Day Trip to Bologna From Milan (A guide to a Perfect self-guided day trip)
- Guidemyvoyage
- 4 days ago
- 14 min read
Bologna is one of the few Italian cities that maintains a great balance between history and culture. It's a city where food is an art mastered by the locals, which evidently gave it the name "La Grassa", (which means the fat). It's a place where every corner of the city welcomes you with the unique flavours of local delicacies, it's a place where every corner tells fascinating stories that take you centuries back in the history, it's a place where the world has got its first university, its a place which has stood strong through the fierce wars in the history, its a place that inherits world class renaissance arts, It’s a city that has preserved its medieval charm while striking a perfect balance between historic character and modern urban development..... The list could go on, but I’d say these are more than enough reasons to visit this incredible city at least once in your lifetime.
If you are in Italy, Bologna deserves a visit, especially if you love food and want to try a real Italian delicacy... I said real because it's the gastronomic capital of Italy. Bologna is often ignored by visitors or not the first choice of visitors exploring Italy, but the truth is, you are missing a lot of Italy if you are not visiting Bologna. If you don't have enough time, this place at least deserves one day from your itinerary. It can be easily explored in one day, and this article tells you exactly how you can get a glimpse of its rich art and history in just one day. If you have the liberty of time, spend at least 3 days in this city to deep dive into its recipes and get immersed in its culture.
Milan is the largest city in northern Italy, and most people visiting northern Italy often fly out of Milan. Therefore, this article is focused on how to take a perfect day trip to Bologna from Milan. It will cover the best options to reach Bologna from Milan and a perfectly crafted itinerary to comprehend the city's culture, art and History. This article can also be referred to by those looking to explore Bologna in just one day.
So let's dive into it!
Reaching Bologna from Milan:
The distance by road from Bologna and Milan is around 215 kilometres; therefore, I would not recommend day tripping to Bologna from Milan by driving.
Fast trains are the most convenient and time-saving option for a day trip to Bologna from Milan. The only catch here is that you need to reserve your train tickets in advance to get better prices. You still can get a fast train ticket at the last minute without prior reservation, but the prices will be a little or much higher. It is always recommended to pre-plan your trip to avoid any surprises, especially during the peak summer months or holidays.
The fast trains departing from Milan to Bologna are Freciarrosa and Italo, both take approximately an hour and 15 minutes to reach. Use the Trenitalia site to book Freciarrosa tickets and Italo site for Italo trains. There is a fast train departing for Bologna from Milano Centrale train station every 15 Minutes in the morning.
There is also an option of slow trains, which cost relatively less, but they take a lot of time to reach Bologna from Milan, and it is not recommended for a day trip to Bologna from Milan.
To make the most of your day, leave as early as possible to Bologna from Milan to comfortably visit all the major attractions in the City. Try to reach Bologna by 9 AM. to have enough time exploring the city
Exploring Bologna
Some Pro Tips:
Bologna is a walkable city, and you will need to walk a lot to explore the gems of the city. Therefore, don't forget to wear a comfortable shoes.
Bologna has many religious cathedrals where you need to cover your knees and shoulders to enter, and entry may be denied if you don't cover them. Therefore, dress accordingly if you are planning to enter any religious places in Bologna.
As soon as you reach Bologna from Milan, start exploring the best thing first, and the best thing in Bologna is FOOOOOD....
The best and most convenient way to experience Bologna’s vibrant food culture is through a food tour — and trust me, it’s a must-do activity in Bologna! It’s the perfect choice for day-trippers who want to make the most of their limited time in the city.
Led by a passionate local guide, these food tours take you to authentic Bolognese spots, where you can taste the city’s most unique and delicious local delicacies. The local delicacies — like tagliatelle and tortellini pastas made with Ragu to local cheeses, freshly baked breads, meat boards, local wines, and creamy gelato — will surely fill your belly, yet still leave you craving more. The food tour with the local guide is like having a local buddy in the city who knows the best authentic places in the city.
There are a lot of choices for the food tour in Bologna. We did the Walking Food Tour with a Local Guide, and we absolutely loved it. It is indeed one of the best things you can do in Bologna.
The food tour lasts about three hours, and by the time you’ve tasted every bite, you’ll find yourself right at midday — Now it's time to digest those taste bites and explore the History of Bologna!
Bologna has over 2000 years old rich history and many rulers have fought many fierce battles to gain control over the city. In short, the history of Bologna unfolds in the following sequence:
It was founded as an Etruscan city known as Felcina back then in the 9th Century BCE.
In the 4th century BCE, the Gaulish Boii (The tribe from modern-day Bohemia in Germany) took control over the city.
The Romans defeated the Gaulish Boii and acquired the city in 193 BCE. The Romans later formed a military colony there and named it Bononia in 196 BCE.
It remained under the control of the Romans for a long time until it was acquired by the Lombards in the year 727.
At the request of Pope Adrian I, the Frankish army acquired Bologna in 774 and gave it to the Pope to control. (Back then, the territories were transferred to the papacy, which gave authority to the Pope to control the territories.). The city was under papal control for a long time.
In 1350, the city was acquired by the wealthy and powerful Visconti family of Milan. Although due to the local rebellion, the city was given back to the papacy in 1363.
Further, in 1401, the local Bentivolgio family, with the help of the Visconti family of Milan, took control over the city. After reigning for a few years, the Vinsconti were betrayed by the Bentivoglio and as a result Visconti conquered the city by killing the first ruler of the Bentivoglio family: Giovanni Bentivoglio. In the year 1442, Giovanni's Nephew took back control over the city from the Visconti family. The Bentivolgio family then ruled the city until 1506.
In the year 1506, the Papal army, with the help of French king Louis XII, took back control over the city. The city remained under papal rule until 1796.
In 1796 during French Revolution, Napolian took control over the city and remained in control until the fall of Napolian.
In 1796, the papal rule again took over the city.
Finally, the Papal rules ended after the Italian independence war and Bologna became part of Kingdom of Italy.
Looking at this timeline, you can imagine just how many battles have been fought over Bologna through the centuries
To truly comprehend Bologna’s rich history, you need to travel back in time by exploring its perfectly preserved medieval architecture, each piece narrating the story of the city’s past. The best way to explore the history of Bologna is by joining the Bologna: City Center Walking Tour. This guided tour, led by an exceptionally knowledgeable guide who knows every corner of Bologna’s history, takes you through the city’s main attractions while describing the fascinating stories and historic significance behind each architecture.
For day-trippers visiting Bologna from Milan, I highly recommend this history tour — it’s the perfect way to capture the essence of Bolognese history in just a few hours.
The historical walking tour usually takes around three hours.
If you prefer exploring on your own instead of joining a guided tour, you can easily visit all the places listed below independently. Follow the sequence given in this article to make the most of your time during the day trip to Bologna from Milan. I visited bologna from Milan several times and I have a experience with both (Guided walking tour as well as exploring by myself). I recommend considering a guided tour if you are a first timer, because the information you get in the guided tour is precious.
Two Towers of Bologna (Asinelli and Garisenda)
Start exploring the history of Bologna with its most iconic landmarks-The Two Towers. You’ve probably passed by them during your food tour, but if not, make sure to stop and take a closer look. They are the true symbol of the city and one of the best spots for souvenir photos in Bologna.
During the Middle Ages, Bologna was famous for its skyline filled with tall brick towers — more than 180 of them once stood proudly across the city. Wealthy families built these towers as a show of power and prestige. It’s said that medieval Bologna must have looked a bit like modern-day Manhattan, with towers rising everywhere you looked. Today, only two towers remained - the Asinelli Tower and the Garisenda Tower. The Asinelli Tower was built by the Asinelli family during the 11th century, around the same time as the Garisenda Tower, making both iconic structures some of the oldest landmarks in Bologna.
The Asinelli Tower is the tallest of the two, reaching 97 meters, while the Garisenda Tower stands at 47 meters and is noticeably lean, much like the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Locals say it has been tilting ever since it was first built,
When we visited Bologna in September 2025, we had hoped to climb the Asinelli Tower for its famous panoramic views, but unfortunately, it was closed for restoration. The Garisenda Tower is currently leaning more than ever, and the area around it has been sealed off for safety reasons. Locals told us that people are working hard to stabilize and restore it. It is planned to be reopened by 2028.
Even if you can’t climb them right now, the Two Towers of Bologna are still worth visiting. Standing at their base, surrounded by the lively streets of the city center, you can truly feel the weight of history here. And when they do reopen, be ready for a bit of a workout — it takes about 500 steps to reach the top of Asinelli Tower.
You would need approximately 1 to 1.5 hour to explore these towers if they are open. We just spent 15 mins to see these towers from outside since it was closed.
Piazza Maggiore
Piazza Maggiore is the lively heart of Bologna and has been the city’s main square since the 12th century. It’s surrounded by impressive medieval buildings like Palazzo dei Notai, Palazzo dei Banchi, and Palazzo del Podestà, with the grand Basilica di San Petronio standing proudly at its center.
The square still carries the charm of medieval Bologna and is a must-visit spot to experience the city’s unique atmosphere. If you’re visiting Bologna from Milan on a day trip, you can skip going inside the palaces due to limited time, but you absolutely shouldn’t miss the Basilica di San Petronio. It’s the real highlight of the square.
Basilica di San Petronio:
The Basilica di San Petronio is one of Bologna’s most iconic landmarks and a true symbol of the city. It was initially designed with the grand ambition of being the largest church in the world. However, over time, many changes were made to its original design, and even today, the church remains incomplete from the outside.
Dedicated to Saint Petronius, the patron saint of Bologna, the basilica stands out for its unfinished facade. It is half covered in marble and half left in brick, which gives it a distinct and historic look. Inside, it houses 22 chapels, each dedicated to different saints of the city.
The basilica is free to visit, and it welcomes everyone, but remember to cover your shoulders and knees when entering,
We spent around 1 hour exploring Piazza Maggiore and Basilica.
The Porticoes of Bologna
The porticoes of Bologna are not just pieces of architecture; they are a centuries-old tradition deeply woven into the city’s identity. This unique custom began in the 11th century, when homeowners in Bologna started adding porticoes to their houses. Over time, it became a rule that anyone building a new home or owning an existing one had to include a portico for public use.
The people of Bologna took great pride in this tradition, and it soon became such an integral part of city life that today Bologna has around 62 kilometers of porticoes.
The first porticoes were made of wood, but as time went on, they were replaced with stone and brick structures built high enough for a man on horseback to pass through. Beyond their practical use, these porticoes also reflect the warmth and hospitality of Bologna’s people, offering shade and a social place to connect.
Because of their uniqueness and historical importance, the Porticoes of Bologna are now recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Porticoes are everywhere in Bologna’s city centre, and you’ll naturally explore them as you explore the city’s historic landmarks mentioned in this article.
Fontana di Nettuno
The Fontana di Nettuno is a true masterpiece that you can’t miss during your historical tour of Bologna. Standing in Piazza del Nettuno, right next to Piazza Maggiore, the statue of Neptune represents the god of the sea, symbolizing power, abundance, and control over the waters. Nettuno means Neptune, and if you’ve ever noticed the logo of Maserati, it might look familiar — it was actually inspired by Bologna’s Fontana del Nettuno.
Built between 1563 and 1566, this magnificent fountain was designed by the Flemish sculptor Giambologna to celebrate the reign of Pope Pius IV.
The fountain itself is perfectly detailed. Neptune stands tall with his trident, surrounded by bronze figures of mermaids that spout water from their breast, each symbolizing the rivers and oceans of the world. The base of the fountain is decorated with detailed carvings of mythical creatures, showing the exceptional craftsmanship of the Renaissance period.
We spent just a few minutes at the Fountain of Neptune, took some photos, and then headed to our next destination.
Finestra di Via Piella (Window of little Venice)
The Finestra di Via Piella is one of Bologna’s hidden gems which is a small window that reveals a charming view of the city’s secret canal lined with colorful houses. It’s a lovely spot to appreciate what remains of Bologna’s historic canal system. Once, the city was crisscrossed with waterways, but most have disappeared beneath modern development.
Because of its picturesque view, the window has earned the nickname “Little Venice.” Thanks to Instagram, it has become quite a popular photo spot, so don’t be surprised if you find a crowd or a queue of people waiting to capture reels and photos there.
📍 Tip: Save this location on Google Maps so you can easily find the window!.
Basilica di Santo Stefano
The Basilica di Santo Stefano stands as a beautiful reminder of Bologna’s rich history. It is actually a group of churches and courtyard, each built at different times, and together they create one of the most fascinating church complex in Bologna. Wandering through the complex feels like being transported straight into the Middle Ages — the atmosphere is calm, sacred, and full of history.
The original idea behind Santo Stefano was ambitious, to recreate the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, one of Christianity’s most important pilgrimage sites. Today, you can explore four main churches - the Church of the Crucifix, the Church of Calvario, the Church of Saints Vitale and Agricola, and the Church of the Trinity — along with the Pilate Courtyard and a small museum.
Entry to the complex is free, but make sure to dress modestly (cover your shoulders and knees) before going in. Visitors are not allowed during religious services, and the complex remains closed every day from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM. So, the best time to visit is after 2:30 PM to avoid any chance of being denied entry. If you follow the sequence I have written in this article, you probably wont reach there until 2.30 PM.
We spent around 1. hours exploring Little Venice window and Basilica di Santo Stefano.
San Luca
San Luca sits just on the outskirts of Bologna, so it’s optional if you’re short on time during your day trip from Milan, but if you can manage your time well, San Luca is the perfect place to visit at dusk and wrap up your day trip to Bologna from Milan.
Sitting high on a hill with a beautiful view of the city, this grand church is one of Bologna’s most famous landmarks. It’s a special pilgrimage site dedicated to the Holy Virgin of Constantinople (today’s Istanbul). The story goes that a pilgrim once brought an icon of the Virgin to Bologna, which was first kept in a small chapel on the hill. The large church you see today was later built on the same site in the 18th century.
The Best thing about San Luca is the portico walkway that connects it to the city. You can actually walk all the way up through this covered path. It’s about 5 km from Santo Stefano or Piazza Maggiore, with plenty of steps along the way. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and carry some water, because the walk can be quite a workout and you wont find any shops to buy the water. Once you reach the top, you’ll be greeted with amazing views of Bologna and the surrounding hills, making it totally worth the effort.
If you’re short on time, walking might not be practical during a day trip to Bologna from Milan. In that case, you can take the San Luca Express, a small tourist train that runs regularly between Piazza Maggiore and the Sanctuary. It’s a convenient and fun way to reach the top. The ride takes about 45 minutes uphill and 25 minutes back down. Tickets cost around €13 per adult.
The timetable for the tourist train often changes, so it’s best to check the schedule once you’re at Piazza Maggiore. The departure point is easy to find in the square, where you can inquire about the latest train schedule or check online at Bologna tourist information site.
We spend around 1.5 tot 2 hours exploring San Luca. If you’re visiting during the winter months, it might not be the best idea to visit San Luca, as the shorter daylight hours can make it difficult to fully enjoy the visit.
Return to Milan from Bologna
Perhaps it will be late evening by the time you explored all the places suggested in this article and its time to end your day trip to Bologna from Milan. To return, make sure to reserve a fast train in advance. It’s best to book one departing after 8 PM from Bologna, as that should give you enough time to comfortably visit all the spots listed here.
Fast trains run from Bologna to Milan every 15–20 minutes, so you’ll have plenty of options. I’d recommend taking Frecciarossa or Italo — both are comfortable and get you back in about 1 hour and 10 minutes. If you don’t mind a slightly longer ride, Intercity trains take around 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Frecciarossa and Intercity trains can be booked from Official Trenitalia site and Italo can be booked from Official Italo site..
We hope you enjoyed reading this article and that it helps you plan the perfect day trip to Bologna from Milan. We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below! And if you have any questions about visiting Bologna or other beautiful places in Italy and Europe, feel free to reach out — we’ll be more than happy to help.