Bologna & Surroundings
Your guide to discovering the city and the surrounding area
Bologna, affectionately nicknamed La Rossa, La Dotta e La Grassa (The Red, The Learned, and The Fat), is a city that captures your heart at first sight: its ancient porticoes, medieval towers, and an incomparable gastronomic tradition make it one of Italy’s most fascinating and authentic destinations.
The Best Western Plus Tower Hotel Bologna fits into this setting as an ideal strategic starting point: located in a well-connected position, it allows you to easily reach the beating heart of the city and effortlessly explore the wonders of Emilia-Romagna. From the beauty of Piazza Maggiore and the Basilica of San Petronio to the authentic flavors of the historic markets, all the way to the hilly landscapes of the Parco dei Colli and nearby cities of art such as Modena, Ferrara, and Ravenna, we have selected the best things for you to see and do in Bologna and its surroundings.
Let yourself be inspired: with the comfort of our rooms, a rich breakfast, and the traditional Emilian dishes offered in our restaurant, your only thought will be to enjoy every single moment of a tailor-made itinerary created just for you.
What to See in Bologna
From UNESCO heritage porticoes and iconic medieval towers to hidden artistic treasures in the heart of the city, here are our recommendations on what to see in Bologna:
- The Two Towers: Asinelli and Garisenda
- The Historic Center and the UNESCO porticoes
- The Santo Stefano Complex
- Palazzo dell’Archiginnasio and the Anatomical Theatre
- National Gallery of Bologna (Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna)
- MAMbo – Museum of Modern Art of Bologna
- Archaeological Civic Museum
- La Certosa of Bologna, historic monumental cemetery
- The Finestrella of Via Piella and the Hidden Canals
What to Do in Bologna
Discover what to do in Bologna with our suggestions: authentic gastronomic experiences, cultural itineraries, major events, and ideas for experiencing the city at any time of day.
- Taste tortellini, ragù, and mortadella in historic trattorias
- Get lost among the stalls of the Quadrilatero Market
- Follow the Itineraries of the UNESCO Porticoes
- Cycle along the Canale Navile Cycle Path
- Experience major events at the Bologna Exhibition Centre
- Attend sports events in the city
- Have an aperitivo in Piazza Verdi or Piazza Santo Stefano
- Visit the Carpigiani Gelato Museum
What to See Around Bologna
Our recommendations on what to see in the surroundings of Bologna, including medieval villages, castles, UNESCO World Heritage cities of art, and Apennine landscapes of extraordinary beauty.
- The Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca and the longest portico in the world
- The village and the Sforza Castle (Rocca Sforzesca) of Dozza
- Ferrara: the Estense Castle and the Renaissance walls
- Ravenna and its Byzantine Mosaics
- Modena: the Cathedral (Duomo) and the Ferrari Museum
- Parma: the Pilotta, the Baptistery, and culinary excellence
- Faenza and its Famous Ceramics
- The Castles and Fortresses of the Bolognese Territory
- The Vena del Gesso Romagnola
- Imola: between history, art, and the legendary racetrack
What to Do Around Bologna
Discover what to do in the surroundings of Bologna with our suggestions: nature excursions, cycle tourism, major sports events, and itineraries combining art and Emilian flavors.
- Visit the Ferrari Museum in Maranello
- Ride Along the Ciclovia del Sole and the Santerno Cycle Path
- Taste Pignoletto and Lambrusco in the Wineries of the Colli Bolognesi
- Discover the Acetaie (balsamic vinegar cellars) of Modena and the excellence of Parmigiano Reggiano
- Swim or Go Trekking at Lake Suviana and Lake Brasimone
- Visit the Labante Caves Amidst Waterfalls and Nature