Bologna

Tourist Attractions in Bologna

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Bologna. Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps.

21 Attractions
4.6 Average rating
7 Categories

About Bologna

Bologna is a sunlit ark of towers, porticoes and trattorie that rewards slow travel as only Italy can. The historic center brims with medieval churches, stone arcades and the iconic Two Towers that tilt above Piazza di Porta Ravegnana, while Piazza Maggiore anchors lively cafés and grand palazzi. Climb the Asinelli or stroll the longest portico network in the world to micro-neighborhoods rich with markets, libraries and frescoed chapels. Food lovers will find Bologna’s soul in its ragù, tortellini, mortadella and bustling markets. Home to the University of Bologna, one of Europe's oldest, the city blends academia, culture and a welcoming, unhurried pace.

Top-21 Tourist Attractions in Bologna

Piazza Maggiore — Market, rated 4.7/5 1
Market Plaza

Piazza Maggiore

4.7 ★★★★★ 88,025 reviews

Piazza Maggiore is Bologna’s grand, sunlit heart, where centuries of history unfold beneath its arcaded facades. Surrounded by medieval palazzi and the monumental Basilica di San Petronio, the square is a living stage for locals and visitors alike, from morning coffee to evening aperitivi. Though not a traditional market itself, it sits adjacent to the city’s markets along Mercato di Mezzo and Mercato delle Erbe, where seasonal produce and culinary bites are found. Visitors can stroll, photograph the towers, and soak in lively street performances and city panoramas from the steps of nearby churches.

Piazza Maggiore, 40124 Bologna BO, Italy
Parking
Entrance
Piazza Santo Stefano — Religious site, rated 4.8/5 2
Religious site ChurchPlace Of WorshipAssociation Or Organization

Piazza Santo Stefano

4.8 ★★★★★ 12,426 reviews

Piazza Santo Stefano in Bologna is a serene, melodic courtyard that anchors the city’s religious complex known as Santo Stefano, or the Seven Churches. Visitors explore a mosaic of sacred buildings—the Baptistery, the Holy Sepulchre, and the ancient bell tower—each layer dating from late antiquity to medieval times. The quiet arcades invite reflective strolls, while the ornate interiors reveal revered relics and exquisite art. It’s worth visiting for its spiritual atmosphere, architectural riches, and the sense of stepping back in time; expect candlelit chapels, marble floors, and a peaceful piazza framed by historic loggias.

Via Santo Stefano, 40125 Bologna BO, Italy
Good for kids Cards accepted
Entrance
The Two Towers: Garisenda & Asinelli, rated 4.7/5 3
Tourist attraction

The Two Towers: Garisenda & Asinelli

4.7 ★★★★★ 33,798 reviews

The Two Towers, Garisenda and Asinelli, are Bologna’s most recognizable medieval landmarks rising above the city’s historic center. Asinelli, the taller of the pair at about 97 meters, invites climbers with a narrow staircase and sweeping views over terracotta rooftops, while Garisenda’s much slimmer, leaning profile remains a dramatic reminder of ancient construction. Built in the 12th century for prestige and defense, the towers symbolize Bologna’s university town heritage. Visitors can wander the surrounding Piazza di Porta Ravegnana, soak in sunset silhouettes, and imagine life in medieval Bologna.

P.za di Porta Ravegnana, 40126 Bologna BO, Italy
Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 8:15 PM Open now
  • Monday10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Tuesday10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Wednesday10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Thursday10:00 AM – 8:15 PM
  • Friday10:00 AM – 8:15 PM
  • Saturday10:00 AM – 8:15 PM
  • Sunday10:00 AM – 8:15 PM
Good for kids
Santuario Madonna di San Luca — Religious site, rated 4.7/5 4
Religious site ChurchPlace Of WorshipAssociation Or Organization

Santuario Madonna di San Luca

4.7 ★★★★★ 12,899 reviews

Perched on the hills above Bologna, the Santuario Madonna di San Luca is a venerable hilltop sanctuary reached via the famous Portico di San Luca, a 3.5-kilometer-long arcade that winds with 666 arches from the city to the church. Inside, the sacred statue of the Madonna evokes centuries of devotion, while the surrounding basilica and crypt offer serene spaces for reflection. Visitors come for the panoramic views of Bologna, the tranquil cloisters, and a sense of pilgrimage history. Expect modest dress, respectful silence, and a memorable blend of faith and landscape.

Via di San Luca, 36, 40135 Bologna BO, Italy
Opening hours · Today: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM Open now
  • Monday7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Tuesday7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Wednesday7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Thursday7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Friday7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Saturday7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Sunday7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Entrance Parking Restroom
Giardini Margherita — Park, rated 4.6/5 5
Park City ParkHiking AreaSports Activity Location

Giardini Margherita

4.6 ★★★★★ 17,643 reviews

Giardini Margherita is Bologna’s largest and most beloved urban park, founded in 1879 as the city’s first major public green space and named for Queen Margherita. It unfolds along tree-lined avenues surrounding a tranquil lake, with grassy lawns, a genteel pavilion, and a charming stone bridge. Visitors come to stroll, jog, or picnic, watch ducks on the water, or savor a coffee at the park’s historic cafe. In spring and autumn it hosts concerts and fairs, while the shaded paths offer a welcome respite just a short walk from the city center.

Viale Giovanni Gozzadini, 40136 Bologna BO, Italy
Opening hours · Today: Open 24 hours Open now
  • MondayOpen 24 hours
  • TuesdayOpen 24 hours
  • WednesdayOpen 24 hours
  • ThursdayOpen 24 hours
  • FridayOpen 24 hours
  • SaturdayOpen 24 hours
  • SundayOpen 24 hours
Good for kids Dogs allowed Cards accepted
Entrance Parking
Neptune's Fountain — Historic site, rated 4.7/5 6
Historic site Historical LandmarkHistorical PlaceFountain

Neptune's Fountain

4.7 ★★★★★ 6,174 reviews

Neptune's Fountain, a towering marble sculpture by Giambologna, dominates Bologna's Piazza del Nettuno. Commissioned in the 16th century to celebrate the city's power, it stands beside the god Neptune flanked by tritons and cherubs. Visitors stroll from Piazza Maggiore to admire the monumental fountain, its bold, sea-themed statuary, and the spray catching the light. Nearby are the Renaissance palaces of Palazzo del Re Enzo and the Basilica di San Petronio, framing the square. The fountain offers a quintessential Bologna photo-op and a vivid reminder of the city's artistic heritage.

Piazza del Nettuno, 40124 Bologna BO, Italy
Opening hours · Today: Open 24 hours Open now
  • MondayOpen 24 hours
  • TuesdayOpen 24 hours
  • WednesdayOpen 24 hours
  • ThursdayOpen 24 hours
  • FridayOpen 24 hours
  • SaturdayOpen 24 hours
  • SundayOpen 24 hours
Good for kids
Entrance
Metropolitan Cathedral of St Peter — Religious site, rated 4.7/5 7
Religious site ChurchPlace Of WorshipAssociation Or Organization

Metropolitan Cathedral of St Peter

4.7 ★★★★★ 5,188 reviews

Perched at the heart of Bologna, the Metropolitan Cathedral of St Peter (Cattedrale Metropolitana di San Pietro) is a sacred centerpiece of the city’s religious life. Its Renaissance facade, hemmed by arcades and a towering campanile, belies a millennia of devotion and art inside, including medieval mosaics, exquisite marble inlays, and a serene nave. Visitors can admire the chapels and the treasury, and often attend services that echo with centuries of sacred music. The cathedral anchors a lively square and provides a contemplative glimpse into Bologna’s spiritual and architectural heritage.

Via dell'Indipendenza, 7, 40125 Bologna BO, Italy
Opening hours · Today: 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM Open now
  • Monday7:00 AM – 6:30 PM
  • Tuesday7:00 AM – 6:30 PM
  • Wednesday7:00 AM – 6:30 PM
  • Thursday7:00 AM – 6:30 PM
  • Friday7:00 AM – 6:30 PM
  • Saturday7:00 AM – 6:30 PM
  • Sunday8:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Good for kids
Entrance Parking
Basilica of San Domenico — Religious site, rated 4.7/5 8
Religious site ChurchPlace Of WorshipAssociation Or Organization

Basilica of San Domenico

4.7 ★★★★★ 4,342 reviews

The Basilica di San Domenico in Bologna is a monumental medieval church and a cornerstone of the city’s faith and art. Built between the 13th and 14th centuries, its red-brick Gothic interior leads visitors through chapels housing a treasure trove of sculpture and devotional works. The basilica is famed for the tomb of Saint Dominic, a sculptural landmark by Nicola Pisano (and collaborators) that anchors the church’s sacred aura. Expect serene, candlelit spaces, richly carved altars, and a sense of centuries of devotion converging in one of Bologna’s most historic religious sites.

P.za S. Domenico, 13, 40124 Bologna BO, Italy
Opening hours · Today: 7:30 AM – 1:00 PM, 3:30 – 8:00 PM Open now
  • Monday7:30 AM – 1:00 PM, 3:30 – 8:00 PM
  • Tuesday7:30 AM – 1:00 PM, 3:30 – 8:00 PM
  • Wednesday7:30 AM – 1:00 PM, 3:30 – 8:00 PM
  • Thursday7:30 AM – 1:00 PM, 3:30 – 8:00 PM
  • Friday7:30 AM – 1:00 PM, 3:30 – 8:00 PM
  • Saturday7:30 AM – 1:00 PM, 3:30 – 8:00 PM
  • Sunday7:30 AM – 1:00 PM, 3:30 – 8:00 PM
Entrance Parking
Basilica di San Petronio — Religious site, rated 4.6/5 9
Religious site ChurchPlace Of WorshipAssociation Or Organization

Basilica di San Petronio

4.6 ★★★★★ 5,986 reviews

Basilica di San Petronio in Bologna stands as one of Italy’s grand Gothic churches, rising on the bustling Piazza Maggiore and dedicated to the city’s patron saint, Petronius. Begun in the 14th century, its vast brick bulk remains famously unfinished at the exterior, a marker of evolving medieval plans. Inside, the cavernous nave and richly adorned chapels house centuries of art and devotion, and the church is renowned for its distinctive Meridian Line—an 18th-century Cassini-era solar noon instrument carved into the floor. Visitors can wander among frescoes, altars, and ceremonial spaces that tell Bologna’s religious and civic story.

Piazza Maggiore, 1/e, 40124 Bologna BO, Italy
Opening hours · Today: 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM, 3:00 – 6:30 PM Open now
  • Monday8:30 AM – 1:30 PM, 3:00 – 6:30 PM
  • Tuesday8:30 AM – 1:30 PM, 3:00 – 6:30 PM
  • Wednesday8:30 AM – 1:30 PM, 3:00 – 6:30 PM
  • Thursday8:30 AM – 1:30 PM, 3:00 – 6:30 PM
  • Friday8:30 AM – 1:30 PM, 3:00 – 6:30 PM
  • Saturday8:30 AM – 1:30 PM, 3:00 – 6:30 PM
  • Sunday8:30 AM – 1:30 PM, 3:00 – 6:30 PM
Entrance
Mercato delle Erbe — Market, rated 4.3/5 11
Market

Mercato delle Erbe

4.3 ★★★★★ 14,283 reviews

Mercato delle Erbe is a spacious indoor market in the heart of Bologna, housed under a striking iron-and-glass arcade that dates back to the early 20th century. Visitors explore narrow stalls brimming with fruit, vegetables, cheeses, cured meats, and fresh seafood, complemented by a mix of ready-to-eat counters and small eateries. It’s a hive of local life, especially in the morning, where you can sample Emilia-Romagna specialties such as tortellini, mortadella, and Parmigiano-Reggiano. Expect a colorful, flavourful immersion, quick bites, and a sense of authentic Bologna beyond the tourist trails.

Via Ugo Bassi, 25, 40121 Bologna BO, Italy
Opening hours · Today: Closed Closed now
  • Monday7:00 AM – 7:30 PM
  • Tuesday7:00 AM – 7:30 PM
  • Wednesday7:00 AM – 7:30 PM
  • Thursday7:00 AM – 7:30 PM
  • Friday7:00 AM – 7:30 PM
  • Saturday7:00 AM – 7:30 PM
  • SundayClosed
Cards accepted
Entrance Restroom
Porta Saragozza — Historic site, rated 4.5/5 12
Historic site Historical LandmarkLandmarkHistorical Place

Porta Saragozza

4.5 ★★★★★ 3,894 reviews

Porta Saragozza is one of Bologna’s best-preserved medieval city gates, standing along the ancient ring of walls that once encircled the town. Built in the 13th–14th centuries, its brick façade and rounded archframe a timeless entry into the historic center. Today it is more than a checkpoint: it’s a gateway for a stroll through atmospheric Via Saragozza and the surrounding neighbourhood, with cafes, arcades and views of the city rooftops. From here you can begin the climb toward the San Luca Sanctuary along Bologna’s famed porticoes.

Mura di Porta Saragozza, 40123 Bologna BO, Italy
Opening hours · Today: Open 24 hours Open now
  • MondayOpen 24 hours
  • TuesdayOpen 24 hours
  • WednesdayOpen 24 hours
  • ThursdayOpen 24 hours
  • FridayOpen 24 hours
  • SaturdayOpen 24 hours
  • SundayOpen 24 hours
Good for kids
Entrance Parking
Bologna Civic Archaeological Museum — Museum, rated 4.5/5 13
Museum History Museum

Bologna Civic Archaeological Museum

4.5 ★★★★★ 3,777 reviews

The Bologna Civic Archaeological Museum is a captivating treasure house of ancient civilizations housed in the heart of Bologna. It gathers Greek, Etruscan, and Roman artifacts alongside medieval and early Christian finds, offering a chronological journey through antiquity and local history. Expect well-preserved sculptures, mosaics, inscriptions, bronzes, and everyday objects that illuminate ancient lifeways and trade networks. The museum’s compact layout makes it easy to explore between other sights, and its informative labels provide context for curious travelers, scholars, and families seeking a tangible connection to Italy’s distant past.

V. dell'Archiginnasio, 2, 40124 Bologna BO, Italy
Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Open now
  • Monday9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • TuesdayClosed
  • Wednesday9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Thursday9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Friday9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Saturday10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Sunday10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Good for kids
Entrance Restroom
Palazzo d'Accursio — Museum, rated 4.7/5 14
Museum Art Museum

Palazzo d'Accursio

4.7 ★★★★★ 2,158 reviews

Palazzo d'Accursio, also known as the Palazzo Comunale, is Bologna’s grand town hall perched on Piazza Maggiore. Built mainly in the 13th–14th centuries, it houses the Civic Museum and Municipal Archives, offering visitors a window into Bologna’s political and artistic heart. Inside, ornate staircases, frescoed halls and medieval courtyards showcase works by local masters, while the rooftop terraces provide sweeping views of the city’s towers and red-tiled roofs. A visit blends history, art, and a sense of daily life in Bologna’s centuries-old civic life. Its halls glow at dusk, when lights reveal frescoes and gilded details.

Piazza Maggiore, 6, 40123 Bologna BO, Italy
Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM Open now
  • Monday10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
  • Tuesday10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
  • Wednesday10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
  • Thursday10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
  • Friday10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
  • Saturday10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
  • Sunday10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Good for kids
Entrance Parking Restroom
Archiginnasio Municipal Library — Library, rated 4.6/5 15
Library Service

Archiginnasio Municipal Library

4.6 ★★★★★ 1,702 reviews

Archiginnasio Municipal Library in Bologna is a grand Renaissance-era library housed in the former headquarters of the University of Bologna. Built in the 16th century, it preserves a treasure of wooden shelves, frescoed walls and marble busts that recall Bologna’s scholarly past. Don’t miss the spectacular Anatomical Theatre, with its wooden seating and atmospheric descriptions of early medical study, still used for occasional concerts and events. Today the library combines historical charm with a vast collection of texts, manuscripts and maps, inviting quiet study and immersive learning for travelers.

P.zza Galvani, 1, 40124 Bologna BO, Italy
Opening hours · Today: Closed Closed now
  • Monday9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Tuesday9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Wednesday9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Thursday9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Friday9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Saturday9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
  • SundayClosed
Entrance
Santuario di Santa Maria della Vita — Religious site, rated 4.6/5 16
Religious site MuseumChurchPlace Of WorshipAssociation Or Organization

Santuario di Santa Maria della Vita

4.6 ★★★★★ 1,321 reviews

Santuario di Santa Maria della Vita is a historic church in the heart of Bologna, renowned for its ornate Baroque interior and a revered sculpture of the Madonna della Vita. The church houses the celebrated terracotta image by Alfonso Lombardi, drawing pilgrims and art lovers alike with its tender, carved radiance. Inside, visitors discover gilded altars, delicate frescoes, and a tranquil cloister that moments of reflection between bustling city streets. A short visit reveals Bologna’s religious devotion and artistic heritage, with approachable hours and proximity to the city’s historic core.

Via Clavature, 8/10, 40124 Bologna BO, Italy
Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM Open now
  • Monday10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
  • Tuesday10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
  • Wednesday10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
  • Thursday10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
  • Friday10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
  • Saturday10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
  • Sunday10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Restroom
Entrance
Finestrella - Canale di Reno — Historic site, rated 4.2/5 17
Historic site Historical LandmarkHistorical Place

Finestrella - Canale di Reno

4.2 ★★★★★ 2,376 reviews

Finestrella - Canale di Reno is a tiny Renaissance-era window set into a brick building along Bologna’s ancient Canale di Reno. From a discreet wall nook you glimpse a picturesque sliver of the canal, framed by weathered façades and stepping-stone reflections—an unexpectedly cinematic view in the heart of the city. It’s a quick, memorable detour for walkers exploring the historic center, often combined with a stroll through the surrounding lanes and porticoes. Expect a charming, postcard-worthy moment rather than a formal attraction, best enjoyed during daylight and a calm atmosphere.

Via Piella, 16, 40126 Bologna BO, Italy
Opening hours · Today: Open 24 hours Open now
  • MondayOpen 24 hours
  • TuesdayOpen 24 hours
  • WednesdayOpen 24 hours
  • ThursdayOpen 24 hours
  • FridayOpen 24 hours
  • SaturdayOpen 24 hours
  • SundayOpen 24 hours
Good for kids
Torre dell'Orologio, rated 4.7/5 18
Tourist attraction

Torre dell'Orologio

4.7 ★★★★★ 836 reviews

Torre dell'Orologio is a medieval clock tower anchoring Bologna's historic center, standing near the heart of Piazza Maggiore and the surrounding civic palaces. One of the city’s oldest timekeepers, it is celebrated for its ornate astronomical clock and intricate façades that reflect Bologna’s rich medieval craftsmanship. Visitors can admire the tower from the square, soak up atmospheric views of the surrounding towers and arcades, and imagine the city’s pulse as the clock marks the hour with its historic mechanisms. It’s a compact, evocative glimpse into Bologna’s past.

Piazza Maggiore, 6, 40124 Bologna BO, Italy
Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Open now
  • Monday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Tuesday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Wednesday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Thursday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Friday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Saturday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Sunday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Good for kids Cards accepted
Entrance Restroom
Portici di Bologna, rated 4.7/5 19
Tourist attraction

Portici di Bologna

4.7 ★★★★★ 745 reviews

Portici di Bologna are a monumental network of covered sidewalks that line the city’s streets, forming the longest sheltered pedestrian walkway in the world. Spanning the historic center, these arched walkways host shops, cafes, and residences while turning a stroll into a living museum of medieval and renaissance architecture. Visitors can wander at their own pace, ducking into boutiques, stopping for espresso, and admiring the elegant brick vaults, lanterns, and frescoed façades. The Portici offer weatherproof charm, a unique sense of place, and easy access between Bologna’s sights and squares.

P.za Cavour, 40121 Bologna BO, Italy
Opening hours · Today: Open 24 hours Open now
  • MondayOpen 24 hours
  • TuesdayOpen 24 hours
  • WednesdayOpen 24 hours
  • ThursdayOpen 24 hours
  • FridayOpen 24 hours
  • SaturdayOpen 24 hours
  • SundayOpen 24 hours
Good for kids
Entrance
Palazzo Pepoli - Museo della Storia di Bologna — Museum, rated 4.4/5 20
Museum History MuseumArt Museum

Palazzo Pepoli - Museo della Storia di Bologna

4.4 ★★★★★ 824 reviews

Palazzo Pepoli - Museo della Storia di Bologna is a modern, multimedia museum housed in the historic Pepoli Palace, a noble building in the heart of Bologna. It brings the city’s past to life through immersive galleries, interactive displays, maps, and timelines that span from ancient Etruscan roots to present-day Bologna. Visitors can explore everyday life, politics, trade, and culture through engaging storytelling and cutting-edge technology, making history feel tangible. Expect a concise, well-curated narrative, striking visuals, and a dynamic overview perfect for first-time visitors seeking context for Bologna’s streets and squares.

Via Castiglione, 10, 40124 Bologna BO, Italy
Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Open now
  • Monday10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • TuesdayClosed
  • Wednesday10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Thursday10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Friday10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Saturday10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Sunday10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Good for kids
Entrance Parking Restroom
Palazzo dell'Archiginnasio e Teatro Anatomico — Theatre, rated 4.3/5 21
Theatre LibraryPerforming Arts TheaterMuseumEvent Venue

Palazzo dell'Archiginnasio e Teatro Anatomico

4.3 ★★★★★ 582 reviews

The Palazzo dell'Archiginnasio e Teatro Anatomico in Bologna is the former seat of the medieval university and the home of its magnificent Anatomical Theatre. Visitors step into a grand, frescoed interior where the Archiginnasio's oak-paneled walls bear coats of arms and carved inscriptions, and a breath of scholarly history hangs in the air. The Teatro Anatomico, dating from the 17th century, features a horseshoe of wooden seating around a brass-latticed stage used for live dissections. It's a must for history buffs and lovers of medical heritage.

P.zza Galvani, 1, 40124 Bologna BO, Italy
Opening hours · Today: Closed Closed now
  • Monday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Tuesday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Wednesday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Thursday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Friday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Saturday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • SundayClosed
Good for kids Cards accepted
Restroom