Exploring Bologna can be about more than just ticking off towers and squares. Are you wondering what to do in Bologna on a city break? Then come along and visit a few of my favourite spots in the city. From artisanal pasta and local markets to hidden alleyways you’d normally just walk straight past. In this slow travel city break guide, you’ll find my personal tips for the best shops, activities, places to stay and the best restaurants in Bologna.
Shopping in Bologna
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1. Tamburini
In the historic centre of Bologna, you’ll find Tamburini, a truly classic delicatessen that’s been around since 1932. Here you’ll find the best local produce, such as Parma ham, mortadella, cheese, freshly baked bread and delicious pasta. My tip: do try some of the different types of pasta – as well as the traditional tortellini, they also have pumpkin tortellini or tortellini with ricotta and parsley. Doesn’t that sound absolutely brilliant?
Take some typical Bolognese delicacies home with you and sample the local flavours. Linger for a while in the wine bar, which stocks over 200 different wines. Or treat yourself to a delicious sandwich from the lunch menu! If you’re looking for authentic tips in Bologna, this place is definitely not to be missed.
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2. Mercato delle Erbe
For a genuine local atmosphere, head to Mercato delle Erbe. This covered market is situated just off the busiest tourist streets and is mainly frequented by locals. It’s ideal if you’re wondering what to do in Bologna away from the tourist hotspots. Here you’ll find fresh vegetables, cheeses, bread and small food stalls where you can sample some treats. Perfect for lunch or simply to have a wander around. A fun fact: this so-called vegetable market used to be held in Piazza de Marchi; the city needed more space, which is why the current market hall was built as we know it today. It’s just off the busiest streets and covered. During the Second World War, the market hall was also briefly used as barracks. Due to severe damage, it wasn’t reopened until 1949. A real historical gem, then.
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3. Libreria Coop Ambasciatori
This bookshop is more than just a bookshop. Inside, you’ll also find a café and a restaurant. It’s a lovely place to sit for a while with a cup of coffee and, if you like, a good book. It has three floors and a glass ceiling, which lets in plenty of natural light. The shop is housed in a beautiful historic building; you can still see parts of the former church.
Restaurants in Bologna
Are you looking for good restaurants in Bologna? These are my favourites:
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1. Eating pasta at Sfoglia Rina
If you’re visiting Bologna, you’ll naturally want to eat pasta. And preferably fresh pasta, just as the locals make it. A real insider tip is to pop into Sfoglia Rina. Here you can see how the pasta is still made by hand. In 1963, Rina (after whom the restaurant is named) opened her own little shop selling fresh pasta. Almost 40 years later, her nephew inherited the art of pasta-making and, in 2010, he reopened the family business. Are you a real cooking enthusiast? Then take a cookery course and learn how to make the perfect pasta.
My tip: order tagliatelle al ragù or tortellini in brodo here – two regional classics.
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2. Enjoying a glass of wine at Osteria del Sole
One of the most authentic restaurants in Bologna is Osteria del Sole. Or rather, it is one of Bologna’s oldest wine bars and a real local favourite. And I’m not exaggerating when I say ‘oldest wine bar’, because the first document mentioning Osteria del Sole dates back to 1465. The atmosphere is traditionally Italian, with wooden tables, old paintings on the walls and, most importantly, all the wines displayed on the bar or on a shelf against the wall.
And here’s something extra special: you’re allowed to bring your own food. Why not pick up some local delicacies from a nearby shop and choose a glass of wine that pairs well with the dishes?
Did you know? Some squares and buildings in Bologna are designed to create special acoustic effects? Even a whisper can be heard surprisingly clearly there. Source: Immobiliare.it
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3. Gelato at Cremeria Santo Stefano
For one of the best ice creams in Bologna, head to Cremeria Santo Stefano. It’s just outside the city centre, but it’s well worth the extra walk! The gelato is handmade and the flavours change regularly – from cherry liqueur and lemon sorbet to milk chocolate and hazelnut. One flavour I personally find surprising is ginger-flavoured ice cream.
Things to do in Bologna
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1. Peek through the hidden window at Finestrella di Via Piella
In a narrow street in the city centre, beneath the Porta Govese, there’s a hidden hatch overlooking a canal. If you open it, you’ll see an unexpected corner of Bologna that almost reminds me of Venice. You can still see running water here. That’s quite special, because this stretch hasn’t been covered in tarmac since the early twentieth century right up until after the war. And it’s one of the few such sections left in Bologna.
It’s a small detail, but that’s precisely what makes it so much fun to discover whilst strolling through the city. A really great tip if you’re in Bologna.
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2. Walk to the Santuario della Madonna di San Luca
Just outside the city lies the beautiful Santuario della Madonna di San Luca, situated on a hill offering sweeping views over Bologna. You can walk there via more than 600 porticoes (traditional Italian colonnades) that connect the city centre to the hill. Fun fact: this is the longest row of porticoes in the world. These Italian colonnades look stunning today, but they used to serve a very different purpose. They provided shelter during the procession of the sacred icon of the Virgin Mary, which made its way from the cathedral in the city centre to the Santuario della Madonna di San Luca. The walk is about four kilometres long and, as you go, you’ll gradually see the view of the city change.
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3. Stroll through the Quadrilatero district
This historic neighbourhood is situated close to Piazza Maggiore and is known for its narrow streets lined with delicatessens and traditional eateries. It’s a bustling area. Here, you’ll experience the true essence of Italy. You’ll often find centuries-old shops that have been passed down from generation to generation. They still sell the same goods or have retained their historic architecture and décor. Take, for example, a number of historic pharmacies that still exude the atmosphere of days gone by, with their original interiors.
Hotels in Bologna
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1. Hotel Porta San Mamolo
This charming hotel is situated just outside Bologna’s busiest city centre. The rooms are tastefully decorated in light colours. The green courtyard garden makes it a lovely place to unwind after a day in the city. Hotel Porta San Mamolo is also environmentally friendly . Plastic use has been reduced thanks to a water filtration system that allows for the use of glass bottles. At reception, you can buy a reusable stainless-steel bottle, which you can fill with hot and cold drinks during your stay and take home with you.
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2. Staying at Art Hotel Commercianti
Would you like to stay right in the heart of the historic centre, yet still have a quiet spot? Then Art Hotel Commercianti is an excellent choice. This small-scale boutique hotel is situated right next to Piazza Maggiore, but is on a pedestrianised street, giving it a peaceful atmosphere.
The hotel is housed in a historic 12th-century building, in which many original features have been preserved, such as the wooden beams, old stone walls and large windows. This immediately gives the accommodation a warm and local atmosphere.
In short, Bologna isn’t just a city where you want to tick off the tourist highlights. It’s a city where you can sample local flavours and discover hidden gems. Now that you know what to do in Bologna, I’m curious to hear which tip you’ll try first.
With these tips, I hope you’ll be able to explore Bologna just as leisurely as I did.
Love,
Fenna
The best times to visit are spring (April to June) and autumn (September and October). The temperatures are pleasant then and it is less hot than in summer.
Two to three days are ideal for a relaxing city break. That gives you plenty of time to explore the city at a leisurely pace and also to enjoy the food and the atmosphere.
Bologna is less touristy than cities such as Rome or Florence, but the city centre can still get busy. By looking just beyond the well-known spots, you’ll soon find quieter streets. Why not visit the Mercato delle Erbe featured in this blog? Curious about how to discover hidden gems? Then read: In search of hidden gems in your city
The city is compact, easy to explore on foot and brimming with local eateries and hidden gems. This makes it an ideal destination to explore at your own pace. Are you curious about other slow travel destinations? Then have a read of our slow travel city guide to Munich or our slow travel city guide to Lille.
In search of hidden gems - Trips across the border
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