Italy · 3 days · 17 stops
3 days in Bologna – a ready-made itinerary
Bologna has the oldest university in Europe, miles of arcades and a cuisine many people travel for alone. Day one covers the centre around Piazza Maggiore, on day two you walk under the arcades up to San Luca and back to the university quarter, and on day three you take the train to Modena. The stops are in walking order.
In short
- Length
- 3 days, 17 stops
- Highlights
- Piazza Maggiore and the Fountain of Neptune, Porta Saragozza, Enzo Ferrari Museum, San Petronio, Archiginnasio
- Day trips
- Day trip to Modena
- Where to stay
- Centro Storico around Piazza Maggiore, University quarter, Near Bologna Centrale
- Getting around
- The centre is compact and almost entirely walkable under the arcades.
- Best time to go
- April to June and September to October are the most pleasant.
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Plan created with AI support – please check opening hours, prices and routes before you go. YesTrip editorial team · Updated: .
Top things to do in Bologna
10 places you should not miss in Bologna – each one is in the plan below with a time and the way there.
Piazza Maggiore and the Fountain of NeptuneThe main square with the town hall and the basilica. Right next to it stands Giambologna's 16th-century Fountain of Neptune.Day 1
San PetronioOne of the largest churches in Italy; its façade is still unfinished. A long meridian line by Cassini runs across the floor.Day 1
San DomenicoThe church with the tomb of Saint Dominic. Some of the small figures on the shrine were carved by the young Michelangelo.Day 1
Two TowersThe Asinelli and the Garisenda are the city's landmark. The smaller Garisenda leans visibly to one side.Day 1
Santo StefanoA complex of several interlinked churches known as the Seven Churches. In front lies a quiet, triangular square.Day 1
Porta SaragozzaThe old city gate where the arcade to San Luca begins. Almost four kilometres of covered walkway, the last stretch steeply uphill.Day 2
Sanctuary of San LucaThe church on the hill above the city. From the top you look out over Bologna and the Apennine hills.Day 2- Modena CathedralA Romanesque cathedral with stone reliefs on the façade. Together with its tower and Piazza Grande a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Day 3
- GhirlandinaThe tall bell tower beside the cathedral is Modena's landmark and can be seen from far away.Day 3
- Ducal PalaceThe Baroque palace of the Este dukes on Piazza Roma, now home to a military academy. Best seen from outside and from the square.Day 3
Day 1
Piazza Maggiore and the Two Towers
Piazza Maggiore and the Fountain of Neptune
The main square with the town hall and the basilica. Right next to it stands Giambologna's 16th-century Fountain of Neptune.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Piazza Maggiore and the Fountain of Neptuneright next door
San Petronio
One of the largest churches in Italy; its façade is still unfinished. A long meridian line by Cassini runs across the floor.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): San Petronioright next door
Archiginnasio
The university's former seat, its walls covered in students' coats of arms. The wooden Anatomical Theatre is on the first floor.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Archiginnasioabout 5 min on foot
San Domenico
The church with the tomb of Saint Dominic. Some of the small figures on the shrine were carved by the young Michelangelo.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): San Domenicoabout 5 min on foot
Quadrilatero
Narrow medieval lanes with delis, market stalls and small eateries. This is the place for mortadella, tortellini and tagliatelle.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Quadrilateroright next door
Two Towers
The Asinelli and the Garisenda are the city's landmark. The smaller Garisenda leans visibly to one side.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Two Towersabout 5 min on foot
Santo Stefano
A complex of several interlinked churches known as the Seven Churches. In front lies a quiet, triangular square.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Santo Stefano
Day 2
San Luca and the university quarter
Porta Saragozza
The old city gate where the arcade to San Luca begins. Almost four kilometres of covered walkway, the last stretch steeply uphill.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Porta Saragozzaabout 2.8 km as the crow flies – by bus, train or taxi
Sanctuary of San Luca
The church on the hill above the city. From the top you look out over Bologna and the Apennine hills.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Sanctuary of San LucaWalk back or take the bus to the centre
Mercato delle Erbe
The covered market on Via Ugo Bassi, with stalls for vegetables, cheese and cured meats and small places where locals eat.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Mercato delle Erbeabout 15 min on foot
Palazzo Poggi
The university museum with old collections on anatomy, shipbuilding and natural history, including wax models of the human body.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Palazzo Poggiabout 5 min on foot
Pinacoteca Nazionale
The picture gallery of Bolognese painting from the Middle Ages to the Baroque. The best-known work is Raphael's Saint Cecilia.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Pinacoteca Nazionale
Day 3
Day trip to Modena
Regional train from Bologna Centrale to Modena, about 30 minutes. The Ferrari museum is a few minutes' walk from the station.
Enzo Ferrari Museum
Enzo Ferrari's birthplace with a modern hall of sports cars next to it. A must for car fans, a short stop for everyone else.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Enzo Ferrari MuseumAbout 15 min on foot to the old town
Modena Cathedral
A Romanesque cathedral with stone reliefs on the façade. Together with its tower and Piazza Grande a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Modena Cathedralright next door
Ghirlandina
The tall bell tower beside the cathedral is Modena's landmark and can be seen from far away.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Ghirlandinaright next door
Mercato Albinelli
The covered market near Piazza Grande, with stalls for Parmigiano, ham and balsamic vinegar from the area.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Mercato Albinelliabout 10 min on foot
Ducal Palace
The Baroque palace of the Este dukes on Piazza Roma, now home to a military academy. Best seen from outside and from the square.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Ducal Palace
Good to know
Best time to go
April to June and September to October are the most pleasant. July and August are hot and humid, and many locals leave town. Winter is cool and often foggy but quiet – and the arcades keep you dry when it rains.
Getting around
The centre is compact and almost entirely walkable under the arcades. Buses run up to San Luca and to the outer districts. A people mover links the airport to Bologna Centrale in a few minutes, and from there trains run across Emilia-Romagna.
Where to stay
Centro Storico around Piazza Maggiore
In the heart of the old town, with every stop of the first two days on foot. Lively in the evening, and noisy in the lanes of the Quadrilatero.
University quarter
Around Via Zamboni, lively and full of students, with many simple places to eat. It can get loud at night.
Near Bologna Centrale
Handy for the Modena day trip and for arriving. About 15 minutes' walk to Piazza Maggiore.
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More on Bologna in our blog: How many days in Bologna? Plans for 1–4 days · Bologna airport to city centre: Marconi Express, bus
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Bologna: frequently asked questions
What are the must-see sights in Bologna?
The must-see sights in Bologna are Piazza Maggiore and the Fountain of Neptune, San Petronio, San Domenico, Two Towers, Santo Stefano and Porta Saragozza. This plan links 10 of them into short walks over 3 days – with times, a map and tips.
Are 3 days enough for Bologna?
Yes, for the centre, San Luca and a day trip. With more time, add Parma or Ravenna.
What should I eat in Bologna?
Tortellini in broth, tagliatelle with ragù – the original of spaghetti bolognese – and mortadella. In Bologna itself the dish is simply called tagliatelle al ragù.
Is there anything to know about visiting churches?
Shoulders and knees should be covered, and visits are often restricted during services. A scarf in your bag helps.
Is Modena worth a day trip?
Yes, trains are frequent and quick. The cathedral, tower and Piazza Grande are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the area is known for balsamic vinegar.
Plan created with AI support – please check opening hours, prices and routes before you go. Coordinates checked with Wikipedia and OpenStreetMap (Photon). Photo: Alex.J.Collins, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. More in Sources & licences. YesTrip is a trip planner, not a travel agency – nothing is booked.
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