How long should I stay in Bologna? What are the things to do and the local culinary dishes to try? I will answer any questions you may have!
2 days is the ideal number to see the city and see all the main things to do. You can explore the historic center as well as the Madonna di San Luca Sanctuary, with a beautiful view of the Emilia-Romagna region.
On the program, you will discover: my complete itinerary from day 1 to day 2, budgets by category, the best periods to visit, and my advice to avoid tourist traps.
How many days to visit Bologna?
To fully enjoy your stay in Bologna, I recommend staying at least 2 days there. It is the perfect time to visit the main tourist sites, the Madonna di San Luca Sanctuary and some very nice little street corners. In the end, you will have no regrets once you leave the city!
For those in a hurry, you can go around Bologna in 1 day. By walking fast, you could do my 2 day itinerary in a single day. In this case, I recommend that you leave quite early in the morning from Florence (~30 min by train) or from Venice (~1h30 by train).
💡 MY OPINION : I went to Bologna for 2 days with my girlfriend, and we took the time to walk day and night without walking fast. It was very pleasant, especially since we left Bologna without feeling that we had missed anything. If you like history and museums, I think 3 days will be more than enough.
What is the budget for Bologna?
The Average daily budget in Bologna Varies from 45€ (backpacker) to 130+ (comfort) per person. Count on average about 90€ per day for an average budget stay including accommodation, meals, transport and activities.
💰 TOTAL BUDGET FOR 2 DAYS
• Backpacker : 67-82€
• Medium : 117-152 €
• Comfort : 155-160+
📊 MY REAL BUDGET (2 days, August 2025)
With my girlfriend, we paid:
• Housing : 130€ per accommodation on Booking.com. We stayed 2 nights in Bologna.
• Meal : we mixed between the local supermarket and the restaurants, for a total of 50€ per person.
• Transport : €2 per bus ticket between the Madonna di San Luca Sanctuary and the historic center.
• activities : We visited The Museo Internazionale e Biblioteca della Musica. The entrance fee is €5.
→ Total per person : so I paid €122 for 2 days!
💡 MY OPINION : As the two of us left, we chose a hotel because the price was equivalent to a dorm room in a hostel. We could very well have cut back on spending in restaurants, but when I travel, I really enjoy trying local food, even if you have to spend a bit more!
Itinerary for 2 days in Bologna
Here is my complete itinerary for 2 days in Bologna: we will go through the historic center of the city with the Basilica Santuario Santo Stefano, the Due Torri, Piazza Maggiore, then passing by the magnificent Santuario Madonna di San Luca and its beautiful view of the hills of Emilia Romagna.
Day 1: First day of exploration and immersion in Bologna
🌅 MORNING
• Le Due Torri - Duration: 45min - Price: 5€
→ My advice: These are two twin towers that date from the Middle Ages with a very symbolic meaning for the Bolognese population. When I was there, they were being renovated. If you are lucky, you can go up and have an incredible 360 view of all of Bologna!
• Mercatto di Mezzo - Duration: 1 hour - Price: 0-15€
→ My advice: This is a covered market with numerous stalls offering local dishes that are a must try. Indulge in breakfast if you haven't eaten yet!
• Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Vita - Duration: 20min - Free
→ My advice: We went inside the church, which is really impressive from an architectural point of view. It is certainly my big favorite during my visit. The church also overlooks a paid museum if you wish. Count €8 at the entrance.
• Piazza Maggiore - Duration: 30min - Free
→ My advice: Stroll around the square to really take the time to contemplate all the historic buildings that make it up.
• Basilica San Petronio - Duration: 30min - Free
→ My advice: It is one of the largest basilicas in the country. The interior is really huge with an inordinate height. Each corner has its own decoration, and it is as if you were going through the ages as you wander around. A visit not to be missed!
🍽️ BREAKFAST
• Recommended restaurant : Osteria dell'Orsa - A bistro-type restaurant that offers typical Bologna dishes at very affordable prices
Adress : Via Mentana, 1f, 40126 Bologna BO, Italy
Budget : 15€
My dish: Tagliatelle al Ragu & Lasagna alla Bolognese
🌆 AFTERNOON
• Madonna di San Luca Sanctuary : Duration: 2 hours - Free
→ My advice: I advise you to leave fromMeloncello Arch by taking the bus. It is a very well known pilgrimage route to reach the sanctuary located in the peaks. Take your time walking, as the climb can be quite sporty!
• Colibrì - Gelato Lab Cafè : Duration 30 min - 4€
→ My advice: I came across this excellent ice cream shop while walking down to the other side. Nestled in a small street corner, there are several types of perfumes. For my part, I chose the famous Pistacchio Classico and the Crema Bolognese
🌙 EVENING
• Mercato delle Erbe : Duration: 30min - Free
→ My advice: This is a local market where you can find different types of fresh products: fruits, vegetables, fish, etc. The place is quite small, but worth a visit!
• Have a small glass of wine : Bar Senza Nome - 4€
→ My advice: Right in front of the market, we chose to have a small glass of local wine, just to rest a bit and simply take the time to enjoy our stay in Bologna!
🍽️ DINNER
• Recommended restaurant : Sfoglia Rina - It is a local restaurant chain that offers a lot of specialty dishes at very affordable prices.
Adress : Via Castiglione, 5/b, 40124 Bologna BO, Italy
Budget : 15€
My dish: Tortellini al Pesto & Lasagna alla Bolognese. That's 2 personal recommendations if you have to choose!
💤 NIGHT
• Recommended accommodation: Dopa Hostel - A good compromise between location, price and positive feedback from travelers.
Adress : Via Irnerio, 41, 40126 Bologna BO, Italy
Budget : €65 per night for a private room, €30 per night for a dorm room
Day 2: Stroll and last visit of Bologna
🍽️ BREAKFAST
• Recommended bakery : Forno Pasticceria Pallotti - A local place where you can eat croissants filled with pistachios or almonds.
Adress : Via del Borgo di S. Pietro, 59th, 40126 Bologna BO, Italy
Budget : €5
My dish : An almond croissant and a Crostatina with apricot jam, Italian pastry classics!
🌅 MORNING
• Basilica Santuario Santo Stefano - Duration: 30min - Free
→ My advice: A historic basilica that is a must see before leaving. We discover a ghotic architecture built entirely of red brick.
• Last stroll in the Quadrilatero district - Duration 1 hour
→ My advice: It's time to stroll around and take your last photos, then fill up with a few memories before leaving Bologna!
• Departure to Florence or Rimini - Duration: 30min to Florence, 1h30 to Rimini
→ My advice: After Bologna, we went to Rimini to be able to do San Marino. I would definitely recommend that you do both. In total, 2 days will suffice.
💡 My opinion: This 2-day itinerary will allow you to see all the essentials in Bologna. I could have stayed 1 more day to participate in a cooking class with Get your Guide:”Bologna: Pasta, Ragu, Spritz, Wine, and Gelato Cooking Class“If you have 3 hours in front of you, I can only advise you to try this local experience, all in a friendly atmosphere!
Where to sleep in Bologna? Best neighborhoods
The best neighborhoods to stay in Bologna are Quadrilatero to be in the heart of a friendly atmosphere and next to everything, the Historic center for a total immersion in the city, and the North-East Quarter of Bologna for its calm and its more residential spirit. I particularly recommend the Historic Center for a first stay.
🏨 MY CHOICE (personally tested)
📍 Botanical
• Neighborhood : North-East
• Type : Hotel/Airbnb
• prix : 70€/night (varies depending on the day)
• ✅ Strengths : Quiet and clean accommodation, away from the tourist area
• ❌ Weak point : Location a bit far away, the kitchen is shared with another room
• Reserve : Through Booking.com
💰 BUDGET OPTION
📍 Dopa Hostel
• Neighborhood : North-East
• Type : Hostel
• prix : 30-65€/night
• ✅ Strengths : Highly rated, quiet location, breakfast included, possibility to choose between dorm or private room
• ❌ Weak point : Simplistic breakfast, a bit far from the center
• Reserve : Through Booking.com
💎 COMFORT OPTION
📍 Ariam Guesthouse or Bibliò Rooms Guesthouse
• Neighborhood : Historic Center
• Type : Guesthouse
• prix : 80-130€/night (varies depending on the day)
• ✅ Strengths : Accommodation located in the heart of the Historic Center, very clean and well decorated room, very welcoming hosts
• ❌ Weak point : No breakfast
• Reserve : Through Booking.com
Where to eat in Bologna? My best addresses
Bologna is the birthplace of many dishes that originated in Italy. Surely you must know the famous lasagna bolognese. I'm also sure you know mortadella.
And for pasta bolognese? Well know that in Italy... it just doesn't exist! Because the original version of this pasta is actually called Tagliatelle al Ragù, and I absolutely recommend that you try it.
🥘 A MUST TRY
1. Lasagna alla Bolognese - emblematic dish of the Emilia-Romagna region. I think I don't need to introduce it to you! - Where: Sfoglia Rina
2. Tagliatelle al Ragù - The famous “Bolognese pasta” that we've loved since childhood! - Where: Sfoglia Rina or Osteria dell'Orsa
3. Tortellini in brodo - Pasta stuffed with meat and served in a clear meat broth. It's one of my favorite dishes! - Where: Osteria dell'Orsa
4. Mortadella - Emblematic charcuterie from Bologna. An irresistible taste to be consumed in moderation! - Where: MÒ! MORTADELLA LAB
Practical information to visit Bologna
🌡️ WHEN TO LEAVE?
Best period: May-June and September-October
Printemps (March-May): The temperatures are mild and more pleasant during visits. It is also the period with fewer tourists.
Summer (June-August): This is the period with the most tourists. Despite everything, it is still a less crowded city than Rome or Florence for example. The climate is hot without being humid, so if you like the sun and the heat, it's entirely possible!
Fall (Sept-Nov): The best period with spring. Since it is back to school for some, there are therefore fewer tourists and the climate is mild.
Winter (dec-feb): Despite the cold, I think winter is still a very good time of year, especially around the end of year holidays. It is an opportunity to discover Bologna in other ways!
💡 My opinion: I went there in August, and my feelings during the summer period are positive! I think that Bologna remains an accessible city all year round, because it is much less touristy than other cities in Italy. I did not feel oppressed by the crowds, and the walks were always pleasant day and night.
✈️ HOW DO YOU GET THERE?
• Plane : 50€-220€ from France, duration ~2 hours
→ My advice: Off-peak periods are still the best times to find tickets at a lower cost. I invite you to watch from the Kayak website to compare prices!
• Train :
- From Florence : 11-25 €, duration ~38 min
- From Venice : 15-19€, duration 1h30-2h
→ My advice: Book your tickets in advance on the official website busbud. I used it every time to book my train and bus tickets, and at competitive prices!
• Bus :
- From Florence : about 7€, duration ~1 hour 30 min
- From Venice : about 7€, duration ~1 hour 30 min
→ My advice: As with train tickets, book your tickets in advance on the official website busbud.
🚇 HOW DO YOU GET AROUND?
• Public transport : Bus, €2 one way
→ My advice: Take the bus back to the Historic Center after your visit to the Madonna di San Luca Sanctuary from This stop
• On foot : Bologna can do everything on foot. No need for a taxi or a bike!
💡 My advice: Really take the time to stroll and get lost in the small streets. You will find lots of nice places, and even neighborhood shops or restaurants that are worth a try!
💳 MONEY AND BUDGET
• Currency : Euro (€)
• Cards accepted : Yes
• Tip : Optional
📱 INTERNET AND TELEPHONE
• WiFi : Not available on the streets
• eSIM recommended : Saily - a flexible card that works anywhere in the world
🗣️ LANGUAGE
• Language : Italian
• Spoken English : Conversational
• Useful words :
- Good morning: Buongiorno
- Thank you: Grazie Mille
- How much does it cost: Quanto costa?
- The addition please: Il conto, per favore
🏥 HEALTH AND SAFETY
• Vaccines required : No
• Drinking water : Yes
• security : Bologna is generally a safe city when you go there as a tourist. In practice, it is better to avoid ending up very late at night on the streets, because you are never safe from suspicious people.
📄 FORMALITIES
• Visa required : No (for EU nationals)
• Valid passport : Allow at least 6 months before the expiry date of your identity document.
• Required documents : Sufficient identity card for Europeans. If not, the passport for others.
Frequently asked questions about Bologna
❓ Is Bologna expensive?
Bologna is not that expensive with an average daily budget of €45-80 per person. You can get by quite easily with housing, transport and activities. The only expense that costs the most will be restaurants, especially if you want to try lots of local dishes.
❓ Is Bologna dangerous for tourists?
Overall, Bologna is a welcoming city for tourists with plenty of restaurants and historic sites. The population is also very friendly. You just have to be careful at night between midnight and 6 am, because you can run into suspicious people.
❓ What is the best time to visit Bologna?
The best time is spring and autumn. But from my point of view, you can visit the city all year round.
❓ Do you have to speak Italian to visit Bologna?
No, Italian is not essential. We did very well with conversational English. A few basic words in Italian are never an option to show that you are a bit interested in culture!
❓ Can you drink tap water in Bologna?
Yes, tap water is drinkable in Bologna. For my part, I tend to buy bottles of water when I travel. But it is only a personal choice!
❓ What is the budget for 2 days in Bologna?
For 2 days, count 90-250€ per person depending on your travel style: 90€ in backpacker mode, 200€ with an average budget, 250€ in comfort mode.
❓ Where is Bologna located?
Bologna is located in the Emilia-Romagna region. It is the largest city in the region, and also the most important for its history, historic sites, and tasty culinary dishes.
❓ What to bring back from Bologna?
The best souvenirs are pasta, mortadella, postcards, and magnets.
My advice for a successful trip to Bologna
✅ TO DO
• For an immersive experience in Bologna, I invite you to participate in a Cooking class to make pasta and the famous stew with Get Your Guide.
• Choose accommodation in the Historic Center to be close to everyone. This will allow you to optimize your trips, in addition to being able to enjoy the evening even more outside.
• I recommend that you go down from the Madonna di San Luca Sanctuary to the town of Casalecchio di Reno. The descent will allow you to admire a very beautiful view of the hills.
• There is another local restaurant that I tried and that is one of my favorites: Sfoglia Rina - Casalecchio di Reno. As a result, you eat like a local there!
❌ TO AVOID
• I had the opportunity to go to Finestrella di Via Piella - Canale di Reno. It's actually a small canal, but nothing more. In my opinion, you will see much more beautiful canals in Venice.
• Choose to eat outside the Historic Center and look for Osteras instead. The prices are more affordable, sometimes even better than in chic restaurants. Look at the East or North-East side of the city, as there are small streets with very nice little establishments.
My final opinion on Bologna
My 2-day stay in Bologna was just perfect for seeing everything there was to do and see in the city, except for being able to do a small cooking workshop to learn how to make your own pasta and stew.
Overall, I spent €122 for 2 days on site. For a country like Italy, I think that's very right. Of course, if you are a backpacker, you can clearly spend less with a budget of €45.
So is Bologna worth a visit? Yes, absolutely! For me, it's still a historic city that many Italians are proud of both for its architecture and for its traditional dishes.
Remember that walking is still the best way to discover a city like Bologna at your own pace. As it is quite small, everything can be done without having to take public transport.
