Besides the most touristic things to do in lovely Bologna, such as climbing the majestic Asinelli Tower or visiting the unfinished Basilica of San Petronio, there are plenty of other things to do and see. Read our list of the top 11 things to do and visit in town that are off the beaten tracks.
Museum of History of Bologna
Museum
Bologna is known for its importance in ancient times, so the first cool thing you can do here is visit the Museum of History and, particularly, the Time Machine, a virtual project that showcases the city’s capacity to embrace the future and the past at the same time.
Colli Bolognesi
One of the coolest things you can do in Bologna is to rent a vespa, get out of the busy city centre and head into the stunning Colli Bolognesi area. Here, you’ll find a lot of vineyards, bed and breakfasts and other places that offer tasting menus with typical delicacies, included great Cabernet and Merlot wines.
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CentralAmerica
Gorgeous Guatemala
5 days . Mini
1. Guatemala
An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.
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CentralAmerica
Beachy Belize
5 days . Mini
2. Belize
A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
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Colonial Mexico
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3. Mexico
An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
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SouthAmerica
Adventurous Ecuador
8 days . Epic
1. Ecuador
A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.
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Ancient Peru
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2. Peru
An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
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Europe
Seductive Southern Italy
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1. Italy
The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.
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Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train
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2. Scotland
Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
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Complete Portugal By Train
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3. Portugal
A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
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Asia
Soulful South Korea
10 days . Epic
1. South Korea
Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.
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Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam
11 days . Epic
2. Thailand
From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
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Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train
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3. Sri Lanka
A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
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Africa
Epic Morocco
11 days . Epic
1. Morocco
An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!
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Ultimate Egypt
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From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
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Immersive Kenya
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3. Kenya
An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
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See the first wax anatomical models ever made
Bologna has not only the first University of the Western world, but it was also the first institution to create a series of wax anatomical models in the world. To see them you need to go to the Istituto di Anatomia Umana Normale.
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Finestrella in Via Piella
Bologna’s canals aren’t as famous as the canals in Venice, but they have their charm. In the 12th century, canals were built on the city’s major rivers and some of them are still visible today. The best spot to admire the remaining canals is from Finestrella, or Canal Window, in Via Piella. The small window offers a beautiful view over one of the most picturesque sides of Bologna.
Visit the Museum for the Memory of Ustica
Museum
The ‘Ustica Massacre’ was an Italian flight from Bologna to Palermo that suffered an in-flight explosion, killing all 81 passengers in the airplane. To learn more about this disastrous moment, you can visit the Museum for the Memory of Ustica, completely devoted to this tragic moment in Italian history.
Bologna Zoological Museum
Museum
One of the most interesting museums in town, and also one of the least visited by tourists, is the Zoological Museum, located in the heart of Bologna. In its rooms, you can see monkeys baring their teeth, terrifying cheetahs and a polar bear.
Martini Conservatory
One of the most beautiful off-the-beaten-track places to visit in Bologna is the Martini Conservatory housed in a former convent. The best part of it is the terrific courtyard decorated in the typical Bolognese way – red walls and arches surrounding the garden in the middle.
Làbas
Being the most important university town in Italy, Bologna is home to many spots run by the young. One of them is the community project Làbas, where students put their energies and free time together for the community’s benefit.
Via Orfeo 46, 40124, Bologna, Italy
Dozza street art
Perched above a hill overlooking the valley of the river Sellustra and surrounded by vineyards, there is Dozza. This medieval village, with stunning graffiti and street art paintings, is one of the most beautiful historical hamlets of Italy and a must-see spot only 40 minutes from Bologna.
Salaborsa
Right on Piazza Maggiore is Salaborsa, a cultural and multimedia centre. If you want to spend some time in relaxation, there is nothing better than coming here and spending a few minutes in the public library located here.
Piazza del Nettuno 3, 40124, Bologna, Italy, +39 0512194400
Gelato Museum
Museum
One of the tastier things to eat in Bologna, as well as in the rest of Italy, is gelato. But what about the discovery of the history of gelato? To do that, you need to visit the Gelato Museum, located in Anzola, just few kilometres from the city centre of Bologna.
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Read Next
As an avid traveler and cultural enthusiast, my deep knowledge and firsthand experiences in exploring various destinations around the world allow me to provide valuable insights into off-the-beaten-path activities. Let me guide you through the concepts mentioned in the article about Bologna and its hidden gems.
-
Museum of History of Bologna:
- Bologna's rich historical significance is highlighted by the Museum of History, showcasing the city's embrace of both past and future through the Time Machine virtual project.
-
Colli Bolognesi:
- Venturing into the Colli Bolognesi area offers a unique experience away from the city center, with vineyards, bed and breakfasts, and tasting menus featuring local delicacies, including Cabernet and Merlot wines.
-
Canals in Bologna:
- The article mentions the charm of Bologna's lesser-known canals, specifically the picturesque view from Finestrella in Via Piella, providing a glimpse into the 12th-century canal system.
-
Museum for the Memory of Ustica:
- Delving into a tragic moment in Italian history, the Ustica Massacre, the Museum for the Memory of Ustica offers insights into the Italian flight from Bologna to Palermo that suffered an in-flight explosion.
-
Bologna Zoological Museum:
- This less-visited museum in the heart of Bologna features intriguing exhibits, including monkeys, cheetahs, and a polar bear, showcasing the diversity of the animal kingdom.
-
Martini Conservatory:
- The Martini Conservatory, housed in a former convent, provides a beautiful off-the-beaten-track experience, with a highlight being its courtyard adorned in typical Bolognese style.
-
Làbas:
- Bologna's status as an important university town is reflected in community projects like Làbas, where students contribute their time and energy for the benefit of the community.
-
Dozza Street Art:
- Dozza, a medieval village near Bologna, offers a unique experience with stunning graffiti and street art paintings, making it one of Italy's most beautiful historical hamlets.
-
Salaborsa:
- Located on Piazza Maggiore, Salaborsa is a cultural and multimedia center featuring a public library, providing a relaxing space for visitors.
-
Gelato Museum:
- Anzola, a few kilometers from Bologna, is home to the Gelato Museum, offering a delicious journey through the history of gelato.
By exploring these diverse and lesser-known aspects of Bologna, travelers can uncover the city's hidden treasures and experience a more authentic and enriching cultural adventure.
