Top Things To Do In Bologna (Italy) In 2026 - 2027

Top 10 things to do in Bologna

1. 1. Bologna Food Experience

   The Bologna Food Experience is a culinary adventure that takes you through the heart of Italian gastronomy. In this food-focused tour, gastronomes and curious visitors alike will delve into the rich flavors and traditional dishes that make Bologna a food lover's paradise. Over the course of approximately 3.5 hours, participants will explore historic markets, meet local artisans, and taste a variety of specialties, including mortadella, Parmigiano Reggiano, Aceto Balsamico, and perhaps even gelato from the oldest gelateria in the city. A highlight of the tour is undoubtedly the pasta-making demonstration, where you will learn about the art of fresh pasta preparation, a skill deeply rooted in Bolognese culture. The narrative provided by the expert guide not only focuses on the food itself but also on its connection to the history and traditions of the region, making this experience both enlightening and delicious.

   Duration: 3.5 hours · Price: 65 EUR

2. 2. Bologna Historic Walking Tour

   The Bologna Historic Walking Tour is an immersive journey through the city's medieval past and Renaissance splendor. Spanning approximately 2 hours, the tour includes visits to landmark sites such as Piazza Maggiore, flanked by the imposing San Petronio Basilica, the Fountain of Neptune, and the ancient palazzos of the city's old merchant elite. Knowledgeable guides recount tales of Bologna’s rich history, university heritage—the city is home to the Western world's oldest continuously operating university—and its well-preserved medieval cityscape. Moreover, tourists will have the chance to meander through the Quadrilatero, the ancient market area bustling with life, before reaching the iconic Two Towers, which provide a definitive symbol of the city. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of Bologna's architectural wonders, cultural evolution, and the historical events that have shaped this vibrant city.

   Duration: 2 hours · Price: 25 EUR

3. 3. Ferrari, Pagani, and Lamborghini Factory Tour

   Automobile lovers will get an adrenaline rush on the Ferrari, Pagani, and Lamborghini Factory Tour, which departs from Bologna and offers a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of some of the world’s most coveted supercars. Over the span of a full day, participants will venture through the Motor Valley, visiting the Ferrari Museum in Maranello to witness the brand's heritage and its legendary sports cars up close. From there, guests will move on to the Pagani Automobili factory to discover the meticulous craft of hypercar production. The final stop on this automotive pilgrimage is the Lamborghini Museum, where the story of the iconic raging bull unfolds through an impressive display of models and designs. This 8-hour tour is especially crafted for enthusiasts who want to immerse themselves in Italy's renowned luxury car craftsmanship and engineering prowess.

   Duration: 8 hours · Price: 280 EUR

4. 4. Bologna Secret Passages and Canals Tour

   Discover the hidden side of Bologna on the Secret Passages and Canals Tour. Across 2 hours, participants will explore lesser-known alleys, concealed canals, and secret architectural features that most tourists miss. Bologna's underground waterways, once central to the city's economy and daily life, tell a story of historical industries, such as silk and textile production. The guide will reveal the fascinating network of canals that transformed Bologna into a thriving medieval center and share stories of the passages that were used by the nobility to move unseen throughout the city. Visitors will gain unique insight into the factors that shaped the urban layout, along with an understanding of the hidden symbols and signs that dot the city's landscape, giving context to Bologna's mysterious and cryptic attributes.

   Duration: 2 hours · Price: 30 EUR

5. 5. Bologna National Art Gallery Guided Tour

   Art lovers can delve into the masterpieces of the Bologna National Art Gallery on this guided tour. Approximately 2 hours in duration, visitors will admire an extraordinary collection of works from Italian masters of the Renaissance and Baroque periods. Highlights include Raphael's mesmerizing 'Ecstasy of St. Cecilia', as well as seminal works by Carracci, Guido Reni, and Guercino. The tour is comprehensive and provides the historical context of each artwork and its creator, allowing participants to engage with the evolution of artistic styles and the significant contributions Bolognese painters made to the Italian art scene. The gallery's array of frescoes, altarpieces, and mythological scenes encapsulate the opulent spirit of the time and provide profound insight into Italy's artistic heritage.

   Duration: 2 hours · Price: 40 EUR

6. 6. Bologna Tower Ascent and City View Experience

   Ascend the Asinelli Tower, Bologna's tallest leaning medieval tower, for a workout paired with stunning panoramic views. The venture lasts around 1 hour and involves climbing up to the tower's summit, where you'll be rewarded with sweeping vistas of the city and its surroundings. The Asinelli Tower, standing at approximately 97 meters, is a symbol of Bologna's heritage and power during the Middle Ages, when numerous such towers dotted the skyline. The climb to the top (nearly 500 steps) is a rite of passage for visitors and locals alike, offering one of the best vantage points for photos and memories. Upon reaching the top, you can enjoy the panoramic cityscape, which includes the red rooftops, historical landmarks, and on clear days, the rolling hills that cradle Bologna.

   Duration: 1 hour · Price: 15 EUR

7. 7. Bologna Archiginnasio Tour

   Visit the Archiginnasio of Bologna, once the main building of the University of Bologna, and immerse yourself in its historic scholarly atmosphere. This 1.5-hour guided tour will take you through the Archiginnasio, showing off its beautiful frescoes, the ornately decorated Anatomical Theatre where dissections were held, and the Stabat Mater Hall where university ceremonies still take place. The building is a magnificent example of Bolognese architecture, adorned with the coats of arms of former students. As you explore its halls and corridors, you will learn about the intellectual history of Europe's oldest university, which dates back to 1088, and delve into the stories of the scholars who have walked these halls, contributing to the academic and cultural prestige of Bologna.

   Duration: 1.5 hours · Price: 20 EUR

8. 8. Bologna Bike Tour

   The Bologna Bike Tour is an environmentally friendly and active way to experience the city's charm and history. On this 2-hour guided cycling trip, you will pedal your way along the city's bike paths and lanes, visiting famous sites and hidden gems alike. You'll hear stories of Bologna's past, get insights into local life, and enjoy the freedom that comes with exploring on two wheels. Stops usually include key sights like the University of Bologna, the Jewish Ghetto, and the Giardini Margherita, Bologna's largest and most beautiful park. For those looking to get a different perspective of the city while enjoying relaxed physical activity, the bike tour is a perfect choice, combining sightseeing with leisurely exercise.

   Duration: 2 hours · Price: 35 EUR

9. 9. Bologna Cooking Class

   Dive into the art of Bolognese cuisine with a hands-on cooking class in Bologna. In this 4-hour activity, participants will learn to prepare local specialties such as fresh handmade pasta (think tagliatelle and tortellini), Bolognese sauce, and classic Italian desserts under the guidance of an expert chef. The cooking class often begins with a visit to the market or local shops to select fresh ingredients, then moves to the kitchen where the real fun begins. At the end of the class, you’ll have the opportunity to sit down and enjoy your delicious, self-made meal accompanied by a glass of regional wine. Not only will you gain practical cooking skills, but you'll also take home a piece of Bologna's culinary soul with recipes to recreate the flavors of your travels.

   Duration: 4 hours · Price: 85 EUR

10. 10. Bologna Ghost Tour

    Embark on a journey through the mysterious side of Bologna with the Ghost Tour. This unique 2-hour nighttime walking tour uncovers the eerie legends and supernatural stories that linger in the city's historic corners. Your guide will weave tales of intrigue, hauntings, and unexplained events that have occurred within the ancient walls of Bologna. As you stroll through dimly lit streets, you'll learn about the curious case of the whispering walls, the spirits said to roam the Library Salaborsa, and the haunted secrets that lie beneath the city's cheerful façade. This tour is especially appealing to those with a penchant for the paranormal and an interest in the darker chapters of Bologna’s history.

    Duration: 2 hours · Price: 25 EUR