 arches climbing from the city gate, or by the little San Luca Express train.
Quadrilatero Market Tasting Tour
Graze your way through the medieval market lanes beside Piazza Maggiore with seven tasting vouchers, a map and a smartphone audio guide to the main sights.
Bologna Food Walking Tour
A two-hour guided walk through the historic centre with a local guide, three classic Bolognese tastings and a sweet treat to finish, in a small group.
Modena Balsamic Vinegar Acetaia Tour
A guided visit to Acetaia Marchi, a family balsamic vinegar producer just outside Modena, with a tasting of aged balsamic, an easy half-day trip from Bologna.
Parmigiano Reggiano Dairy Tour
A guided visit to a Parmigiano Reggiano cheese dairy in Noceto, in the countryside near Parma, to see how the king of cheeses is made and aged.
Felsina Culinaria Cooking Class
A small-group, hands-on class in Bolognese fresh pasta in the countryside at Castel San Pietro Terme, a short train ride from Bologna, with lunch or dinner and local wine.
Where to stay
Hotels we would book ourselves, from splurges to good-value bases.
$$$$Grand Hotel Majestic già Baglioni
Via Indipendenza, Historic Centre
Bologna’s grand old five-star hotel, in an eighteenth-century palazzo on Via Indipendenza a few steps from Piazza Maggiore, with Carracci frescoes, a wellness area and the I Carracci restaurant.
Rates on Expedia →
$$$Art Hotel Commercianti
Piazza Maggiore
A characterful four-star hotel in a medieval building pressed against the side of San Petronio, with beamed ceilings, basilica views, free bikes and breakfast included.
Rates on Expedia →
$$$Hotel Corona d’Oro
Ghetto and Via Oberdan
An elegant, quiet four-star hotel in a thirteenth-century palazzo between Piazza Maggiore and the Two Towers, with frescoed ceilings, soundproofed rooms and its own restaurant.
Rates on Expedia →
$$$I Portici Hotel
Via Indipendenza, near the Station
A stylish four-star superior hotel in an Art Nouveau palazzo on Via Indipendenza, between the station and Piazza Maggiore, with a Michelin-starred restaurant and a rooftop lounge.
Rates on Expedia →
$$Albergo delle Drapperie
Quadrilatero
A small, good-value three-star hotel on the upper floors of an old building in the Quadrilatero market lanes, two minutes from Piazza Maggiore and the Two Towers.
Rates on Expedia →Bologna guides
First Time in Bologna: What to Book, How to Get Around & How Many Days
A practical primer for a first visit to Bologna: what to book ahead, getting in from the airport and around on foot, how many days you need, food experiences and day trips, and what is closed.
Where to Stay in Bologna: The Best Areas and Hotels
Where to stay in Bologna: the best neighbourhoods for a first visit, from Piazza Maggiore and the Quadrilatero to the Ghetto and Via Indipendenza, with a hotel for every budget.
