Discovering Bologna in 48 Hours

The city of Bologna, birthplace of illustrious figures such as Guglielmo Marconi and Lucio Dalla, boasts a historical, cultural, and culinary heritage among the richest in Italy. Bologna is also the perfect destination for a short two-day getaway. In this article, we at InItaly will guide you through the city’s main attractions, allowing you to immerse yourself in the splendid artistic and architectural treasures of the region. Among the must-see sights are Bologna’s two towers, the charming historic center with its characteristic streets and squares, and the city’s incredible medieval and Renaissance architecture. A special focus will also be given to Bologna’s exceptional gastronomy. Ready? Let’s discover it together!

Day One in Bologna

The beauty and importance of Bologna have also been recognized by UNESCO: on July 28, 2021, the Porticoes of Bologna were added to the World Heritage List. This honor came after the city was named a UNESCO Creative City of Music in 2006.

Torre degli Asinelli

Your first day in Bologna must begin with exploring its porticoes and its two iconic towers, Garisenda and Asinelli (currently closed for maintenance), which symbolize the city itself.

Piazza Maggiore

After visiting the towers, head to the vibrant heart of Bologna: Piazza Maggiore. The square hosts the Basilica of San Petronio, the Fountain of Neptune, and the Clock Tower, from which you can climb up for the perfect panoramic photo.

Mercato del Quadrilatero

Next to Piazza Maggiore lies the ancient Quadrilatero Market, where your journey through Bologna’s flavors begins. Gastronomy is a cornerstone of the city’s identity, offering the comforting warmth of a “Linus blanket.” Bologna is famous for its cooking classes and as the birthplace of the Cesarine, a home-food network that has now spread throughout Italy. The Cesarine open the doors of their homes to visitors, giving them the chance to taste local specialties prepared with their own hands.

Bologna is also a city where social life unfolds at the market. In the Quadrilatero—home to artisans and merchants since the Middle Ages, as street names still reveal—you’ll find stalls overflowing with fruits, vegetables, and fish, as well as historic shops and emporiums. Among them stands the Antica Aguzzeria del Cavallo, opened in 1783, where a small wooden horse once powered grindstones used to sharpen swords and knives.

Osteria del Sole

Beyond its artistic heritage, Bologna is also renowned for its traditional taverns, such as Osteria del Sole, where you can share a table and toast while enjoying a paper cone of mortadella bought nearby. Opened in 1465, it is one of the oldest and most beloved inns in Bologna’s city center. Located in Vicolo Ranocchi, right in the heart of today’s Quadrilatero, it’s a popular spot for aperitifs and lounge bars under the shadow of San Petronio.

In the past, however, it was a vital commercial hub filled with shops and artisan workshops. The peculiarity of Osteria del Sole is the absence of a kitchen: guests are free to bring their own food (often from nearby markets), while the host serves only drinks. The wine selection is excellent and caters to every taste. Once you’ve chosen your glass or bottle, you can sit at the long dark wooden tables where, ideally, the rest of your group has already laid out bread, cold cuts, and cheeses.

Bologna’s Universities

In the afternoon, dedicate time to what makes Bologna famous worldwide: its universities. The University of Bologna – Alma Mater Studiorum, founded in 1088, is recognized as the first university in the Western world. During the day, you can explore the academic departments that best match your interests. Nearby, you’ll also find another renowned tavern: Osteria dell’Orsa.

Osteria dell’Orsa

Osteria dell’Orsa is one of Bologna’s most appreciated eateries. If you think you can show up at peak hours, especially on weekends, and find a table right away—you’re mistaken! Since 1979, it has been a reference point in Bologna’s university district, offering a welcoming atmosphere and delicious meals to students, teachers, intellectuals, and anyone eager to taste the best of Bolognese cuisine. From appetizers to desserts, the Osteria serves dishes that attract food lovers from around the globe. The wine list is carefully curated, mostly featuring local vineyards, in line with a zero-kilometer philosophy.

Lucio Dalla’s House

Continue your visit with a stop at Lucio Dalla’s House, on Via d’Azeglio. The home overflows with artworks, memories, photos, and objects that belonged to the artist. Stepping inside evokes deep emotion—it feels as though Lucio himself is warmly welcoming visitors into his world.

Cineteca di Bologna

Bologna is not only about music but also cinema: in the city’s Arts District stands the Cineteca di Bologna, internationally renowned for its restoration of old films and for hosting major festivals.

Mercato delle Erbe

In the late afternoon, head to the Mercato delle Erbe, another beloved spot for locals to shop and enjoy an aperitif. Leaving through the back and walking onto Via Belvedere, you’ll be captivated by the window of Le Sfogline, where Monica and Daniela, with surgical precision and iron will, have been hand-making tortellini, tortelloni, tagliatelle, and passatelli every day for 25 years. Here they’ll tell you that the perfect pasta sheet is the one so thin you can see the San Luca Sanctuary through it.

Day Two: Exploring Bologna Further

Your second day should include a visit to the San Luca Sanctuary, which can take half a day or just a few hours. Whether you go on foot, by public transport, or aboard the tourist train, reaching the sanctuary is an unmissable experience suitable for everyone. At the top of the hill, there’s also a restaurant-pizzeria ideal for a lunch break.

For the rest of the day, immerse yourself in nature at the Giardini Margherita, the city’s largest park, where children can play in numerous playgrounds and rides. Alternatively, continue exploring the historic center by visiting Piazza Santo Stefano and its magnificent Seven Churches complex, the Church of San Domenico, the Museum of the History of Bologna—an interactive museum narrating the city’s evolution—and Santa Maria della Vita, famous for Niccolò dell’Arca’s Lamentation over the Dead Christ.

For more information, visit the Official Bologna Tourism Website.