🔑 Quick Answer: To make the most of 24 hours in Bologna, start with the view from the Basilica di San Petronio terrace, then shop the boutiques along Via San Felice. Spend the afternoon on modern art, gelato, and a bike ride through Giardini Margherita, and end with aperitivo and a traditional dinner of tortellini and tagliatelle al ragù.
I’ve got a confession: I took multiple trips to the Bel Paese before I finally visited Bologna, Italy. I long overlooked the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region, but after seeing it, I’m now wondering what took me so long.
What I’d heard about Bologna, Italy, before was that it is the city for foodies to visit. Ever dreamed of fresh, plump tortellini, salty Parmigiano Reggiano, or thinly sliced mortadella? What about a heaping plate of lasagna or pasta with bolognese sauce? Then Bologna is the place to be. Because of the wide variety and high quality of cuisine there, the city has even gained the nickname La Grassa or “the fat one.”
But Bologna offers more than just fantastic food. It’s home to Europe’s oldest university, hence the nickname La Dotta, or “the educated one,” and the roof of every building has a sun-kissed ruby hue, earning it the nickname La Rossa, or “the red one,” making it a beauty to behold, especially at sunset.
Who this is for: This guide is for food lovers with one day in Bologna, whether it’s a stop between Florence and Venice or a first taste before a longer trip through Emilia-Romagna.
Discovery Call: Planning a trip to Italy? Book a free 15-minute call with our team, and we’ll tell you how we’d plan it.
Why Trust Us on 24 Hours in Bologna
I spent four days in Bologna eating my way through the city, and I went back to some spots more than once, so this itinerary captures the best of what I’d do again.
Salt & Wind Travel founder Aida Mollenkamp is a Le Cordon Bleu-trained chef, cookbook author, and former Food Network host. She lived in Florence and has returned to Italy almost every year since 1994. Our team has planned custom Italy trips for more than a decade, and Bologna is a regular stop, from honeymoons that pair it with Piedmont and Milan to side trips from Florence.
Bologna rewards an introduction more than most cities. Its best meals happen in family trattorias with no English menu, and many Parmigiano Reggiano dairies and balsamic vinegar makers outside town open their doors only by appointment. That’s where we come in: we arrange those tastings and book local guides who know which doors to knock on.
Why Travel To Bologna, Italy
A few more reasons you should travel to Bologna? It’s a classic Italian day trip by train from nearby cities like Verona, Venice, or Florence—and Bologna has a distinct vibe all its own. You can beat the crowds in more popular towns, wander under the city’s endless romantic porticos, and see Bologna’s leaning towers (which beat out Pisa, if you ask us!).
Fantastic food, rich history, picturesque scenery—you’ll quickly understand why more and more people are adding Bologna to their Italy itineraries. On my most recent trip to Italy, I spent four days in Bologna, and I wish I could have stayed longer because there’s so much to do. But even with only 24 hours in Bologna, you can still experience quite a bit!
24-Hour Itinerary For Bologna, Italy
Even with limited time, you can experience much of what Bologna offers by exploring on foot. Bologna’s historic city center sits inside a ring-shaped boulevard large enough to avoid the handful of ultra-busy tourist streets, but small enough that you don’t need to take a bus. Here is what to see and do in one day to experience some of the best of Bologna’s city center.
MORNING
Amazing Views At Terrazza di San Petronio
As soon as you step into Bologna’s main piazza, you’ll notice the prominent, famed Basilica di San Petronio. In the 1500s, the pope diverted funding from the Basilica di San Petronio to the Archiginnasio of Bologna, which is why the church’s façade is unfinished. The lower half features red-and-white marble, while the upper half is deep red brick.
You might also notice its rooftop terraces, the Terrazza di San Petronio. You will definitely want to head there to get an incredible view of the city. From the terrace, you’ll get your bearings for the day as you look out over Bologna’s distinct skyline, with its historic towers, miles of fiery red roofs, and rolling hills in the distance.
Shop Local Boutiques On Via San Felice
Even if you’re not a huge shopper, stroll Via San Felice along the few blocks from Porta San Felice to Via Guglielmo Marconi. Like a western artery of Bologna’s historic center, Via San Felice is a local spot. You’re unlikely to see another tourist, and you won’t see any of the global fashion brands you typically find in the heart of town. The boutiques sell one-of-a-kind trendy clothing, handmade leather shoes, and chic home goods. Many quaint coffee shops and enotecas (like Forno Brisa or Porcomondo Salumi e Vino) make for ideal pit stops.
AFTERNOON
See Modern Art at MAMbo
MAMbo, Bologna’s Museum of Modern Art, fills a former city bakery built in 1915 with Italian art from the 20th century to today. The museum’s old restaurant, Ex Forno, has closed, so have lunch first at Mercato delle Erbe, the covered market on Via Ugo Bassi, where you can graze your way through the food stalls before you walk over.
Get Seriously Good Gelato At Gelateria Galliera 49
As a self-proclaimed gelato snob, I can say the scoops here were so delicious I finished my first gelato and immediately got in line for a second serving. When hunting for gelato, I prefer something made on-site and artigianale for the best flavors.
All the ingredients at Gelateria Galliera 49 are organic and local (many from the nearby Alpine region of South Tyrol, where some of the country’s best produce is grown), and it shows—the gelatos don’t have flashy, bright, dye-based colors, and the texture is dense and compact. Though I was pleasantly surprised to find granita on their menu, a dessert more common in southern Italy, gelato flavors like pistachio and stracciatella definitely don’t disappoint.
Bike Through The Park At Giardini Margherita
Biking is my favorite way to get around and explore a new place, so I always try to rent a bike in any city I visit. Bologna, Italy, is a perfect place to hop on a bike, as many locals crisscross the town on a bici.
Rent a bike from Bike Rental Bologna and cruise down to the southeast edge of the historic city’s circle, where you can mingle with locals in Giardini Margherita. You’ll find plenty of bike paths with lovely scenery, from rows of lush green trees to photogenic fountains, and bonus: you’ll get some light exercise before enjoying outstanding food in the evening.
EVENING
Enjoy Aperitivo At Café Pastry Gamberini
I love an excellent aperitivo, and this one brought me to tears—it was spectacular. As an aperitivo buffet, I enjoyed quality and quantity — no greasy dips or dried-out dishes here! Everything tasted fresh, items were replenished regularly, and the variety was large enough that I returned a second time during my trip and still felt excited to eat there.
Definitely come here hungry because their buffet overflows with innovative finger sandwiches, mini pizzas made with delicious mozzarella, and fresh vegetables. The food tastes outstanding, and this cozy cafe has a warm, welcoming staff. Before you leave, peek at their pastries to end on a sweet note.
Eat Traditional Food At Ristorante Da Cesari
Bologna is for foodies, and you’ll definitely want to indulge in some (or all) of their famed local dishes. While it may be hard to pick just one must-visit restaurant in Bologna, I will pick one: Ristorante Da Cesari.
My experience here was heavenly, from the sophisticated vibe to the kind servers to the food. They have a seasonal menu, but my favorite dish came from their mainstay menu— ravioli that balanced buttery, cheesy decadence with the sweet spice of fresh pumpkins. You can also cross out many items on your Bologna food bucket list here, including mortadella, pasta with Bolognese sauce, and tortellini in beef broth.
Sleep Chic At Hotel Porta San Mamolo
I found everything I envisioned in a boutique Italian hotel at Hotel Porta San Mamolo in Bologna—a charming garden where they serve a hearty breakfast, elegant art, and a window that opens onto orangey, sun-kissed buildings. Book a room with a terrace for the ultimate spot to end a day with a glass of wine in Bologna, Italy.
If you’re looking for an Italian city with an authentic vibe and all the history, beauty, and mouthwatering food you could want, look no further than Bologna. And the best time to visit is now, before everyone catches on to this gem of a destination. Chances are, your first visit won’t be your last, and after just one day, you’ll likely start planning a return trip to discover more of the city’s delights.
Have you visited Bologna? What are your recommendations for the city? Share your tips in the comment section below!
How We’d Plan Your Trip to Italy
We plan Italy trips around how many places you can enjoy without spending your vacation in transit. We help you choose two or three bases, book hotels with the perks we can add, arrange trains or drivers between them, and set up private guides and the meals you came for.
Want us to do all of this for you? With Full-Service Planning, our team handles every detail of your trip, from hotels and restaurants to private guides, transfers, and support while you travel. Already started planning? Trip Tailoring gives you our recommendations and help with the details that matter most.
Either way, you get more than 10 years of travel planning, vetted recommendations, and hotel perks we can add. Full-Service Planning starts at $275 per day, and most trips begin at $2,750. Book a free 15-minute call, with no obligation, and we’ll tell you how we’d plan yours.
Frequently Asked Questions
One day is enough to see Bologna's highlights and eat well, because the historic center is compact and walkable. If you want to add a food tour, a cooking class, or a visit to a Parmigiano Reggiano dairy, plan on two or three days.
Yes. High-speed trains connect Florence and Bologna in about 40 minutes, so you can leave after breakfast and be back for dinner. Book an early train out and a late train back to make the most of the day.
Bologna is known for tortellini in brodo, tagliatelle al ragù (the dish most people call bolognese), lasagne verdi, and mortadella. Parmigiano Reggiano and traditional balsamic vinegar come from nearby towns in Emilia-Romagna.
Stay inside the old city walls so you can walk everywhere. Hotel Porta San Mamolo is a quiet boutique hotel with a garden, about a 15-minute walk from Piazza Maggiore.
Spring and fall bring mild weather and fewer crowds. July and August are hot, and some family-run restaurants close for a few weeks in August
Classic Emilia-Romagna Recipes To Make
Want to try authentic dishes from Emilia-Romagna? Here are a few classic Italian recipes to make at home:
Emilia-Romagna Travel Guide
Are you considering traveling to the Emilia-Romagna region in real life? Check out our free Emilia-Romagna Travel Guide for our best travel tips, recipes, and articles on Italy.
Have Us Plan Your Italy Trip
Did you know we’re a boutique travel agency specializing in Italian travel planning? If you’re looking to plan one of the best trips to Italy, our Italy trip planner services are here to help you plan your perfect itinerary.
