10 Things to Do in Bologna at Night

Magic envelops Bologna when night falls. The illuminated city invites you to stroll through it and discover a different side to its architectural treasures. Don't worry, you won't be alone on your journey. This Italian city is a vibrant place where the night is enjoyed inside bars and entertainment venues, but also on the terraces.

But there is much more to do in Bologna when night falls. You'll notice how music has a special feel in this city, from opera to jazz, country or rock. Music that can accompany you as you sample the delights of Bolognese cuisine in a traditional osteria or restaurant.

The early evening is a good time to take a leisurely stroll through Bologna. Without the hustle and bustle of people, you can admire the beauty of its main monuments. I suggest starting in the heart of the city, in Piazza Maggiore. The soft, warm lighting of the buildings that bring it to life creates an intimate and welcoming atmosphere.

Take a look at the imposing Basilica of San Petronio, one of the largest in the world. You will see how the lights create a very unique effect on its half-covered façade. And as you look at it, don't miss another of Bologna's landmarks: the Fountain of Neptune. The evening is also a good time to stroll through the city's porticoes, which are a World Heritage Site.

Discovering Bologna after sunset is always a good idea: for a first impression if you've just arrived, to relax after a busy day of sightseeing, or to take the best photos of your stay. Don't hesitate, it's one of the best tours in Bologna you can plan during your stay.

But if you've enjoyed a busy day walking around the city or perhaps visiting the best museums in Bologna, there's always a more comfortable alternative: take a ride on one of the tourist buses.

Watching the sun set on the horizon and bathe the rooftops of Bologna in reddish hues is a sight not to be missed. It's the best way to start enjoying the Bolognese night. During the day, the best views are from the Asinelli Tower, which is almost 100 metres high, but to enjoy the sunset you'll have to venture a little further from the city centre.

I recommend climbing up to the Sanctuary of Madonna di San Luca. This temple is located on top of a promontory surrounded by forests. You can reach it from the historic centre by following an imposing and steep porticoed gallery. It is the longest in the world, four kilometres long and with more than 600 arches.

You are probably thinking about the effort involved in the walk. But it is worth it because the sanctuary has a panoramic terrace that offers a 180º view and one of the best views of Bologna at night. But if you don't feel like it or can't get too tired, you can always take public transport up and walk down.

Another option is the San Michele in Bosco viewpoint. This monumental complex is also built on a hill, but it is next to the historic centre. You can get there by bus, although my advice is to walk so you can enjoy the beautiful park that surrounds it. Once on the terrace, you'll have the city's rooftops at your feet and you'll see up close how they change colour as the sun goes down.

Want to feel like a true Bolognese? Then you should start your night in the Quadrilatero. This medieval neighbourhood of narrow streets is a meeting point and a place to have a quiet drink before going out for dinner or continuing the party in one of the city's entertainment venues.

What's so special about the Quadrilatero? Here you'll find a number of traditional taverns and terraces where you can enjoy a good local wine accompanied by an aperitif. In fact, this is one of the city's most deeply rooted traditions. Accompany your dishes with prosecco, a sparkling red wine, or a spritz, a cocktail made with dry white wine and sparkling water or tonic.

You can also visit the Mercato di Mezzo. For centuries, this has been Bologna's most important shopping area. In this market, you can have a drink or a bite to eat at one of the establishments offering authentic delicacies, which close at midnight. If you want to enjoy one of Bologna's most special gastronomic tours, this is the place to be.

You can't miss the Quadrilatero, this always lively neighbourhood is in the very heart of the city. Its pedestrianised streets stretch from Piazza Maggiore to the Asinelli and Garisenda towers. The Mercato di Mezzo is a stone's throw from the Basilica of San Petronio.

Without a doubt, the liveliest area of Bologna at night is where the students gather. The university district is full of life during the day, but especially when night falls. If you want to have fun without spending too much, this is the perfect place for it.

Along Via del Pratello, Via Belle Arti and a few other streets, you can enjoy small pubs with a youthful and alternative atmosphere, as well as typical Irish pubs and craft beer bars. But if there is one meeting point, it is Piazza Verdi, at the end of Via Zamboni, where it is common to see students having a drink in the street. If the weather is not good, there are plenty of places around the square where you can take refuge.

What sets the university district apart from other leisure areas is not only the cheerfulness of the students, but also the multicultural atmosphere that can be felt here day and night. Don't forget that Bologna is one of the top destinations for Erasmus students.

At this point, a brief explanation of why there is such a university atmosphere is in order. In case you didn't know, the University of Bologna is the oldest in the Western world, founded back in 1088. That's over a thousand years of history.

Do you like dancing? Or do you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere in a lounge-style venue? Whatever you're in the mood for, you'll find it without any trouble. Bologna is a city where you can go out every night of the year and find the best atmosphere you can imagine.

The best thing is that you won't have to go far or walk to get from one place to another. The historic centre is one of the hearts of Bologna's nightlife. In fact, around Via dell'Indipendenza, the city's main street, you'll find some of the most fashionable nightspots and discos in Bologna for years, such as the famous QUBO'Disco.

If you have enough energy to last until the early hours, don't mind venturing further afield from the centre and want to enjoy something a little different, there's plenty to choose from. If you like rock or indie music, stop off at Kovo Club, Lokomotiv or Estragón. And if you want to see some great DJs in action, don't miss ExForno Mambo.

Need to recharge your batteries for a night out? Take advantage of dinner to sample some of the delights of Bolognese cuisine. Throughout the city, there are countless restaurants and taverns where you can dine in peace and try some typical dishes.

What should you order? When in Bologna, you simply must try tagliatelle al ragù, pasta served with the famous and authentic Bolognese sauce. Other ideas for dinner include risotto al vino rosso (red wine risotto), tortellini in brodo (tortellini in chicken broth) or passatelli, which is also a soup, but with thick egg noodles.

If these dishes seem too heavy for dinner, you always have the option of grabbing a quick bite at a tavern. In fact, aperitifs are a deeply rooted tradition in Bologna. So if you want to immerse yourself in the city's daily life for a while, don't miss out. It takes place around seven o'clock.

Not sure what to order? The most typical choice is crescentine. These are actually a starter, but they can also serve as an aperitif or snack. They are small buns served with salami, cheese and local cold cuts. If you're not very hungry, they'll easily serve as dinner.

If you love mysteries, dark legends and curiosities, you can spend a few entertaining hours trying to unravel them. Your first stop could be Villa Clara.

The most gruesome stories tell of how one of the former owners decided to lock his stepdaughter in the villa, fearful of her powers of clairvoyance. Some say that her ghost still haunts the house.

The seven secrets of Bologna

Night is also a good time to discover some of Bologna's secrets. According to tradition, there are seven. I'll reveal just one. When you pass through Piazza Maggiore, take a slight detour to reach the porticoes of the Palazzo del Podestà.

You will see that on one side of one of the arches is the statue of Saint Dominic and on the other, that of Saint Petronius. If you want to confess something to your partner without anyone knowing, this is the perfect place. They call it the whispering arch.

If you speak softly while looking at the wall under one of the statues, the other person will hear you perfectly from the other side of the arch. It is one of those little curiosities that usually attracts tourists. That is why night-time is the best time to check whether it is true or not.

If you still feel like looking for some of these other secrets, here are a few clues: look for the devil in the palace in Piazza Santo Stefano, find the Canale di Reno, or discover what is so special about the iconic statue of Neptune.

Although it is not one of its best-known aspects, the truth is that Bologna is closely linked to classical music. And it has been for centuries. To give you an idea, Mozart himself studied here and Gioachino Rossini lived here. The city is also home to a well-known children's choir, the Piccolo Coro dell'Antoniano.

So, if you are a music lover, check out the city's cultural calendar. You are sure to find an event or concert that interests you. And remember one name: the Teatro Comunale. It is the city's classical opera house. Inside, you will be surprised by its decoration, but above all by its magnificent acoustics. Operas and ballets have been performed on its stage, as well as famous musicals.

If you are lucky and your visit to Bologna coincides with one of the concerts held at the Teatro Comunale, don't just stay inside. From the terrace, you can admire the surroundings of Piazza Giuseppe Verdi. Yes, the same square where students gather to have fun when night falls.

Not only classical music, but also contemporary music has its place in Bologna. In fact, this is the birthplace of artists of the stature of Lucio Dalla. If you like other musical styles, Bologna has countless venues where you can enjoy the best live music. Some of them are true institutions in the city, such as Club Kinki, where Jimi Hendrix's 1968 concert is still remembered.

Another cult venue is Cantina Bentivoglio. It is considered one of the most important jazz clubs in the world. No matter when you visit Bologna, its stage offers live music six nights a week.

Many other smaller, lesser-known wine bars and restaurants also offer interesting musical evenings. It's a great plan if you want to accompany good music with the best Bolognese food.

Markets are part of the essence of Bologna. It's worth taking a stroll during the day to enjoy their lively atmosphere. But you can also have a good time there after dark. Those with a food court don't close until midnight and are a regular meeting place for locals and tourists alike.

If you fancy this plan, there are two renowned markets. On the one hand, there is the Mercato delle Erbe. On the other, there is the Mercato di Mezzo. Both are in the centre and you can recharge your batteries at any of their food establishments.

Good food, a great atmosphere and interesting activities, as they also host events such as conferences and wine tastings. If your stay in the city coincides with these events, it's one of the things to do in Bologna at Christmas. The atmosphere is unbeatable.

Bologna's nightlife is very intense, and you're sure to enjoy every second of it. However, it's always a good idea to keep a few recommendations in mind:

• It is important to bear in mind the temperatures in Bologna. If you are planning to enjoy Bologna in autumn or winter, remember that the cold is compounded by the humidity. Don't forget to pack warm clothes.

Although Bologna has a lively nightlife all year round, don't forget that this is a university city. This means that the atmosphere tends to slow down during school holidays. Even so, enjoying the nightlife is still one of the best experiences to have in Bologna in the summer.

• Bear in mind that the opening hours of bars and nightclubs can vary greatly. In some cases, they are open every day, in others only from Thursday to Sunday. The same applies to closing times. To avoid any surprises, it is best to check before you go.
• You can easily get around Bologna on foot. But if you don't feel like walking, there are several bus lines that run at night: 14N, 20N, 25N, 61 and 62.