When I first arrived in Bologna, I didn’t expect to fall for the city so quickly. But oh my God! What a surprise. I stayed for three days, but only dedicated one full day to exploring Bologna itself. The next day I did a day trip to Florence, and on my third day, I popped over to Parma before catching my evening flight. Still, that one day in Bologna left a big impression.
If you’ve got just 24 hours in this beautiful city, here’s how to make the most of it.
Start the Day with Views from the Clock Tower
Begin your day in the heart of the city: Piazza Maggiore. Climb the Clock Tower for sweeping views over the rooftops and the main square, it’s the perfect way to orient yourself. After soaking in the views, take time to wander around the piazza. It’s the pulse of Bologna and packed with history and charm.
Step Inside the Basilica di San Petronio
Just off the square is Basilica di San Petronio, one of the largest churches in the world. I missed visiting the terrace (sadly it’s only open on weekends), but even without it, the basilica is absolutely worth a stop. The architecture is stunning, and the interior feels grand yet peaceful.
Swing by Piazza Nettuno and Neptune’s Fountain
Next door is Piazza Nettuno, home to the iconic Fountain of Neptune. It’s one of Bologna’s most photographed spots and once you’re there, you’ll see why.
View from the Clock Tower
Basilica di San Petronio
Neptune’s Fountain
Visit Bologna’s Academic Soul: Archiginnasio Palace
Make your way to Archiginnasio Palace, once part of the University of Bologna. Inside, you’ll find the Anatomical Theatre, where students once learned anatomy via human dissection (not for the squeamish, but fascinating), and the Biblioteca Comunale, a stunning historic library.
Bonus for Book Lovers: Salaborsa Library
If you’re into libraries, don’t skip Salaborsa. It’s a public library with free entry and beneath its glass floor, you can peer down at ancient Roman ruins. It’s a beautiful blend of past and present.
Archiginnasio Palace
Anatomical Theatre
Biblioteca Comunale
Lunch at Sfoglia Rina
By now, you’ll be hungry and Bologna doesn’t mess around when it comes to food. Head to Sfoglia Rina, one of the city’s most loved pasta spots. I had tagliolini in broth and a vegetarian pasta dish that was bursting with flavour. And yes, even the coffee was memorable.
Tagliolini in Broth
Coffee at Sfoglia Rina
Salaborsa Library
Post-Lunch Walk: Discover Bologna’s Hidden Venice
Stroll over to Finestrella di Via Piella, one of Bologna’s cutest and most Instagrammable spots. It’s a tiny window in a wall that opens to reveal a secret canal view, like a little slice of Venice tucked into the city. Locals call it La Piccola Venezia (Little Venice), and it’s a magical, quiet moment in an otherwise lively city.
Walk the World’s Longest Portico to San Luca
Bologna is famous for its porticoes, and if you want a workout with a view, tackle the Portico di San Luca. It’s a 3.8 km covered walkway with 666 arches leading to The Sanctuary of the Madonna of San Luca, which sits on a hill 300m above the city. It took me about 50 minutes each way, and it was so worth it for the views and the sense of peace at the top. If you love porticoes, Bologna is the city for you, besides San Luca, don’t miss the Portici di Piazza Cavour, which is also incredibly beautiful and atmospheric.
Wrap Up Your Day at the Quadrilatero
End your day at The Quadrilatero, Bologna’s oldest market and a food lover’s paradise. From fresh pasta and cheeses to aperitivo bars and cozy trattorias, this is the place to soak in the atmosphere and enjoy a final taste of the city.
Final Thoughts:
Bologna may be lesser known than Florence or Rome, but it’s bursting with beauty, history, and soul. Whether you’re here for just a day or longer, it’s a city that stays with you and I, for one, can’t wait to go back.
Finestrella di Via Piella
Portico di San Luca
Madonna of San Luca
The Quadrilatero
