The Best Western City Hotel is the ideal starting point to go and disciver Bologna, city of art, culture and gastronomy in the heart of Emilia Romagna.

Let yourself be inspired by our suggestions on things not to be missed, discover an unusual Bologna with our top 10 favorite places for the people of Bologna.

Are you looking for more information to organize your trip? Find out more on Bologna Welcome, the tourism portal dedicated to the city. If you want to discover the Bolognese Apennines and immerse yourself in the greenery, ExtraBo is waiting for you!

If you want to discover Bologna, and beyond, on two wheels we recommend Travelhoo: Alessandra and Paola will recommend the best tours in search of the truest dimension closest to nature.

Find out the 10 unmissable things in Bologna

1 - Piazza Maggiore and Piazza Nettuno

The heart of Bologna is Piazza Maggiore, enclosed among the palaces of medieval architecture, such as Palazzo del Podestà, Palazzo Re Enzo, Palazzo dei Banchi, Palazzo dei Notai and Palazzo d'Accursio, seat of the Municipality. Don't miss Giambologna's Neptune Fountain.

2 - The two Towers

The two towers, Torre della Garisenda and Torre degli Asinelli, stand out in the center of the city and are its undisputed symbol. Climb the 498 steps of the Torre degli Asinelli for breathtaking views of the city.

3 - Piazza Santo Stefano and the seven Churches

This "hidden" square is one of the most surprising places in the city and most loved by the people of Bologna. Discover the intertwining of the seven churches and stroll through the courtyards of the Basilica of Santo Stefano. enjoying the quiet in the center of Bologna. The square hosts, every second weekend of the month, the historic Antiques Market of the City of Bologna.

4 - The Archigginnasio and the Teatro Anatomico

The Archiginnasio was the seat of the Alma Mater Studiorum from 1563 to 1803; today it is one of the oldest reading rooms in the city. Don't miss a visit to the Anatomical Theatre, the inlaid wooden classroom from 1637 dedicated to anatomy lessons.

5 - The porticoes - UNESCO heritage site

The porticoes of Bologna are pure poetry: with an extension of 53 km, they are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll along via Farini admiring the portico of the Bank of Italy; don't miss the wooden porticoes of Palazzo Grassi and Palazzo Isolani.

6 - Basilica of San Petronio

Overlooking Piazza Maggiore, the Basilica of San Petronio is the fourth largest church in Italy. Inside there is the longest covered sundial in the world and the oldest organ in Italy. A masterpiece worth visiting!

7 - The walk from the Meloncello portico to the Sanctuary of San Luca

The Sanctuary is located on Colle della Guardia: to reach it you walk along the portico of San Luca which, at 3.8 km, is the longest in the world. Another symbol much loved by the Bolognese who generally walk along it starting from the Meloncello portico for good luck or to do a bit of physical activity. If walking isn't your thing, you can take the San Luca Express!

8 - The little window on via Piella

"Little Venice": this is the name by which this special corner of Bologna is known. The city is built on a dense network of canals, covered at the beginning of the twentieth century, but it is still possible to see some sections of them. In via Piella before Porta Govese, open the small window under the portico and admire a unique view!

9 - Bologna University: via Zamboni and Palazzo Poggi

The beating heart of university life, it is the most frequented street by students: full of historic buildings, museums, churches and the historic but still active headquarters of the University of Bologna. Among these Palazzo Poggi, the Municipal Theatre, the G.B. Conservatory of Music G.B. Martini, the Basilica of San Giacomo Maggiore and the Oratory of Santa Cecilia, Palazzo Malvezzi de' Medici. Also not to be missed is Palazzo Hercolani, now home to the School of Political Sciences, and its frescoed rooms, including the evocative Winter Garden.

10 - The church of Santa Maria Della Vita

In the center of the "quadrilatero", the heart of Bolognese commerce, in a small side street you will find the church of Santa Maria della Vita, inside which the famous "Mourning over the Dead Christ" by Niccolò dell'Arca is preserved. The Health and Welfare Museum is also housed in the same complex.