Bologna 5 Day Itinerary

Title: 5-Day Bologna Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & City Center Exploration

  • Arrival: Bologna’s Guglielmo Marconi Airport is the main gateway. You can reach the city center by bus (Aerobus) or taxi.

  • Accommodation: Stay in the historic city center for convenience. Recommendations include Hotel Novecento, Hotel Corona d’Oro, and Hotel Touring.

  • Lunch: Taste traditional Bolognese cuisine at Trattoria Aldina or Da Billy.

  • Activities: Visit the Two Towers (Asinelli and Garisenda), Piazza Maggiore, and the Fountain of Neptune. Explore the medieval streets of Quadrilatero, a bustling market area.

Day 2: Food & Market Tour

  • Breakfast: Grab breakfast pastries at Pasticceria Gianni or Graziella.

  • Activity: Join a food tour to learn about Bologna’s rich culinary heritage. Highlights include Mortadella tastings, local cheeses, and Balsamic Vinegar of Modena tasting.

  • Lunch: Lunch will be part of your food tour. If not, try Ristorante Mamma Gina or Osteria del Sole.

  • Activity: Visit the beautiful University of Bologna and the Anatomical Theater of Bologna.

Day 3: Art & Culture

  • Breakfast: Start your day with a cappuccino at Caffè Terzi or La Borsa di Cafe'.

  • Activity: Visit the Pinacoteca Nazionale, home to works by Caravaggio, Raphael, and Titian. Next, explore San Domenico, a church housing the relics of Saint Dominic and San Petronio Basilica, one of the largest churches in the world.

  • Lunch: Lunch at Osteria Dei Poeti or Al Prosciutto e i Salami.

  • Activity: Spend the afternoon at Giardini Margherita, a beautiful public park.

Day 4: Day Trip to Modena

  • Transportation: Take the train from Bologna Centrale Station (approx. 30 min) to Modena.

  • Activities: Visit the Enzo Ferrari Museum, Duomo di Modena, and Piazza Grande.

  • Lunch: Try authentic Emilia-Romagna cuisine at Osteria Francescoli or Trattoria da Danilo.

  • Return to Bologna: Catch the train back in the evening.

Day 5: Departure

  • Breakfast: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel before checking out.

  • Lunch: If time allows, have lunch at Trattoria Sor Potù or Osteria del Sole before heading to the airport.

  • Departure: Take a taxi or bus (Aerobus) to Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport for your departure.