Another interesting stop you can make along the way is to see the interesting fusion of architectural styles at the Rocchetta Mattei Castle.

Even if you don’t head to a specific landmark, your Daytrip driver would be happy to make pit stops so you can enjoy the beautiful surroundings before you’re dropped off at your accommodation in Bologna.

Some notable figures from Bologna are:

• Francesco Albani
• Adriano Banchieri
• Pope Benedict XIV
• Simone Bolelli
• Alessandro Carloni
• Scipione del Ferro
• Giovanni Battista Martini
• Augusto Righi

This city played a crucial role in the Renaissance, contributing significantly to art, science, and politics. By taking a walk through Bologna's historic center, travelers can imagine how well-preserved medieval towers must have looked in their prime.

Diving deeper into Bologna

Today, Bologna is a dynamic city known for its progressive social policies, thriving economy, rich cultural scene, and food. Some of the foods that originate in or near Bologna are:

• Parmigiano Reggiano
• Green lasagna
• Tortellini in brodo
• Lasagna Bolognese
• Tagliatelle al ragù
• Mortadella
• Prosciutto di Parma

The city's first covered market, Mercato di Mezzo, offers fresh local produce, meats, cheeses, wines, and more, reflecting the region's agricultural bounty.

Your visit to Bologna won’t be complete unless you indulge in some of its gastronomic delicacies.

Bologna is generally safe, even for solo travelers, but like any major city, it’s important to stay vigilant against petty crimes. Pickpockets thrive in crowded areas and on public transportation. Keeping your valuables secure and being aware of your surroundings can prevent most issues.

Be prepared

In Bologna, public transportation is efficient, and the city is walkable. Comfortable shoes are recommended for exploring the historic center. If you plan to hike in the surrounding areas, pack appropriate gear and check local guides for recommended trails.

Even though English is not widely spoken in Italy, Bologna is one of the top cities for English speakers to settle or vacation. Still, when coming into contact with older people, dropping a few Italian words of gratitude can go a long way. Make sure to download Italian on Google Translate so you can translate phrases offline.

Florence to Bologna by bus

Another option is taking a bus. Buses are typically cheaper than trains, but with cheaper prices come longer trips. The price of a ticket can run from $5 (€4.60) to $24 (€22) and the ride can last up to 80 minutes.

Florence to Bologna by rental car

For the road warriors brave enough to drive in Italy, renting a car is an option. You’ll have the opportunity to stop wherever you want and introduce slow travel into your vacation. The car ride takes about one hour and 30 minutes on average. The big drawback is parking in Bologna isn’t the easiest, and since the city is so walkable and has public transportation, you won’t need a car once you get there.

Florence to Bologna by plane

While both cities have an airport, the time and effort involved in air travel make it the absolute worst option. Flying, without counting your time inside the airport, will take 5 hours as there are no direct flights. And then Bologna’s airport is about 20 minutes outside of the center and Florence’s airport is about 35 minutes away from its center, so there’s another hour of travel time.

Florence to Bologna car transfer with Daytrip

Daytrip’s private car service offers all the benefits of driving with none of the drawbacks. Plus a few extra invaluable perks! You’ll be picked up in Florence by an English-speaking driver, who will load your luggage into a modern and well-appointed vehicle.

Along the way, you can talk about local history and culture, and easily make sightseeing stops (we’ve already researched the best ones!) before you’re dropped off at your accommodation in Bologna.

Situated in the heart of the city and surrounded by multiple significant buildings, it’s a great place to start from. The Basilica di San Petronio and the Palazzo d'Accursio are two of the buildings you can walk to. It’s also lined with Bologna’s iconic porticos, which are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site!

An art enthusiast's paradise

For art enthusiasts, there are two places that you must see.

The first place is Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna (National Art Gallery of Bologna). It stores an impressive collection of Italian Renaissance art and also pieces from artists who have a connection with Bologna.

The second place is Museo d'Arte Moderna di Bologna (MAMbo), which was established in 2007, and was originally an old bakery that has been transformed into a museum with artwork from the end of WWII to the present.

Try the food, you won’t regret it

Food is a central part of the Italian experience, especially in Bologna. Try Tagliatelle al ragù (aka spaghetti bolognese), tortellini in brodo (tortellini in beef broth), lasagne verde, and mortadella for the best of this food paradise. Here are a list of the restaurants you should save on your map:

• Trattoria del Tempo Buono
• Al Sangiovese Restaurant
• The Spoon
• Oltre
• Forchetta e Cuciglio
• Delizioso Food
• La Prosciutteria Bologna

Experience a live performance

You’re in the land of opera, this is your best opportunity to see a show.

Don’t miss the Bologna Municipal Theater, established in 1763, which hosts a variety of performances from opera to ballet. There is also the Teatro Auditorium Manzoni which puts on some of the best concerts in the city.