Weekend in Bolzano

12th-century cathedral with a Gothic spire and Romanesque cloister. Inside is plain but the cloister has faded frescoes and a quiet courtyard.

Tip: Enter through the side door on Via della Mostra to avoid the main queue. The cloister is free; the crypt costs €2.

A Gothic cathedral with a striped marble facade and a wooden roof from the 16th century. Inside, note the ornate pulpit and frescoes.

Tip: Free to enter. Visit during weekday mornings to avoid tour groups. The cloister has a small garden that's often overlooked.

A Gothic-style cathedral with a striking green-and-white tiled spire and a Romanesque cloister. Inside, the nave is simple but the stained glass and wooden pulpit are worth a look.

Tip: Visit at around 11am on weekday mornings to hear the choir practice, which is free and often includes local folk hymns. The cloister is accessed through a side door near the souvenir stand.

A network of covered arcades lined with medieval frescoes and small shops. The Via dei Portici is the longest, running the length of the old town with iron signs and painted facades.

Tip: The frescoes on houses at Via dei Portici 18 and 21 are best seen in the late afternoon light. Don't miss the tiny courtyard at Via Goethestraße 1.

A 13th-century monastery with frescoed cloisters and a Gothic church. The cloister has vivid scenes from local history.

Tip: Free, but only open during mass or by request. Ask the caretaker at the church entrance – they'll let you in the cloister if it's quiet.

A large green park along the Talfer River, popular for picnics, jogging, or lazy afternoons. Has playgrounds and shaded benches.

Tip: Free. Bring your own food – no cafes nearby. Go early on weekends to grab a spot before football games.

A wide grassy riverbank park along the Talvera River, perfect for a quiet stroll or picnic. The path runs under old plane trees and past a small pond with ducks.

Tip: Bring a flask and buy a bottle of local Lagrein red wine from a supermarket for under €8—it's a common sight to see locals drinking it on the grass in summer.

Big flat grassy park along the Talfer river. Locals sunbathe, picnic, and play football here. It’s peaceful and free.

Tip: Walk north along the riverbank to the bridge by Ponte Talvera – you get views of the Dolomites behind the city. Best at sunset.

The main square with a statue of Walther von der Vogelweide, surrounded by cafes and the cathedral. A hub for local markets and events.

Tip: Free. For cheap eats, grab a pizza slice from the takeaway shop on the north side – €3.50, no seating. Visit at sunset for good light on the cathedral.

The main square of Bolzano, dominated by a large statue of medieval poet Walther von der Vogelweide and flanked by the neo-Gothic cathedral. A calm, pedestrian-only space with benc

Tip: The weekly market sets up here on Tuesday and Friday mornings. Grab a plate of local speck and cheese from the stalls for under €5.