The main civic square anchored by San Petronio, Palazzo Re Enzo and the Fountain of Neptune, lined with cafes like Zanarini and the porticoed daily passeggiata.
Ristorante Diana on Via dell'Indipendenza in Bologna has run the canonical Bolognese carte since 1909: tortellini in brodo and the carrello dei bolliti.
OrderTortellini in brodo, lasagne verdi, the carrello dei bolliti on Sunday lunch.
TipBook a fortnight ahead for Sunday lunch; the carrello dei bolliti runs only on Sunday and Wednesday lunches.
Osteria Bartolini on Piazza Malpighi in Bologna is the Romagna group's seafood branch with a courtyard garden, daily fritto and a Romagnola seafood carte.
OrderFritto misto, the Adriatic crudo plate, the spaghetti alle vongole.
TipBook three days ahead online; the garden seating is the spot to ask for in summer and the Friday-night carte is busiest.
Terrazza Mattuiani opens for the warm months on the fifth floor of Hotel Touring Bologna with a cocktail bar, loungers and an in-deck jacuzzi.
TipReservations are required; the jacuzzi slot runs 30 minutes per booking. Open May through September only, hours can shift if the weather closes the deck.
The Roof Garden sits on the fifth floor of Hotel Metropolitan a couple of streets from Via dell'Indipendenza, with loungers, dining tables and a sightline.
TipAperitivo runs from 17:00 and the kitchen sends a short bites list at the bar. Closed October to February so plan for the warm months.
I Portici tucks its rooftop deck above a 19th-century palazzo on Via dell'Indipendenza, with a cocktail bar that looks across the green of Parco della.
TipCocktails from 18:00 with a short bar menu; the room downstairs takes the dinner crowd so the rooftop stays drink-only. Reserve through the hotel for a terrace seat.
Borgo Hi-Fi opened on Christmas Eve 2025 as Bologna's first listening bar, set inside the Borgo delle Erbe arcade of the Mercato delle Erbe with a vinyl-only.
TipSaturday nights book up; reservations via [email protected]. Sunday tardeo runs from afternoon into evening with a softer playlist.
Day trip · 10 hours
Do not miss this one-of-a-kind tour. In one day, you will visit the best production Italy can offer: a prosciutto factory, a Parmigiano Reggiano dairy producer, and a ...
Guided tour · 2 hours
Indulge in Italy’s food capital! Choose our deep-dive 3-hour feast for locals' favorites, or our punchy 2-hour express tour for iconic bites and wine. Savor pasta, age...
2 hours
Enjoy a fun pasta cooking class in a local home with a certified home cook. Learn local recipes and taste everything you make with some delicious wine.
