26 Best Things To Do In Bologna, Italy

Are you asking yourself “is Bologna worth visiting when traveling to Italy?” My, it so is!

In fact, there are many incredible things to do in Bologna, Italy. The capital of the Emilia Romagna region of Italy has only recently started to come under the international tourist radar, and it’s still often overlooked in favor of more traditionally tourist-famous cities such as Rome, Florence and Venice.

Well hear me out: I have recently been to Bologna again, and I was impressed with everything the city has to offer. Bologna is home to beautiful churches, well curated museums, viewpoints galore, markets and more.

Here you’ll find delicious food – in fact, it’s one of the best culinary experiences in the country. The city has a welcoming, friendly and relaxed vibe.

To make a long story short, you simply can’t help falling in love with Bologna. In this post, I will share a selection of the best things to do in Bologna and include a few tips that will help you make the most of your time in the city.

Traveling to Italy soon? Check out my post The Best Places To Visit In Italy.

things to do in Bologna

The Best Things To Do In Bologna

Learn about Bologna’s nicknames

Everybody knows Bologna by its everyday name: Bologna (obviously). What is lesser known outside of Italy are several different nicknames that the northern city has earned itself over the years, each relating to a certain characteristic of the city.

First and foremost is La Grassa (literally “The Fat”), a reference to the region’s rich cuisine. There is a list of famous specialties hailing from the city that use rich meats, particularly pork, as well as butter, parmesan and egg.

It also goes by the name La Rossa (“The Red”), which is attributed to the color of the buildings around the city. However, it is also believed to be connected to the communist ideology that was popular in Bologna following World War II.

Another nickname is “The Towered” or La Turrita. This is taken from the city’s numerous medieval towers, 24 of which are still standing. Walking around Bologna today, it’s easy to see why people might consider it “towered”!

And then there’s “The Learned” or La Dotta, thanks to the city’s long-established university. In fact, the University of Bologna is the oldest university of the world, having been founded in 1088.

Go on a walking tour

A walking tour is one of the best things to do in Bologna for a good introduction to the city – that’s what my friend and I did pretty much as soon as we arrived!

The city center is packed full of fascinating sights, and there are layers of history to uncover from its medieval towers to its UNESCO-recognized porticos or arcades.

You could either opt to take yourself on your very own, tailor-made walking tour of the city, following a route that takes you past some of the main sights at your own pace; or you could join an official walking tour.

things to do in bologna

There are actually free walking tours that take place in Bologna, though you normally have to tip the guide and the groups can be fairly large. Otherwise, you can opt for one of the many small group tours that take visitors around with a knowledgeable guide. It’s the perfect introduction to the city.

I recommend this Bologna City Center walking tour – it’s what we did and enjoyed. The guide is a local and will share plenty of fun facts about the city.

Another option could be this highly rated walking tour – it lasts a bit longer than the previously mentioned one.

Finally, there’s this private walking tour which is perfect if you want to go at your own pace, ask as many questions and you can think of and be in a smaller group – in this case, the price is actually per group!

Piazza Santo Stefano things to do in Bologna

Check out Piazza Santo Stefano and Seven Churches

Piazza Santo Stefano is, unsurprisingly, the location of the Basilica of Santo Stefano. This basilica, known locally as Sette Chiese (“Seven Churches”), is one of the oldest in the city, with construction beginning in 450 AD.

It was built on top of a temple dedicated to Isis, which itself dated back to around 100 AD.

According to tradition, it was built by the Bishop of Bologna, Petronius, who wanted to build a replica of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem – and having been to both I can tell you it really does look similar!

The church itself is Romanesque in style and is brick-built, with a relatively simple facade. In total, there are seven different parts to the complex, a fact which gives the basilica its nickname.

Outside the church, the Piazza Santo Stefano is a popular meeting place for locals and is used for cultural events and public gatherings. But the piazza itself is surrounded by centuries old historic buildings in the form of palazzi and a row of merchant houses dating to the 15th century.

things to do in Bologna

Wander around Piazza Maggiore

As you may be able to tell from its name, Piazza Maggiore is set in the heart of the city as one of Bologna’s largest squares – and one of the biggest in Italy.

The piazza is home to several timeworn buildings, including the the Basilica of San Petronio, Palazzo dei Banchi, Palazzo del Podestà, Palazzo dei Notai and Palazzo d’Accursio.

The area was first purchased by the city in 1200 to create a public square for public activities, as well as a center point for trade and exchange.

In fact, until the mid-19th century, Piazza Maggiore was home to one of Europe’s largest open-air markets, where goods from all over the globe would have been bought and sold. Today it looks much like it did in the 15th century, complete with historic porticoes that you can stroll beneath.

things to do in Bologna

Visit the Basilica di San Petronio and its terrace

Visiting the Cathedral is definitely one of the unmissable things to do in Bologna.

Dedicated to the fifth-century Bishop of Bologna, the Basilica di San Petronio is the largest church in town and its most important religious building. Work on this giant brick-built church began back in 1390 but it is yet to be finished.

Even though it is not yet complete, it has been described as the “most imposing” church in Bologna, with the front of the church featuring scenes from the bible and a soaring bell tower (built in the 1480s).

Among many interesting facets of the church, there are 22 side chapels in the Basilica di San Petronio. There’s also engineer and astronomer Cassini’s Meridian Line, which can be found in the paving on the left aisle; Cassini taught at the University of Bologna.

The church has also played a part in the development of Baroque music, being something of a center for composers and the performance of Baroque pieces.

While visiting the church is impressive enough, there’s also the chance for visitors to head up to a panoramic terrace. Here you can get some beautiful views out over the city – and see why Bologna may have earned itself the nickname La Rossa.

It costs just a few euros, making these spectacular views very reasonable – however keep in mind the terrace is actually temporary and only in place for the time being as renovation works on the basilica take place.

Walk along the Porticoes of Bologna

One of the things to do in Bologna when it rains or when you want some respite from the sun and summer heat is to walk along its porticoes. The Porticoes of Bologna are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Altogether, these covered walkways and arcades run for 53 kilometers (almost 33 miles). No other city in the world has as many of these as Bologna.

The porticoes were constructed out of necessity during the Middle Ages. The first evidence of their construction dates back to 1041; it allowed for an increase in living space in the upper stories of Bologna’s buildings.

This in turn allowed for private properties to make use of space above public land without actually purchasing any more land. Columns, of course, had to be utilized for support, all in all creating the porticoes.

Bologna

As the population of Bologna expanded over the centuries, with people from the countryside and scholars coming to live in the city, so did its porticoes.

The population increase was so large that, in 1288, it was decreed by the city that all new buildings had to be built with a portico; and if they didn’t already have one, they must add one. Evidently, this led to what you can see to this day.

Today the city is awash with these picturesque urban pathways. The most famous is the Portico of San Luca, which is the world’s longest at 3,796 meters (12,454 feet). Other celebrated porticoes include the ominously named Portico of Death and the Portico of the Bank of Italy Palace.

Walking through these stunning arcades is both charming and picturesque, and a fascinating reminder of Bologna’s medieval past.

For a guided tour of Bologna’s porticoes, click here.

Explore the Quadrilatero

The Quadrilatero is Bologna’s oldest market district and is what to see in Bologna to discover the city’s culture and culinary credentials. Strolling through the narrow lanes of Quadrilatero reveals a warren of market stalls, bakeries, local shops, restaurants, enoteche (wine bars) – just about everything food-related.

Adjacent to Piazza Maggiore, this medieval quarter of town features several indoor markets, the main one being the Mercato di Mezzo (literally “Middle Market”). Buildings here remain intact, making it easy to imagine life for Bologna’s citizens of the past.

Today, however, Quadrilatero is most well-loved for being an aperitivo hotspot. It’s the perfect place for a drink and a snack, and to soak up some local atmosphere.

Here you’ll find the city’s oldest drinking-and-snacking den, Osteria del Sole, which has been continually in operation since 1465.

Walk up Asinelli Tower

You can’t write a post about the things to do in Bologna without mentioning the Asinelli Tower! This is one of the famed Two Towers of Bologna. Though the city is home to a couple of dozen towers, these twin towers – both of which are leaning – have become a symbol of the city.

Situated at a busy intersection that leads to the gates of the old city wall, the towers were constructed between 1109 and 1119 by two different families: the Asinelli and the Garisenda families.

Garisenda Tower is 48 meters (157 feet) tall, though it used to be taller. It was mentioned numerous times in Dante’s Divine Comedy, among other literary references. The Asinelli Tower is the taller of the two, standing at 97.2 meters (319 feet) tall, and has over the years been a stronghold and a prison.

It is thought that the towers, which stand right next to each other, were a competition between the two powerful Bolognese families.

It is actually possible to walk up the Asinelli Tower. In total, 498 steps lead to the top where you get a surprisingly spectacular view out over the city. It’s not an easy climb – the stairs are narrow and quite steep; but it is totally worth it.

Should you want to walk up the Asinelli Tower, you will be better off booking your admission in advance on the official site as they work on a time slot system.

Make sure to also read my post How To Visit Bologna Towers.

things to do in Bologna

And Prendiparte Tower

This is one of the most unique things to do in Bologna. You’d think it’s just another tower, but it’s actually a lesser known one, and it promotes itself as the place to go for the best views in Bologna, suggesting you’ll get the same views of the Asinelli Tower, with the Asinelli Tower in it.

The Prendiparte Tower was originally built in the 12th century as a fortification for the wealthy Prendiparte family. Situated in the small Piazza Sant’Alo, this tower stands at 60 meters (196 feet) tall, making it the second tallest in the city – but it was, allegedly, supposed to be taller.

As well as a defensive structure, the Prendiparte Tower has been used as a seminary, a prison, and was even seized by Napoleon’s troops at the end of the 18th century. More recently, the 12 floors of the tower have become accessible to the public.

It also houses accommodation, and features a private room one one floor, and a lovely dining room and living room, each furnished with antiques.

When we visited, we actually got to meet the owner (who speaks impeccable English) and had a nice chat with him about the city and the tower.

The tower can be accessed on Sundays only, no reservations are required.

what to see in Bologna

Check out the Finestrella

One of the most popular things to do in Bologna is peeping through the Finestrella di Via Piella, sometimes called “the Canal Window”. This is a small window on a narrow street lined with restaurants.

This portal (with a shutter that you may have to physically open) looks out onto a canal running between two multi-storey medieval buildings; it’s one of a few historic waterways in Bologna that is sometimes referred to as “Little Venice”.

Canals were built in the city for silk manufacturing and trade in goods such as tobacco and flour. The Finestrella is one of the best places to visit in Bologna to get a good glimpse of these historic canals.

Through this peephole, visitors can see water flowing below, past colorful houses on one side and a brick facade on the other, making for a picturesque place for a photo op.

Be warned: you may have to line, as the Finestrella has become a particularly popular Instagram spot. Also please – do not place locks on the Finestrella, as these will eventually deteriorate it!

And the Jewish Ghetto

Exploring the Jewish Ghetto is one of the most interesting things to do in Bologna. Like its counterpart in Rome (and elsewhere in Italy), Bologna’s former Jewish Ghetto was a result of an antisemitic decree by Pope Paul IV in 1555.

This decree revoked the rights of Jewish people in the Papal States, placing religious and economic restrictions on them.

The most recognizable part of these orders was the establishment of ghettos – walled quarters of the city where Jewish people were forcibly housed. Access to the Jewish Ghetto in Bologna was limited to just three gates, which meant that people would have been confined to this area.

However, in 1566 the Jewish Ghetto in Bologna was closed, and Jewish people were simply expelled from most of the Papal States. Jewish people were allowed back into the city in 1586, only to be completely banished again in 1593.

Their return was permitted only two centuries later after the arrival of the French under Napoleon.

The Jewish Ghetto in Bologna was situated between today’s Via Zamboni and Via Oberdan. The main artery of the Ghetto is Via dell’Inferno (literally “Hell Street”), which is where you’ll find the former synagogue located at No. 16.

You’ll find a commemorative plaque here, which pays tribute to the suffering of the Jewish community of Bologna.

The only visible entranceway to the Jewish Ghetto is in Palazzo Manzoli-Malvasia, which today connects the 18th-century Church of San Donato to the old Palazzo Manzoli; just a few remaining archways can be seen.

Otherwise, you can get a feel for what this place may have been like by walking the streets that were once located inside the confines of the ghetto, including Via del Carro, Via Canonica, Via de’ Giudei, Vicolo di S. Giobbe, Vicolo Mandria and Via Valdonica. To learn more, there’s also the Jewish Museum, situated on Via Valdonica.

Teatro Anatomico dell'Archiginnasio Bologna

Check out the magnificent Teatro Anatomico dell’Archiginnasio Bologna

With Bologna’s long history as a place of learning, it should come as no surprise that there are a number of historic buildings related to science in the city. One of these is the Teatro Anatomico dell’Archiginnasio. This is what to see in Bologna to appreciate its deep commitment to higher education.

This anatomical theater was not a theater that you may be imagining. It was actually used for anatomical lectures that would take place during the dissection of bodies or to observe medical surgery.

The first anatomical theater in Bologna was built in 1595, but was replaced by this larger one in 1637. The theater remains beautifully intact, even though it was almost completely destroyed during the second world war.

The wood paneled ceiling and wall decoration were completed during the mid-18th century, and feature the god of medicine, Apollo, as well as symbolic carvings of the constellations. On the walls surrounding the theater there are also several carved wooden statues of famous physicians.

At the head of the room, you can still see the throne-like chair where the professor would sit and give the lecture, while in the center is the table where displays would take place. Visitors can enter inside to see this storied educational space for themselves.

To visit the Archiginnasio of Bologna, you need to make reservations in advance on the official site – this is mandatory if you plan to visit on a Saturday (it’s closed on Sundays). They are actually quite strict with their time slots so don’t show up before or after your scheduled time as they won’t let you in!

what to see in Bologna

Go up the Torre dell’Orologio

Another one of the city’s famous towers, the Torre dell’Orologio (“Clock Tower”) was built in the mid-13th century. Also called the Torre Accursi – due to it forming part of the Palazzo d’Accursio – it sits on the corner of Via IV Novembre and Piazza Maggiore.

Though the tower itself is fairly diminutive when compared to Bologna’s other towers, it’s the clock here that is most impressive. Featuring a diameter of 6.4 meters (30 feet), it is actually the largest clock in Italy. The first clock was put on the tower in 1356, but the current clock dates to 1451.

Like other towers in the city, you can also go up the Torre dell’Orologio. There’s a greatview from the terrace of the red rooftops of Bologna, but the coolest thing is getting to see the mechanism of the 570-year-old clock as you go up.

Admission to the clock tower also gets you access to the Municipal Art Museum located in the same building.

Madonna di San Luca

Go to the Santuario della Madonna di San Luca

One of the things to do in Bologna appreciated by locals and tourists alike is walking all the way up to the Santuario della Madonna di San Luca.

This is located on Colle della Guardia, a forested hill that rises 300 meters above the city. There has been a church situated here for around a thousand years, but the present church dates back to 1723.

Getting to this storied religious structure – also built in the characteristic red stone of Bologna – is part of the adventure. You can either walk or get the train.

Walking involves a steep 3.8 kilometer (2.3 mile) hike up to the church, but there’s a twist. It takes you through a monumental arcade of the Portico di San Luca, which features 666 arches.

The portico was built between 1674 and 1793 in order to protect the holy icon during processions from the Santuario Madonna di San Luca to the center of Bologna.

For those who don’t feel like making the journey through the portico, which can be challenging in the summer heat, there’s also the San Luca Express. The red-and-blue tourist train chugs its way up the roadway, connecting central Bologna with the basilica, taking in views from the hill as it goes.

The train also comes with an audio guide and runs five times daily from Piazza Maggiore; it takes around an hour.

For the best of both, you could do what we did and take the train up and walk back down to Bologna.

For a guided tour that also goes to the Santuario della Madonna di San Luca, click here.

Visit the Basilica di San Domenico

Basilica di San Domenico is one of the major churches in Bologna. It was once the convent of San Nicolò delle Vigne – the place where Saint Dominic himself resided from 1219 until his death in 1221.

His followers buried him behind the altar in the convent, purchased the plots of land surrounding the building and converted it into a church dedicated to Saint Dominic, starting around 1228.

The remains of Saint Dominic were moved to a new shrine in 1226, which was decorated over the following five centuries with rich artwork, resulting in the ornate, gilded tomb seen today.

Over the years, the Basilica di San Domenico underwent many additions, and many exceptional pieces of art were given to the church from donors. Artists with work on display in this historic church include Michelangelo, Guido Reni and Filippino Lippi.

things to do in bologna

Pop inside the Giardini Margherita

This popular 26-hectare park is a more local spot, lesser known by tourists, where you can relax among greenery and tree-lined paths. Located just south of the city center, the Giardini Margherita first opened in 1879 on the grounds of what was once an old convent.

The park – the largest in Bologna – was designed in the typical English landscape style, popular at the time, and much of the original layout survives to this day. It’s a place where people come to have a picnic, take some time out from the bustling city, or sit in the shade of its trees on a hot day.

One of the main features of the green space is the large pond, which features fountains, fish and terrapins. Here you’ll also see a short length of the medieval Savena canal, which opened in 1176 – one of many that used to lace through the city.

There’s a nice cafe in the park where you can enjoy lunch in the sunshine and a good coffee; it’s also a great place to grab a gelato. A bonus is that there’s good wi-fi in the park, too!

mercato delle erbe bologna

Visit the Mercato delle Erbe and Mercato di Mezzo

Food obviously plays a big part in the culture of Bologna, and one of the best things to do in Bologna is to pay a visit to one of the city’s storied markets.

Mercato delle Erbe – literally meaning “Herb Market” – is a large space built in the early 20th century in order to house the itinerant traders who formerly frequented Piazza Maggiore. Sadly, the structure was badly damaged during World War II, but it underwent subsequent renovations and was reopened in 1949.

There are a mix of stalls selling fresh fruit, vegetables and local produce at Mercato delle Erbe; the vendors are friendly and happy to chat about their produce. There are a fair few eateries here where you can grab snacks, too.

Elsewhere, located in the Quadrilatero area, Mercato di Mezzo is more of a huge food hall. It’s been a place to go for food and local produce since the Middle Ages; evidence of a market on this site goes back to the 12th century.

The current, more modern iteration of the market, which was redeveloped in 2014, is the place to go to eat, sample wine and pick up fresh food to takeaway. It’s a very popular spot with locals, so it gets packed during meal time and for aperitivo.

food tour Bologna

Go on a food tour

Bologna has a long tradition of being a culinary city. Though famed for the quintessential tagliatelle al ragu bolognese, there are a whole lot of other gastronomic delights to find across the city. It’s not called La Grassa for nothing!

Its location in a fertile river valley has given Bologna a wealth of produce grown right on its doorstep, with a lot of meat and cheeses alongside fruits and vegetables. And one of the best things to do in Bologna to get acquainted with all of this edible goodness is to join a food tour.

Unsurprisingly, there are several different food tours on offer in the city. Many of these are led by experienced guides who will show you to authentic local eateries, giving you the chance to sample authentic Bolognese cuisine.

You could opt for either a group tour or an individual experience. There’s only one rule: make sure you turn up hungry!

I recommend this traditional food tour of Bologna. It lasts 3.5 hours and you are guaranteed to have lots of tastings to discover the many flavors of the city.

For a secret food tour of Bologna, click here.

If you’d rather go on a private tour, click here.

tagliatelle al ragu

Eat!

As you can tell by now, food and eating are part and parcel when you visit Bologna. From tagliatelle and tortellini to hearty lasagne and succulent cotoletta alla bolognese (breadcrumbed veal, fried and then topped with prosciutto and cheese), food here is a realm of deliciousness.

One of the best places in the city to sample delectable dishes is Da Cesari. Continuously run by the same family since 1955, it’s long been a favorite spot for Bolognese people to come together to eat and is often touted as the best restaurant in town.

food in bologna

Dishes here include parmigiana di melanzane (layers of shallow-fried eggplant smothered in cheese), homemade pasta with classic ragu bolognese and tortellini in beef broth.

If you only eat at one place during your time in Bologna, this family-owned joint should be the one – put it this way: I’d totally go back to Bologna just to have their tagliatelle again! Just make sure to book in advance as it is very popular.

For a fine dining experience, head to Oltre. The Michelin guide describes the entrance to this eatery as having “the appearance of a record shop” due to its punky, sticker-clad door.

However, step in and you’ll find sophisticated interiors, with food and service to match. I particularly loved their cotoletta alla bolognese.

You should also read my post The Ultimate Bologna Food Guide.

Head over to my post Traditional Italian Food: The Best Traditional Italian Dishes.

panino con la mortadella

Have a mortadella sandwich at Mo Mortadella Lab

One of the most famous snacks to come out of Bologna is the mortadella sandwich (panino alla mortadella in Italian). Arguably the most famous version of mortadella comes from Bologna, so it makes sense to try it here.

Mortadella sandwiches can be super plain – this is actually Italian’s favorite version: just thin slices of mortadella on a freshly baked crispy roll, possibly warm – or with other ingredients too.

The version sold at Mo Mortadella Lab is so popular that lines are to be expected (there was one when we visited for lunch on a Sunday). There are a variety of different mortadella sandwiches served here, from classic to more leftfield versions.

Go to FICO

Bologna’s culinary credentials come into full force at this theme park for foodies. FICO is spread across 10 hectares and is completely dedicated to Italian food; it’s quite literally a theme park centered around food – you can definitely see it’s one of the unmissable things to do in Bologna for foodies.

Opening its doors in 2017, the park is a showcase for produce, shops and restaurants, with a large space dedicated to agriculture and several multimedia and educational attractions. There is a small admission fee to visit, and you can also join one of the many cooking classes.

You may want to join this delicious Mortadella class at FICO, or a more classic pizza making class such as this one.

Wander through the Museo Archeologico di Bologna

Being the old city that it is, Bologna has a lot of history to learn about. One of the best places to visit in Bologna to do this is to head to the Museo Archeologico di Bologna, a space tucked in the 15th-century Palazzo Galvani that’s packed with historic artifacts.

Founded in 1881, this museum is the product of the merging of the Room of Antiquity at the University of Bologna, and the city’s own antique collection. Many of the displays on show here are the result of excavations around Bologna during the 18th and 19th century.

Here you can see everything from prehistoric finds to Roman-era items, and even an ancient Egyptian collection, with over 3,500 objects in total.

This impressive array of artifacts is what to see in Bologna for those who are in the city and have an interest in history and archaeology.

what to see in Bologna

Or the Museum of History of Bologna

Another place to learn about the long history of the city is at the Museum of History of Bologna. House inside the medieval Palazzo Pepoli Vecchio, this museum is dedicated to the origins of the city and the lives of its inhabitants.

Throughout its 40 exhibition rooms, the museum takes visitors through 3,000 years of Bolognese history.

Highlights include a reconstruction of the Etruscan Road which led to the city in pre-Roman times; a room that traces the urban transformation of Bologna; and an immersive experience that puts visitors right into the streets of Bologna in the 13th century.

things to do in Bologna

Learn a sad part of Italian history at Museum for the Memory of Ustica

If you are looking for more unique things to do in Bologna, consider visiting this museum dedicated to one of the saddest events in recent Italian history.

On the 27th June 1980, a passenger aircraft that left Bologna bound for Palermo crashed into the Tyrrhenian Sea near Ustica island, killing all 81 people on board. Though there have been a number of investigations into the crash, it remains unsolved to this day.

The Museum for the Memory of Ustica is centered around the wreckage of the flight, which has been pieced together here. There are also 81 bulbs that flicker on and off, representing the 81 people who lost their lives in the flight; there are also personal objects that belonged to the passengers as well as photographs.

It’s a particularly unusual museum with the wreckage of the crash itself playing a crucial part of the experience here.

The museum is free to visit. If you are keen on visiting, make sure to check the opening times on the official website as it’s not open every day.

Check out the National Art Gallery of Bologna

Situated inside the former Saint Ignatius Jesuit novitiate, the National Art Gallery of Bologna displays a large collection of paintings from the historical Emilia region, dated between the 13th and the 18th century – it really is a must-see in Bologna.

This exquisite collection of regional paintings spans everything from medieval church art to paintings by masters of Bolognese schools.

They’re placed in chronological order, meaning you can see the evolution of art styles as you explore the museum – and all on the backdrop of expansive rooms lit by vaulted skylights.

Shopping!

Finally, shopping is one of the most fun things to do in Bologna and you won’t have trouble finding a souvenir to bring home.

The city is a great place to indulge in a bit of retail therapy, with plenty of spots to browse and buy across the city. To start with, there’s the upmarket Galleria Cavour – a chic venue for shopping with an elegant glass-domed roof with upscale designer stores to match.

Built in the late 1950s, it’s been a symbol of luxury shopping in Bologna ever since.

For more in the way of stylish shopping with a more boutique feeling, head to Corte Isolani, where you’ll find shops hidden among old porticoes. Vintage fashion can be found at La Leonarda for their collection of curated garments.

If it’s food you’re looking for, then you can go to Quadrilatero to find a wealth of produce; more high-end food items can be found at Tamburini, a luxury food shop where you can purchase everything from pasta to sweets.

Chocolate fans will be in heaven as Bologna boasts a number of notable chocolatiers including the couple-run Roccati and what claims to be the oldest sweet shop in Italy, Majani.

Further Readings

These posts will be helpful when planning a trip to Italy:

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Discover the best things to do in Bologna - via @clautavani

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