One Day in Bologna: Italy’s Most Underrated City

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If you’re planning that bucket-list trip to Italy – and if you’re not, you really should be – you might not have considered spending one day in Bologna. Florence, Milan, Naples, Rome and Venice are right to be at the top of your list, but when you’re heading south from Florence or Venice, you’ll be going right past Emilia-Romagna’s largest city. It’s worth a stop, and we’re here to tell you why.

The University of Bologna, the oldest university in the world, was established in 1088. But long before that, Bologna was making history. Founded in the 9th century BC, it saw occupation by Gauls, Romans, Goths and Lombards before becoming part of the Papal States. In the aftermath of the Italian unification, Bologna faced a choice. Side with Austria, who had fought alongside Papal forces to keep their independence, or join the new Kingdom of Italy. It chose the latter, and the rest, as they say, is history.

History aside, Bolognese cuisine is a good enough reason alone for spending one day in Bologna. Wherever you come from in the world, the chances are you’ve already sampled some of the city’s most famous creations.

The birthplace of Spaghetti Bolognese, lasagne and tortellini, Bologna is home to some of Italy’s best restaurants (we have a separate guide to help with that one!). In just one day, you’ll be able to savor these culinary masterpieces, explore Bologna’s historic streets and soak up northern Italian culture by the boatload.

Is One Day in Bologna Enough?

Bologna is quite possible one of Italy’s most underrated cities. Truth be told, you could easily spend a weekend here and not see it all. But, despite it’s fame for a slow pace of life, no length of time in Italy is ever enough.

One day in Bologna is just long enough to soak up the atmosphere and tick off its most famous sights. You’ll have to bring your appetite though, it could take a lifetime to taste the best of Bolognese cuisine.

Getting to Bologna

If you’re spending one day in Bologna as part of a longer Italian adventure, it’s central location makes it a perfect stopping off point. For those who’ve rented, or brought their own car, Bologna is ideally situated for an extended break between Milan and Florence, Rome or the Italian Riviera. The city is well served by the Italian rail network, with frequent services to hubs including Milan, Rome and Venice.

Should your trip start or end in Bologna, flying to the city is a great option. Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ) is well served from destinations across Europe and North Africa as well as seeing one service from the UAE. A hub for low-cost and holiday airlines, if you’re traveling from further afield, you’ll need to connect. Regular flights from Amsterdam, Dubai, Frankfurt, Istanbul, London, Madrid and Rome mean there are plenty of options, wherever you’re coming from.

Ultimate One Day in Bologna Itinerary

9 am: An Espresso Bar Breakfast

If there’s one thing which can rival Italian food, it’s Italian coffee. Kick off your one day in Bologna the classic Italian way; with espresso in a quaint espresso bar. Antico Caffe Scaletto, steps from Piazza Maggiore is our top pick of Bologna’s endless list of great coffee spots.

Sip your espresso on their outdoor terrace, watching vespas dodge between the early morning crowds. No Italian breakfast would be complete without a flaky pastry. Antico Caffe Scaletto’s are freshly baked every morning. Whether you choose a plain butter croissant, pistachio or a lavish cream filled bun, you won’t leave hungry.

9.30 am: Explore Bologna’s Old Town

Spend the morning exploring the winding cobbled passageways which connect Bologna’s piazzas. Start off at Piazza Maggiore, home to Palazzo d’Accursio, the 14th century Town Hall which hosts the Civic Art Collection. I always recommend first joining a guided tour, so you can give some context to the rest of your day and learn more about the fascinating history of this area.

Continuing through Bologna’s old town, take a stroll around Mercato di Mezzo. The city’s finest food market is an unmissable highlight of any one day in Bologna itinerary. It may be a little early for lunch, but in Bologna, it’s always time for coffee and cannelloni.

Round off your exploration of the old town in picture-perfect Piazza della Mercanzia. The palazzo of the same name, on the southern side of the square, was built to house the Merchants’ Forum in the 14th century. Nowadays, it still sees regular use as a council chamber. Take a look inside to browse through dozens of historic recipe cards, claiming to hold to key to preparing Bolognese cuisine just how it was intended.

Travel tip: To make the most of spending one day in Bologna, take a guided walking tour of the old town. You’ll get to see its glorious piazzas through the eyes of a knowledgeable local expert.

11.30 am: Visit the Archiginnasio

Oft considered Bologna’s most important palace, the Archiginnasio was built as part of the University of Bologna. Having spent many years living in Oxford, I would never admit that there may be another university city which can match its beauty. Bologna stretches this loyalty to its limits.

Constructed upon the orders of Pope Pius IV, it was designed to bring the university’s arts and law schools under one roof. When the University of Bologna moved to Palazzo Poggi, the Archiginnasio was transformed into the largest library in Emilia-Romagna.

The easiest way to explore this stunning piece of Bolognese history is with an audio-guided tour. Just remember, you’ll need to hand over your bags and any writing materials before going inside. They’re strictly forbidden.

12.30 pm: Mortadella at Murtadela

Sandwiches may be lunchtime favorites across the globe, but this is Italy, and naturally, Italians do them better. Bologna’s staple sandwich contains one of its most famous creations: mortadella. The sausage which inspired Baloney (Bologna), authentic mortadella has to contain no less than 15% cubes of pork neck fat. Infused with peppercorns, the taste is a flavor overload.

With one day in Bologna to sample as many Bolognese creations as possible, head to Murtadela, just north of Piazza Maggiore (and one of our favorite restaurants in Bologna). Mortadella sandwiches are their specialty; go for the original with nothing but bread and heaps of sausage, or try one of their specials with foir di latte mozzarella, provolone or pistachios. Be sure to leave room for dessert. They only do one- a soft bun full to the brim with rich chocolate cream- and it is phenomenal.

1 pm: Supercar Heaven

Food, coffee and wine aside, spend the afternoon of your one day in Bologna uncovering the secrets of another Italian masterpiece – supercars. Both Ferrari and Lamborghini are headquartered within spitting distance of the city center. Take your pick, grab a taxi, and unleash your inner petrolhead.

Travel tip: If you decide to spend more than one day in Bologna, a combo-ticket for both museums will save on costs.

Both the Ferrari and Lamborghini museums are around a 35-minute drive west of Bologna city center. Which you should visit is all down to personal preference. We think they’re both fantastic. If you’re a supercar fanatic, you’ll already know which is top of your hit list.

If you’re undecided, the Ferrari Museum is our recommendation. A more iconic brand, they have a slightly larger collection of cars and cater for everyone from Ferrari experts to complete novices. The Lamborghini Museum, though, is slightly closer to the city center and, with one day in Bologna, time is of the essence.

Not a Fan of Supercars?

If spending the afternoon amongst some of the world’s most expensive cars isn’t your idea of fun, don’t panic, Bologna has more than its fair share of amazing museums. Palazzo Pepoli is the top spot to learn more about Bolognese history, whilst Museo Giovanni Capellini is a must for palaeontologists.

Alternatively, spend the remainder of your one day in Bologna exploring some of the city’s eclectic art galleries. Palazzo Fava is home to some of the city’s finest classical art, whilst the modernists will love the Museo d’Arte Moderna.

4 pm: Learn More About Bolognese Cuisine

There’s no better way to get a true taste for Bolognese cooking than to try your hand at making its most famous dish. Sign up for a masterclass in traditional Tagliatelle al Ragu. Start off with a glass of wine – after all, this is surely the meaning of ‘cooking with wine’ – before learning how to craft delicious fresh pasta. Tagliatelle perfected, you’ll move on to making your very own Bolognese ragu.

If your family is anything like mine, you’ll each have your own idea on how to make Spaghetti Bolognese. Each one will be different, and you’ll all claim that yours is best. At the end of one day in Bologna, you’ll have the answer: the best Bolognese is Bolognese Bolognese.

Travel tip: Never make the mistake of ordering, or even referring to, Spaghetti Bolognese in Bologna. Although the international favorite is based, very closely, on the original from Bologna, Spaghetti Bolognese doesn’t exist here. The local (original) dish is Tagliatelle al Ragu, which originated from French ragout in the 18th century.

7.30 pm: An Evening in Quadrilatero

At the heart of the old city, cutesy Quadrilatero is where Bologna locals go to unwind. Lively late into the evening, Quadrilatero is home to some of Bologna’s best restaurants, bars and shops. Check out the wine merchants, stock up on handmade chocolates and pause for a glass of wine at 15th-century Osteria del Sole.

If you have room left for one last Bolognese culinary masterpiece, stop by Taverna del Postiglione. Their classic tortellini in brodo are the highlight. Served just how they’re meant to be, these tiny meat and cheese stuffed pasta shells are another Bolognese staple and the ideal way to round off one day in Bologna.

Beyond one day in Bologna

If you are thinking of staying a little longer, Bologna makes an excellent base for exploring central Italy. Hotels in Bologna can often be a little cheaper than nearby, and much more popular, Florence. For a great central location, I usually recommend the Starhotels Excelsior or Phi Hotel Bologna, both located in the heart of the historic centre.

The small medieval towns of Emilia-Romagna offer a similar experience to Tuscany, yet, again, with much smaller crowds. Think small winding alleyways, rolling hills and gorgeous little restaurants with handwritten menus. Some of my favorites include Ravenna (the city of mosaics) or Parma (yet another foodie paradise). If you really want to get off-the-beaten-path, make your way to the gorgeous villages of Brisighella and Dozza.

Want to tick off a new country? Another completely unique experience from Bologna is a visit to the sovereign state of San Marino. On a relatively easy day-trip from Bologna, you can make your way up the mountain and learn about one of Europe’s most unique micro-states. Don’t forget your passport!

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