Weekend in Bologna

Former main university building (1563–1803) with an ornate Anatomical Theatre carved entirely from spruce and a grand library hall covered in coats of arms.

Tip: The theatre is free only during term-time library hours; if the door is locked, check the library’s opening times online—it's often open 9–13 on weekdays.

One of the largest churches in the world, built in the 14th century. Its unfinished facade contrasts with a vast, stark interior that holds a meridian line and important artworks.

Tip: Climb the nearby Torre degli Asinelli for a panorama (paid), but first walk around the basilica's side streets to see the tiny, frescoed Oratorio dei Battuti Bianchi – free and often missed.

The historic seat of Bologna University, built in 1563. The Anatomical Theatre (where students watched dissections) and the vast wooden library hall are the main draws.

Tip: You can walk into the entrance courtyard and the staircase for free. To enter the Anatomical Theatre and library, you need to buy a ticket (€3 in 2024) — worth it, but check the website for closures during events.

A medieval covered market now lined with food stalls—tortellini, salumi, and fresh pasta—with no admission fee to wander and taste.

Tip: Buy a cone of fried gnocco fritto (savoury dough puffs) from the back stall for €2. Eat standing at the bar; you'll save €4–5 on a seated menu.

A dense network of narrow streets packed with food stalls, butchers, cheese sellers, pasta makers, and wine shops dating back to the Middle Ages. It's a living food market, open daily.

Tip: No need to buy a full meal – grab a cone of fried seafood or a slice of pizza al taglio for €3–5. The alleyway Via Pescherie Vecchie has the best panino spots, like Tamburini.

An ancient network of alleyways just behind Piazza Maggiore filled with food shops, small restaurants, and stalls. You can walk through for free, see historic spot where the Etruscan market once stood

Tip: Go early around 10am to see the shops in full swing. Avoid eating at the tourist-friendly places with menus in English; instead grab a tray of tortellini from a deli counter to eat standing up. Costs about €4–5 for lunch.

The massive unfinished Gothic basilica right on Piazza Maggiore. Head inside for the huge Meridian line on the floor, a giant sundial built in 1655. The nave is vast and plain compared to other Italia

Tip: Don't pay to go in the small museum in the back rooms. Instead walk around the left side to the rear of the building to see the impressive 'Porta Magna' unfinished facade with its carved reliefs.

Over 62 km of covered walkways line the city's streets, built from the 12th century onwards. They protected medieval merchants from rain and sun. The most impressive is the Portico

Tip: Walk the Portico di San Luca starting from Porta Saragozza at dawn — it's cooler, you'll beat the heat, and you get the sanctuary almost to yourself. Bring water; there are few fountains.

The original University of Bologna building from the 1500s. The main courtyard and the huge Anatomical Theatre (a wooden lecture hall shaped like a human body) are free to enter on

Tip: Check their official website before visiting. The Anatomical Theatre has a small fee (around €3) on most days, but the courtyard and Porto library wing are always free and worth a slow wander.

A distinctive triangular piazza connecting the complex of seven churches (Basilica of Santo Stefano). The cobblestone space has a quieter, less touristy feel than Piazza Maggiore.

Tip: Sit on the steps of the church on a weekday morning — locals walk dogs and buy vegetables at the tiny market. The courtyard inside the complex has a medieval stone well that's easy to miss.