One-Day Itinerary For Bologna, Italy

Bologna, Italy has become more and more popular over the years. As a large university city, Bologna has plenty to offer for all ages with a lively, vibrant atmosphere. If you’re short on time and want to see Bologna, but you can only manage a visit with a day trip from Milan or Florence, have no fear. Seeing Bologna in one day is certainly possible, and here’s a perfect way to get a taste of the best the city has to offer.

Pro-tip: If you don’t feel like self-navigating the city, take a city center walking tour of Bologna.

Start off at Scalinata del Pincio

Scalinato del PIncio is closely situated to the Bologna Centrale Station, so this is especially convenient if, for your sole day in Bologna, you took the train (which is super easy with a Eurail pass). What particularly draws me to Scalinato del Pincio is the white stone fountain with a horse, woman, and octopus, but there are also some stairs there for you to climb up and get some pretty awesome views of the city you’re about the explore.

Head to Ragū for a ragu sandwich

Bologna can be pricey, but it is surprisingly full of some really great cheap eats. One of my favorites is Ragū, who’s best known for their “ragu sandwiches.” It’s simply meat sauce stuffed onto housemade bread. Think Sloppy Joe, but make it Italian. It’s messy, unique, and delicious, and at only 6 euro, it’s a steal.

Walk to the city’s most popular site: Fontana del Nettuno

Fontana del Nettuno is located in the center of town, and is a fountain full of topless mermaids. It’s … kind of awesome, and it’s definitely worth seeing. Since it is indeed just a fountain, you won’t need a ton of time here. Take a few photos, make a few wishes, and move onto your next stop, which is…

Get the best gelato of your life at Cremeria Cavour

There’s gelato, and then there’s Cremeria Cavour. I don’t know what kind of magical ingredients or recipes they use, but it really is the best gelato I’ve ever had (and having been to Italy so many times, I have done plenty of field research). There is usually a wait, for a reason, but I promise you; it’s worth it. Plus, a small cone for two flavors is under 4 euro, so it’s priced pretty fairly.

Pro-tip: If you’re feeling overwhelmed with all of the food options in Bologna, take this 3-hour secret food tour.

Walk along the Bologna Canals

It’s not only Venice that has canals, but Bologna is actually built on top of water. That’s why there are no underground metros in Bologna. Fun fact: you’ll see a “W” in place of the “M” signs that would typically mean Metro; it’s a running joke amongst the Bolognese for their lack of underground transportation. The Bologna Canals are fairly small, but if you’re really into their charming aesthetic, there are a few hotels you can stay at to wake up directly on them, such as Il Canale Hotel or La Finestra su Canale (which literally translates to the window on the canal), should you decide to spend the night in Bologna.

Try the most sought-after dish in Bologna: Tortellini en Brodo from Sfoglia Rina

I know you already probably waited in a line for Cremeria Cavour, but you’re likely going to have to wait in another one for Sfogila Rina. Like Cremeria Cavour, it is indeed worth it. The biggest bummer about Sfoglia Rina is that it’s a bit pricey, with a bowl of tortellini en brodo costing 13 euro. However, it is a damn delicious bite of pasta, and there’s something special about dining here. To order, simply write your name and your preferred dish down on one of the yellow pieces of paper and hand it to a server. If you want to avoid the lines, go there between 3PM and 5PM.

Catch the city’s best views at the top of Le Due Torri

In Bologna, there are two massive leaning towers in the center of town. The proper name is Le Due Torri, but it is also known as the Asinelli Tower, and with a Bologna Welcome Card, you have access to climbing them. It is a bit of a workout, with 500 very steep stairs up and then back down. It takes about 45 minutes to get up, but take your time. There are plenty of places to stop to catch your breath, and I promise, those views from the top are well worth the hike.

Grab a spritz (and a piadini) at I Panini di Mirò

Yet another fantastic cheap eat in Bologna is I Panini di Mirò. Since you’ve been eating all day, I’d understand if you’re not hungry yet (and also, there are more food stops to come: Bologna is a culinary city, after all), but you should at the very least grab a spritz from I Panini di Miro. They have a wide variety of spritz, from Aperol to Select to Campari to Hugo. Most of them are under 4 euro, and the atmosphere of their outdoor bar is quite lively.

Eat lasagna and veal for dinner at La Trattoria del Tempo Buono

You’re in Bologna, which only means one thing: it’s time for more food. For dinner, try one of the best meals in town at La Trattoria del Tempo Buono. The lasagna is fairly light on the sauce, which I preferred. The veal is the real star of the show, and don’t skip out on their chocolate mousse with apricot for dessert. It’s a great, affordable restaurant in a no-frills setting, and let’s face it, you didn’t really go to Bologna if you didn’t eat lasagna.

End with a night cap at Ruggine

Finally, wash down the day with a night cap at Ruggine. This is a tiny, retro bar on a small side street, serving up a wide selection of innovative cocktails and classics. The bartenders are youthful and you’ll probably overhear a lot of college kids since it is close to the city’s university. Cin cin!

DISCLAIMER I: Bologna Welcome provided me with a free Bologna City Pass.

DISCLAIMER II: I might make a small commission from some of the links throughout this article, but the price is the same for you. This helps keep my business running so I can continue to provide free travel tips!