To the North of Florence and the South of Venice, sits Bologna, a hidden gem in Italy. I stopped in Bologna for a few days and couldn’t believe how underrated it is. This foodie town is filled with yummy eats, plus it’s a great spot to visit for a solo female traveler. Bologna is a fantastic city with a rich history and vibrant culture. Incredibly, I spent $75/day during my time in the city, which means Bologna is also budget friendly! Who can believe it?! Check out my 12 top things to do in Bologna, Italy.
Hang out in Piazza Maggiore
Surrounded by the Basilica di San Petronio and Palazzo d’Accursio, the piazza is the central square of Bologna and the heartbeat of the city. When I was visiting in the summer, there was an outdoor film festival in the piazza. Each night, they played a different movie, and I got lucky enough to see “Million Dollar Baby.”
Explore the Archiginnasio
Wander through what was one of the main buildings of the University of Bologna to see some gorgeous architecture. You can enter for free aside from the Anatomical Theatre, so take advantage and explore. The Archiginnasio is one of the most important buildings in Bologna dating back to the 16th century.
Le Sette Chiese (The 7 Churches) & Santo Stefano
Located in the Piazza Santo Stefano, the 7 Churches are a complex of religious buildings known for its unique combination of Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque architecture. I enjoyed seeing this peaceful spot in the city. However, I did have to pay €0.50 to use the bathroom.
Sip like a local
Stop off the piazza and enjoy a drink at Osteria del Sole. This local watering hole offers some great sips and snacks. It’s one of the oldest osterias in Bologna, dating back to 1465, and you can bring your own food while enjoying their drinks. The long tables encourage meeting a stranger, so you will quickly leave the spot with friends. I actually am still in contact with the other travelers I met at this bar. :)
Climb the Asinelli Tower
There are two famed towers left on display in Bologna (though more still exist and have been wrapped into the current fabric of the city). The Asinelli Tower (le Due Torri) is the taller one, with 498 steps to the top. I would recommend going up the tower for sunset but be prepared for the climb. Update: The Asinelli Tower is currently closed to the public due to renovations. Please check back on this website for the latest information.
Indulge in local gelato
Be sure to stop at Cremeria Cavour, my favorite gelateria for some yummy artisan ice cream. There is usually a line, but it’s worth the wait. They offer a wide variety of flavors, from pistachio to mascarpone cream with chocolate, and the quality is top-notch.
Free Walking Tour
Every time I arrive in a new city, I sign up for a local walking tour. My favorite company, GuruWalk, connects you with local guides for free (remember to tip accordingly). Walking tours are a great way to get acquainted with the city and learn about its history and culture from a local’s perspective. If you are worried about tipping or just want to ensure your tour is confirmed, consider this walking tour instead.
Market Fun
Visit Mercato della Erbe and Mercato di Mezzo. Are you looking for a quick bite or ingredients for a picnic? Stop at one of these markets for everything from fresh produce to local delicacies. Each market is a food lover’s paradise.
Wander under the Porticoes
There are miles of covered walkways throughout the city, so spend an afternoon wandering under the Bologna porticoes. They are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and certainly iconic to Bologna’s historic landscape, dating back to the 11th century. They were originally built to increase living space for those upstairs. Some even have holes in the ceiling so the occupant could see who was visiting without going downstairs -- the first peep holes!
Walk the longest indoor Meridian Line
Visit the Basilica di San Petronio and walk the longest indoor Meridian Line in the world at 66.8 meters. The Basilica itself is impressive with beautifully detailed alcoves, sculptures and ceiling art. Remember to dress accordingly with your shoulders covered and shorts that come to the knee (or a scarf you can wrap around your waist for entry). Entry is free.
Take a cooking class
Bologna is known as Italy’s gastronomic capital, so don’t miss out on a cooking class. Learn how to make traditional dishes like pasta and pastries from local chefs. There are several different cooking classes, but this one offers a nice spritz while you learn to make pasta and homemade ragu. If you are more of a traveler on the move, consider this walking food tour that takes you through the Quadrilatero market with three stops.
Visit the San Luca Sanctuary
Climb the stairs to the beautiful Madonna di San Luca church located on the hill. The pathway up is almost 4 km and has 666 arches, making it the longest covered walkway in the world. The portico starts at Porta Saragozza (picture above on right). It's definitely a bit of a hike, especially the last 2 km with lots of stairs, but you will be rewarded with amazing panoramic views of Bologna at the top and the Sanctuary of Madonna di San Luca. You can visit the church for free, which is beautiful, and even climb to the top of the dome for a fee (if you need even more steps). I brought a sandwich and lots of water to enjoy at the top. There are bathrooms at the top and some fountains to refill your water bottle.
Accommodations on a Budget in Bologna
As I said earlier, I managed to enjoy my time in Bologna on a $75/day budget. In order to do that, I stayed at a hostel - Combo Bologna. It was extremely safe for a solo female traveler, close to the train station (which I used to get around Italy), and offered a little reprieve from the city chaos. However, it was a little further away from the central activities, such as the Piazza Maggiore. If you are looking to be more centrally located, and still on a budget, consider Dopa Hostel; they offer private rooms and dormitories with breakfast. If you have a larger group, check out Booking.com for some great apartments. You can tailor your search by location, review and amenities.
I hope you enjoy Bologna as much as I did. This amazing town has much to see and explore, even for solo female travelers on a budget like me!
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