5 Hidden Gems in Bologna (That Most Tourists Miss)

You’ve climbed the towers (or looked at them), walked the porticoes, and eaten your weight in Tortellini. Now what?

Bologna is a city of secrets. Beneath the red roofs and bustling markets lies a network of hidden canals, bizarre museums, and quiet viewpoints that 90% of tourists walk right past.

If you want to escape the crowds on Via dell’Indipendenza, here are 5 hidden gems in Bologna that will make you feel like a true local.

1. The “Secret” Viewpoint: San Michele in Bosco

Everyone fights for a ticket to the Clock Tower or the Asinelli Tower. But the locals know the best view is actually free, and it sits on a hill just south of the city center.

While everyone knows the famous UNESCO Porticoes of Bologna, the view from San Michele offers a completely different perspective of the city.

San Michele in Bosco is a former Olivetan monastery complex with a massive terrace that offers a postcard-perfect view of Bologna’s skyline. Because you are outside the city looking in, you can see the Two Towers, the Basilica, and the sea of red roofs all in one frame.

• How to get there: You can hike up via the park (Parco San Michele) in about 30 minutes, or take Bus 30 from the center.
• The “Active” Option: The hills around Bologna are stunning and hard to reach on foot. I recommend taking an E-Bike tour that stops here for the view and then takes you deeper into the vineyards.

Top Rated Tour: Bologna E-Bike Guided Tour with Aperitivo!
Why: You get the view, a fun ride through the green hills, and wine waiting for you at the end.

2. Little Venice: The Finestrella di Via Piella

Did you know Bologna used to look like Venice? In the Middle Ages, the city was crisscrossed by canals used for silk production. Most were paved over in the 1950s, but a few remain hidden between the buildings.

Go to Via Piella and look for a small, nondescript square hole in the wall. Peeking through this “window” reveals a hidden canal (Canale delle Moline) flowing between colorful houses. It is a surreal photo opportunity.

• Insider Tip: Don’t just stop at the window. Walk around the corner to Via Malcontenti to see the canal from the other side without the line of Instagrammers.
• Go Deeper: There is a fascinating “Underground Bologna” culture. If you are curious about the crypts and water systems beneath your feet, you can book a private guide to show you the hidden layers.

Recommended Experience: Enjoy a Classic Guided Walking Tour in Bologna!

3. The “Sci-Fi” Museum: Palazzo Poggi & The Obstetrics Museum

Bologna is home to the oldest university in the Western world, and it has collected some weird things over the last 900 years.

Skip the crowded art galleries and head to Palazzo Poggi on Via Zamboni. Inside, you’ll find a collection that looks like a mad scientist’s laboratory: ancient maps, model ships, and—most famously—the Museum of Obstetrics.

It features 18th-century wax models of childbirth and human anatomy that were used to teach medical students. It is fascinating, slightly creepy, and completely unique to Bologna.

• Don’t Miss: The Anatomical Theatre in the nearby Archiginnasio (a room carved entirely of wood for dissections) is a must-see companion to this.

Discover the Archiginnasio of Bologna on a guided tour, the queue can get long.
Book Here Your Archiginnasio Guided Tour!

4. The Green Greenhouse: Le Serre dei Giardini Margherita

If you need a break from the stone and brick, head to Giardini Margherita, the city’s “Central Park.”

Inside the park, you will find Le Serre (The Greenhouses). This used to be the city’s plant nursery, but it has been converted into a hipster coworking space, bar, and restaurant. It is where the cool young creatives of Bologna hang out.

It’s one of the coolest spots in town for a drink. For more evening spots, read my full Guide to Aperitivo in Bologna.

• The Vibe: Laptop-friendly during the day, romantic mood lighting and craft cocktails at night.
• What to eat: Their menu is plant-based and incredible. It’s a refreshing break from the heavy meat-based diet of the city center.
• Note: This is a true local spot—no entry fee, just buy a coffee and relax.

5. The Silent City: Certosa di Bologna

This might sound strange, but one of the most beautiful places in Bologna is the cemetery.

The Certosa is a monumental cemetery founded in 1801. It is basically an open-air museum of Neoclassical architecture and sculpture. You will find grand marble angels, weeping statues, and elaborate family tombs. It is silent, hauntingly beautiful, and completely empty of tourists.

• Famous Resident: Look for the grave of Alfieri Maserati (one of the founders of the Maserati car company).
• Getting there: It’s a 30-minute walk from the center or a quick bus ride (Bus 19 or 36).