One day in Bologna: a walking route

What the route costs

1 of 3 are free; 2 charge entry — prices below, check them on site.

How to see Bologna in one day

Bologna's centre is compact: Piazza Maggiore, the Fountain of Neptune and the towers are five minutes apart, and the station is 20 minutes' walk along Via Indipendenza or 10 by bus. Almost the whole way is under porticoes, so it's comfortable in heat or rain.

Start on Piazza Maggiore: San Petronio opens in the morning, entry is free, and around noon you can watch a sunbeam land on the meridian in the floor. Next door are the Fountain of Neptune and the Sala Borsa library with its glass floor over ruins. From there, Via Rizzoli leads to the towers.

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Where to eat

Have lunch at the Quadrilatero market behind Piazza Maggiore: its old lanes are full of shops selling Parmesan, mortadella and fresh pasta, and little trattorias serve tortellini in broth and tagliatelle al ragù, the real 'Bolognese'. Many shops set out tables for a plate of cold cuts and a glass of wine.

In the evening, head for the university quarter around Via Zamboni for cheap bars, student life and aperitivo under the porticoes.

If you have time left

On a second day, visit the Ferrari Museum in Maranello, 25 minutes by train to Modena plus a shuttle. Keen walkers can follow the nearly 4 km portico up the hill to the Madonna di San Luca sanctuary and its city view.

How to do it right

• Walk under the porticoes; they shelter you from rain and sun.
• Lunch at the Quadrilatero market.
• Churches require covered shoulders and knees, and large backpacks are often refused.
• Italy uses the euro. Cards and contactless are accepted almost everywhere; carry a little cash for cafés and markets. Buy museum tickets ahead on official sites, where closing days are listed too.
• Check whether the Asinelli climb is open.

Questions