But, if you can only spare a weekend getaway to beautiful Bologna, make an itinerary and plan your hours wisely. Whether you plan to spend your time museum hopping or eating your way through the city, it will be memorable.
When possible, book your tickets to attractions in advance and skip long lines. You will also want to drop your extra bags and backpacks in a luggage locker while out and about when you need to lighten your load.
Fountain of Neptune
One of your first stops during your weekend trip to Bologna should be to Piazza del Nettuno where the infamous Fountain of Neptune can be found. It sits right next to Piazza Maggiore, the main plaza in Bologna.
Probably the most iconic monument in Bologna, the Fountain of Neptune is an impressive fountain that was commissioned by Pope Pius IV and built between 1564 and 1566. It is one of the most photographed landmarks in the city.
Asinelli Tower
Asinelli Tower is part of the Two Towers and is another famous landmark in Bologna. The Two Towers sit right in the heart of the historical centre of the city and you can go up into Asinelli Tower for panoramic views of the city.
Asinelli Tower is the tallest building in the city and to reach the top you have to climb 498 steps. The second tower, Garisenda Tower is no longer accessible because the foundation has shifted. But you do get a great view of this smaller tower from Asinelli.
Basilica di San Petronio
When you visit the Piazza Maggiore you will notice a rather large church dominating the skyline of the square. That is the Basilica di San Petronio and it is the church of the Archdiocese of Bologna. The exterior is impressive, but just wait until you step inside!
The towering ceilings make the church feel enormous and the great columns are something straight from the Roman Empire. There are 22 chapels, each with breathtaking artwork that showcases many of the Italian masters.
Sit and admire the stained glass windows and, of course, the 49-foot high altar that dominates the church cannot be missed. Check out Cassini’s Meridian line from 1655, one of the biggest astronomical instruments constructed and on display at the basilica.
Santo Stefano Church
Head over to Piazza Santo Stefano and check out the Santo Stefano Church, also known as Santa Gerusalemme or Sette Chiese. It is believed that the church was built in the 5th century.
The church has been added onto and is now a complex of chapels and churches with an interconnecting courtyard. You can stroll through the complex and take in the amazing art and architecture. It is free to visit the Santo Stefano Church.
Via dell’Independenza
Take a leisurely stroll down the Via dell’Independenza, the main street that leads through Bologna. Walk past Piazza Maggiore and Piazza del Nettuno as you wind your way through the city taking in monuments, shops, palaces, and churches.
If you have shopping on your mind, Via dell’Independenza is the place to go, with many designer shops boasting several international brands. Even if you are not in the mood to shop, just strolling in the sunshine is a wonderful experience.
Asinelli Tower is part of the Two Towers and is another famous landmark in Bologna. The Two Towers sit right in the heart of the historical centre of the city and you can go up into Asinelli Tower for panoramic views of the city.
Asinelli Tower is the tallest building in the city and to reach the top you have to climb 498 steps. The second tower, Garisenda Tower is no longer accessible because the foundation has shifted. But you do get a great view of this smaller tower from Asinelli.
Basilica di San Petronio
When you visit the Piazza Maggiore you will notice a rather large church dominating the skyline of the square. That is the Basilica di San Petronio and it is the church of the Archdiocese of Bologna. The exterior is impressive, but just wait until you step inside!
The towering ceilings make the church feel enormous and the great columns are something straight from the Roman Empire. There are 22 chapels, each with breathtaking artwork that showcases many of the Italian masters.
Sit and admire the stained glass windows and, of course, the 49-foot high altar that dominates the church cannot be missed. Check out Cassini’s Meridian line from 1655, one of the biggest astronomical instruments constructed and on display at the basilica.
Santo Stefano Church
Head over to Piazza Santo Stefano and check out the Santo Stefano Church, also known as Santa Gerusalemme or Sette Chiese. It is believed that the church was built in the 5th century.
The church has been added onto and is now a complex of chapels and churches with an interconnecting courtyard. You can stroll through the complex and take in the amazing art and architecture. It is free to visit the Santo Stefano Church.
Via dell’Independenza
Take a leisurely stroll down the Via dell’Independenza, the main street that leads through Bologna. Walk past Piazza Maggiore and Piazza del Nettuno as you wind your way through the city taking in monuments, shops, palaces, and churches.
If you have shopping on your mind, Via dell’Independenza is the place to go, with many designer shops boasting several international brands. Even if you are not in the mood to shop, just strolling in the sunshine is a wonderful experience.
If you are only in Bologna for a few days, don’t miss the opportunity to experience a lively market with traditional Italian vendor stalls. Hear people haggling over quality, quantity, and price—it’s a fun way to see the market!
Mercato Delle Erbe even offers places for you to dine after you have explored this indoor venue. Vendors are more than happy to offer samples of fresh cheese, meat, and produce. It is one of the oldest markets in Bologna.
Portico di San Luca
Located at the Sanctuary of the Madonna of San Luca, over 980 feet above the city, some of the most fantastic porticoes or covered arches are found. The Portico di San Luca is home to the longest porticoes in the entire world.
There are over 660 porticoes that cover over two miles and lead right to the Sanctuary of the Madonna of San Luca. People from all over the world come to Bologna on pilgrimages to experience the tranquility of walking through these porticoes.
University of Bologna
The oldest university in the world is located in Bologna and was founded in 1088. It was also the first university to award actual higher-learning degrees, especially in science and mathematics.
The University of Bologna is near Piazza Santo Stefano and is easy to visit when you are here for the weekend. You will especially want to check out the architecture of the oldest parts of the university that has been so well preserved.
Teatro Anatomico
While you are exploring the University of Bologna, visit the Anatomical Theatre of the Achiginnasio. This is the oldest building at the university and was the main lecture hall for anatomy classes.
The entire theatre is made of hand-carved wood including the seats! The marble table located in the middle of the room is where the professors conducted their demonstrations and dissections. There is an entry fee but it is well worth it.
Plan your weekend trip to Bologna to include some of the more famous sights as well as some of the lesser-known, but no less intriguing, landmarks. If you are not sure where to start your exploration of Bologna, head to Piazza Maggiore and venture out from there.
When you are in a time crunch, sign up for a free walking tour with a local guide who will share their knowledge with you as you move through the streets. No matter how you choose to spend your weekend in Bologna, you are sure to make memories that will last a lifetime.
*Collaborative post
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