Pack your backpack, leave the car at home, and arrive in Bologna by train; it will be a pleasure to stroll through its squares and alleys and immerse yourself in the history of an authentic and vibrant city. Discover what to see in Bologna in 3 days and surrender to the unique atmosphere of the capital of Emilia Romagna, known as “la dotta, la grassa, la rossa”: learned for its prestigious universities, fat for its rich traditional cuisine, and red for the magnificent spectacle of the red bricks on its rooftops.
What to See in Bologna in 3 Days: Day One
Bologna Towers
It is said that Bologna once had about a hundred towers; today only a handful remain, and the most famous are certainly the Asinelli Tower and the shorter one, Garisenda Tower..
The only one open to visitors is the Asinelli Tower; the view from the top is stunning and will reward you for climbing 498 steps. Once up there, looking down, the marked tilt of both towers becomes very clear!
Piazza Maggiore
Among all the symbols of Bologna, perhaps Piazza Maggiore is the most famous. Surrounded by four historic buildings that frame it and make it a unique and evocative place, especially in the evening lights.
An important gathering place, it has been the backdrop for concerts, demonstrations, and rallies. We can also consider it one of the locations that have served as the setting for famous crime novels and unsettling true crime stories.
If you are true noir enthusiasts, don’t miss our tours, a full immersion into Bologna’s darkest and most mysterious side.
Basilica of San Petronio
An unmissable destination that, from the outside, strikes with the chromatic contrast of its façade, due to the fact that it was never completed. A distinctive feature that has made it well known and much loved over the centuries. Step inside and you will be amazed by its grandeur and magnificence.
Inside, you can observe the longest indoor meridian line in the world, created by Giandomenico Cassini. At 27 meters high, there is a hole through which light enters to mark the hours.
Piazza del Nettuno
Between Palazzo d’Accursio, the City Hall,and Palazzo Re Enzo, you will find Piazza del Nettuno, where the eponymous fountain stands proudly. Here is also the Salaborsa, a building that houses the library.
Palazzo del Podestà
Noteworthy because inside you can admire the Voltone, a large ribbed vault, whose pillars are the four patron saints of Bologna: Saint Dominic, Saint Francis, Saint Petronius, and Saint Proculus. A curiosity not to miss: by standing at the corners of the structure, you can perfectly hear someone speaking on the opposite side, like a sort of whispering gallery.
Palazzo Re Enzo
It takes its name from King Enzo of Sardinia,who was imprisoned by the Bolognese during the Battle of Fossalta. In reality, it was a very comfortable and opulent prison; the king spent his time organizing parties, writing poetry, and inviting women.
On the east side, there is an opening that led to a balcony that no longer exists, which was adorned with beautiful flowers. It was called “the garden of Lazzarina,” the wife of a macabre figure from Bologna.
Want to know who she was? Discover our tours and try to satisfy this and other curiosities!
You’ve had your fill for today, alone, as a couple, or with friends; this city will welcome you with its warmth and unique beauty. So, prepare your list of attractions to visit, let curiosity guide you, and be enchanted by the magic of Bologna.