Are you looking to travel to Emilia Romagna Italy? You’ve come to the right place if you’re looking for the best day trips to Emilia Romagna. Most people visit the region to stay in Bologna. There’s more to Emilia Romagna then Bologna. Locals can tell you which day trips are the best from Bologna Italy. We’ll be covering the top day trips from Bologna via train as well as the most specific topics for those looking for the best day trip to Ravenna or day trip from Bologna and Cinque Terre.
10 top day trips from Bologna Italy
What are the top 10 day trips from Bologna Italy to see Bologna? Since I live in the area, it is difficult for me to rank these places. This is especially true when it comes to the Emilia Romagna region’s best day trips. Every city is my favorite so I cannot pick. The items in the following list were sorted by random order.
Our post will help you find the best Emilia Romagna cities for day trips from Bologna. We also highlight the best day trips by train from Bologna and a day trip to San Marino from Bologna. You’ll also find tips to make a trip from Bologna to Ravenna.
Bologna, the capital of the Emilia Romagna Region in Italy, is something you might be familiar with. It is just one hour drive from the east coast, halfway between Milan and Florence.
Bologna can be reached easily via the international Airport, which connects Bologna to many other major European cities. It is also easy to plan day trips from Bologna via train thanks to the train line.
You should explore Bologna if you are visiting Bologna. There are so many wonderful things to see! Bologna is home to the oldest university in the world. This city has a lot to offer history-lovers and culture enthusiasts. Bologna is also known as the culinary capital of Italy, so foodies will not regret their visit.
1. Piacenza
Piacenza is a great day trip from Bologna Italy. It is a great place to visit in Emilia Romagna if you are looking for delicious food and beautiful historical center. There are also cute activities all around.
Piacenza, which is a train station that can take you from Bologna to Piacenza in just 1.5-2 hours, is a great choice. Piacenza, a charming and hidden town in Emilia Romagna is also very close to Milan. It is only 53 minutes from Milano Centrale station.
Piacenza’s lack of fame is a blessing in disguise. The city is authentic and unspoiled. There are a few landmarks you can visit in the city: Palazzo Gotico, Piazza dei Cavalli, and the main square of Piacenza. You should also visit the Basilica di Sant’Antonino and Duomo di Piacenza, two of the most beautiful churches in the city.
Don’t forget to mention that Piacenza, a city in Emilia Romagna is known for its great food! You can try some of the local dishes such as the Panzerotti al Forno or Pisarei an Faso or Anolini. But don’t forget to mention the Coppa and Pancetta cold cuts, which are all made in Piacenza.
2. Parma
Another must-see place in Emilia Romagna? Parma is a beautiful city and one of the most popular day trips in Emilia Romagna. It’s also one of the most convenient day trips from Bologna. Piacenza is approximately an hour from Parma, and Bologna is only an hour away by train. It is easy to get to Parma and it is a wonderful experience.
Parma is known for its beautiful churches, rich history and colorful streets. It also has amazing food! Although it is smaller than Bologna, this city has been growing in popularity as a tourist destination. People are starting to appreciate small towns with great food and less crowded cities.
It’s a wonderful way to see the historical center of the city. You can also stop by the Cathedral of Parma and the baptistery. Next, visit the Parmigiano Reggiano cheese plant for the best parmesan cheese in the world, as well as the Prosciutto di Parma (ham). Enjoy an Aperitivo in the City and as many cheeses and cold cuts as possible.
3. Reggio Emilia
Reggio Emilia, which is smaller than the rest of Emilia Romagna in Italy, has not been to the town. This is another option for day trips to Bologna Italy. It’s also a great way to get from Bologna by train. Reggio Emilia, located between Modena & Parma, is a wonderful half-day stop for travelers who are traveling through the region.
If you visit Reggio Emilia, be sure to stop by Piazza Fontanesi. Next, visit Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo to learn more about the city’s past and then walk down to Piazzaprampolini. Stop by a salumeria to sample and purchase some delicious local cheese and cold cuts.
A hike at Pietra di Bismantova is a great option for outdoor activities if you are in the area. It is a beautiful piece of the Emilia Romagna region, Italy. Pietra di Bismantova, a mountain that is characteristic of the Reggio Apennines and stands alone in the middle fields and beautiful green lands, is the Pietra di Bismantova. There are two options: via Ferrata and rock climbing. There are many great things to do in this area if you are looking for day trips to EmiliaRomagna.
4. Modena
Our list of top day trips to Emilia Romagna is not complete. So, here’s Modena, another great city to see in Emilia Romagna! Modena is a must-see if you are planning on visiting Emilia Romagna. It’s a medium-sized town that is only half an hour from Bologna via train.
Modena is known for its culture, food and cars. Luciano Pavarotti, one of the most well-known opera singers, was born in Modena and lived there for many years. There’s also Aceto Balsamico which is the most well-known balsamic vinegar in the world. Modena is also home to Ferrari.
You can get lost in delicious food at restaurants like Trattoria da Emes or La Francescana if you want to spend some time enjoying the wonderful cuisine. If you are interested in sports cars, you should visit the Enzo Ferrari Museum. You can also sign up to drive a Ferrari at the Modena Autodrome.
5. Ferrara
Ferrara is my favorite day trip from Bologna Italy. This charming town is definitely worth a day trip to Emilia Romagna. Ferrara is 48 km north of Bologna. Ferrara is a great choice if you don’t plan to travel all the way in Emilia-Romagna but are visiting Bologna and looking for day trips.
Ferrara’s historic centre is home to a mixture of Renaissance and medieval Italy. It’s like walking down Via delle Volte, a beautiful street that takes you back in time. The entire area of Via delle Volte offers a maze of medieval streets that you can get lost in.
The main square of Ferrara, Piazza Trento e Trieste is a must-see. Here you’ll find the stunning Ferrara Cathedral as well as Loggia dei Merciai (the city hall) and the bell tower, Torre dell’Orologio. The Castello Estense in Ferrara is another must-see. Ferrara is incomplete without visiting the Castello Estense.
You must try the most famous local dish, Cappellacci di Zucca with delicious ragu, while you’re visiting Ferrara, Italy This is a large-sized stuffed pasta with pumpkin, which is Ferrara’s specialty. It is delicious and Osteria Degli Angeli is the best place to find it. Ferrara, Italy, is definitely worth a visit.
6. Ravenna
Ravenna is another option for day trips from Bologna Italy. Ravenna is one of the top cities in Emilia Romagna. It is located between San Marino, Bologna and the east coast. You can also travel by train to Ravenna if you are planning a day trip from Bologna.
Ravenna was an important city throughout history for many empires. Ravenna is home to many historical buildings, some of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Ravenna is a popular destination due to its rich history, architecture and mosaics from the Byzantine Era.
You can also visit Dante Alighieri’s tomb, who is the originator of the Italian language. Ravenna is a fantastic place to visit. But, this alone is not enough. Ravenna Marina, which is a beautiful coastal resort, makes Ravenna a great choice for anyone looking for beach, sand and sea. It is one of the most beautiful beaches in Emilia Romagna.
7. Rimini
Rimini is a great place to start if you are looking for day trips along the coast of Emilia Romagna. You must visit Emilia Romagna to see Rimini’s beaches. You can also take a train to Rimini from Bologna if you are looking for day trips that will make your trip unforgettable.
The 2000-year-old beach town of Rimini is also great for culture lovers! The Tiberius Bridge is one of the most impressive and oldest Roman bridges you can find. You can also visit the Arch of Augustus and the Piazza Tre Martini, which are both Roman amphitheaters.
The Medieval Era Rimini was a time of great bloom, which resulted in many other landmarks you can now see, including the Malatesta Temple and Piazza Cavour. Borgo San Giuliano is a great neighborhood for its food and drink. If you enjoy seafood, porchetta, white truffles, and rabbit meat, then try it.
8. San Marino
San Marino is a great day trip from Bologna Italy. If you are looking for something truly unique and beautiful, this autonomous country is the perfect destination. You can plan a day trip between Bologna and San Marino by choosing the train. However, you will need to change trains a few times.
The castle of San Marino is situated on top of the hill. You can visit three towers from the 11th century on it. Guaita tower, the oldest and most well-known one, is the most popular. Cesta tower, located on the highest peak of the mountain, is home to a museum that houses over 1500 medieval weapons. The third tower, Montale, is located on the highest peak. This one is also closed to the public.
You can also explore San Marino’s other treasures, like the National Museum which houses a collection of more than 5000 artifacts. You should also visit the Basilica di San Marino and the Torture Museum in San Marino.
9. Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre, which is not only one of the most beautiful places in Emilia Romagna but also offers the best day trips from Bologna to these amazing destinations, is a must-see! Here’s some good news for those looking for day trips to Bologna via train. It’s possible, even though it is not near Bologna and you will need to change trains to reach Cinque Terre.
You can visit all five towns Cinque Terre, Monterosso Vernazza Corniglia Manarola and Riomaggiore within one day, as they are so close together. The distance between the towns takes only 5 minutes by train. Cinque Terre is a great destination for anyone looking to take a day trip out of Bologna.
Vernazza and Riomaggiore and Manarola are all about the amazing towns and beautiful views. Monterosso, however, has many large beaches. If you’re visiting the area during the summer, it’s a great idea to visit this last one. You can also start your journey from Riomaggiore and travel through 5 towns to arrive at Monterosso. After a day of sightseeing, spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach.
10. Verona
Verona is a great place to visit. It feels like the story of Romeo & Juliet is all around the historic centre. Verona’s downtown has some of the most romantic and charming streets that you can wander for hours.
Beautifully preserved buildings and squares will make you fall for each other. The Piazza Bra is where you will find the Roman Empire’s 2nd largest preserved amphitheater. Next, stop at the Piazza Bra to enjoy a drink and admire the square.
Near the Piazza dell’Erbe is the House of Juliet. Here you can visit, touch Juliet’s breast to bring good luck in your love life, and stand on the famous balcony to await your Romeo. You must visit Verona to see the Ponte Pietra, which was damaged in WW2, and the Castelvecchio. We’re not done yet! There is one spot in Verona which offers a stunning view of the historic centre from Castel San Pietro. Verona should be on your Italy bucket-list!
Here are the top 10 day trips from Bologna Italy
It’s been more than a year since I lived in Emilia Romagna. Every morning, I see this region and fall in love every time I look out of my window. Bologna is a beautiful city. I recommend it to anyone who wants to visit Bologna or plan the best day trips from Bologna Italy.
You’re now ready to travel to Emilia Romagna! We covered a day from Bologna and San Marino as well as a trip to Ravenna, Bologna and Cinque Terre. Bologna is an ideal destination because some of the most stunning places in Italy are found in the central-northern part of Italy. They are also close to Bologna.
