Planning an upcoming trip to Bologna?
Then prepare to be amazed!
This underrated Italian city is one of the most romantic in all of Europe.
From historic basilicas to picturesque vineyards, this region of northern Italy is a must-visit for all couples.
Keep reading to discover 14 romantic things to do in Bologna for couples.
1. Italian Food and Museo Ferrari Escape
Bologna is known for both its food and fancy car museums.
This one of a kind tour lets you experience both aspects of the amazing city.
Join a full day tour in a minivan to explore the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy before learning about the amazing Ferrari cars.
As you travel around, you will stop at producers of some of the best foods the region offers.
This include Parmigiano-Reggiano, balsamic vinegar, and prosciutto ham.
You’ll learn how each food is made and also get to taste some samples.
Next, you’ll visit Maranello, the birthplace of Ferrari where you’ll walk through the Ferrari Museum.
The tour finishes off with a 6-course lunch with wine.
- Departure Point: Bologna, Bologna, Province of Bologna, Emilia-Romagna
- Departure Time: 7:50am to 8:25am
- Duration: 8 hours
More Automotive Museum Packages
2. Historic Bike Adventure of Bologna
There’s no better way to see Bologna than by bike.
On this historic bike tour of the northern Italian city, you will travel around on a bicycle for two hours.
Your local guide will immerse you in the local culture and show you many secret spots along the way.
As you enjoy this journey with your partner, you’ll pass by plenty of Bologna’s top attractions.
These include the University of Bologna (the oldest university in the world), the historic Piazza Maggiore, and Giardini Margherita.
Before the tour begins, you will be given all equipment and a brief safety demonstration.
If you’re not sure which attractions to see, this is a great date to take your partner for a casual day out.
- Departure Point: Via dell’Indipendenza, 69, 40126 Bologna BO, Italy
- Departure Time: 10:30am to 4pm
- Duration: 2 hours
3. Bologna In Love Walking Tour
Few tours in Bologna are as romantic as the Bologna in Love Walking Tour.
This private tour is all about famous poets and the love stories of young maidens and noble youths divided by warring families.
There were many poets from all over the world who came to Bologna and fell in love, such as Foscolo, Leopardi, Shelley, and Goethe.
On this tour, you will be taken to the city’s most romantic spots that have some significance to famous poets.
These include S. Petronio, Palazzo Re Enzo, the Crypt of Saint Vitale, and Agricola and Strada Maggiore.
Your professional guide will share all the romantic details of their past.
If you have any requests for sites you’d like to see, the tour can be customized to suit your desires!
- Departure Point: Bologna, Bologna, Province of Bologna, Emilia-Romagna
- Departure Time: 10am
- Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
4. Wander the Vineyards and Fortresses of Bologna
Escape the hustle and bustle of Bologna for a day and travel with your partner to the countryside.
On this Vineyards and Fortresses Tour of Bologna, you will get to see a side of the region that not many people get to experience.
First, you will travel by train to the regions of Bazzano and Vignola.
Once you’ve arrived, you will go for a leisurely bike ride around each village.
Bazzano is an ancient architectural village that originated in the medieval ages.
It is home to Bentivoglio Fortress and multiple wineries.
Also, Vignola is famous for being the cherry producing region of Italy, and has numerous historic monuments.
If you’re looking to spoil your partner and want to spend the whole day together, this is the perfect trip.
- Departure Point: Central Bologna
- Departure Time: 9am
- Duration: 1 day
5. Emilia-Romagna Hot Air Balloon Flight
Is there anything more romantic than a hot air balloon ride above the Italian countryside?
We certainly don’t think so!
So if you’re looking to plan a proposal your partner will remember forever, this tour might just be the perfect idea!
On this private hot air balloon adventure in the Emilia-Romagna region, you will soar high above the sky.
The view from above will be absolutely incredible as you float past rolling hillsides, historic castles, and valleys filled with vineyards.
Round trip transportation from Bologna is provided, as is a complimentary glass of sparkling wine upon landing.
- Departure Point: Your centrally located Bologna hotel
- Departure Time: 5:30am and 7am
- Duration: 3 hours
6. Visit San Luca
Visit the stunning Sanctuary of San Luca with your partner on this Bologna tour.
This tour offers a unique perspective on the city, as the Sanctuary of San Luca is elevated 300 meters above the rest of Bologna.
How will you reach the top, you may be wondering?
What is so special about this tour is that you travel up to the Sanctuary by way of a panoramic train, known as the San Luca Express Train.
Marvel at the view down below as you climb higher, and listen to your expert guide as they tell you all about the history of San Luca.
- Departure Point: Neptune square, Piazza del Nettuno, Bologna BO, Italy
- Departure Time: 10am to 3pm
- Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
7. Prendiparte Tower Sky View
No matter where you are in Bologna, it’s not hard to spot the Torre Prendiparte.
This tower was previously built for defense and at one time even served as a prison.
However, today it is open to the public and is a historic site in the city centre.
Recently, Prendiparte Tower opened an observation deck that gives visitors panoramic views of Bologna.
You can climb 12 floors up to the terrace, where you can enjoy the Prendiparte Sky Experience with your partner.
From up there, you’ll learn about the history of the tower.
Be sure to bring your camera because this is one of the best photo opps in the whole city.
- Departure Point: Piazzetta Prendiparte, Bologna, Italy
- Departure Time: 10am to 7pm
- Duration: 60 to 90 minutes
8. Visit Museo Marconi
Take your partner to one of the top cultural institutions in Bologna: the Marconi Museum.
The Marconi Museum is focused on the life of Nobel Prize winner and radio pioneer, Guglielmo Marconi.
The museum is housed inside Villa Griffone, which was previously Marconi’s home where he conducted many of his scientific experiments.
As you stroll through the museum, you will find a multitude of interactive exhibits.
Film clips, a recreation of Marconi’s laboratory, and a collection of historic equipment and scientific instruments he once owned are all on display.
The villa also has beautiful gardens where you can enjoy a romantic stroll.
- Address: Via Celestini, 1, 40037 Sasso Marconi BO, Italy
- Opening Hours: 10am to 4pm
9. Popular Churches in Bologna
Like many Italian cities, Bologna has a rich history with religion.
Thus, it likely won’t come as a surprise that the region is home to many famous churches and basilicas.
Whether you’re religious or not, exploring these ornate and architecturally beautiful sites is a must while in Bologna.
Luckily, there are many tours that make it easy to do so.
Grab your partner and visit some of these religious sites with a guide who will teach you all about their historic significance and their importance today.
Popular churches in the area include the Basilica di San Petronio, Basilica of Santo Stefano, Basilica di San Domenico, and the Oratory of San Cecilia.
Basilica di San Petronio
- Address: Corte De’ Galluzzi 12/2, 40124 Bologna, Italy
- Opening Hours: 7:45am to 6pm
Basilica of Santo Stefano (Basilica di Santo Stefano)
- Address: Via Santo Stefano 24, 40125 Bologna
- Opening Hours: 9am to 5:30pm
Basilica of San Domenico (Basilica di San Domenico)
- Address: Piazza San Domenico 13, 40124 Bologna
- Opening Hours: 8:30am to 7:30pm
Oratory of Santa Cecilia (Oratorio Di Santa Cecilia)
- Address: Via Zamboni 15, 40126 Bologna
- Opening Hours: 10am to 7pm
10. Due Torri
Due Torri, or Two Towers, are hands down one of the most popular tourist attractions in Bologna.
And we guarantee, they are worth the visit!
Although over 100 towers previously stood in Bologna, only 20 remain today, two of them being Due Torri.
Due Torri are easily the city’s most famous due to their prime location right in the city centre.
They also happen to lean at a gravity-defying angle that visitors love to marvel at.
The taller of the two towers can be climbed, and there are fantastic views of Bologna as you get higher.
There are many ways to see the towers, from a basic walking tour to a cycling or segway tour.
- Address: Piazza Maggiore 1/e, 40124 Bologna
- Opening Hours: 9:30am to 6:30pm
11. Bologna Piazza Maggiore Escape
Piazza Maggiore is the heart of Bologna, which means all couples should spend ample time in this square while visiting the city.
It is one of the most scenic squares in Italy and is a prime example of Italian Renaissance architecture.
Piazza Maggiore is pedestrian only, which makes it a great place to go for a stroll with your partner.
Within the square are numerous sites, including Basilica di San Petronio, the Palazzo Communale, and many palatial public buildings.
Many of Bologna’s signature covered walkways ringed by arches are also found here.
- Address: Piazza Maggiore, 40124 Bologna BO, Italy
- Duration: 2 to 4 hours
12. Bologna Photography Tours
Commemorate your time in Bologna with an impromptu photo session!
You and your partner will love posing for pictures in some of the most romantic parts of the city.
A local guide will take you to all the best photo spots and help you pose in front of the camera.
Photography tours range in length and can even be customized to your preferences.
For those couples who are a little camera shy, there are also photography tours where you’ll be the one behind the camera, taking professional photos of the city.
- Duration: 2 to 5 hours
13. Musical Bologna Walking Trip
Music has a long and important history in Bologna, which makes this Musical Bologna Walking Trip a fascinating one.
From Renaissance to Jazz, the city has been a world music capital for quite some time.
In fact, some of the oldest organs in the world have been preserved here.
The tour will be led by a local guide who will take you to many of the city’s musical sites, such as theatres, basilicas, and musical libraries.
Stops include Teatro Comunale di Bologna, Museo Internazionale e Biblioteca della Musica, and Basilica di Santa Maria dei Servi Bologna.
If you’re a couple who loves history and music, this is the Bologna tour for you!
- Departure Point: Bologna
- Departure Time: 10am
- Duration: 2 hours
14. A Day at the Sea from Bologna
Not many people think of the water when they picture Bologna.
And while Bologna is inland, it isn’t impossible to visit the beach.
This full day trip includes transportation to and from Bologna.
Once in the van, you will make your way to the seaside town of Milano Marittima.
This popular seaside resort in the world famous Italian riviera will have you relaxing on the sand and swimming in turquoise blue water!
Upon arrival, you’ll be treated to lunch at a local fish restaurant.
On the beach, you will be given a private bed and umbrella where you’ll have roughly 5 hours to relax.
If it’s some rest and relaxation with your partner that you’re after, then this Day at the Sea trip from Bologna is for you.
- Departure Point: Traveler pickup is offered
- Departure Time: 8:30am
- Duration: 10 hours
From a couple’s photo session to visiting the many wineries and fortresses of Bologna, there is so much to do for couples in this Italian city.
We hope this list of things to do has inspired you to plan the most romantic trip to Bologna!
Find More Things to do in Bologna
