Bologna: Latest 2025 Travel Guide

🏙️ Introduction to Bologna

Bologna, located in the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy, is a city that blends academia, history, and cuisine . Known for its red-brick buildings, arcaded streets, and the world's oldest university , it's also known as the "Capital of Italian Pasta."

💡Editor 's Take : Bologna isn't as crammed with tourists as Rome or Florence, but it allows you to immerse yourself in local life. It's a city where the slower you travel, the more charming it becomes.

📍 Bologna must-see tourist hotspots

1️⃣ Piazza Maggiore

  • The city center square is surrounded by important buildings.
  • There are often street performances in the square, and the atmosphere is lively.

2️⃣ Basilica of San Petronio

  • One of the largest Gothic churches in the world.
  • There is a giant sundial in the church, which shows the advanced astronomical technology of the time.

3️⃣ Fountain of Neptune (Fontana del Nettuno)

  • Baroque fountain built in the 16th century.
  • The statue of Poseidon has become one of the symbols of Bologna.

4️⃣ The Two Leaning Towers (Le Due Torri: Asinelli e Garisenda)

  • Bologna's landmark, a symbol of medieval prosperity.
  • You can climb the Asinelli Tower (Torre degli Asinelli) to enjoy a panoramic view of the city's red roofs.

5️⃣ University of Bologna

  • Founded in 1088, it is the oldest university in the world.
  • You can visit the Teatro Anatomico , where anatomy and medicine were taught in the past.

6️⃣ Arcade Street (Portici)

  • The city of Bologna has 38 kilometers of arcades.
  • You don’t have to worry about taking a walk in the rain or under the scorching sun, it is very unique.

7️⃣ Sanctuary of Our Lady of San Luca (Santuario della Madonna di San Luca)

  • Located on a hill, it has the world's longest arcade passage (nearly 4 kilometers).
  • After reaching the top, you can overlook the entire city and the surrounding mountains.

🍴 Must-try foods in Bologna

  • Bolognese Spaghetti Bolognese (Tagliatelle al Ragù alla Bolognese) 🍝
    • Authentic Bolognese noodles are not Spaghetti, but Tagliatelle, fresh egg noodles.
  • Lasagne alla Bolognese
    • Layer with Bolognese sauce and white sauce.
  • Tortellini dumplings 🥟
    • The filling is meat or cheese and is often served with clear soup.
  • Mortadella Bologna ham sausage 🍖
    • A local specialty, it has a delicate taste and is smoother and more fragrant than common ham.
  • Crescentine / Tigelle flatbread 🥯
    • Flatbread filled with cold cuts or cheese is a popular street food among locals.
  • Local wine 🍷
    • Lambrusco (slightly sparkling red wine) is recommended, which goes very well with meat sauce dishes.

💡Editor 's tip : When eating spaghetti bolognese in Bologna, don't order "Spaghetti Bolognese" because that's the tourist version. Locals only eat Tagliatelle al Ragù !

🚆 Transportation in Bologna

City transportation

  • Walking : The city center is the most convenient place for attractions to visit.
  • Bus (TPER) 🚌: Covers a wide area, single tickets are about €1.5 and can be purchased at newsstands or vending machines.

intercity transportation

  • Train (Trenitalia / Italo) 🚆：
    • Bologna is Italy's railway hub, with high-speed trains connecting directly to Florence (35 minutes), Milan (1 hour), and Rome (2 hours).
  • Airport (BLQ) ✈️：
    • Bologna Airport is approximately 7 km from the city centre and is connected to the city by the Marconi Express monorail (approximately 7 minutes).

💡Editor 's Take : Bologna's location is incredibly convenient, making it a great base for traveling to northern Italy. It offers easy access to Florence, Milan, and Venice.

✅ Editor's travel advice

  1. Best time to visit : Spring and autumn are the best (April-June, September-October), while summer is hot but less touristy.
  2. Photography tips : The angle below the two leaning towers can create a "mini Leaning Tower of Pisa" effect.
  3. Shopping Tips : Bologna is more affordable than Milan and Florence, making it a great place to buy local food and wine.
  4. Life experience : Have a Lambrusco in the arcades at night, watch the locals chatting in groups, and experience the authentic Italian slow-paced atmosphere.

✨Summary :
Bologna is a city rich in both culture and cuisine . Our top recommendation: Piazza Maggiore → Climb the Leaning Tower → Stroll the arcades in the evening → Dinner with authentic spaghetti bolognese . I guarantee you'll fall in love with this city at first sight!

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