2 Days in Bologna: The Perfect Weekend Itinerary (2026 Guide)

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Bologna is often called the “underrated” neighbor of Florence and Venice, but let’s be honest: it is actually the superior choice. It is less crowded, the locals are friendlier, and the food is arguably the best in Italy.

Known as La Dotta (The Learned), La Grassa (The Fat), and La Rossa (The Red), Bologna is the perfect size for a weekend trip. You can walk everywhere, eat incredible pasta, and soak up medieval history without the overwhelming crush of tourists you find elsewhere.

In this guide, I’ve mapped out the perfect 2-day Bologna itinerary to help you experience the best of the city—from the secret canals to the legendary ragù.

Short on time? If you only have a few hours and want to taste the highlights of Bologna without planning, I highly recommend booking this Guided Walking Food Tour immediately!

Practical Logistics for Your Trip

How to Get There

  • By Train: Bologna Centrale is a major hub. You are only 40 minutes from Florence and 60 minutes from Milan by high-speed train (Frecciarossa or Italo). The station is a 20-minute walk or a 5-minute taxi ride to the center.
  • By Plane: Bologna Marconi Airport (BLQ) is incredibly close. The Marconi Express monorail connects the airport to the train station in just 7 minutes.

The airport is close to the city, but you have several options to reach the center. Read my full Bologna Transport Guide to decide between the monorail, bus, or taxi.

Where to Stay

Bologna is walkable, so stay inside the “ring” (the historic center).

  • Luxury: Grand Hotel Majestic “già Baglioni” – The only 5-star hotel in the city, pure historic elegance.
  • Mid-Range: Aemilia Hotel – fantastic rooftop views and great value.
  • Budget: Dopa Hostel – Widely considered one of the best boutique hostels in Italy.

These are just my top 3 picks. If you want to know which neighborhood suits your vibe (and where to avoid the construction noise), read my full guide on Where to Stay in Bologna: Best Neighborhoods & Hotels.

Day 1: The Icons & “La Grassa”

Focus: The main square, medieval markets, and the city’s best food.

Morning: The Heart of the City

Start your day at Piazza Maggiore, the grand main square. It is one of the few squares in Italy where the main cathedral was never finished—look at the facade of the Basilica di San Petronio. The bottom half is marble, and the top half is rough brick.

  • Must-Do: Enter the Basilica (it’s free) to see the Cassini Meridian Line, the longest indoor meridian line in the world. It’s a fascinating piece of 17th-century astronomy.

Next, walk two minutes to the Archiginnasio. This was the main seat of the University of Bologna (the oldest university in the Western world).

  • Note: You must visit this on Saturday (or Monday-Saturday), as it is closed on Sundays.
  • Don’t Miss: The Teatro Anatomico (Anatomical Theatre), a stunning 17th-century room carved entirely of spruce wood where medical students used to watch dissections.

Lunch: The Quadrilatero Market

Head into the narrow, bustling streets behind the square known as the Quadrilatero. This has been the city’s market since the Middle Ages. The air smells of parmesan and prosciutto.

“This market is the perfect place to sample the Holy Trinity of Bologna Food: Mortadella, Tortellini, and Ragù.”

  • Where to eat: Grab a Tagliere (mixed cured meat board) at Salumeria Simoni or Tamburini. Pair it with a glass of Pignoletto (the local sparkling white wine).

Afternoon: The Best View in Bologna (2026 Update)

Normally, visitors climb the Asinelli Tower. However, the Two Towers are currently CLOSED for safety and restoration (due to the leaning of the smaller Garisenda tower).

The Alternative: You should instead climb the Torre dell’Orologio (Clock Tower) in Piazza Maggiore.

  • Why it’s better: It’s safer, has an elevator for part of the way, and—crucially—it gives you a perfect view of the Two Towers. You can’t take a picture of the iconic towers if you are standing on top of them!
  • Ticket Tip: The ticket also includes entry to the Municipal Art Collections, which are beautiful.

Pro Tip: Space is limited in the tower. Book your Clock Tower + Art Collections Ticket here in advance to secure your slot!

If you want to buy authentic souvenirs like leather or ceramics, check our guide on What to Buy in Bologna.

Evening: Classic Bolognese Dinner

For your first dinner, you need the classic: Tagliatelle al Ragù. Head to Osteria dell’Orsa. It’s loud, chaotic, and full of students and locals. It’s an institution.

  • What to order: Tagliatelle al Ragù and a side of roasted potatoes.
  • Note: They don’t take reservations for small groups, so arrive by 7:00 PM or be prepared to queue (the queue moves fast!).

Day 2: Views, Porticoes & Hidden Gems

Focus: Burning off the pasta and finding “Little Venice.”

Morning: The Trek to San Luca

Bologna is famous for its porticoes (covered walkways), and the most famous one leads to the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca on top of a hill.

Traveling with little ones? The San Luca Express train is a lifesaver. Read more in our Bologna with Kids Guide.

  • The Walk: It is a 3.8km walk under 666 arches. It takes about 45-60 minutes uphill. It’s a Sunday tradition for locals.
  • The “Relaxed” Option: If you want to save your legs, you can take the “San Luca Express” tourist train from Piazza Maggiore.

Lunch: A Sunday Feast

After the hike down, you deserve a hearty meal. Head towards the university district to Trattoria da Vito (open Sundays, usually closed Tuesdays). This is a place where time stopped in the 1980s—honest food, big portions, and zero pretension.

Afternoon: Hidden Secrets

After lunch, wander back toward the center to find the Finestrella di Via Piella.

  • What is it? A small window in a wall that opens up to a hidden canal. Bologna used to look like Venice, full of canals, before they were paved over. This is one of the few spots where you can still see the water flowing between colorful houses.
  • Photo Tip: There is often a small line to take a photo. Be patient, or just peek over the wall on the bridge next to it.

Walk off lunch by exploring Piazza Santo Stefano (The Seven Churches). It’s arguably the most atmospheric square in Bologna. The “church” is actually a complex of interlocking chapels that date back to the 5th century. It is incredibly peaceful on a Sunday afternoon.

Late Afternoon Experience

If your train doesn’t leave until the evening, this is the perfect time for a hands-on experience. You’ve eaten the pasta—now learn to make it.

Recommendation: A Pasta & Tiramisu Cooking Class is the ultimate souvenir. You’ll learn to roll dough so thin you can read a newspaper through it—a skill you can take home forever.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is 2 days enough for Bologna? Yes, absolutely. The historic center is compact. Two days allows you to see the main sights and eat 4-5 amazing meals without rushing.

2. Can I climb the Two Towers in 2026? No. The Asinelli and Garisenda towers are currently closed for restoration. Use the Clock Tower (Torre dell’Orologio) for the best panoramic views instead.

3. Are shops and restaurants open on Sundays? Most shops in the main center are open. Museums are open. However, the Archiginnasio is closed on Sundays, so plan that for Saturday. Restaurants are a mix—check ahead, but places like Osteria dell’Orsa are open daily.

Have an extra day? Bologna is the perfect hub. See our ranked list of the Best Day Trips from Bologna including Venice and Florence.

Ready to book?

Plan Your Trip to Bologna!

Make your trip smoother with our practical guides:

Enjoy La Grassa!

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