Italy · Region
Bologna
Bologna is Italy's great crossroads city — a medieval university town of red-brick porticoes and towers that also happens to be the country's culinary capital, home to tagliatelle al ragù, tortellini, and mortadella. Its compact, walkable historic center sits atop one of Italy's busiest rail junctions, making it as much a gateway to the rest of the country as a destination in its own right.
Top-rated things to do in Bologna
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Where to stay in Bologna
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Plan your trip to Bologna
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Frequently asked questions about Bologna
How do I get to Bologna?
Most travellers arrive via Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ), linked to Bologna Centrale station by the Marconi Express monorail in ~7 minutes; from there, the historic center is an easy walk or short bus ride. Bologna Centrale itself is a major high-speed rail hub, sitting on the Milan–Bologna and Bologna–Florence high-speed lines, with journeys to Milan taking ~1 hour and to Florence ~35 minutes.
How many days should I spend in Bologna?
Plan on ~2-3 days to properly explore Bologna's porticoed streets, towers, and food scene, with extra time if using the city as a base for day trips across Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany.
What is Bologna known for?
Bologna is Italy's great crossroads city — a medieval university town of red-brick porticoes and towers that also happens to be the country's culinary capital, home to tagliatelle al ragù, tortellini, and mortadella. Its compact, walkable historic center sits atop one of Italy's busiest rail junctions, making it as much a gateway to the rest of the country as a destination in its own right.