Eating & Exploring Beautiful Bologna has been a bucket list item of mine for a while. I finally made it there recently. Consequently, here are some delicious, interesting, and Beautiful Bologna Stops from my recent trip to this wonderful city. This Italian destination is where every corner looks like it’s been pulled from a Renaissance painting. Every meal feels like it’s been sent from the gods. Bologna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is often overlooked by travelers. This is a shame because it’s like skipping the middle chapter of a really good book—you miss all the juicy details!
Let’s Eat!
First off, let’s talk about food. Bologna didn’t earn the nickname “La Grassa” (The Fat One) by accident. This city is the birthplace of Bolognese sauce, “ragu” to the locals. Yes, it tastes better here than anywhere else. Make sure to loosen your belt before you even arrive. Between the tortelloni, gelato, and mortadella, you’ll be rolling out of restaurants wondering if you need a forklift to get back into your hotel.
The City’s Gorgeous Porticos
The second part of Eating & Exploring Beautiful Bologna offers a lot. The porticos of Bologna, Italy, are like the city’s signature umbrella—except far more elegant and architectural. Spanning nearly 40 kilometers, these covered walkways date back to the Middle Ages and were originally built to expand living space without taking up valuable street real estate.
Today, they’re not just a shelter from the elements but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll under them, and you’ll be treated to a mix of stunning arches, intricate ceilings, and a parade of Italian life, from bustling markets to quiet cafés. Plus, they give you the ultimate Italian experience: eating gelato while dodging raindrops, without ever opening an umbrella!
So Much More than Food
Bologna is also home to the oldest university in the world, founded in 1088. So, you can sound smart while you’re stuffing your face. The city is peppered with towers, some leaning more than your willpower in front of a gelato stand. The Two Towers, Asinelli and Garisenda, are like the cooler, lesser-known cousins of that famous one in Pisa.
Bologna’s red rooftops, charming porticoes, and lively piazzas are perfect for strolling, sipping on an Aperol Spritz, and pretending you’re in a postcard. Plus, the locals are friendly—especially if you attempt to speak Italian. Just don’t tell them you put ketchup on your pasta, or they might revoke your tourist visa.
So, if you’re looking for a city that combines history, culture, and enough carbs to keep you happy for a lifetime, put Bologna at the top of your list. Don’t forget to pack your appetite and some stretchy pants.
Of course, I’ve included some of my favorite food diversions in these 16 Beautiful Bologna Stops. However, the city has so much more to offer. Discover Bologna’s food and culture gems below in Eating & Exploring Beautiful Bologna:
Eating & Exploring Beautiful Bologna: Let’s start with food.
EAT:
Epic Charcuterie & Cheese Boards in the Quadrilatero
The Quadrilatero is the beating heart of Bologna’s food scene. This is where ancient culinary traditions blend seamlessly with modern tastes. It’s like stepping into a foodie’s paradise that happens to be tucked into a medieval maze of narrow streets. An ancient market area next to the Piazza Maggiore, where the scent of cured meats, fresh pasta, and cheese lures you in.
Cobblestone streets lined with tiny shops, bustling markets, and little cafes, the Quadrilatero has been around since Roman times. So it has been a hub for traders and merchants for centuries. Today, it’s a delightful mix of history and modern culinary flair, perfect for an afternoon stroll with plenty of tasty pit stops. Some have a selection of cheese and meat boards. Select one of each to share. Consequently, this is a great way to sample a variety of local fare.
“F$%k The Diet” at Forno Brisa
Indulge your lunchtime hunger with delicious, creative focaccia-style pizza at this mega-successful crowd-funded bread bakery/coffee stop/pizzeria. This self-branded “Independant and Rebel “ Bakery has several locations in Bologna.
Their motto is “Fanculo La Dieta”. They have plenty of merch if you want to bring this saying home as a souvenir.
Did Someone say, Pizza?
Here are two epic pizzas we had at Ristorante Scalinatella Pizzeria
Eat Fancy : Trattoria Da Mi
A Michelin restaurant founded in 1937 with lovely decor and a fresh creative menu. Delicious wines. Amazing meal very reasonably priced.
Clockwise from left: Cheese Ice Cream: a tasting of Stracchino, Robiola, and Gorgonzola Ice Cream with Rosemary Waffle and Caramelized Figs, Tagliatelle al Ragù, Tagliolini Cut Like My Father Loves: tagliolini with Friggione and Squacquerone, Tomato, Oregano, and Fresh Spring Onion Salad
Eating & Exploring Beautiful Bologna: Eat Casual: Anna Maria Trattoria
Anna Maria is a charming restaurant with an old-school feel and fun art decorating the walls. The food is outstanding and the service is perfect. A Divine Dinner.
Clockwise from left: Layered Eggplant appetizer, Tortelloni with Butter and Sage, Tortellini in Parmesan Cream Sauce, Zuppe Inglese
Eating & Exploring Beautiful Bologna: Eat Casual:Trattoria “La Finestrella”.
Another winner dinner. Again, excellent food, service, and wines.
From Left to right: Artichoke salad with walnuts and parmesan, Gramigna (local pasta shape) with ragu, Lasagne Verde Classica.
Indulge in Gelato but don’t sleep on the Granita
Clockwise from Top Left: Peach Apricot Granita from Vero, Blackberry, Chocolate, and watermelon granitas from Galliera 49.
Eating & Exploring Beautiful Bologna: Best Gelato Stops:
Cremeria Cavour
Top Left: Cioccolato e Rhum & La Dotta Middle Right:Amarenata & Piazza Grande
Cremeria Santo Stefano Bologna
Top Right: Pistachio di Bronte y Pistacio Salato del Bosforo Middle Bottom: Budino di Provenza y Crema della Zitelle
Site Highlights from this Eating & Exploring Beautiful Bologna post.
DO & SEE
Check out the 220-foot Sundial on the floor of The Basilica di San Petronio
The largest and most important church in Bologna was never finished. Legend says that the Pope wanted to prevent San Petronio from exceeding the size of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Despite this, San Petronio is still the 5th largest church in the world today.
In this Sun Dial, a hole in the ceiling of the cathedral projects a shaft of sunlight onto this bronze strip on the pavement below which is engraved with the days of the year and signs of the zodiac. a 67.72-meter-long metal line that runs along the floor of the basilica. On either side of this line, several marble slabs bear two sets of numbers, corresponding to two different systems of time measurement, the zodiac and solstices, and equinoxes slabs.
Pay Your Respects at the Partisan Memorial
The Partisan Memorial in Piazza Maggiore, Bologna, stands as a solemn tribute to the city’s courageous resistance fighters who gave their lives during World War II. Nestled under the archways near the Palazzo d’Accursio, this memorial is striking in its raw emotion. The black-and-white photographs of young partisans, their faces filled with determination, are encased in bronze frames, while beneath them lie plaques inscribed with their names. It’s a poignant reminder of Bologna’s deep ties to the Italian Resistance, and as you pass by, the memorial seems to pull you into the weight of history. Even amidst the lively energy of the piazza, this spot invites quiet reflection, honoring those who fought for freedom.
Take an immersive Street Art walk down Via del Pratello
Bologna’s Via Zamboni may be famous for its student energy, but if you venture off the beaten path, you’ll find a hidden gem of creativity: Via del Pratello, known for its vibrant street art scene. This lively street, located in the city’s historic center, is where the walls come alive with murals, graffiti, and artistic expressions reflecting Bologna’s rebellious and political spirit.
The art here ranges from intricate, colorful pieces to more raw and subversive graffiti, often carrying bold social messages. Via del Pratello has a gritty charm, with its blend of old-world architecture and contemporary art, making it a favorite haunt for locals and travelers alike. Whether you’re strolling by day or night, the street pulses with the soul of Bologna—unconventional, expressive, and always ready to make a statement. Plus, with its laid-back bars and cafés, it’s the perfect spot to soak up some culture while sipping an Aperol spritz!
Imagine 17th Century Public Human Dissections at Teatro Anatomica
Visiting the Teatro Anatomico in Bologna is like stepping into a time capsule where medicine and macabre history collide in the most elegant way possible. Nestled within the historic Palazzo dell’Archiginnasio, this wooden anatomical theater was where 17th-century medical students gathered to watch dissections—yes, actual dissections—of human bodies!
The room itself feels like an eccentric doctor’s workshop, with carved statues of famous physicians watching over you, almost as if they’re saying, “Don’t worry, you’ll learn a lot, just maybe skip lunch first.” It’s an eerie yet fascinating experience that showcases Bologna’s profound contributions to the medical world, and the blend of art, science, and a dash of medieval spookiness is well worth the visit! Not to mention the stunning details of the building itself.
Discover the Ancient Jewish Quarter & Visit the Jewish Museum
Exploring Bologna’s Ancient Jewish Quarter is like wandering through the hidden layers of the city’s past. The cobblestone streets whisper stories of a once-thriving Jewish community. Tucked away in the medieval heart of Bologna, this area offers a glimpse into Jewish life before the expulsion in 1593. The narrow alleys and arches have an old-world charm. The subtle details—like mezuzahs on doorways or remnants of Hebrew inscriptions—serve as a poignant reminder of its history.
A visit to the Jewish Museum, Museo Ebraico di Bologna, nearby adds depth to the experience. The museum offers a well-curated collection that spans centuries. you will view artifacts, documents, and exhibitions that delve into Jewish traditions, culture, and the resilience of Bologna’s Jewish community and beyond. Consequently, it’s a quiet but profound corner of the city that connects the past with the present in a deeply meaningful way.
Hop the Cute Choo Choo to Basilica San Luca
Visiting the Basilica of San Luca in Bologna is like embarking on a pilgrimage. But with some serious views and legwork thrown in. Perched on a hilltop, the basilica offers a panoramic reward for those who brave the climb, whether you take the scenic walk up the world’s longest portico (a breezy 666 arches long!) or hitch a ride in a charming tourist train to the top.
Once there, the basilica itself is a serene beauty. It features a striking dome and a stunning Baroque interior. But it’s not just about the architecture. There’s an air of tranquility and devotion.
The views from the top are breathtaking. Gaze out over the red rooftops of Bologna, with the green hills and distant mountains on the horizon, making it feel like you’re standing on the edge of both the city and heaven!
Explore Certosa di Bologna, one of the oldest European Cemeteries
My last tip in this Eating & Exploring Beautiful Bologna post is one of my favorites. Visiting the Certosa di Bologna is taking a peaceful yet slightly eerie stroll through Bologna’s version of a grand, open-air art gallery and cemetery combined.
Founded in 1334 as a Carthusian monastery, this sprawling complex evolved into a monumental cemetery in the 19th century. Consequently, it’s nothing short of stunning. The long, quiet corridors and ornate tombs house the remains of notable Bolognese citizens. Additionally, it is a treasure trove of neoclassical sculptures, intricate frescoes, and marble mausoleums. As a result the whole place is an artistic masterpiece.
One of the highlights is the Cemetery of the Fallen. This is a haunting yet beautiful tribute to soldiers and civilians from World War I and II. The wealth of symbolism and emotion in the artwork makes this a powerful space for reflection. Walking among the gravestones, you’ll also encounter intricate statues. These seem to blend life and death, with angelic figures almost reaching out to you.
While it may not be your typical tourist spot, Certosa di Bologna offers a fascinating, somber glimpse into history, art, and the lives of those who shaped Bologna.
Like this guide to Eating & Exploring Beautiful Bologna? Also, Check out some of my other travel tips:
ADMIRING ANTWERP’S AGELESS GEMS
6 GORGEOUS GLASGOW STOPS
5 VENTURESOME VENICE STOPS
BOUNCING AROUND BEAUTIFUL BRUGES
