What to see in Bologna in 3 hours

Do you only have three hours to visit Bologna? This walking tour takes you on a journey of discovery through the iconic sites of the historic centre, including medieval squares, museums, towers and historic markets. The route is approximately 2.5 km long, is entirely on foot and allows you to see the city’s main attractions, with optional stops at museums. All outdoor attractions are free of charge. Museums and towers, however, require an admission ticket.

1. Piazza del Nettuno

One of the main squares in the historic centre of Bologna. A square adjacent to Piazza Maggiore, home to the majestic Fontana del Nettuno and the Sala Borsa, one of Italy’s most vibrant and innovative multimedia libraries, where Roman archaeological excavations can be seen beneath the glass flooring. This is the perfect starting point for a tour lasting a few hours in the heart of the city.

Address: Piazza del Nettuno, Bologna
Cost: Free
Admission: Always free. Opening hours vary only for the Salaborsa Library, which can be checked on the official website. 

3. Palazzo d’Accursio and the Clock Tower

The historic seat of Bologna City Council and the city’s administrative hub. A majestic architectural complex that houses monumental courtyards, the 16th-century grand staircase and the magnificent Sala Farnese on the second floor. Outside, the 13th-century bronze statue of Pope Gregory XIII stands out on the façade, whilst inside we recommend the monumental staircase attributed to Bramante, the Collezioni Comunali d'Arte (Municipal Art Collections) and a visit to the Clock Tower .
The latter has marked the passage of time for the people of Bologna since the 15th century. It offers an exceptional 360-degree panoramic view over the city. During your visit, you can admire the complex mechanism of the astronomical clock, the richly frescoed interior rooms and the incredible panoramic view over Piazza Maggiore.

Address: Piazza Maggiore, 6, Bologna
Cost: Free for the external courtyards; an admission fee applies for the Municipal Art Collections and the Clock Tower (full price €10.00; concession €7.00. The Clock Tower ticket also includes access to the Municipal Art Collections)
Access: The Clock Tower is not accessible to people with mobility impairments due to architectural
barriers Opening hours: The Courtyard of Honour is open daily from 08:00 to 20:00. The Clock Tower is open daily from 10:00 to 18:20 (summer opening hours extended until 20:20). For opening times of the Municipal Art Collections, we recommend visiting the official website.
Official website: Clock Tower bookings

5. Civic Archaeological Museum

Housed in the 15th-century Palazzo Galvani, it houses one of Italy’s most important archaeological collections, with a particular focus on artefacts from the Etruscan, Roman and Celtic periods. However, the highlights of the exhibition are the spectacular Egyptian collection (one of the most important in Europe), the vases and artefacts from the Villanovan civilisation, and the majestic headless statue of Nero.

Address: Via dell’Archiginnasio, 2, Bologna
Admission: full price €6.00; concessions €4.00 or €2.00; free with the Card Cultura and Bologna Welcome Card
Access: Easy access and barrier-free
Opening hours: visit the museum’s website. 

7. Church of San Domenico

One of the city’s most important religious complexes, built to house the remains of Saint Dominic of Guzmán, founder of the Order of Preachers. It houses absolute masterpieces of Renaissance sculpture, including the Tomb of Saint Dominic adorned with early sculptures by Michelangelo, the precious inlaid wooden choir by Fra Damiano da Bergamo and the elegant 14th-century bell tower.

Address: Piazza San Domenico, 13, Bologna
Cost: Free
Admission: Free (tourist visits suspended during liturgical services)
Opening hours: Please check the official website.

9. Palazzo Pepoli – Museum of the History of Bologna

A superb example of medieval fortified architecture, the former residence of the noble Pepoli family of Bologna. Today it houses a multimedia and interactive museum exhibition entirely dedicated to the city’s historical development. Don’t miss the spectacular, modern inner courtyard covered by a steel-framed glass roof, the immersive reconstruction of the ancient Via Etrusca and the fascinating interactive three-dimensional model of medieval Bologna.

Address: Via Castiglione, 10, Bologna
Cost: Free entry to the Corte Coperta. Full-price museum ticket €10.00; concessions €7.00 or €5.00; free with the Card Cultura and Bologna Welcome Card
Access: The museum is largely accessible, though visitors with reduced mobility may encounter difficulties in the first room (Bologna Etrusca), where an Etruscan street has been reconstructed with very uneven
paving.
Opening hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday: 10.00 – 19.00. Closed on Tuesdays. Book your visit here.

11. The Two Towers

The two brick giants that dominate the skyline of Bologna. The Asinelli Tower, the tallest of Italy’s leaning medieval towers, stands alongside the sharply sloping Garisenda Tower. One’s attention is immediately drawn to the striking tilt of the Garisenda (also mentioned by Dante Alighieri), the soaring height of the Torre degli Asinelli and the 17th-century statue of Saint Petronius situated at the base of the monuments.

Address: Piazza di Porta Ravegnana, Bologna
Cost: Free outdoor parking; admission to the Torre degli Asinelli – currently closed for restoration – €5.00.
Access: The exterior is always accessible. The area surrounding the Garisenda is currently cordoned off for restoration and safety works.

13. Finestrella di Via Piella (the little window on Via Piella)

One of Bologna’s most unusual, romantic and frequently photographed spots. Also known as ‘Little Venice’, this view offers a glimpse of an unexpected and idyllic riverine Bologna. We recommend watching the silent flow of the Canale delle Moline, framed by the little wooden window, and enjoying the evocative urban panorama from the small bridge on the opposite side of the street.

Address: Via Piella, 16/a – 18/a, Bologna
Cost: Free
Admission: Free

In around three hours, this walking tour allows you to discover the most authentic landmarks and the main attractions of Bologna’s historic centre. The route has been designed to be completed within this timeframe, focusing on viewing the monuments from the outside, making it perfect even for those who are short on time. If, on the other hand, you have more time to spare or wish to extend your experience, remember that the museums and attractions with an admission charge mentioned in the guide are optional stops: you can thus make the most of your visit by stepping inside the historic halls, climbing the Clock Tower or venturing further afield to the spectacular UNESCO-listed porticoes and the city’s other historic districts.