What to do in Bologna and its surroundings in hot weather

Visiting Bologna in the height of summer and the heat is unbearable? No worries — the city and its surroundings offer plenty of ways to escape the summer heat, from swimming pools and day trips to museums (all comfortably air-conditioned, of course).

• Art and culture in cool spaces

Visiting museums and galleries is the perfect solution when the heat becomes unbearable. Rediscovering art and its hidden masterpieces is one of the best things to do in the city. Enjoy the air conditioning inside exhibition spaces while admiring both permanent collections and must-see temporary exhibitions. Among the recommended destinations is also the Botanical Garden, located at Via Irnerio 42 and nestled within the university complex: two hectares of greenery featuring a rich variety of plant species.

• Scenic views and history in the heart of the city

If you want to stay downtown, don’t miss the Clock Tower and the Municipal Art Collections at Palazzo d’Accursio. Besides the artworks on display, you can enjoy an extraordinary view of Piazza Maggiore from the two panoramic terraces, perfect for a refreshing break with a view.

While walking from one cool spot to another, if you want to protect yourself from the sun, you can always take shelter under the city’s 62 km of UNESCO-listed Porticoes.

In the shade of the porticoes, you can explore insights into the history and architecture, as well as the daily life of those who work, pass through, and live under these porticoes every day.

• Indoor shopping

For a few hours of relief from the heat, a great option is to go shopping in the city’s many shopping centers, where you can escape the heat and enjoy some retail therapy.

Right in the heart of Bologna, sheltered from the sun under the breezy porticoes of Galleria Cavour, you’ll find an elegant shopping gallery hosting the world’s most prestigious and exclusive fashion and high jewelry brands.

➝Discover 7 reasons to visit Galleria Cavour.

Heading towards the plains, there are the Castel Guelfo and Barberino outlets, true shopping villages that attract fashion lovers from all over the region.

• Summer evenings surrounded by greenery

When the heat starts to fade, why not end the day with an aperitif surrounded by greenery?

Bologna has many kiosks and chalets located inside parks where you can enjoy a cool beer in contact with nature while listening to music.

Among the most popular are the two kiosks inside Parco della Montagnola: Frida nel Parco and Montagnola Republic.

Still in the city center, the Serre dei Giardini Margherita host the annual summer event "Le Serre d’estate".

Just outside the city gates, you’ll find the Fermento in Villa bar at Villa Angeletti and the Cassarini Summer food truck festival.

• Open-air cinema

Between indoor screenings and charming outdoor locations, the festival is just the beginning of a summer fully dedicated to experiencing cinema on the big screen. When the scorching sun sets in the evening, Bologna transforms into an open-air movie theater. Across the city’s squares and arenas, the heart of cinema beats again during the summer months.

The season kicks off with the Biografilm Festival, scheduled from June 6 to 16: a journey through life stories, retracing the biographies of famous and lesser-known figures, highlighting intense and profound human experiences.

If you’re in the city center, starting June 16 you can enjoy the open-air film series "Under the Stars of Cinema" in Piazza Maggiore, the largest open-air cinema in Europe. From June 21 to 29, discover the Cinema Ritrovato festival, organized by the Cineteca di Bologna, during which Bologna’s theaters and arenas will be filled with over 400 screenings from morning till night for 9 days. Find the programs of both festivals on the official Cineteca website.

Moving towards the outskirts, at Dopolavoro Ferroviario, you’ll find the always rich and vibrant programming of Arena Puccini, an intimate open-air space showcasing carefully selected screenings.

• Cooling off outside the city

Those who want to get away from the city center can opt for a day at the pool. The Bologna area offers many options, even outside the city, to cool off with a swim. Enjoy the pleasure of a perfect tan without the stress of long hours in the car searching for seaside relief.

Another option that combines rest and coolness is Villaggio della Salute Più, a spa center with a water park nestled in the hills. Located at Via Sillaro 27 in Monterenzio, just half an hour from Bologna, the village includes several farmhouses within the agritourism complex, offering single, double, and triple rooms to extend your relaxation for more than just one day.

• Nature and relaxation by lakes and rivers

If the sea is far away, you can always choose nature. The Apennines and the Imola area host some of the most beautiful lakes and rivers in Emilia-Romagna, while the plains offer lush oases ideal for a refreshing break. Discover more about the cool side of the region.

• A beach on the Reno River

And to sunbathe in the city? The Lido di Casalecchio, along the Reno River, is easily reachable by bike via the cycling path. Here you will find a genuine urban bathing establishment to enjoy a day of relaxation.