With famous cities such as Rome, Florence, Venice, and Naples, you may wonder, is Bologna worth visiting? Any food lover will tell you YES! Bologna is actually the food capital of Italy. What about solo female travelers? Should I visit Bologna if I am traveling alone?
Solo travel in Bologna is safe, more affordable, and less crowded than in the other big-name cities in Italy. When traveling alone there, affordability and safety are high on my list. I highly recommend visiting for several reasons!
Is Bologna Worth Visiting Solo?
Traveling to Bologna alone was a wonderful experience for me. Bologna was a good choice as someone who first cares about safety and affordability.
What I enjoyed most about visiting solo was there were several things to explore in the old town, and I didn’t need to rent a car to do anything.
When I travel alone, I want to ensure I stay where I feel safe to walk around at night, and Bologna provided me with a sense of safety.
It is always important to research safety in more than one place, so I urge you to do more research for yourself.
I feel that Bologna is worth visiting solo, and I hope you do too!
Where is Bologna Located?
Bologna is located in the Emilia-Romagna region. This is considered Northern Italy at the northern foot of the Apennines. You can fly directly into Bologna. The airport is located 7.5 km away from the city center. The journey is approximately 20 minutes by car or taxi.
Things to Do Solo When Visiting Bologna
Walking & Eating Tour
Italy is well known for its cuisine, and Bologna is an extra special city for foodies. It is most famous for its thick egg noodle pasta and ragu sauce. You can also find some incredible pizza on the streets of Bologna. If you are coming to Italy hungry, you won’t be disappointed. If you are solo, the perfect activity is to join a group tour! Try this 3-hour walking and eating tour.
Visit The Two Towers (Le Due Torri)
These two towers are considered the symbol of the city and were built to demonstrate the power of two different families. The Asinelli tower (taller tower) and the Garisenda (smaller tower). Each tower is named after the family that built them. These were constructed in 1110, and you can to this day climb to the top of the tower.
Basilica of San Petronio
The are many churches in Italy, and the basilica of San Petronio in Bologna is worth visiting. It is the main attraction in Piazza Maggiore. A great way to see all of the must-sees in Bologna is to do an organized walking tour.
Take A Cooking Class
A fun activity if you visit Bologna solo is joining a cooking class!
Amaze everyone back home with your newly found culinary skills. This class is for beginners.
Learn how to prepare homemade pasta and traditional Ragu sauce!
The class is held in a cozy Bologna apartment. Check availability and book early!
Better than the Almafi Coast? READ MORE: The East Coast of Italy | Bari
Go Wine Tasting
Maybe cooking isn’t your passion, but you just love wine? Bologna is worth visiting for the wine alone! Northern Italian wines are my absolute favorite varietal. This wine tour will teach you all about winemaking and taste delicious wines in a group setting.
Visit Archiginnasio
This building was once the main building of the University of Bologna. Now it stands as the Municipal Library and Anatomical Theatre. Get your tickets here to visit this important building in Bologna.
Private Tour of Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca
Start the day by meeting in Piazza Maggiore and taking a little train ride to the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca. You will visit the monastery and enjoy panoramic views of Bologna. This tour can be booked online here.
Visit Torre Prendiparte
Bologna is worth visiting just to stay in the Torre Prendiparte! Originally constructed as a defense post for the Prendiparte family. Now, a place you can actually stay! If you are traveling solo and looking to splurge, this would be the place to do it!
Visit Basilica di Santo Stefano
A true piece of history in Basilica di Santo Stefano. There were originally seven churches of its kind, but today only four remain. Located in Piazza Santo Stefano and is used today for concerts, markets, and other cultural events.
Photos edited Adobe Lightroom preset!
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READ MORE: From Florence to Verona
Where In Bologna is Worth Staying?
Here is a quick list of the top three choices for staying in Bologna!
Where Else Is Worth Visiting Near Bologna?
Bologna is situated close enough to visit a couple of Italy’s most beautiful cities. Located less than 2 hours by train is the romantic city of Verona. This city was my top pick for a day trip because of its size. You could also check out Florence, as I did. However, compared to Verona, I highly recommend choosing Verona over Florence.
Florence is a large and impressive city that you need more than just a day to explore. I felt that even though I wanted more time in Verona, I saw a lot in a short time.
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World of Lina says
Your photos of Bologna are really stunning! Makes me wanna go there 🙂
Lara says
I’m really into the virtual tours now that we can’t travel. I love this one through Bologna, thanks for sharing your pictures and helping me to pretend I’m traveling! Also, I didn’t know Bologna was the food capital of Italy, one more reason to add it to my bucket list!
Zi @craving.adventure says
Lovely Bologna! Only ever got to spend an afternoon there but would love to explore it further
Natalie LaTurno says
Ah, I would have been passing through Bologna around this time if it wasn’t for the virus. But when I get there eventually I will save your post so I can use it then! Your pics of bologna are stunning, and I can’t wait to eat loads of pasta and admire the beautiful architecture
Melissa Byron says
Heartbreak! I too am mourning the loss of trips canceled. Feel free to reach out when you rebook! I traveled to a few places in the area. Happy to give you any recommendations you need!
Aireona says
Wow- the cohesion in the color of the architecture is really beautiful. I have not seen much about Bologna previously, but it really strikes me just how beautiful it is. I hope to be able to visit when all this insanity is over.
Melissa Byron says
Thanks! Bologna is a great home base, you can visit Verona, and Florence very easily from there! I can’t wait for the doors to open for travel again!