Bologna

Bologna is the capital of Emilia Romagna and makes a fantastic base for exploring the legendary "food valley". The city's history stretches back a few hundred years before Christ and it is home to the oldest university in Europe. These facts are responsible for two of the nicknames Bologna owns with pride. La Dotta – "the learned one" and La Grassa – "the fat one". Truly you're never far from a spectacular meal in Bologna, as long as you're not vegan. Emilia Romagna might not be a name as well known as neighboring Tuscany but its food specialties are renowned the world over. The king of Italian cheeses: Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma and traditional Aceto Balsamico are all from around here and a visit to see how they're produced is a must.

La Dotta, La Grassa, La Rossa.Bologna has many nicknames and it wears each with pride. Discover why.

Petrolheads will also find much to love in Emilia Romagna. Ferrari, Lamborghini, Ducati, and Maserati are all produced close by and have museums or factory tours available. If "slow food" and fast cars aren't your thing, Bologna still won't disappoint. A thriving arts scene means you'll easily find a more cultured diversion, from art galleries to operas. And if you want to work up an appetite, the gently leaning Asinelli Tower's almost 500 steps will help you burn some calories. From the top you'll see why Bologna is also known as La Rossa - "the red one," as you gaze out over the red tiled roofs of the old city, which escaped WWII largely undamaged.

Perfectly located no more than a couple of hours by high speed train from Milan, Venice, and Rome, and less than half an hour from Florence, Bologna's easy to include in a multi-city tour of Italy. The smaller Emilia Romagna cities of Modena and Parma are also very close and make for great day trips from Bologna.

Things to do in Bologna

Bologna's historic center is very walkable and in all weathers, thanks to the 25 miles of porticos. You could choose explore on your own or with the help of a private walking tour guide so you don't miss out on some of the important details. Most visitors to Bologna are here for the food and the city's classic dishes, tortellini in broth, and tagliatelle with ragu bolognese are undoubtedly a big draw. A food walking tour will give you the perfect introduction to Bologna's food culture. Curious cooks can take a cooking class and recreate those fabulous dishes at home. If you want to learn all about how the region's legendary cheese, ham, and balsamic vinegar are produced, then a full day tour of the "food valley" is essential. Other tour options focus on the region's motoring heritage, with the opportunity to take a Ferrari or Lamborghini for a spin. When we send you your customized itinerary you will be able to choose additional excursions to include in your vacation package or consider for adding later.

Private Food Walking Tour

Popular Tour Itineraries Featuring Bologna

Name: JayWay Travel Bologna Italy Tour Packages
Brand: JayWay Travel
Rating: 4.90 (5 reviews)

Spend some time in Bologna on a tour that takes in other cities in Italy and neighboring countries. Our custom tour packages including Bologna and other destinations throughout Italy and Europe make multi-city trips hassle-free. We take care of getting you from place to place, accommodation, excursions and activities.

Next Level Italian

Verona, Sirmione, Monterosso Al Mare, Bologna

10 Days

from$3,925 pp^*

Under the Radar Italy

Naples, Bologna, Lucca, Milan

11 Days

from$5,075 pp^*

Italy & Greece for Foodies

Rome, Bologna, Heraklion, Athens

13 Days

from$4,975 pp^*

Foodie France & Italy

Paris, Lyon, Bologna, Rome

13 Days

from$6,800 pp^*

Italy & Spain for Foodies

Venice, Bologna, Madrid, San Sebastian

14 Days

from$7,825 pp^*

* Starting price is per person, in US Dollars, based on double occupancy in 3 star accommodation, in the most affordable month an itinerary is offered. Airfare to Europe is not included.

Click on your choice of itinerary, select number of travelers in your party, month of travel, and desired star level of accommodation to get an approximate price. Submit the enquiry form with any additional details and we can start planning your customized trip.

Where to stay in Bologna

Bologna is a popular destination for conferences and expos, so there are plenty of business hotels in the area close to the train station but that's not the most interesting or attractive part of town to be in, so we've concentrated our hotel selection on the historical center. You'll be in the thick of the action and in easy strolling distance to Bologna's tastiest and liveliest spots. From historic boutiques, to modern design hotels, to centrally located renovated and well-equipped apartments, with a few restored palazzos thrown in for good measure, whatever your taste in accommodation, we've got you covered. Once we start preparing your customized itinerary we will present our recommended options for you to select from.

Stylish Heritage Hotel

An elegant 4-star superior hotel with 5 star touches in a beautiful historic building in the historic city center.

Small Design Hotel

Historical design and decoration in a cosy three-star hotel right in the heart of Bologna's market area.

Deluxe Hotel

Well worn grandeur in one of the most prestigious hotels in Bologna.

Glowing Reviews from Our Guests

4.9 / 5

Average of our Guest's Ratings of our trip packages including Bologna, based on 5 reviews

Diane & Charles

South Carolina

We had never used a travel agent before but after the outstanding, hassle free fortieth anniversary trip in Italy we just had thanks to JayWay Travel, we will surely use them again. We felt thatLorenza was holding our hands as we wobbled thru the cobblestone streets. Bravo!

Year : 2024
Visited : Italy
Itinerary : Como, Levanto, Bologna, Verona, Milan
Rating :

4.5 / 5

Tracy & Gary

California

JayWay Travel listened to our preferences and provided great options which allowed us to create a memorable vacation experience. JayWay Travel was there from start to finish which allowed us to have a worry free vacation.

Year : 2021
Visited : Italy
Itinerary : Milan, Bologna, Siena, Rome
Rating :

5 / 5

Julia & Kirk

Colorado

Love the friendly people you interact with either on the phone, or via email. The Guest Page is so easy to use with loads of great information. JayWay Travel makes it very easy to build a great completely customized vacation trip.

Year : 2019
Visited : Italy
Itinerary : Venice, Bologna, Milan, Levanto, Florence, Siena, Rome
Rating :

5 / 5

Frequently Asked Questions about travel to Bologna

What are prices like in Bologna?

Bologna is relatively affordable compared to other Italian cities like Milan or Rome. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant typically costs between €20-€35 per person. If you're looking for a quick bite, street food like a sandwich or a slice of pizza might cost around €5-€10. For attractions, many of the city's landmarks and museums charge between €5-€15 for entry. Public transportation is also reasonably priced, with a single bus ticket costing around €1.50. Overall, Bologna offers a great balance of value and quality for visitors.

How can I get around Bologna?

Getting around Bologna is quite easy and convenient. The city has a well-connected bus network, with tickets costing around €1.50 for a single ride. The historic center is compact, so walking is often the best way to explore its charming streets and landmarks. If you want more flexibility, you can rent a bike, which is widely available around the city. Taxis and ridesharing services like Uber are also options, though they tend to be more expensive than public transport. Overall, Bologna is easy to navigate on foot.

Is Bologna safe?

Yes, Bologna is generally a safe city for visitors. It has a welcoming atmosphere, and most areas, especially the historic center, are well-patrolled and secure. Like in any major city, it's a good idea to stay alert in crowded places such as markets or on public transport, where pickpocketing can occasionally occur.

What options does Bologna have for people with dietary restrictions?

Bologna offers a variety of options for people with dietary restrictions. With a strong focus on fresh, local ingredients, it’s relatively easy to find dishes that fit specific dietary requirements. Staff at most restaurants are understanding and happy to accommodate requests.

How long should I stay in Bologna?

We recommend spending at least two nights in Bologna to fully enjoy the city's rich history and vibrant atmosphere. If you're interested in exploring more of the region, consider adding a third night to allow time for a day trip to another city or to Tuscany.