Itinerary:
- Day 1: Bologna
- Day 2: Tuscan Excursion (Siena, San Gimignano, Pisa)
- Day 3: Florence
Getting from the Airport to Bologna
- Marconi Express 949: From June to September, the 949 bus runs from Piazza Malpighi in the city center directly to the airport. A one-way ticket costs around €10, and you can purchase tickets at the airport station. It’s advisable to buy a return ticket as well, as there are no ticket machines at Piazza Malpighi. We tried using a Revolut card directly on the bus for our return, but it wasn’t accepted. The last bus from the airport to the city departs at 01:30, and the first bus from the city to the airport is at 04:00. Check the schedule for all trips here.
- Marconi Express 940: This service departs from Bologna Centrale station and operates only at night. Find the schedule and other details here.
Accommodation in Bologna
Both our outbound and return flights were from Bologna Airport, so we chose to stay in Bologna for all four nights. We flew with Ryanair, and our tickets cost around €100 per person with hand luggage. We stayed at 8 Colonne Apartments, which I highly recommend. The quality-to-price ratio was excellent, and the location was perfect.
Accommodation in Bologna:
Top Attractions in Bologna
We spent our first day exploring Bologna and visited its major tourist attractions:
1. Cathedral of San Pietro
A splendid example of Baroque architecture located in the heart of the city. Admission is free, but for around €5, you can climb the cathedral’s tower for panoramic views of Bologna.
2. Piazza Maggiore
The central square of the city where most of Bologna’s key attractions are located. The square is also surrounded by numerous shops.
3. Torre degli Asinelli and Torre Garisenda
These two leaning towers are iconic symbols of Bologna. Torre degli Asinelli stands at 97 meters and is accessible via 498 steps. The view from the top is a visual feast of the cityscape.
4. Fontana del Nettuno
One of Bologna’s most emblematic landmarks. Beyond its decorative appeal, the fountain, featuring Neptune, once symbolized the power of the Catholic Church governing Bologna. It’s located in Piazza del Nettuno, next to Piazza Maggiore.
5. Palazzo d’Accursio
Also known as Palazzo Comunale, this historic building was the central seat of Bologna’s government and local administration for centuries. It’s an important tourist spot and can be visited for free.
6. Basilica di San Petronio
One of the largest churches in the world and a major tourist attraction in Bologna. Construction began in 1390, and although it remains incomplete, the interior is breathtaking. Admission is free, but women should wear attire covering their shoulders and knees. Alternatively, you can buy a cover-up for €2 at the entrance.
7. Archiginnasio di Bologna
The former headquarters of the University of Bologna, the oldest university in the world. It houses the Teatro Anatomico, where anatomy lectures and dissections were held in the past. The building is free to visit, but there’s an entrance fee of about €5 for the Teatro Anatomico.
8. Santuario della Madonna di San Luca
This was my favorite attraction in Bologna. The sanctuary is situated on a hill above the city, offering stunning views of the Tuscan hills and Bologna itself. It’s accessible via a portico of 666 arches stretching nearly 4 km, the longest in the world. You can reach it:
- On foot from the city center (approximately 1 hour).
- By bus 20 to Villa Spada, then take minibus 58 to the Sanctuary.
- By bus to Villa Spada, then walk through the portico (30 minutes).
- By tourist bus San Luca Express from Piazza Maggiore. Find prices here.
Admission is free, but if you want to climb to the dome for the panoramic view, there’s a €5 fee. Note that the stairs are extremely narrow, and the climb is single-file—so it may not be suitable for those with claustrophobia.
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Happy travels! 🥰
