Attractions Nearby Bologna, Day Trips and Excursions

(Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy)

The Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany region of Italy presents Bologna tourists with many inviting attractions and appealing day trips. At a measly 53 km / 33 miles north-east of Bologna, the historical city of Ferrara is capital of the Province of Ferrara, and a popular tourist destination as well, with Ravenna also being a similar distance away.

Florence is a true Tuscan highlight and is simply an unmissable attraction. Located just over 120 km / 75 miles to the south of Bologna, Florence is steeped in history and overflowing with jaw-dropping attractions. With a little planning, it is even possible to take an excursion to the fashion capital of Milan, and to the eclectic city of Pisa, where the legendary Leaning Tower of Pisa continues to lurch in a precarious manner.

Ferrara

Ferrara's imposing castle (Castello Estense) is amongst its leading attractions and is known for its medieval dungeons and extravagant royal suites. The town hall (Palazza Municipale) is connected to the castle, while the beautiful marble architecture of the cathedral is just a few steps away. Combined tickets are a useful way to sightsee and watch the pennies, providing admission to the Museo della Cattedrale, the Museo Lapidario, the Palazzina di Marfisa d'Este, and the Palazzo Schifanoia.

Florence (Firenze)

Florence has grown up around the meandering River Arno and its attractions are in good supply, consisting of churches, public squares (piazzas) and palaces, such as the Palazzo dei Congressi, the Palazzo Medici-Riccardi, the Palazzo Pitti and the Palazzo Strozzi. Of course, the most photographed sight in the whole of Florence is its crowning glory - the Duomo (cathedral), which also goes by the name of Santa Maria del Fiore and is topped by an enormous dome.

Milan (Milano)

An exciting and vibrant city, Milan may not be next door to Bologna, but at around 225 km / 140 miles to the north-west, it is very much within reach. Synonymous with fashion and style, Milan is perfect for city lovers, suiting those who enjoy noise, crowds and traffic. The majority of the attractions in Milan are clustered between the Castello Sforzesco and the magnificent late-Gothic cathedral, usually being just a short walk from an underground train station (Metropolitana Milanese - MM).

Ravenna

Famed for its early Byzantine and Christian mosaics, the attractions of Ravenna are approximately 75 km / 47 miles to the east of Bologna and worthy of consideration. Ravenna is connected by both road and rail, and is best explored on foot, with its charming Old Town area being filled with attractions, gift shops, boutiques and cafes. Church lovers should not miss the Basilica of Sant' Apollinare Nuovo, the Sant' Apollinare in Classe, or the Basilica of San Vitale. If you are feeling a little peckish in Ravenna, then rest assured that there are plenty of authentic Italian trattorias and pizzerias to go around.

Rimini

The spectacular beachfront and alluring nightlife are two of the biggest reasons that Rimini draws tourists and holiday makers from all over the world. During the busy summer season, Rimini is home to in excess of 100 nightclubs and discos, meaning that when the sun goes down, the city really comes to life. If you've had your fill of sun, sea, sand and clubbing, then be sure to check out some of the more historical attractions in Rimini, such as the Augustus Arch and the Tiberius Bridge, both of which date back to Roman times.

Pisa

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is up there with the world's most famous sights and attractions, and each year, literally thousands upon thousands of people head to Pisa just to marvel at this architectural failure. Since the tower has ended up being almost solely responsible for Pisa's booming tourist industry, the city has taken steps in recent years to prevent it from toppling over completely, and it has even been straightened slightly. Of course there are more attractions in Pisa besides the tower itself, with the adjacent Cattedrale (Il Duomo) and Battistero (Baptistery) being rather special structures in their own right. If you are planning to visit from Bologna, you will find Pisa lying 182 km / 113 miles to the south-west and reachable in just over two hours.