Bologna Bash: A Budget-Friendly 3-Day Adventure

Discover the heart of Italy's culinary capital without breaking the bank in Bologna.

21 June 2023

A trip to Bologna, Italy on a limited budget is possible with some planning and foresight. Visitors can explore the city's impressive architecture, vibrant culture, and culinary delights without breaking the bank. Low-cost accommodation options such as hostels and apartments, plus the availability of street food, make Bologna a fantastic destination for those seeking an authentic Italian experience without costly indulgences.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Exploring Bologna

  • Check into Hotel University, a cozy budget-friendly stay near the city center
  • Wander through the lively streets of the Quadrilatero market for some authentic Italian snacks
  • Climb the 498 steps to the top of Asinelli Tower for stunning views of the city
  • Experience the beauty of Piazza Maggiore and its stunning Fountain of Neptune
  • Enjoy a delicious traditional Italian meal at Trattoria da Me via San Felice
Day 2

History and Culture

  • Start the day by visiting the historical University of Bologna, the oldest university in the world
  • Marvel at the stunning Renaissance-style Basilica di San Petronino, an impressive landmark of Bologna
  • Continue into the iconic Archiginnasio Palace; once the city’s university in the 16th century
  • Visit the Confraternita dei Battuti Neri Museum to learn more about the city’s rich history
  • End the day with some scrumptious gelato at Cremeria Santo Stefano
Day 3

Discovering Bologna’s Surroundings

  • Take a day trip to Modena to drinks some the world's finest balsamic vinegar and visit the Enzo Ferrari Museum.
  • Visit the Santuario della Madonna di San Luca (Bologna's famous basilica)
  • Take a cooking class at the Sant'Apollonia Station where you make your own pasta and more.
  • Take a tour of the MAMbo—Moderno Museo d’Arte Bologna.
  • Finish with a few drinks at the vibrant Bar Camst Rosso Stanza.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Bologna by plane is to fly into Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport, which is located approximately 6 kilometers from the city center. Many major airlines offer direct flights to Bologna from cities across Europe, including London, Paris, and Frankfurt.

Car

If you prefer to drive, Bologna is easily accessible from several major highways, including the A1, which runs from Milan to Bologna and on to Rome. You can rent a car from major providers at Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport, or you can drive your own car and park in one of the city's public parking lots.

Train

Traveling to Bologna by train is easy thanks to the city's central location and excellent rail connections. Bologna Centrale is the main train station in the city, and it operates high-speed trains to destinations throughout Italy, including Rome, Florence, and Venice.

Boat

While there is no direct ferry service to Bologna, it is possible to take a ferry to nearby coastal cities such as Ravenna and Ancona and then travel to Bologna by train or bus. Alternatively, you can charter a private boat to travel to one of the marinas located on nearby bodies of water such as Lake Garda or the Adriatic Sea.

Bus

There are several bus companies that provide services to Bologna from other Italian cities such as Florence, Pisa, and Milan. The main bus station in Bologna is located next to the train station, making it easy to connect to other destinations. Tickets can usually be purchased online or at the bus station.

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