Holiday in Bologna
City in Italy — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇮🇹
Country
Italy
Type
City
Best time to travel
March–June, September–November
Budget/day
80–150 €
Getting there from Germany
Direct flights to Bologna from Frankfurt, Munich, and Berlin take about 1.5 hours.
About Bologna
Bologna has three nicknames: La Grassa (the Fat) for its outstanding cuisine, La Dotta (the Learned) for the oldest university in Europe (founded in 1088), and La Rossa (the Red) for the ubiquitous red brick facades and its leftist political tradition. Each nickname hits the mark. Emilia-Romagna is Italy's culinary treasure chest, and Bologna is its capital: Tortellini in Brodo, Mortadella (the original, not cheap cold cuts), handmade Tagliatelle al Ragù (here no one says 'Bolognese'), Parmigiano Reggiano, and Prosciutto di Parma. The Mercato di Mezzo and the Quadrilatero district are foodie paradises. The city impresses with 40 kilometers of arcades, under which you can stroll dry-footed in any weather. The two leaning towers Asinelli (97 meters, climbable) and Garisenda are the landmarks. Piazza Maggiore with the unfinished Basilica of San Petronio (the fifth largest church in the world!) forms the center of city life. Shaped by the university, Bologna is a young, vibrant city with excellent nightlife and a cultural scene that ranges from avant-garde theater to jazz. The portico pilgrimage route to the Santuario di San Luca (3.8 kilometers, 666 arches) offers a magnificent panoramic view.
Top 5 highlights in Bologna
The places you absolutely must not miss.
Piazza Maggiore
Bologna's main square with the Basilica of San Petronio, the Palazzo Re Enzo, and the Neptune Fountain is the heart of the city.
Due Torri
The two leaning towers Asinelli and Garisenda are Bologna's landmarks – 498 steps lead to the top of Asinelli.
Quadrilatero
The market district with its delicatessens, butchers, and pasta manufacturers is a paradise for foodies.
UNESCO Arcades
The 62 km of arcades in Bologna, of which 40 km are UNESCO-protected, allow for walks in any weather.
Santuario della Madonna di San Luca
The pilgrimage church on the hill is accessible via the longest portico in the world (3.8 km, 666 arches).
Hotels in Bologna
Vergleiche tausende Hotels, Apartments und Resorts auf Expedia – mit Bestpreis-Garantie, kostenloser Stornierung und Bonuspunkten.
* Weiterleitung zu Expedia.de. Es gelten die dortigen Nutzungsbedingungen.
Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen
Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie
Best time to travel for Bologna
Recommended travel time
March–June, September–November
Summer
Hot and humid, 28–35 °C
Winter
Cold, 0–6 °C, fog possible
How much does a holiday in Bologna cost?
Average costs per person per day
Budget
40–65 €
Hostel, Street food, Public transport
Mid-range
80–150 €
Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions
Luxury
200–400 €
Boutique hotel, Fine dining
Book a package holiday to Bologna
Compare thousands of package holidays to Bologna and find the best deals with flight & hotel.
Compare package holidays now5 travel tips for Bologna
Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.
Tortellini in Bologna are called Tortellini in brodo (in broth), NOT with cream sauce – that's how the locals eat them.
Climb the Torre degli Asinelli (498 steps) – the view over the red roofs is spectacular.
Book a food tour or explore the Quadrilatero market on your own.
Bologna is a perfect starting point for day trips to Modena, Parma, and Ravenna.
Go out in the Via del Pratello in the evening – the liveliest bar and pub street in the city.
Food & drink in Bologna
These specialties you must try!
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