How to Spend 2 Days in Bologna

In Bologna, one of Italy’s top food cities, set out on a market tour, sample locally made wines, and learn about where famous foods are made. To work up an appetite, see the historic sights and explore by bike. Here are our tips for how to spend 48 hours in Bologna.

Day 1: Classic Bologna: Sights, Markets, and Wine

**Morning:**See the classic sights of Bologna during a morning introductory tour. Choose between a walking tour, a Segway tour, or a bike tour and learn about the city’s history, architecture, and culture from your guide. Both small-group and private tours are available.

**Afternoon:**Taste your way through Bologna with a food-themed walking tour to vibrant markets, traditional food shops, and bakeries. Sample Bolognese specialties including cheese, cured meats, baked goods, gelato, and more. Meet the local people behind restaurants and cafés during your stroll.

**Night:**Join a local guide for a private wine-themed tour. The itinerary can be customized according to your preferences and includes a wine tasting with local winemakers. The tour also includes a visit to the Old Vinegar Works to see where the area’s famous traditional balsamic vinegar is made. 

Day 2: Beyond the City Center: Hot-Air Balloons and Food at the Source

**Morning:**See Bologna from a new perspective with an early morning private hot-air balloon flight. Soar over the hills, castles, and towns of Emilia Romagna in the basket of a hot-air balloon during this scenic journey. Learn about what you’re seeing from the pilot and toast the adventure with a glass of sparkling wine.  

**Afternoon:**Explore beyond the Bologna city center with a themed tour. Choose a food experience that includes factory visits to see where cheese and balsamic vinegar are made plus wine tastings or a Ferrari-themed tour that includes a visit to the Museo Ferrari and a gourmet lunch.

**Night:**Zip through the city streets like a local with a Vespa rental. A stylish Italian scooter allows you to maximize time in Bologna and cover ground quickly. You can explore independently or join a guide for a Vespa tour and see the city by night.