Ultimate Weekend Getaway Guide: Bologna, Italy

If you’re planning a quick trip to Bologna and need the perfect 48-hour itinerary, I’ve got you covered. This charming city, often overlooked (I’ll admit I didn’t really know about it before flying there with work) for Italy’s more famous tourist hotspots, is the perfect location for a quick (and cheap) weekend away.

First things first:

Where to Stay in Bologna

No matter your budget, Bologna has plenty of options to suit your needs. Here are some places I’d recommend:

• The Social Hub Bologna – ££
  A lively and modern option, perfect for socialising and meeting fellow travellers.
• Bohoostel SRL – £
  A budget-friendly hostel, ideal for backpackers.
• Royal Hotel Carlton – £££
  For those looking for luxury, this hotel offers elegance and a very cheap breakfast buffet.
• Boutique Hotel Il Guercino – £
  A charming and affordable boutique hotel with a cozy atmosphere.
• Dopa Hostel – ££
  A centrally located hostel, great for travellers who want comfort without splurging too much.

Day 1: Exploring Bologna’s Delights

Arrive and Settle In

It’s super easy to navigate to the city centre via train from the airport, and tickets are super affordable.

Lunch at Bottega Ranocchi 1972

After dropping off your luggage at you accommodation, head to Bottega Ranocchi 1972 for an early lunch/brunch. This unassuming eatery is a hidden gem located in the heart of Bologna. The best part? The prices are incredibly reasonable, allowing you to really gorge yourself on Italian cuisine without breaking the bank.

Personally I loved the Lasagna but I had some MAJOR food envy over the HUGE cold meat and cheese platter the couple on the table next to me had. It is also good to note that it get’s super busy so arrive early for a ‘brunch’ as opposed to a lunch, and note that due to it’s location you’ll become very friendly with the people on the table next to you as they’re basically merged together.

Wine and Olive Oil Tasting Tour

After wondering around streets admiring the porticoes, for which Bologna is famous for, head on a private wine and olive oil tasting tour. For as little as £13 (I found this experience here on Get Your Guide), this experience is both educational and indulgent. There’s such an array of tours on Get Your Guide there will definitely be one to suit your budget.

Alternatively, a few tasting tours run within the city itself visiting local restaurants.

Dinner at Il Veliero

After an afternoon indulging (maybe a little too much) on some local wines, head to Il Veliero for dinner. Specialising in seafood, Il Veliero offers a range of dishes that are both delicious and affordable (even on a broke backpacker budget). I would recommend, the classic Tagliatelle al Ragù (or more commonly known as Bolognese) which Bologna is famous for.

Be warned however because it can get SUPER busy here, so book in advance if you can or arrive early. It was recommended to me by a captain from the airline I used to work for but when I tried to visit with the crew, we were turned away.

Day 2: Discover Bologna’s Hidden Gems

Climb the Two Towers

Start your morning with a climb up one of Bologna’s most iconic landmarks—the Two Towers (Le Due Torri). Arrive at 10 am to beat the crowds (the tickets can be booked in the tourist information centre opposite the Basilica) and begin your ascent of Torre degli Asinelli, the taller of the two. It is a dizzying climb up 498 steps, but you’ll rewarded with 360° views of the city at the top.

My mum and I climbed up this and were stuck behind a group of OAPs and it was a slow process, one of the men in the group joked about the defibrillator half way up (yikes!). If you’re like me and scared of heights, I would either suggest skipping this one or practicing every breathing/meditation technique known to man because it isn’t for the faint hearted. The steps line the walls of the tower and can be really narrow and rickety, and showcase a big drop in the middle for most of the way up. After a certain point though there are floors where you can stop at to let people pass (and take in deep calming breaths to warn of the heights induced panic if your name is Erin Buckingham!)

The views at the top however are SO worth it! And for about £5 a ticket, it’s a must do activity no matter your budget.

Visit the Basilica di San Petronio

After your morning workout (trust me, it’s a workout!), visit the Basilica di San Petronio, one of Bologna’s iconic landmarks. It’s located in the heart of Piazza Maggiore (opposite the information office you’ll have already visited for the tower tickets). Inside, you’ll be greeted by intricate stained glass windows, but there are no photos allowed. At the back of the Basilica, you’ll find the Meridian Line, a unique astronomical feature that was used to calculate the exact time of the year based on the position of the sun (personally I found this really cool). Entry is free, making it an ideal activity for a budget conscious traveller.

Lunch at Osteria Da Fortunata

Head to Osteria Da Fortunata for a well-deserved lunch. Unfortunately, I haven’t visited the Bologna one, but I visited the one in Rome, and I might have to declare it as the best food I’ve eaten across Italy. The menu at Osteria Da Fortunata offers a wide range of dishes that cater to various tastes and budgets. My personal favourite is the Carbonara, and I’m not someone who’d usually go for a carbonara (I still think about it almost daily!.

One thing I love about Osteria Da Fortunata is that the pasta is freshly made on-site and you can watch them make it right in front of you. And if you’re not all wined out from the day before, the wine selection isn’t badly priced (you’re on holiday after all!). It’s the perfect atmosphere for solo travellers or groups.

Ventana al Canal ‘Window’

Just around the corner is one of Bologna’s (mostly) hidden gems—the Ventana al Canal. This small, unassuming window offers a perfect photo opportunity. As you peer through the Ventana al Canal, you’ll catch a glimpse of one of Bologna’s charming canals, a reminder of the city’s lesser-known waterways. I’ve visited a few times and the more recent times it has been much busier (and the first time was during the drought that saw some of even Venice’s canals drying up).

Gelato at Gelateria Galliera 49

No trip to Italy would be complete without indulging in some gelato. Head to Gelateria Galliera 49, which is one of those gelateria’s TikTok tells you to go to (you know, the ones where it’s not on display but in those metal canisters). With a wide variety of flavours to choose from, you’ll be spoiled for choice.

Personally I’m a fan of anything lemon flavoured, the sharper and more tart the better. The lemon gelato from here will have you scrunching up your face and twitching your eyes, the only acceptable reaction in my book! I also had a melon (the combination is my go to wherever I go) and this was such a good choice to.

Train Back to the Airport

Other Recommendations?

If you have extra time or want to explore more, consider visiting the Santuario Madonna di San Luca. Perched on a hill overlooking the city, it offers stunning views and is a peaceful retreat from the bustling city below. The site is free to enter, however you will need to budget in for transport.