Major city · Italy
Bologna
Give Bologna 2 nights: walk the centre, eat at lunch and dinner, and ride the San Luca portico. Add a third night only for day-trips.
Bologna is a food city with a walkable brick centre, Europe's oldest university and 40 km of porticoes. Two nights covers Piazza Maggiore, the towers, Santo Stefano and San Luca; a third night buys a day-trip to Modena, Ferrara or Ravenna. High-speed trains reach Florence in 37 min and Milan in 65 min, so it works as a stop between them.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- EUR
- Best months
- Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct
- avoid Jul–Aug (hot and humid), August (many shops and restaurants close)
- Airport
- BLQ
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 8Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Italy and Malta ↗The region's headline sights run on timed tickets that sell out: book the Vatican Museums, the Colosseum, the Uffizi, the Last Supper and Malta's Hypogeum before you fix train and hotel dates.
- Italy and Malta ↗Budget for per-night city taxes in Italy (up to about €10 a person in Rome), Malta's per-night environmental contribution, and Venice's day-visitor fee on peak days; none are included in most online room prices.
- Italy ↗Italy is in the Schengen area. Check the entry rules for your passport on official sources; the EU's Entry/Exit System registers non-EU visitors at the first Schengen border, and further pre-travel authorisation rules are being introduced.
- Italy ↗Historic centres are ZTL limited-traffic zones: cameras fine any unauthorised car that enters, often months later through the hire company. Park outside and walk in.
- Italy ↗Regional train tickets bought on paper must be validated in the machine on the platform before boarding; digital tickets carry a time and need no stamping.
- Italy ↗Venice charges day-visitors an access fee on selected peak days; check the city's official site if you are not sleeping there.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Bologna112 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Bologna, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the euro (EUR, €).Italy-wide
- SIM or eSIMTIM, Vodafone, WindTre and Iliad sell prepaid SIMs in shops and at airports; a passport and an Italian tax code (codice fiscale…Italy-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe unless signed otherwise; Rome's nasoni fountains run all day.Italy-wide
- TippingRestaurant: Coperto or service may already be on the bill; leave €1–2 (≈ US$2–3) a person or round up for good service.Italy-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/F/L. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Italy-wide
- SafetyBologna is a safe, well-run city; the real risks are scooters in the centre, bike theft near the university, and August closures.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFew public toilets; use bars (buy a coffee), museums and stations, where some charge €1 (≈ US$2).Italy-wide
- Emergency numbers112 Europe-wide emergency · 113 police · 115 fire (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysMany state museums close on Monday; the Vatican Museums close on most Sundays.Italy-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportBLQ Guglielmo Marconi (Bologna) (Marconi Express monorail to Bologna Centrale, 7 min, €12.80 (≈ US$15); buses 81/91 from the Birra stop, about 30 min, €1.50 (≈ US$2)).
- Getting aroundThe centre is flat and walkable; cars are banned in much of it during the day.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee at the bar€1.20–1.80 (≈ US$2–3)
- Metro or bus rideTPER single ticket (75 min)€2.30 (≈ US$3) (€2.50 (≈ US$3) on board)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week€10–20 (≈ US$12–25)
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per person€30 (≈ US$35)
- Mid-range bedDouble room, 3-star or B&B, a night, per room€140 (≈ US$170)
- High-end bedDouble room, 3-star or B&B, a night, per room€280 (≈ US$350)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget €60 (≈ US$70) · Mid €110 (≈ US$130) · High €190 (≈ US$250)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- BLQ Guglielmo Marconi (Bologna) (Marconi Express monorail to Bologna Centrale, 7 min, €12.80; buses 81/91 from the Birra stop, about 30 min, €1.50)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Feb
not flagged
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Mar
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Apr
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
May
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Jun
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Jul
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Aug
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Sep
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Oct
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Nov
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Dec
not flagged
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Best: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct. Avoid: Jul–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)), coolest Jan (0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C) low), wettest Nov (9 rain days), driest Jul (5). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Bologna: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
7 rd
Feb
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
7 rd
Mar
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
7 rd
Apr
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
8 rd
May
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
8 rd
Jun
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
7 rd
Jul
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
5 rd
Aug
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
6 rd
Sep
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
7 rd
Oct
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
8 rd
Nov
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
9 rd
Dec
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
8 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The centre is flat and walkable; cars are banned in much of it during the day. TPER buses cost €2.30 for 75 min (€2.50 on board) and a day pass is €9 (2026). Buy tickets at tabacchi or on the bus; validate before riding. Taxis and the RideMovi bike scheme cover the rest.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Modena
goDoor to door: About 1 h
High-speed or regional train from Bologna Centrale, 20–30 min
Duomo and the covered market; easy half-day.
Ferrara
goDoor to door: About 1–1.5 h
Train from Bologna Centrale, 30–60 min
Renaissance streets and the Este castle; half to full day.
Ravenna
goDoor to door: About 2 h
Train from Bologna Centrale, about 1 h 20 min
Mosaics in San Vitale and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia; a full day.
Florence
overnightDoor to door: About 1 h
High-speed train from Bologna Centrale, 37 min
Too much for a rushed return; sleep there or continue south.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Piazza Maggiore and the centre
Everything walkable; quietest at night, priciest. Best for a first 2-night stay.
Bologna Centrale and Via Indipendenza
10–15 min walk to the centre, best for early trains and one-night stops.
University district (Via Zamboni)
Bars, cheap eats and student life; noisier at night.
Saragozza and San Luca side
Quieter, near the portico climb; 20 min walk from Piazza Maggiore.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- €60–90 (≈ US$70–110) excl. bed
- Mid
- €90–150 (≈ US$110–180) excl. bed
- High
- €150 (≈ US$180)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Double room, 3-star or B&B1 × 2 nights × €140 | €280 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × €110 | €440 |
| Marconi Express, both ways2 × €26 · check | €51 |
| TPER day pass, one day2 × €9 · check | €18 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × €15 | €30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | €82 |
| Trip total≈ €225 per person per day, bed included | €901≈ US$1,100 |
2026 estimate in euro; flights and rail passes excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee at the bar | €1.20–1.80 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Tagliatelle al ragù or tortellini in brodo | €12–18 (≈ US$14–25) |
| Aperitivo with a drink | €8–12 (≈ US$10–14) |
| TPER single ticket (75 min) | €2.30 (≈ US$3) (€2.50 (≈ US$3) on board) |
| Marconi Express airport monorail | €12.80 (≈ US$15) |
| Taxi airport to centre | about €15 (≈ US$18) (check) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | €10–20 (≈ US$12–25) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Scooters and small motorcycles ride everywhere in the centre: look both ways before crossing.
- Bikes get stolen around the university: use a good lock.
- In August many shops and restaurants close for the summer holiday.
- Marconi Express queues can run over 30 min at peak times; contactless cards only, no Google/Apple Pay.
- At Bologna Centrale, platforms 3, 3-West and 3-East are in different parts of the station: check before you walk.
Emergency numbers
- Europe-wide emergency
- 112
- Police
- 113
- Fire
- 115
- Ambulance
- 118
Pocket card
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BolognaBologna
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A questo indirizzo, per favoreTo this address, please
Emergency
- Europe-wide emergency112
- Police113
- Fire115
- Ambulance118
Embassy
Most countries have embassies in Rome; the US has a consulate general in Florence and Milan. Check your embassy's site for Bologna coverage.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- BLQ → Bologna Centrale, Marconi Express: €12.80 (≈ US$15), 7 min (check)
- BLQ → Bologna Centrale, bus 81/91 from Birra: €1.50 (≈ US$2), about 30 min (check)
- Taxi airport → centre: about €15 (≈ US$18) (check)
- Bologna Centrale → Florence, high-speed: 37 min (check fares)
Say or show
- Buongiorno — Good morning (bwon-JOR-no)
- Grazie — Thank you (GRAH-tsee-eh)
- Il conto, per favore — The bill, please (eel KON-toh per fah-VOH-reh)
- Un tavolo per due — A table for two (oon TAH-voh-loh per DOO-eh)
- Posso pagare con la carta? — Can I pay by card? (POS-soh pah-GAH-reh kon lah KAR-tah)
- Dov'è il bagno? — Where is the toilet? (doh-VEH eel BAH-nyoh)
Coperto (cover charge) is normal on the bill; tipping is not expected.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Bologna. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct · avoid Jul–Aug (hot and humid), August (many shops and restaurants close) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for BLQ: Marconi Express and bus 81/91 field-checked, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: Piazza Maggiore, the towers and Santo Stefano, the university district, San Luca.
- Place pages with verified hours (San Petronio, Archiginnasio, San Luca) and eat pages with last orders.
- Golden and hostile arrival fixtures so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
- officialBologna Welcome — official visitor site
- officialComune di Bologna
- officialMarconi Express
- officialTPER — Bologna bus network
- officialBologna Airport (BLQ)
- secondaryWikivoyage: Bologna, revision 5340200 (CC BY-SA 4.0)