Piazza Maggiore is fantastic! We were lucky enough to be in Bologna at the time of the Portici festival and there was something going on in the square most days and every evening. The square is surrounded by bars and restaurants, has a tourist information office, various museums, the basilica and the road train to San Luca leaves from there so make this your first and regular stop during your trip to Bologna!

start your visit from here for bologna if you are driving, the easiest lot is parcheggio staveco, which is outside of ZTL "danger" zone. then walk 10-15 min to this square. for best view of porticoes, of which the city is known for, i recommend via farini, in the vicinity of piazza santo stefano

Largest Piazza in Bologna dominated by the facade of the Basilica di San Petronio and bounded by the main city hall and clocktower, and two impressive building groups fronted by large porticoes. A couple of different bars to grab a seat and watch the world go by. During the day, street artists and some buskers. At night during the summer, movies on a large screen or street performers.

Sculptures in the piazza are of particular interest. The temporary exhibition took place in the past September 2020 and could happen more. In fact we could meet the Bolognese Nettuno at other cities too, like in Laeken in Belgium (La fontaine de Neptune) but perhaps not the Nereids. They are quite special. Not to mention that the cityscape is amazing. This is thanks to the operation of the city government keeping with Unesco heritage regulations. New buildings and businesses must not interfere with the existing landscape of the city.

This is the heart of city centre of Bologna and a place most visitors will likely pass by several times during visits to the city. The square has been around since the Middle Ages and is where you find numerous palace buildings, a delightful Neptune Fountain as well as the Basilica di San Petronio, the largest and most important church in Bologna. There are quite a few restaurants, coffee shops, bars and shops around Piazza Maggiore and if you are lucky, you might catch a festival or weekend event on the square as well. Consider passing by in the evening or night when the buildings are illuminated with lights. It is just as nice visiting then as during the day when the piazza is also much busier and crowded.

Around the perimeter are architecturally interesting buildings which house restaurants, cafes, and shops. One side is anchored by the Basilica di San Petronio. While we were there we saw several musicians and street performers, including a not so Disney approve mouse.

First of all, Bologna is S T U N N I N G. One of the most underrated Italian cities , with so much to offer. From museums to clubs. Piazza Magiore was just the best place to hang out , especially for a night out. 🆘Last years they are being organized different cultural activities. For example, when we visited the piazza, there has been an open cinema going on with Italian old movies being shown every night.The vibe is amazing and it’s really spacious sooo no reason to worry if it’s overcrowded. 🆘Be careful, there are many pickpockets!

The Piazza Maggiore is beautiful, but it is especially worth visiting in the evening, as the buildings are atmospherically lit. The Palazzo Comunale in particular is lit as if by candlelight, very beautiful. During the day you can also admire the Neptune fountain. It's like the David in Florence - you have to pay attention to the hand of the sculpture!

When you plan a visit to Italy, you immediately think of places such as Rome, Milan, Venice, or Pisa! Bologna is probably not somewhere high up on people's places to visit, but it should be! You could spend hours writing reviews on all of the sights this wonderful city has to offer, so it's easier just to pick the No 1 attraction and say that Bologna is Fantastic and well worth the visit.

Piazza Maggiore is Bologna’s huge central square largely retaining its 15th century layout bounded by a host of remarkable buildings including the Palazio d’Accurso housing the city Council chamber and municipal art gallery and the Basilica of San Petronio which is Bologna’s cathedral. Otherwise it contains numerous restaurants and bars particularly coming alive in the evenings. A modern Rich is added by the glass staircase leading to the Modernissima underground cinema complex.