12 Easy Day Trips from Bologna That Are Totally Doable

One of the easiest day trips from Bologna is Modena, just 30 minutes away by train. It’s well known for its traditional balsamic vinegar and as the hometown of Enzo Ferrari, but there’s more to see here than fast cars and gourmet condiments.

Start your visit in Modena’s historic center. Piazza Grande, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to the impressive Duomo di Modena—one of Italy’s most important Romanesque cathedrals.

Food lovers will want to try the local specialties, especially the aged balsamic vinegar. We took a food tour in Modena and tasted a delicious spread, including gnocco fritto, tigelle, and other local favorites. If you’re planning a trip, see if you can book a reservation at Osteria Francescana, ranked as one of the best restaurants in the world.

Did you know the best restaurant in the world is in Modena, Italy? If you’re a foodie, try to snag a reservation at Osteria Francescana.

Read more: 10 Things to Experience in Modena, Italy

Tour Ideas:
Modena Private Walking Tour [book here]
Modena Half Day Tour [book here]

Parma

Parma, the birthplace of Prosciutto di Parma and Parmigiano Reggiano, is a rewarding day trip for food lovers and culture seekers alike. Beyond its culinary fame, the city’s historic center is home to the Cathedral and octagonal Baptistery—both part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Baptistery’s pink Verona marble exterior is striking, and the frescoes inside are worth the visit.

Opera fans may already know about Teatro Regio, one of Italy’s top opera houses. If you’re lucky with timing, catching a performance during your visit is possible. And if you’re driving, consider a detour to Torrechiara Castle just outside the city or the Masone Labyrinth—the largest maze in the world.

As for the food, you can’t go wrong. Order the prosciutto and Parmigiano, of course, but if you see Tortelli di Zucca on the menu, don’t hesitate.

Read more: Quick Guide to Spending a Day in Parma

Reggio Emilia

Between Modena and Parma, Reggio Emilia is a lesser-known but worthwhile day trip from Bologna. It’s where the Italian flag was first officially adopted, and the Sala del Tricolore tells the story of how it became a national symbol.

This small city is easy to explore in a day. Walk through Piazza Fontanesi, visit the Museo del Tricolore, then head to Piazza Prampolini to see the Reggio Emilia Cathedral. It’s a relaxing spot to slow down and take in a more local atmosphere away from the busier tourist hubs.

The food here is just as strong as its neighbors. Reggio Emilia produces its own version of traditional balsamic vinegar—similar to Modena’s but with subtle differences worth tasting for yourself. Try it with Parmigiano Reggiano, or sample a slice of erbazzone, a savory pastry filled with cheese and leafy greens.

Hop on the high-speed Frecciarossa from Bologna, and you’ll reach Florence in just 40 minutes. It’s one of the most popular day trips from Bologna—and one of our favorites for art, culture, and food.

With just a day in Firenze, the best way to experience the city is on foot. The historic center is compact and easy to navigate. Without trying too hard, you’ll come across major landmarks, piazzas, and churches. The Duomo has a way of making you stop mid-step the first time you see it. From there, wander to Piazza della Signoria, admire Neptune’s Fountain and the replica of Michelangelo’s David, and walk along the Arno River to the Ponte Vecchio.

There’s no need to rush through museums unless that’s your priority. Just walking through Florence is a feast for the eyes.

What to eat in Florence? Gelato—but if you eat meat, don’t miss the bistecca alla Fiorentina.

Tour Ideas:
Electric Cart Tour of Florence [book here]
Small-Group Florence Food Walking Tour [book here]

Ravenna is a coastal city in Emilia-Romagna known for its remarkably preserved mosaics, some of the finest in the world, dating back to the 5th and 6th centuries. While you can take a direct train from Bologna, it’s worth noting that the city center is a bit farther from the station, so a car might make the day run more smoothly.

The city is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage monuments, most located in or around the historic center. From the Basilica of San Vitale to Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, the mosaics here are reason enough to make the trip.

Looking for something to eat while you’re in town? Try passatelli, a traditional pasta made from breadcrumbs, Parmigiano Reggiano, and eggs—usually served in broth.

Take the high-speed Frecciarossa from Bologna, and in just over an hour, you’ll arrive in Milan—the fashion capital of Italy and home to some of the country’s most iconic landmarks.

The Milan Cathedral is one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world. It took over six centuries to complete and features more than 3,000 statues. Seeing it in person is worth the trip alone. Right next door is Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of the world’s oldest shopping arcades. Whether you’re into high-end fashion or just want to browse, it’s a stunning place to walk through.

If you’re into art and plan ahead, book tickets to see Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper, housed inside the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie. Reservations are required and often sell out weeks in advance.

What to eat in Milan? Try Risotto alla Milanese, made with saffron and rich broth—it’s a signature dish here. And yes, Milan is considered the birthplace of panettone.

Tour Ideas:
Best of Milan Walking Tour w/ Skip-the-Line Ticket to Duomo & Last Supper [book here]

Just a quick train ride from Bologna, Ferrara is an easy and rewarding day trip. Its Renaissance-era historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the city feels like a walk through time.

The highlight here is Estense Castle, once home to the Este family who ruled Ferrara for centuries. The castle is hard to miss with its moat, drawbridges, and four massive towers. You can even climb the Lion Tower to view the city; reservations are recommended.

Stroll through the historic center to see more of Ferrara’s architecture. The Cathedral of Ferrara and Palazzo dei Diamanti are standout stops showcasing the city’s Renaissance character.

What to eat in Ferrara? Try cappellacci di zucca, a pumpkin-filled pasta rich, comforting, and typical of the region.

Verona is just under an hour from Bologna by high-speed Frecciarossa, making it a convenient day trip—especially if you’re interested in history, romance, or a bit of both.

The city is famously tied to Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. You can visit Juliet’s House, see the bronze statue, and even step onto the balcony. While it’s more literary legend than historical fact, it’s still one of the most visited spots in Verona.

Don’t miss the Arena di Verona, a remarkably preserved Roman amphitheater still used for operas and concerts. It’s one of the largest in Italy and continues to host thousands of visitors for live performances.

What to eat in Verona? Try Torta Puina, a local ricotta-based cake that’s simple, sweet, and distinctly Veronese.

Tour Ideas:
The Verona Food, Wine & History Tour with Lunch [book here]
Fascinating Verona in the Footprints of Romeo & Juliet [book here]

Yes, you can take a day trip from Bologna to Venice. The high-speed train gets you there in just over an hour and a half. If you catch an early train, you’ll have plenty of time to explore and return that evening.

We once did a similar day trip from Florence and spent the day soaking in the atmosphere of the canals. Venice is walkable and best explored without a strict plan. Wander the narrow alleyways, cross quiet bridges, and let yourself get a little lost—it’s part of the experience. Don’t miss iconic sights like the Rialto Bridge, St. Mark’s Square, and the Basilica di San Marco.

If you have the time (and the budget), a gondola ride offers a classic view of the city from the water.

What to eat in Venice? Try cicchetti, small plates served in local bars, perfect for a quick bite as you roam.

Read more: How to Spend a Day in Venice, Italy

Tour Ideas:
Eat Like a Local – 3 hr Small-Group Food Tour [book here]
The Real Hidden Venice [book here]

Padua is an easy and often overlooked day trip from Bologna in the Veneto region. Just an hour by train, it’s less touristy than nearby cities but full of character and history.

Padua is known as the city of St. Anthony. The Basilica di Sant’Antonio, where his remains are buried, is an important pilgrimage site and an impressive church to visit, even if you’re just there to admire the architecture.

Another highlight is the Palazzo della Ragione, a massive medieval building that once served as a courthouse and is now one of the largest covered markets in Europe. Its 13th-century wooden roof is an engineering feat and worth seeing in person.

What to eat in Padua? Try bigoli con l’anatra, a local favorite made with thick pasta and a slow-cooked duck ragù. It’s a hearty, flavorful dish typical of this part of Veneto.

Rimini, located on the Adriatic coast, makes for a great seaside day trip from Bologna—just under an hour by train. It’s a popular destination in the summer months, known for its long stretches of beach and lively resort atmosphere.

If you’re exploring the city, head to Piazza Tre Martiri, one of Rimini’s main squares and a historic center point. Nearby is the Tempio Malatestiano, a 15th-century church with striking architecture. Piazza Cavour, another central square, is surrounded by cafes, shops, and monuments, including one dedicated to Camillo Cavour.

In warmer months, you can plan a day at a beach club or book a boat trip along the coast for a change of pace from city sightseeing.

What to eat in Rimini? Try piadina, a thin flatbread often filled with prosciutto, cheese, and seasonal vegetables. It’s a local staple at street stands and casual eateries throughout the region.

Tour Ideas:
Private Walking Tour of Rimini [book here]

If you want to explore more of Tuscany during your stay in Bologna, Arezzo makes a beautiful day trip. Just under two hours by train, this hillside city is filled with charm, history, and good food.

Arezzo’s historic center is a mix of Renaissance and medieval architecture, best seen in Piazza Grande, one of the prettiest squares in Tuscany. Nearby, the Basilica di San Francesco houses a series of stunning frescoes by Piero della Francesca, which are well worth a visit.

We spent a lovely afternoon wandering cobblestone streets and had one of our most memorable meals at La Cantina del DOC. The panna cotta there still lives rent-free in our minds.

What to eat in Arezzo? Try pappardelle all’aretina, a hearty dish of wide ribbon pasta often served with a rich meat sauce made from duck or wild game, deeply rooted in the region’s Tuscan traditions.