Bologna 7 Day Itinerary

July 8, 2024

Bologna 7-Day Itinerary: A Culinary and Cultural Exploration

Day 1: Arrival and City Center Exploration

Stay at: Hotel D’Italia (Centrally located, historic charm) or Hotel Touring (Modern, great location)
Eat at: Trattoria Avenia (Traditional Bolognese dishes) for dinner
Things to know: Bologna is known as “La grassa” (The Fat One) due to its rich culinary traditions. Be prepared to indulge!
Transportation: Walking is the best way to explore the city center, but you can also use buses or rent a bike
Tip: Download the free app, “Bologna & Emilia Romagna,” for local tips and recommendations

Day 2: Piazza Maggiore and Surroundings

Breakfast at: Pasticceria Gianni (Traditional pastries)
Visit: Piazza Maggiore, Basilica di San Petronio, Palazzo della Mercanzia, Archiginnasio
Lunch at: Osteria del Sole or Da Mario
Activity: Walk up the Asinelli Tower for a panoramic view of Bologna
Dinner at: Osteria Broccantina (Modern Emilian cuisine)

Day 3: Food Tour and Market Visit

Breakfast at: Cremeria Santo Stefano (Artisanal gelato)
Activity: Take a food tour to learn about Bologna’s culinary specialties, including mortadella, tortellini, and ragú
Lunch at: various stops during the food tour
Afternoon visit: Mercato delle Erbe and Mercato del Mezzo (Local markets for food shopping)
Dinner on your own in the Quadrilatero district (historic market area)

Day 4: University of Bologna and San Luca Sanctuary

Breakfast at: Caffe Terzi (Historic café)
Visit: The University of Bologna (Oldest university in the world), Palazzo Poggi, Arcipescale Palace
Lunch at: Osteria del Castello (Castle-side eatery)
Activity: Walk up to the Basilica di San Luca on the Portico of San Luca
Dinner at: Osteria de’ Poeti or Osteria della Bella Figura

Day 5: Day Trip to Modena (Ferrari Museum, Duomo, and Traditional Balsamic Vinegar)

Breakfast at your hotel
Transportation: Train from Bologna Centrale Station (40 minutes)
Visit: Ferrari Museum, Modena Cathedral (Duomo), Ghirlandina Tower, and Piazza Grande
Lunch in Modena: Osteria Francescoli or Trattoria Graziano
Afternoon visit: Acetaia Pedroni for traditional balsamic vinegar tasting
Return to Bologna by train
Dinner at: Ristorante Al Vecinaio (Fish specialties)

Day 6: Day Trip to Ravenna (Byzantine Mosaics)

Breakfast at your hotel
Transportation: Train from Bologna Centrale Station (1 hour)
Visit: Basilica di San Vitale, Mausoleo di Galla Placidia, Battistero Neoniano, and Basilica Sant’Apollinare Nuovo
Lunch in Ravenna: Osteria dell’Orsa or Trattoria Da Remigio
Return to Bologna by train
Farewell Dinner at: Ristorante Al Sole (Gourmet Emilian dishes)

Day 7: Departure