Top Things To Do In Piazza Maggiore (Bologna) In 2026 - 2027

Top 6 things to do in Piazza Maggiore

1. 1. Piazza Maggiore Walking Tour

   Piazza Maggiore stands as the historical heartbeat of Bologna, filled with centuries of architecture, culture, and civic life. On a walking tour of this grand square, visitors can immerse in the beauty of structures like the Basilica di San Petronio, the City Hall, and the Palazzo dei Notai. Expert guides spin tales of the piazza's development through time—from a medieval market to the center of Bolognese public life. Tour participants can marvel at the artistic splendor within the Basilica, including its unfinished façade and detailed interior frescoes. The Neptune Fountain, an iconic symbol of Bologna crafted by Giambologna, is another highlight, underscoring the city's connection to the arts. Throughout the excursion, travelers will gain an intimate appreciation for the significance of Piazza Maggiore in the social and historical tapestry of Bologna.

   Duration: 2 hours · Price: €25 per person

2. 2. Historical Shops Tour

   The Historical Shops Tour around Piazza Maggiore is a deep dive into the traditional and gastronomical heritage of Bologna. Visitors can explore ancient boutiques and artisanal shops, many of which have been operating for centuries. The tour leads participants through charming alleyways and under stunning porticoes, where they can sample local delicacies, such as tortellini, mortadella, and Parmigiano Reggiano, and learn about the traditional methods of their production. It also includes visits to historic businesses, where crafts like bookbinding and silversmithing live on. Participants will indulge in tales of the merchants and families that have shaped Bologna's mercantile history, turning this journey into a fusion of culinary delights and cultural enrichment.

   Duration: 3 hours · Price: €50 per person

3. 3. Art and History Guided Tour

   Embark on an Art and History Guided Tour that ventures beyond the confines of Piazza Maggiore to unveil the rich tapestry of Bologna's art and architectural heritage. With a certified guide at the helm, participants will explore not only the square's key monuments but also the surrounding medieval buildings and renaissance artworks that are peppered throughout the city. Highlights include detailed narratives on the Fountain of Neptune and the historical significance behind the public artworks that grace the city. The guide will offer insights into the works housed within the Basilica of San Petronio and the evolution of Bolognese art. This tour is a blend of visual wonder and educational enlightenment, carefully crafted to give deep context to the city's cultural landscape.

   Duration: 2.5 hours · Price: €30 per person

4. 4. Bologna Ghost Tour

   For those with a penchant for the paranormal, the Bologna Ghost Tour offers a thrilling evening stroll around Piazza Maggiore and its environs. Led by a charismatic storyteller, this experience delves into the darker side of the city's history, regaling visitors with spine-tingling tales of mystery, legends, and unexplained phenomena. The tour meanders through shadowy lanes and past ancient buildings, where the echo of bygone eras lingers in the air. Guests will uncover the secrets hidden in the city's architecture and perhaps catch a glimpse of something otherworldly. This nocturnal adventure is an intriguing counterpoint to the daytime charm of Bologna and is an excellent choice for anyone looking to explore the city from a different perspective.

   Duration: 1.5 hours · Price: €20 per person

5. 5. Bologna Food Experience

   No visit to Piazza Maggiore is complete without indulging in the Bologna Food Experience. This walking and tasting tour is a paradise for food connoisseurs, offering a sensory journey through Bologna's renowned culinary scene. Participants will visit traditional markets and family-run shops to sample local specialties. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, food lovers will discover the secrets behind making the perfect ragù alla Bolognese, savor rich and creamy gelato, and taste a variety of regional wines and cheeses. This tour not only pleases the palate but also provides a rich narrative of how Bologna earned its nickname 'La Grassa' (The Fat). Cooking demonstrations and hands-on experiences might also be on offer, depending on the selected tour operator.

   Duration: 3.5 hours · Price: €65 per person

6. 6. Guided Visit to the Archiginnasio

   Take a guided visit to the Archiginnasio, one of the most important buildings in Bologna, situated just off Piazza Maggiore. Once the main building of the University of Bologna, the oldest in the Western world, it's now home to one of the most beautiful libraries in Italy. The tour will reveal the fascinating history of education and intellectual life in Bologna and showcase the stunning architecture of the building itself, including intricate frescoes and the evocative Anatomical Theatre, where medical students once observed surgeries. Visitors will learn about the illustrious scholars who once roamed these halls and explore the significance of this institution in the broader context of European history.

   Duration: 1 hour · Price: €15 per person