3-Day City Itinerary for Bologna, Italy - A Gastronomical Journey

• Day 1: Discovering the City Centre
  Distance: 1.5 miles, Time Estimate: 1.5 hours (on foot)

  Start your journey by exploring the Piazza Maggiore, which is one of the most famous landmarks in Bologna. The square is surrounded by magnificent buildings like the Basilica di San Petronio, Palazzo d'Accursio, and the Palazzo del Podesta. Visit the famous Fountain of Neptune and see the beautiful Palazzo Re Enzo nearby. Take a break from the city hustle-bustle and make your way towards the tranquil Sanctuary of the Madonna of San Luca. Spend your evening indulging yourself in delightful cuisine and wine at the Quadrilatero market.

• Day 2: Bologna's Artistic Side
  Distance: 3.3 miles, Time Estimate: 3.5 hours (on foot)

  Start your day by visiting the National Art Gallery of Bologna housed in the Palazzo dei Musei, which is famous for its Renaissance art by Italian artists. Visit the Santo Stefano complex with a conglomeration of seven churches, named after the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. Your next stop should be the Basilica di San Domenico, famous for the exquisite pieces of art by artists like Michelangelo, Nicola Pisano, and more. End your day exploring the historic Archiginnasio, where the University of Bologna was founded.

• Day 3: Unleash the Inner Chef
  Distance: 1.5 miles, Time Estimate: 2 hours (on foot)

  Begin your food tour by visiting the Museo della Storia di Bologna and discover the culinary history of Bologna. Participate in a fun and informative pasta-making cooking class with a local chef, and learn how to make ragù, tagliatelle, and tiramisu. Visit the FICO Eataly World, where food is celebrated through fun and exciting exhibits. End your day enjoying a wine-tasting tour and dinner at the nearby Guiggi Winery.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Piazza Maggiore (1 hour, free)
• Santuario della Madonna di San Luca (1 hour, free)
• Artisan's Market in Quadrilatero (2 hours, EUR 20-50)
• National Art Gallery of Bologna (2 hours, EUR 10-15)
• Basilica di San Domenico (1 hour, free)
• Archiginnasio (2 hours, free)
• Museo della Storia di Bologna (1 hour, EUR 5-10)
• Pasta Making Class (3 hours, EUR 50-80)
• FICO Eataly World (3 hours, EUR 15-25)
• Wine Tasting (2 hours, EUR 30-50)
• Total Estimated Costs (excluding accommodation): EUR 130-255

Transportation

All major attractions of Bologna are located in the city centre and are easily accessible on foot. However, you can make use of the local bus service. A single ticket costs EUR 1.50, and a day ticket costs EUR 5.00.

Useful Tips

If you have an additional day, take a trip to the beautiful nearby town of Modena, which is famous for its balsamic vinegar and Ferrari Museum. If you have extra time to spend in Bologna, visit the charming Giardini Margherita.

Airports

The Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ) is one of the busiest airports in Italy, located just 4 miles from the city centre.