Top 3 Itineraries in Bologna

No matter how long you plan to stay, there’s a perfect trip to Bologna.

If you only have a few days, Bologna weekend getaways are the perfect option. A 3 to 5-day stay in Bologna offers just enough time to soak in the highlights

For a balanced mix of sightseeing and relaxation, city breaks in Bologna are ideal. With a few extra days, you can dive deeper into Bologna’s most iconic landmarks, stroll through charming neighborhoods, and savor local cuisine at a leisurely pace.

For those who crave freedom and discovery, road trips through Bologna offer the perfect opportunity to explore beyond the city. With the open road ahead, you’ll uncover Italy's most scenic landscapes, visit charming towns, and discover hidden gems along the way.

Explore all the best trips for every travel style below and make your next trip to Bologna truly unforgettable!

If you’re as convinced as we are that Bologna belongs on your bucket list, you're in luck. The best trips to Bologna are just a quick search away.

Enter your dates below to discover the best travel packages in Bologna and start planning your next trip!

Discover the perfect Bologna itinerary with our handpicked list. Each of these 3 itineraries is crafted to match different travel styles. So whether you're in Bologna just for a weekend, or you plan to see more on a longer city break or road trip, there's an itinerary for you!

With detailed routes, top attractions, and insider tips, these itineraries will help you experience the best of Bologna without missing a thing. Dive into our list and learn how to plan the ultimate trip to Bologna!

A scenic 5-day road trip through Roma, Bologna, and Firenze is one of the best ways to experience Italy. With the freedom to travel at your own pace, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make spontaneous stops between the planned activities on your itinerary.

A 5-day itinerary means that Bologna can easily be combined with other top destinations in Italy without stress. While it’s possible to travel between Roma, Bologna, and Firenze by public transport, renting a car in Italy opens up a whole new level of freedom!

So, with 5 days to spend, all you need is a rental car, some hotel reservations, and this iconic road trip itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Bologna

• Arrival city: Bologna
• Accommodation: hotel in Bologna, e.g., We Bologna
• Sightseeing: Porta Galliera

Begin your road trip adventure by picking up your rental car at the airport upon arrival in Bologna. Drive to your centrally located hotel, which offers convenient access to local attractions. Spend the day exploring nearby sights, and in the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, sampling regional flavors and soaking up the atmosphere.

Day 2: Explore Bologna

• Destinations: Bologna
• Driving distance: 131.16 km, approx. 2 hours and 43 seconds
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Florence, e.g., 25hours Hotel Piazza San Paolino
• Sightseeing: Two Towers, Piazza Maggiore, Cattedrale Metropolitana di San Pietro, Fontana del Nettuno, and Piazza Santo Stefano
• Recommended tour: Best Tour in Florence, Italy: Renaissance & Medici tales with a storyteller

Set out on a day of discovery and visit Two Towers, Piazza Maggiore, Cattedrale Metropolitana di San Pietro, Fontana del Nettuno, and Piazza Santo Stefano. Take time to enjoy the scenery and local highlights of Bologna, with the freedom to stop at whatever sight catches your interest. By the end of the day, check-in at a new hotel, located in central Florence.

Day 3: Discover Civitas Vaticana - Città del Vaticano

• Destinations: Civitas Vaticana - Città del Vaticano
• Driving distance: 283.31 km, approx. 3 hours and 32 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Rome, e.g., The RomeHello
• Sightseeing: Sistine Chapel, Vatican Museums, St. Peter's Basilica, and Saint Peter's Square
• Recommended tour: Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St Peter’s Basilica Guided Tour from Rome

Spend the day exploring Sistine Chapel, Vatican Museums, St. Peter's Basilica, and Saint Peter's Square. Take scenic drives or walking tours to experience the area’s charm at your own pace. End the day by checking into a new hotel, conveniently located in central Rome.

Day 4: Experience Roma

• Destinations: Roma
• Driving distance: 392.21 km, approx. 4 hours and 48 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Bologna, e.g., We Bologna
• Sightseeing: Trevi Fountain, Roman Forum, Foro Italico, and Colosseum
• Recommended tour: Pasta mama, Home cooking lessons at Grazia's house

Continue your journey through Roma, where you can explore Trevi Fountain, Roman Forum, Foro Italico, and Colosseum. Make time for a break at a cozy café or scenic picnic spot. Wrap up the day by checking in at a hotel in the heart of Bologna.

Day 5: Enjoy Sightseeing in Bologna

• Destinations: Bologna
• Driving distance: 2.76 km, approx. 13 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Bologna, e.g., We Bologna
• Sightseeing: Portici di Bologna
• Recommended tour: Bologna Food Tour from a local perspective

Drive through Bologna, stopping to visit Portici di Bologna. Embrace the opportunity to explore smaller towns and hidden gems off the beaten path. Conclude your day by settling into a centrally located hotel in Bologna.

Day 5: Bid Farewell to Bologna

• Departure city: Bologna
• Driving distance: 2.76 km, approx. 13 minutes
• Sightseeing: Portici di Bologna

Savor an hour or two for souvenir shopping or revisiting a favorite spot before it’s time to say goodbye to Bologna. Drop off your rental car at the airport a couple of hours before departure for a seamless end to your trip.

The estimated cost for a rental car and accommodations for each night along the route is around 526 EUR for two people, providing a value-for-money way to experience what's beyond Bologna. So, if you’re ready to explore iconic landmarks, scenic routes, and charming towns at your own pace, this 5-day road trip itinerary through Roma, Bologna, and Firenze is an excellent choice.

Looking for something different? Explore more road trips with a stop in Bologna for alternative itineraries, routes, and durations.

Enjoy a 5-day city break in Bologna with the perfect itinerary, designed to showcase the city’s top sights, local flavors, and hidden corners.

No need to stress over the details – we’ve curated the perfect 5-day itinerary to give you a seamless outline for your trip. Use this itinerary to capture the best of Bologna without the hassle of planning.

Day 1: Begin Your Journey in Bologna

Arrive in Bologna and start your trip with a relaxing walk through town, discovering highlights like Porta Maggiore.

Take in the local charm as you wander the streets, and as evening approaches, indulge in a delicious dinner at Ristorante Ciacco, a top local restaurant—the ideal way to kick off your getaway!

Day 2: Discover Nearby Attractions and Iconic Landmarks

Enjoy your first full day in Bologna by heading out for some must-see sightseeing. Explore around town and visit popular attractions like the iconic Basilica of San Domenico, Piazza Maggiore, Cattedrale Metropolitana di San Pietro, Palazzo Re Enzo, and Fontana del Nettuno.

One of the best ways to quickly learn how to navigate the city is to join one of the many great city sightseeing tours in Bologna. Choose a walking tour to embrace a relaxed exploration. Alternatively, go for a tour by bus or bike to cover a larger part of Bologna in the same amount of time.

In the evening, head out for another lovely dinner and raise a glass to a fantastic day of exploring!

Day 3: Learn More About the Local Sites

Use this day to discover more of Bologna’s top sights. We recommend visiting Porta Castiglione, Villa Ghigi, Pinacoteca Nazionale, Two Towers, and Piazza Santo Stefano.

To make the most of your time, don’t forget to book your attraction tickets and passes in Bologna in advance. Beyond possible savings, booking tickets early ensures availability even for Bologna's most popular attractions.

After a nice dinner, take a walk through the city center and experience Bologna’s attractions in another light.

Day 4: Explore the Local Flavors

Start the day with breakfast at a local cafe before you head out to explore. Parco della Chiusa, Palazzo Pallavicini, Devotional Portico of St. Luke, Arco Del Meloncello, and Parco Talon are attractions you could discover today.

Afterward, enjoy lunch or visit a local market. Spend the afternoon shopping for unique souvenirs to memorialize your city break in Bologna.

For a fun and interesting evening, check out the food and drink tours in Bologna. Take the opportunity to sample local specialties and learn more about the food culture of Italy!

A 5-day weekend getaway in Bologna offers the perfect break from the hustle of daily life.

However, with a well-planned Bologna itinerary, you can effortlessly experience the best of the city in just a few days. Picture yourself exploring iconic landmarks, savoring local cuisine, and wandering charming neighborhoods—it's all within reach as long as you know how to plan your trip properly.

With 5 days to spend, this is the perfect Bologna weekend itinerary for your trip:

Day 1 - Arrive in Bologna

Arrive in Bologna around noon and head to your hotel for an early check-in.

• Morning: Take some time to relax and refresh after your journey, or get a head start by visiting a nearby landmark.
• Afternoon: Ease into your trip with some sightseeing, for example, visiting Porta Maggiore, and soak in the surroundings.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and celebrate the start of the vacation with some drinks.

Day 2 - Discover Bologna’s Famous Sights

Maximize your first full day in Bologna with sightseeing, food, and drinks.

• Morning: Visit Basilica of San Domenico early to avoid crowds and enjoy the views.
• Afternoon: Continue to Cattedrale Metropolitana di San Pietro, stopping by Piazza Maggiore for a break and some photos.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and cap off the day at a local bar.
• Tip: Use part of the morning to join one of the many city sightseeing tours in Bologna and get a guided journey through the top attractions in the city.

Day 3 - Immerse in the Local Culture of Bologna

No itinerary in Bologna is complete without trying the city's top local delicacies and experiencing the culture.

• Morning: Start with a traditional breakfast to fuel up for the day and then head to Porta Castiglione.
• Afternoon: Explore Villa Ghigi and Pinacoteca Nazionale, stopping at markets, boutiques, museums, or exhibitions along the way.
• Evening: Enjoy a dinner featuring regional specialties and finish with a night tour of the city’s illuminated landmarks.
• Tip: Explore food and drink experiences in Bologna and join an afternoon tour to sample the authentic flavors of Italy.

Day 5 - Depart from Bologna

Make the most of your last few hours in Bologna before your departure.

• Morning: Grab a light breakfast at a local bakery or café and take a final stroll nearby.
• Afternoon: If you have time, do some last-minute sightseeing.

For more ideas, explore our complete selection of weekend trips to Bologna. Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or want to extend the weekend, these trips all come with pre-planned but customizable Bologna itineraries, ensuring an effortless travel experience.

As you explore Bologna, you’ll find countless layers of history, art, and local charm waiting to be uncovered.

Finding the right place to stay is essential for a comfortable trip. This is why we've also gathered our top recommendations for the best places to stay in Bologna for you.

Wherever your journey takes you, we’re here to make every step memorable. From expert tips to local insights, count on us to help you experience Bologna in a way that feels truly unforgettable!