Best Free Things to Do in Bologna

THE 10 BEST Free Things to Do in Bologna

Best Free Things to Do in Bologna

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  • Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
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Showing results 1-30 of 146

What travellers are saying

  • sueoversizedjordan
    Bologna, Italy13 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Sculptures in the piazza are of particular interest. The temporary exhibition took place in the past September 2020 and could happen more.
    In fact we could meet the Bolognese Nettuno at other cities too, like in Laeken in Belgium (La fontaine de Neptune) but perhaps not the Nereids. They are quite special. Not to mention that the cityscape is amazing. This is thanks to the operation of the city government keeping with Unesco heritage regulations. New buildings and businesses must not interfere with the existing landscape of the city.
    Written 31 January 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Peter T
    Tamworth, UK398 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A really set of old church building blended together. Its free (with a donation), has a museum and shop so definitely worth a visit. Its set in a pretty and small piazza. Check timings for entrance as part of it is a working church. Spend the time (1-2 hours) to walk around and take in the history, plus enjoy a coffee in the lovely piazza - before or after.
    Written 10 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Mikethepipes
    London, UK1,226 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We drove all the way up, lots of parking spaces, haha we missed all the steps.
    Nice 360 degrees of Bologna.
    Worth spending a couple of hours up there.
    Written 15 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Peter T
    Tamworth, UK398 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A beautiful church, free on the day to visit. Some beautiful alcoved statues to religious icons. A serene and peaceful place that you must see. Thre are optional things and just need to make sure you time your visit right. The ceilings in the alcoves are beautifully decorated.
    Written 10 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Angelo S
    Hilliard, OH3,630 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Tucked away in the heart of Bologna and overshadowed by San Petronio and Santo Stefano is this beautiful Baroque church with a Romanesque facade that contains the mortal remains of Saint Dominic, founder of the Dominican order.

    Outside, there is a large piazza containing a statue of Saint Dominic and two tombs with room to walk, and sit to admire the front of the basilica.

    The chapel where the arc containing his remains is highlighted with three statues carved by Michaelangelo. All around the church are wonderful pieces by Lippi, Reni, Todeschi, Torelli and a host of others. If you are an art lover, you can spend hours here admiring the works without the large crowds at San Petronio or Santo Stefano.
    Written 13 December 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Davieland
    Auckland, New Zealand630 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Situated in a pretty piazza, Neptune greets you as you enter. Lots of detail in the sculpture and worth a visit when visiting Bologna.
    Written 5 January 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Ali R
    7 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This tactfully and beautifully presented memorial to the victims of Itavia Flight 870 is absolutely worth seeing.
    Written 18 June 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • macedonboy
    Glasgow, UK179,691 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This building is the biggest and main library of Bologna. In addition to all the usual Lindsay activities, the building interiors are very attractive and also hosts several exhibitions. The Sala della Musica or Music Hall is part of the Bologna UNESCO Bologna City of Music. We saw an exhibition on the history of popular music in Bologna.

    There's also an exhibition on the history of urban development of the city with a projection show on four walls and personal testimonies.

    By far the most beautiful pay of the building is the atrium that's just opens up the several floors of the library. Each floor of stranded around the rectangular of the building and opens up to the atrium with loggia like balconies.
    Written 24 July 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • rossao
    Essex, UK47 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Make sure you are fit and able if you are walking this, brilliant experience but god was i tired when i reached the top, only to have to get back down after! you can take a bus up to the top but part of the experience I feel is walking it. Lovely views of Bologna at the top. Toilets and a water the top.
    Written 23 November 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • betteskid
    Boston, MA1,356 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We loved wandering around here and just looking at all the foods. Everything looked just amazingly delicious (and we did sample a few things and they were great). The atmosphere of the market was a bit different than some others we have visited and there are many restaurants and cafes in the area which add to the visit. I would definitely be sure to stop here when you visit Bologna.
    Written 23 August 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Gregory W
    Mankato, MN3,383 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Cattedrale Di San Pietro a.k.a. Bologna Cathedral is dedicated to Saint Peter and is the seat of the Archbishop of Bologna. Most of the present building dates from the 17th century, with a few parts from the late 16th century. There was already a cathedral on the site (on the present Via Indipendenza) in 1028. This church was destroyed by a devastating fire in 1141. It was reconstructed, and consecrated by Pope Lucius III in 1184. The campanile is the 2nd largest in the city.

    Written 29 November 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Nicholas N
    Copenhagen, Denmark904 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    It's a hole in the wall so you can see the river. Quite a cute feature and worth goint a small detour to see.
    Written 13 January 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Michalis M
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beatifull place.
    Nice architectutal plan(of the place) , super clean,super friendly , very interesting photos with emotion.
    Written 13 July 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jethro672
    London1,049 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Magnificent complex of buildings, city art collection, spectacular recently restored frescoed ceilings and the greatest views over the main square. Spent 2hrs here including going to the clock tower. The main town hall rooms are free to enter, otherwise €8 for everything else. For the art gallery, information on specific pictures or rooms is minimal but there is a free QR code guide system which gives further detail as well as another QR guided system run by the MuseOn app which you pay a couple of €'s for which I didn't try.
    Written 25 October 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • The Travelling Piggy
    London, UK4,222 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This place reminded me of a cross between Piccadilly Circus because of the street performers and Oxford Circus because of the shopping and restaurants off the alleys! Although this is more historical and picturesque
    Written 20 June 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.