The 10 Must-Do Things in Bologna: A Guide from a True Bolognese.
When you’re born and raised in Bologna, you get to know it deeply. This city isn’t just a tourist destination; it’s my home, and there’s something incredibly magical about it that can’t be explained… but you feel it every day. I might be too biased, but what can I say… I love this place!

Bologna should be discovered gradually, leisurely, like you would with a good wine: savoring every sip. As a true Bolognese, I can tell you that every time I take a stroll through its streets, I always find something new that makes me fall in love with this city all over again. But let’s get to the point: you’re here to discover the best sides of Bologna.
So, let’s dive into the 10 unforgettable things you must do and see in Bologna:

1) Climb the Asinelli Tower

Tackling the 498 steps of the Asinelli Tower is an experience that every true Bolognese has had at least once, but let me warn you: the climb is tougher than it looks!

But it’s worth it—once at the top, you’ll be delighted by a 360° view of Bologna’s center, with its red rooftops, green hills, and, if you’re lucky, an endless horizon.

Although there’s a superstition that climbing the tower before graduation brings bad luck, I’m not superstitious, so I say: go for it and enjoy the view!

2) Savor Tagliatelle al Ragù and Tortellini

In Bologna, we don’t talk about “spaghetti Bolognese”; No, dear friends, here we eat tagliatelle al ragù. A dish of handmade pasta, with the perfect texture that soaks up every drop of ragù.

Every time I taste it in one of the historic trattorias in the city center, I feel all the warmth of

Bologna’s culinary tradition. If you are looking for an authentic experience, savor this dish with a glass of Sangiovese wine and let yourself be pampered by the flavors.

But Bologna isn’t just tagliatelle; tortellini is another cornerstone of Bolognese cuisine.

Making tortellini is an art that requires patience and skill, and watching a Bolognese grandmother prepare them with love is almost like witnessing a ceremony. To savor tortellini in their most authentic form, read this article where I’ve listed the restaurants that serve the real Bolognese tortellini!

These small, delicious ring-shaped parcels, filled with a flavorful mix of pork, ham, and cheese, are traditionally served in a hot capon broth, which enhances their delicate and complex flavor.
Every bite of tagliatelle or tortellini tells a story of centuries of culinary passion, turning every meal into an unforgettable gastronomic adventure.

3) Shopping and Eating in the Quadrilatero

The Quadrilatero is the beating heart of medieval Bologna. With its narrow streets, historic shops, and food markets, it’s the perfect place to discover the true essence of Bologna.

You can find the best Bolognese gastronomy among fresh varieties of cheese, cured meats, and wines. I love losing myself among the market stalls and savoring local products, maybe stopping for a traditional mortadella sandwich that tastes of tradition and passion.

4) Walk Under Bologna’s Porticoes

Walking under Bologna’s porticoes, especially those leading from Via Saragozza to the Sanctuary of San Luca, is an experience that embodies the city’s beauty, history, and daily life.

Bologna’s porticoes are much more than mere architectural structures; they are the fabric that connects the city’s streets and neighborhoods, offering shelter from the scorching sun in summer and the rain in winter.

However, the porticoes that lead up to the Sanctuary of San Luca are truly special. This walk, about 3.8 kilometers long and consisting of 666 arches, represents one of the longest covered walks in the world; each arch is a masterpiece of elegance and functionality, designed to protect pilgrims, visitors, and even the most athletic Bolognese during their journey to the sanctuary.

The path begins in the city and winds through a gradually changing landscape, from the bustling city streets to the green hills surrounding Bologna. As you climb, the porticoes offer captivating glimpses of increasingly broad and spectacular views.

The walk is a meditative experience, where each step under the stone arches brings you closer to the spiritual goal of the Sanctuary. Reaching the Sanctuary of San Luca, with its imposing facade and panoramic view over the city below, is a reward that gratifies both body and soul. Walking under these porticoes is not just a physical journey but a deep immersion into Bologna’s history and culture.

5) Piazza Maggiore and Its Hidden Mysteries

If there’s a place that represents the soul of Bologna, it’s Piazza Maggiore. This is where the social life of the city takes place, amidst historic cafés and imposing monuments like the Basilica of San Petronio, Palazzo D’Accursio, Palazzo Re Enzo, and the Neptune Fountain. But that’s not all.
Piazza Maggiore holds some secrets that not everyone knows… but I can’t reveal them here. If you want to know all about them, you can read my article on Bologna’s hidden mysteries.

7) Discover Colli Bolognesi on a Vespa

Taking a trip through the Bolognese hills (Colli) on a Vespa is an experience that combines the charm of the Italian dolce vita, extreme pop culture, and the natural beauty of Bologna’s outskirts. Imagine renting a Vespa in the city center and embarking on an adventure on two wheels through winding hillside roads.
Darting around on a Vespa lets you fully enjoy the freedom and pleasure of discovering Bologna’s lesser-known spots, perhaps stopping for a break at one of the many scenic spots for a coffee. The Vespa becomes the perfect means for a fascinating journey!

9) Have an Aperitivo in Via del Pratello

After a day spent exploring Bologna, there’s no better place than Via del Pratello to enjoy a laid-back and authentic aperitivo. This iconic street, loved by Bolognese locals and students alike, is the beating heart of the city’s informal nightlife. With its lively bars, outdoor tables, and friendly atmosphere, Pratello welcomes you with a glass of wine or a spritz and some snacks to enjoy with friends.
The beauty of this street lies in the mix of people, from friendly chats to spontaneous laughter. It’s a genuine experience that makes you feel like part of the soul of Bologna!

10) A Thousand and One Events in Bologna Year-Round

Bologna pulses with life and energy all year round, offering a myriad of events that cater to everyone, from the young to the old. Imagine enjoying a film under the stars in Piazza Maggiore during the summer, wrapped in the magic of the big screen and the beauty of one of the city’s most iconic spots. Or, discover film previews at the Modernissimo, a recently restored gem that makes you feel part of something unique.

But the fun doesn’t stop there: Bologna hosts must-see events like the Botanik Festival, which celebrates music and art in a vibrant and creative atmosphere, and the Festa dell’Unità at Parco Nord, a major popular gathering with music, food, and fun for all.

And these are just some of the events that make Bologna a city always buzzing with excitement.
If you want to find out what’s happening in the city, check out this link and get swept up in the vibrancy of beautiful Bologna!

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