Guide By City

It is easy to get lost in Bologna’s porticoes that at first look all the same. Then, after a little walk between their medieval reminiscences, you realize that things are much easier than you initially thought.

Looking at the city’s blueprint you notice a big “T”. The main segment is Via Indipendenza that starts in Piazza Maggiore and ends in the train station, whereas the horizontal part consists of two of the city’s main streets: Via Rizzoli and Via Ugo Bassi. At the end of the first you will find the Two Towers and the beginning of several important streets, such as Via Zamboni – the University street – and Via Santo Stefano, that starts in Piazza dalla Mercanzia and leads to the most beautiful square of Bologna: Piazza Santo Stefano – with its seven churches that have been built one on top of each other throughout the centuries – some of them following the architecture of the Salomon Temple in Jerusalem – and that now hold the old vests of Bologna’s patron, San Petronio.

Back to the big “T”, on the right side of the horizontal line there is Via Ugo Bassi, whose end becomes Via del Pratello, famous for its lively nightlife among innumerous wine bars and restaurants. Before that, on the right side, save some time to visit the Mercato delle Erbe, if possible during the aperitivo time. The area has been recently restructured and immediately became the new home to a wide variety of restaurants and bars where you can taste typical Bolognese products, but also discover the unexpected love that Bolognese have for fish, raw and cooked.

In Piazza Maggiore it is possible to taste the city’s most genuine atmosphere. Between the little streets and alleys that start from this magnificent space that is always alive – and full of cultural initiatives – you can fully explore Emilia Romagna’s gastronomy, famous all around the world: mortadella, parmigiano reggiano, balsamic vinegar, freshly made tortellini… Not to mention a colorful selection of juicy fruits and vegetables, meat, fresh fish from the Adriatic sea and, of course, great wine.

This is the perfect place to sit, enjoy and, why not, to plan the rest of the evening. While you do that, have a tagliere (a selection of cold cuts) with gnoccho fritto and tigelle (typical breads) – if you are one the bravest, do not miss the pesto modenese, a spread made of lard, garlic and rosemary. Take your time, your home will be waiting for your at the end of your Bologna’s tour. Have fun!

Bologna is a human friendly city and most of the historical center can be fast covered on foot. An efficient public transport system that is constantly updated on Google Maps allows you to reach quickly any place (download the official map of the public transportation from the QR Code).

Car rental services with driver and taxi services are available for visitors 24 hours a day. For early morning enquiries reservation is recommended.
Visitors coming to the city by car can find many private and public parking lots, but must keep in mind the Limited Traffic Zone (ZTL); in all the historical center of Bologna the circulation of vehicles is not allowed from 7 am to 8 pm everyday. For stays longer than 3 months it is possible to get a residence permit to enter the city center. For short-term stays: it is possible to enter only for 3-4 days per month and the access is granted by a ticket (€6,00) that can be bought at the TPer points (Via Marconi 4, corner with Via Lame) or also online: https://solweb.tper.it/web/store/urban-mobility-services/ztl-tickets.aspx

Bologna is the city of food. To taste all its flavours, try our restaurant selection below.

The city is a gem to be discovered. Indeed, it has always been characterized by a cultural and artistic vitality that is as lively as scarcely known. Many people know that Bologna hosts the most antique university in the world. Not everyone is aware, however, that from the Renaissance on, exponents from the Bolognese school of art – such as Niccolò dell’Arca, Guido Reni or Guercino – have created an exclusive pictorial and architectonical language that counterpoises the one emphasized by the Tuscan school of art. Here the highlight was on the pathos, the energy and vitality of the figures.

This passionate and downright spirit that is so typical of the people of Emilia Romagna is also reflected in contemporary artists such as Morandi, not no mention other forms of art, particularly the music. Speaking of that, some of the most famous singers of Italy, responsible for bringing Italian music to all parts of the world, were born in this region. Two great examples are the Bolognese Lucio Dalla and the
Modenese Luciano Pavarotti.

Nowadays the city is also famous for its summer jazz festival that hosts international stars such as Paolo Fresu. Such cultural excitement may also be found in the numerous art exhibitions that take place in the museums and art venues throughout the city:
–Palazzo Pepoli – Museum of the History of Bologna (Via Castiglione 8. Tue-Sun: 10 am – 7 pm, +39 051 19936370)
–Palazzo Fava Exhibition Centre (Via Manzoni 2, Tue-Sun: 10 am – 7 pm, +39 051 19936305)
–Palazzo Albergati (Via Saragozza 28. Everyday: 10 am to 8 pm, +39 051 030141)
–Archaeological Civic Museum of Bologna (Via dell’Archiginnasio 2. Mon, Wed-Fri: 9 am – 6 pm; Sat, Sun and holidays: 10 am- 6.30 pm,
+39 051 2757211)
–Museo Morandi (Via Don Giovanni Minzoni 14. Tue, Wed, Sun and holidays: 10 am – 6 pm; Thu, Fri, Sat: 10 am – 7 pm, + 39 051 6496611)
–MAMbo – Museum of Modern Arts of Bologna (Via Don Giovanni Minzoni 14. Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun and holidays: 10 am – 6 pm; Thu: 10 am – 10 pm, +39 051 6496611)
When in Bologna, there are some monuments that are an absolute must. Here are the top ones you should not miss during your trip.

1. Piazza Maggiore, Basilica di San Petronio and the Fountain of Neptune. The Square and the fountain are the symbols of Bologna.
2. Asinelli towers, 500 steps lead to the top, but the view rewards the effort. The urban legend tells that only who is already graduated may
go to the top (Nov 4- Feb 29: from 9 am to 5 pm; Mar 1-Nov 2: from 9.30 am to 7.30 pm)
3. Piazza Santo Stefano and its Basilica, famous for the 7 churches built at different periods one above the other (from 9 am to 12.30 and
from 2.30 to 7 pm)
4. Santuario di San Luca – World’s longest porticoes have 666 arches – symbolizing a snake whose head is squashed by the Virgin Mary –
and rise from Bologna to the old Roman basilica at the top of the hills (from 7 am to 12.30 and from 2.30 pm to 6 pm during winter months.
From 7 am to 12.30 and from 2.30 pm to 7 pm during summer months)
5. The 7 secrets of Bologna. Access the QR Code to find out the milestones of the walk in search for all the secrets of the historical center!

Bologna’s nightlife meets all styles: from the students in Via Zamboni, the intellectuals and alternatives of Via del Pratello, to the “trendies” from Zona Castiglione. For an aperitivo, a concert or just to dance until the sunshine, these are our top picks.