Italy can be visited visa-free for up to 90 days by citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Israel, UAE and most countries in America. If you are unsure whether or not you need to apply for a visa, we recommend contacting the embassy or consulate in your country. International (non-Schengen) travellers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the Schengen zone. Citizens of Schengen countries can travel without a passport but must have a valid ID with them during their stay.

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Passport/Visa

In Bologna, you can enjoy favourable weather almost all year round. Between the months of May and August is considered the peak of the season and the climate is predominantly humid. On the other hand, the winter season is another great option as you can feel the Christmas spirit in the capital of the Emilia-Romagna Region.

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Best time to Visit

Bologna Airport is conveniently located just 9 kilometres from the city centre. Travellers can easily reach the city via the monorail train Marconi Express, with a quick 7-minute journey between the airport and the central train station in Bologna. This service operates every 7 minutes during peak times and runs from 5:40am until midnight, every day of the year. Additionally, bus lines 940 (night road service) and 944 provide alternative transportation options, connecting the airport to various destinations including the railway station and Ospedale Maggiore. For those preferring taxis or rental cars, both are readily available at this airport as well.

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Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ)

Forlì International Airport, or Luigi Ridolfi Airport, is a small airport situated in Forlì, within the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy. Serving Emilia-Romagna and eastern Tuscany, including the metropolitan areas of Bologna and Rimini Riviera, it's a key transportation hub in the region. Located approximately 80 kilometres from Bologna, it's accessible within a one-hour drive.

Forlì International Airport (FRL)

Trasporto Passeggeri Emilia-Romagna (TPER) is the company that operates Bologna’s local transport system. You can buy tickets at every newsstand, tobacconist, automatic machine (near the main bus stops) and in TPER offices. Once you are on the bus remember to stamp your ticket, it will be valid for 75 minutes. There are various passes available for tourists, including daily passes and a carnet with 10 or 20 tickets. For additional information, visit the TPER official website.

Having said that, Bologna is highly walkable for tourists. Its compact city centre is pedestrian-friendly, with many attractions, shops, and restaurants located within walking distance of each other. The city's historic streets, arcades, and squares make exploring on foot a delightful experience.

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Public Transport

Cotabo: +39 051 372 727
Colombo: +39 349 362 7917

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Taxi

You can find the main post office in Piazza Minghetti. Stamps can also be bought at tabaccherias. Drop your postcard or letter in one of the big red mailboxes.

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Post

Country code: +39

Area code: 051 (also dialled in Bologna). If you call Italy from abroad, you must always dial zero in the area code (do not omit it as is the general practice when making international telephone calls), e.g. +39 051 + the number.

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Telephone

Italy operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz. The most common plug types in the country are C and F, with the possibility of encountering type L as well. Plug type C is the plug which has two round pins, plug type F is the plug which has two round pins with two earth clips on the side and plug type L is the plug type which has three round pins.

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Electricity

As the capital of the Emilia Romagna region, Bologna is an art city, a university centre and a place renowned for its excellent cuisine. It hosts important international trade fairs and is one of the world’s greatest motor cities. Ducati, Lamborghini and Maserati were all born in Bologna and Ferrari’s headquarters can be found in nearby Modena.

Le due Torri (The Two Towers), Garisenda e degli Asinelli, are iconic symbols of Bologna's skyline, dating back to the 12th century. Towering over the city, they stand as testament to Bologna's medieval heritage and architectural splendour. While the Garisenda Tower is known for its distinctive lean, the Asinelli Tower offers breathtaking panoramic views from its summit.

Torre Garisenda and Degli Asinelli Tower in Bologna Emilia Romagna Italy

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Two Towers (Torre Degli Asinelli & Torre Della Garisenda)

The Palazzo Comunale (or Palazzo d'Accursio) is Bologna’s town hall. The upper level of the palace is the home of the civic museum Collezioni Comunali d'Arte (Municipal Art Collections) where a large collection of Renaissance paintings and other pieces of art can be enjoyed.

Palazzo d'Accursio or Palazzo Comunale is an palace once formulated to house major administrative offices of city of Bologna

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Bologna’s Town Hall

The National Gallery (Pinacoteca Nazionale) is the most important art gallery in Bologna and boasts one of the richest collections in Northern Italy. Art from major Italian artists, including local artists are housed here. Here you will find works of art, dating back from the 14th and 15th centuries to the Renaissance period and art from the 16th century.

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National Gallery

Standing on Bologna’s main square, (Piazza Maggiore), the Basilica of San Petronio is one of the largest medieval churches in Italy and an important symbol of the city. The inside is full of Gothic archways, stained glass windows and doors from the 15th and 16th centuries.

San Petronio church on the main square in Bologna city. It is the largest church built in bricks in the world.

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Basilica of San Petronio

This extraordinary religious site consists of four medieval churches, originally there were seven churches, and therefore it is known by the name of Sette Chiese (Seven Churches). Besides churches, this peaceful complex contains cloisters, tombs and courtyards, a great place to browse religious art and artefacts as well. The most interesting is the church of the Sepolcro, which preserves a representation of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem.

Santo Stefano square holds a complex of ancient temples Sette Chiese ("Seven Churches") in Bologna, Italy

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Basilica of Santo Stefano

The University of Bologna, founded in 1088, stands as the oldest university in the Western world, boasting a rich history of academic excellence and innovation. Some of the famous people who have been teaching here include Nicolaus Copernicus and Francesco Petrarca. Renowned for its distinguished faculty, diverse student body, and commitment to research and teaching across a wide range of disciplines, the University of Bologna continues to be a global leader in higher education.

Young female student dressed casually with colorful books in the inner yard of oldest university in the world in Bologna city in Italy

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Old building in the student city, Bologna in Italy

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University of Bologna

Crafted by the skilled sculptor Giambologna in the 16th century, the colossal Fontana di Nettuno graces the heart of Piazza Maggiore with its majestic presence. The life-size bronze statue of Neptune, poised atop a shell-shaped chariot pulled by seahorses and surrounded by allegorical figures, exudes a sense of power and elegance. Serving as an iconic landmark of Bologna, the fountain not only embodies the city's rich artistic heritage but also functions as a gathering point for residents and tourists to appreciate the intersection of art, history, and civic life in this charming Italian city.

Piazza del Nettuno fountain in Bologna in Emilia Romagna in Italy

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Fountain of Neptune

Built in 1251, this is the birthplace of the Dominican order and the resting place of its founder — Saint Dominic. It is one of the richest churches in Bologna when it comes to history and art. The small museum houses art and precious artefacts like the relic of Louis IX of France. Be sure to also admire the beautiful Romanesque façade and Gothic chapels.

view of Basilica of San Domenico, Bologna, Italy

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Basilica of San Domenico

If you want to learn how to cook a perfect pasta Bolognese, there's no better place to do it than in Bologna, the home of the world’s famous sauce. Agriturismo San Giuliano organizes classes in pasta making and cooking traditional Italian food. The courses can be held in Italian, English, French or Spanish.

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Italian Cooking Class

If motorcycles fascinate you, the Ducati Museum, on the outskirts of Bologna, is a must. At the Ducati Factory, you can see the history of this world-famous brand from the year of 1926 until today. You can also join the factory tour, just make sure to book in advance.

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Ducati Museum

The Certosa di Bologna is a former Carthusian monastery, which was founded in 1334 and suppressed in 1797. In 1801, it became the city's Monumental Cemetery, which is known for its unique sculptures, architecture and Etruscan tombs. Just beside the graveyard, you can find the area where the non-Catholic persons were buried, a Jewish cemetery, and a crematory area.

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Certosa di Bologna

Opened in 2007, MAMbo is housed within a former industrial space constructed in 1915, which previously operated as a bakery for many years. The museum features a diverse collection showcasing art from World War II to the present, featuring renowned Italian and foreign artists.

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MAMbo — Bologna Modern Art Museum

The Italians see their luxury car brand Ferrari as a religion and their beautiful cars as saints. In the city of Maranello just outside Bologna, you can find its factory. In a separate building next to it, a 2,500 square meter museum welcomes guests to discover the history of the brand and to be fascinated by the fast cars.

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Ferrari Maranello Museum

Inaugurated in 1763, The Teatro Comunale di Bologna is the heart of Bologna's cultural life and is considered to be one of the most important opera venues in Italy. Opera, ballet, symphonic concerts or contemporary music, regardless of what you choose, will be a cultural high point to remember.

Conductor directing symphony orchestra with performers on background.

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Bologna Municipal Theater

Located in Sant'Agata Bolognese, the birthplace of Lamborghini, the museum offers visitors a fascinating journey through decades of cutting-edge design and engineering. Showcasing a striking collection of Lamborghini's legendary sports cars, including sleek models and prototypes, the museum provides automobile enthusiasts with a close-up look at the brand's evolution.

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Lamborghini Automobile Museum

Park of Montagnola (Parco della Montagnola) is an enchanting green space nestled in the heart of the city. With its lush vegetation, meandering pathways, and charming pond, the park provides a picturesque setting for leisurely strolls, picnics, or simply basking in the beauty of nature.

Scalinata Del Pincio in Parco della Montagnola, Bologna, Italy.

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Park of Montagnola

The Anatomical Theatre is a former classroom, in the shape of an amphitheatre, used for anatomy lectures and dissections during the 16th century. Immerse yourself in the richly panelled space adorned with detailed wood sculptures for a glimpse into the educational practices of the past.

Interior of Anatomical Theatre located in Archiginnasio building in historic part of Bologna, Italy

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Anatomical Theatre

The Anatomy Museum, Collezione delle Cere Anatomiche, offers a unique and spine-chilling experience. Visitors will encounter displays featuring wax models depicting body parts, diseases, and malformations, alongside a vast collection of real skulls. Recommended for those with interests in medical history, anatomy, or general health. Be aware that the museum may not be suitable for the overly squeamish.

Four skulls in a raw showing humans evolution. Human evolution is the evolutionary process that led to the emergence of anatomically modern humans.

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Anatomy Museum

If you want to play a game of golf you can go to the historical 50-year-old Golf Club Bologna. This is a good place to go to experience the beautiful Bolognese countryside. The last three holes are claimed to be a real challenge. When hunger kicks in, there is a restaurant and bar in the clubhouse where to relish culinary delicacy in a relaxed ambience.

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Golf Club Bologna

Also known as, Stadio Littorialeis, Stadio Renato Dall'Ara is a multi-purpose stadium, currently used mostly for football matches and the home of Bologna F.C. It was established in 1927 and has a capacity of over 38,000 people and even though the stadium is old, the condition and facilities are good. Concerts are also held at this stadium.

Soccer Ball at night in grass with Stadium and lights in background

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Renato Dall'Ara Stadium

Terme San Luca boasts the largest spa centre in Bologna, offering a comprehensive array of amenities for wellness and fitness enthusiasts alike. From rejuvenating pools to gym facilities and solariums, guests can indulge in a range of activities designed for relaxation and remise-en-forme.

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Best things to do in bologna

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MAMbo — Bologna Modern Art Museum

Opened in 2007, MAMbo is housed within a former industrial space constructed in 1915, which previously operated as a bakery for many years. The museum features a diverse collection showcasing art from World War II to the present, featuring renowned Italian and foreign artists.

National Gallery

Ferrari Maranello Museum

Two Towers (Torre Degli Asinelli & Torre Della Garisenda)

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