Cheap 5-Day Italy Road Trip from Bologna traveling east to Padua

Your exciting road trip through Italy starts when you reach the incredible city of Bologna, where you'll stay for 2 nights. You'll pick up your rental car in Bologna and begin your adventure in Italy.

Bologna is a popular cheap holiday destination in Italy with something to offer every traveler. More than a city in Italy, Bologna is also a great place to find top-rated budget accommodations. You'll find many of these accommodations close to bustling markets and cultural attractions.

Drop by the renowned Tombs of the glossators of Bologna. This popular tomb has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 330 visitors.

As this day progresses, satisfy your hunger and quench your thirst at one of the city's best restaurants and bars. Many restaurants in Bologna offer good food and drink options at even better prices; the perfect combination for travelers on affordable vacations in Italy.

Sfoglia Rina offers delicious bites without straining your wallet. For a taste of local cuisine with a twist, venture to Va Mo Là. Or, try Trattoria dal Biassanot, where reasonable prices and warm hospitality create a welcoming atmosphere for diners seeking a memorable dining experience.

If you’re not ready to call it a day, pop into Bar Freud e Squisito, considered one of the best bars in Bologna. You can also enjoy drinks at Osteria del Sole, known for its fun atmosphere. Alternatively, go to Macondo - Cocktail Bar, a favorite spot for both tourists and residents of Bologna.

Enjoy toasting the start of a terrific road trip vacation and a cheap holiday experience in Italy!

On day 2 of your budget-friendly road trip adventure in Italy, you’ll go deep into Bologna and see some of the destination’s most unforgettable attractions. Enjoy a feast at the end of the day, making the most of the time you have in the city of Bologna — 1 night.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Arco del Meloncello. This arch is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,755 visitors.

When you’re finished at Arco del Meloncello, head to Bologna Cathedral. This one-of-a-kind catholic cathedral is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 3,852 reviews.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit Palazzo Re Enzo. This palazzo is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,072 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore more, then consider a visit to Fountain of Neptune, Bologna. This fountain is a much-appreciated attraction with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,952 visitors.

To round off your sightseeing experience, make your way to Piazza Maggiore. This famous square is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 64,523 travelers.

Your discovery of Bologna does not have to stop there. You can add a budget-friendly activity on your itinerary and get to know more about Bologna on a personal level. Check out the fantastic selection of affordable tours and tickets offered on this leg of your journey across this top cheap holiday destination in Europe, Italy.

Don't let a tight budget stop you from enjoying delicious meals and refreshing drinks in Bologna. Here are a few top-rated restaurants and bars you may want to check out tonight.

After a day of fun adventures, treat yourself to the best dining experience at Ristorante Enoteca da Lucia, where affordable mouthwatering dishes await. Another gem to discover during your memorable getaway is Victoria Station, highly regarded as one of the area's top dining spots. If you're eager to dine at a local-favorite spot, don't miss Trattoria da Me, an excellent choice to fulfill your cravings for delicious food and great service.

After dinner, look back into the highlights of today’s adventure and visit one of the best bars in Bologna, Bar Senza Nome. Alternatively, visit Bar Maurizio, a great place for anyone who is into classic bar drinks. You can also drop by BrewDog Bar Bologna, where you can have drinks, let loose, and socialize.

Celebrate another day of your adventure-filled road trip through Italy with a toast. Cheers to a memorable cheap vacation experience in Italy!

On day 3 of your cheap holiday travels in Italy, you’ll tour 1: Bologna. You'll stay in Padua for 1 night, giving you enough time to satisfy your wanderlust and craving for new experiences.

Set your GPS to Padua and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 27 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Padua beckons with new experiences!

Make Basilica of San Domenico your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this church an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 3,380 reviews.

Next up, make a stop at Piazza Santo Stefano. With an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 7,617 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this square every year.

Two Towers is another attraction you can visit on this day of your vacation. This tower has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 25,975 visitors.

When you’re finished at Two Towers, the perfect next stop is Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna. This art museum is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 2,400 reviews. Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna attracts approximately 15,573 visitors annually.

Padua offers many top-rated accommodations suitable for travelers on a budget vacation in Italy. Whether you're in need of a quick break from your activities or seeking a comfortable place to rest, rest assured you'll find a welcoming and affordable option in the city.

Going on cheap, budget vacations in Italy shouldn’t stop anyone from dining at top-rated restaurants and bars. More than just an affordable travel destination, Padua is also home to a variety of excellent dining and drinking spots. When it’s time for a meal, we recommend you try some of the city's best places to eat and enjoy refreshing drinks.

Treat yourself to a delicious meal at Osteria Ai Scarponi, where every bite is a flavor-packed adventure! With an enticing menu of affordable delights, this spot is a must-visit for foodies on a budget. Another hotspot worth exploring during your cheap getaway is Bamboo Cafe (Mma Silvestrin Snc Di Matteo & C) - a local favorite and a top pick for mouthwatering delights. If you're eager to dine where the locals love, don't miss out on Osteria l'Anfora, where fantastic food and friendly service await!

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Il Gottino - Wine Bar offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Lax is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. BarCode is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure and cheap holiday experience in Italy!

Day 4 of your road trip across Italy is another proof that cheap holidays in Italy can indeed provide you an extraordinary travel experience. Today's agenda includes touring 1 wonderful destinations — Padua. You’ll explore along your route leading to the city of Bologna, where you'll be spending 1 night.

After soaking in Padua’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Bologna. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 1 hour 32 min. When you arrive in Bologna, it's time to take a break from the road.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Piazza dei Signori, Padua. This square is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 12,510 reviews.

Continue your journey at Piazza della Frutta. This square is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 5,397 travelers from near and far.

Padua is also the home of Scrovegni Chapel. This chapel has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 11,849 visitors. Each year, around 9,387 travelers visit this top sight, and today is your chance to do the same.

You can continue your self-guided sightseeing tour at The Basilica of St. Anthony. Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 38,852 visitors, a visit to this top sight is time well spent.

Lastly, don't miss out on prato della Valle. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 47,576 reviews, it’s hard to refuse the opportunity to see this square.

You’ll also have your choice of the best budget-friendly accommodations in the city of Bologna. So when it's time for a break from your adventures in Bologna, relax and restore your energy at any of the following affordable places to stay.

Don't let a tight budget stop you from enjoying delicious meals and refreshing drinks in Bologna. Here are a few top-rated restaurants and bars you may want to check out tonight.

After a day of exploring, unwind at the popular Trattoria del Tempo Buono, serving up a tempting array of dishes that are well-loved by budget-savvy travelers. Cantina Bentivoglio is another great hotspot for culinary gems. If you’re into something unique but crafted with care and creativity, then head to Ristorante San Pietro.

Round off your dining experience by visiting Kinotto Bar, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of Mio Bar, a bar catering to every mood and preference.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure and cheap holiday experience in Italy!

Your budget road trip vacation in Italy is about to end. Day 5 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Bologna.

As your final day in Italy unfolds, don’t miss the chance for a last-minute shopping spree in Bologna’s best shopping location. Your accommodation’s convenient location near the city’s shopping area offers the luxury of time, so you don’t have to limit yourself from leisurely strolling its streets amidst a collection of establishments.

Look for the perfect gift for your loved ones back home, or buy yourself a little keepsake to remind you of Italy. Keep the spirit of your trip to Italy alive with these special souvenirs.

Before you conclude your road trip in Italy, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Bologna.

As you prepare to bid farewell to Bologna, why not indulge in one last culinary delight at Donatello, where you can enjoy a satisfying and budget-friendly meal? Alternatively, Naama Cafè features a variety of signature dishes to suit every taste, budget, and occasion. For those seeking a taste of flavorful delights, Trattoria di Via Serra is a highly recommended spot.

You’ll then say farewell to Bologna. Drive to the airport, return your car, and take the opportunity to get some last-minute souvenirs before you board your flight home. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope you leave with many wonderful memories of your road trip in Italy!