About Bologna
Bologna is the capital and largest city of the Emilia-Romagna region in northern Italy. It is the seventh most populous city in Italy, with 391,473 inhabitants from 150 different nationalities. Its metropolitan province is home to more than 1 million people as of 2026. Bologna is most famous for being the home to the oldest university in continuous operation, the University of Bologna, established in AD 1088.
Cheap flights to Bologna
The lowest round-trip fare found by Destina Holidays travellers in the last 30 days was $777 from New York, travelling 10 Mar – 17 Mar. These are the cheapest fares from the most searched cities.
- JFK New York to Bologna10 Mar – 17 Mar · BLQ from$777
- LAX Los Angeles to Bologna24 Jan – 24 Feb · BLQ from$837
- SFO San Francisco to Bologna16 Mar – 30 Mar · BLQ from$968
- BOS Boston to Bologna25 Oct – 10 Nov · BLQ from$792
- WAS Washington to Bologna2 Mar – 8 Mar · BLQ from$866
- MIA Miami to Bologna30 Nov – 7 Dec · BLQ from$1,001
- CHI Chicago to Bologna15 Sep – 20 Sep · BLQ from$1,010
- ATL Atlanta to Bologna9 Feb – 17 Feb · BLQ from$1,059
Cheapest month to fly
Airlines travellers compared most often: ITA Airways, Swiss International Air Lines, Finnair, Brussels Airlines, Lufthansa.
Prices are per adult in US dollars, taken from searches between 20 Sep and 20 Oct 2026. Fares change often, so search your dates for live prices.
Search flights to BolognaPlaces to visit in Bologna
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Piazza Maggiore
LandmarkBologna's main square, surrounded by the Basilica of San Petronio, the Palazzo d'Accursio and the Palazzo del Podesta. The bronze Neptune fountain stands in the adjoining square and makes a popular meeting point.
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Two Towers
LandmarkThe leaning Asinelli and Garisenda towers are the most famous survivors of the many medieval towers once built by wealthy families. They mark the center of the old town.
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Basilica of San Petronio
ReligiousA huge Gothic basilica with an unfinished facade facing Piazza Maggiore. Inside, look for the long meridian line set into the floor and the richly painted side chapels.
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Santo Stefano
ReligiousA complex of interconnected churches and cloisters known as the Seven Churches, built over many centuries. The surrounding piazza is one of the city's prettiest.
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Archiginnasio
HistoricThe former main building of the University of Bologna, its walls covered with coats of arms. Visit the wooden Anatomical Theatre used for dissection lessons.
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Quadrilatero
MarketA grid of narrow medieval streets just off Piazza Maggiore lined with delis, butchers, fishmongers and produce stalls. Ideal for tasting mortadella, cheese and fresh pasta.
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Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca
Religious · 2 mi from centreA hilltop basilica reached by a long arcaded portico climbing from the city. Walking the portico is a local tradition, rewarded with views over the hills and city.
Things to do in Bologna by type
36 tours, tickets and experiences across 5 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.
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Gastronomy & nightlife 13 experiences A Journey Through Bologna’s Rich Culinary Traditions - Private Food and Market Tour -
Day Trips & Excursions 10 experiences Discover Ravenna Unesco Sites - Small Group Tour -
Tickets & Attraction Passes 5 experiences Bologna: Automobili Lamborghini Museum + Ducati Museum -
City tours 4 experiences Bologna Highlights and Hidden Gems - Private Tour with a Local -
Art & culture 4 experiences Enzo Ferrari Museum and Lamborghini Museum - Combo Ticket
- Over 6 hours 10
- 1-3 hours 6
- 3-6 hours 5
- Flexible 5
- Up to 1 hour 3
- Private 11
- Small group 7
Top experiences in Bologna
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 36 available.
Dining experience at a local's home in Bologna
From $98 per adult
Explore the Lamborghini and Ferrari Museums with Lunch - Private Tour
From $385 per adult
Discover the Highlights of Bologna - Walking Tour
From $45 per adult
The Best of Bologna with Tower Sky View - Walking Tour
From $57 per adult
Handmade Tortellini Masterclass in Bologna
From $99 per adult
Bologna Food and Sfoglia Show - Walking Tour
From $104 per adult
Bologna: Ducati Museum Entrance Ticket
From $22 per adult
Local market visit and private cooking class at a local's home in Bologna
From $187 per adult
Private Pasta & Tiramisu Class in Bologna
From $147 per adult
Bologna Private Walk Tour
From $263 per adult
Small-Group Tortellini Class Bologna
From $98 per adult
Discover the Ferrari VIP Experience - Full-Day Private Tour
From $735 per adult
Where to stay in Bologna
Popular hotels in Bologna, out of 373 properties you can book.
Hotel Il Guercino
From $89 per night
NH Bologna de la Gare
From $165 per night
I Portici Hotel Bologna
From $185 per night
NH Bologna Villanova
From $63 per night
Elizabeth Lifestyle Hotel Bologna
From $138 per night
UNA HOTELS Bologna Fiera
From $311 per night
Albergo Rossini 1936
From $193 per night
UNA HOTELS Bologna Centro
From $155 per night
UNA HOTELS San Vitale Bologna
From $136 per night
Art Hotel Commercianti
From $251 per night
Starhotels Excelsior
From $134 per night
Best Western Plus Tower Hotel Bologna
From $126 per night
Best time to visit Bologna
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Bologna is September to October, when average daytime highs are around 71–78°F and rain falls on about 8 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Bologna weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 75° 62° 53%
- Thu 22 Oct 69° 50° 15%
- Fri 23 Oct 70° 45° 11%
- Sat 24 Oct 60° 52° 45%
- Sun 25 Oct 59° 49° 26%
- Mon 26 Oct 63° 46° 28%
Know before you go
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)1 US dollar ≈ €0.89
- Language
- Italian
- Calling code
- +39
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- Europe/RomeUTC+2
- Capital
- Rome
Upcoming public holidays in Italy
- All Saints DayTutti i Santi
- Immaculate ConceptionImmacolata Concezione
- Christmas DayNatale
- St. Stephen's DaySanto Stefano
- New Year's DayCapodanno
- EpiphanyEpifania
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Bologna
These are the airports closest to central Bologna. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- BLQ Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport4 mi (6 km) from the city centre
Getting around Bologna
TPER manages public transport in Bologna. Their information and ticket centres/vending machines are available at some central locations in the city, including the railway station Bologna Centrale and Autostazione di Bologna, the intercity bus station. Bus maps are available there (also at the web site). Single tickets and some other types of bus tickets can be also purchased at many other resellers around the city (newspaper sellers, tobacconists, cafés, etc.).
By bicycle
Bikes are most popular among the people of Bologna. They are available for rent on various location around the city (ExDynamo, the bicycle parking station, can be found nearby the train station). You can ride on the many bike trails and on the side of the road. Be sure to lock them safely with a good lock, as they get stolen all around town, especially around the University.
On foot
Bologna is a great place around which to travel on foot, as getting around the city is quite easy: the streets are well marked. It is also a great way to find hidden gems which are frequented by locals. Some care has to be taken crossing roads: the city centre swarms with scooters and small motorcycles (cars banned during the day) and they ride them everywhere.
Bologna travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Bologna?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Bologna is September to October, when average daytime highs are around 71–78°F and rain falls on about 8 days a month.
What is the weather like in Bologna?
July is usually the warmest month in Bologna, with average highs of 90°F (32°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 34°F (1°C). The wettest month is typically May, with about 147 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Bologna?
Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ) is the closest airport, about 4 miles (6 km) from the centre of Bologna.
How much are flights to Bologna?
The cheapest round-trip fare Destina Holidays travellers found to Bologna in the last 30 days was $777 from New York, travelling 10 Mar – 17 Mar. December is currently the cheapest month to fly, with fares from $777.
What currency is used in Bologna?
Bologna uses the Euro (EUR). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ €0.89.
What time zone is Bologna in?
Bologna uses the Europe/Rome time zone (currently UTC+2). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Bologna?
TPER manages public transport in Bologna. Their information and ticket centres/vending machines are available at some central locations in the city, including the railway station Bologna Centrale and Autostazione di Bologna, the intercity bus station. Bus maps are available there (also at the web site).
What are the best places to visit in Bologna?
Top sights in Bologna include Piazza Maggiore, Two Towers, Basilica of San Petronio and Santo Stefano. Bologna's main square, surrounded by the Basilica of San Petronio, the Palazzo d'Accursio and the Palazzo del Podesta. The bronze Neptune fountain stands in the adjoining square and makes a popular meeting point.
What are the top things to do in Bologna?
Popular experiences you can book in Bologna include Dining experience at a local's home in Bologna, Explore the Lamborghini and Ferrari Museums with Lunch - Private Tour and Discover the Highlights of Bologna - Walking Tour. Destina Holidays offers 36 tours and activities here.
What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Bologna?
The most popular types of experiences in Bologna are gastronomy & nightlife (13), day trips & excursions (10), tickets & attraction passes (5) and city tours (4). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.
Where should I stay in Bologna?
Popular areas for hotels in Bologna include Bologna. Well-reviewed options include Hotel Il Guercino and NH Bologna de la Gare.
How many hotels can I book in Bologna?
Destina Holidays currently lists 373 properties in and around Bologna, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
