The main town itself is everything you would expect: mirror-like canals reflecting colourful buildings, streets lined with excellent restaurants and bars, and the joy of not being too crowded by tourists. It’s well worth hiring a bike to explore the local area and the Po Delta after you’ve enjoyed a couple of chilled days and sampled the local fish speciality, eel and clams.
Make it a day trip from Bologna: With a car, you’d want to allow around two hours each way as a day trip from Bologna. By public transport, it wouldn’t really work.
Tuscany’s capital city is crowned by the heart-stopping sight of the world-famous Duomo. On a day trip from Bologna, you could squeeze in a quick visit to this grand cathedral, spot some of the most beautiful bridges in the city, and take a quick peek inside the magnificent Uffizi Gallery (you’ll want to buy skip-the-line tickets).
Bologna
Amongst the Casentinesi Forest National Park, you’ll find some cute villages worth calling at, so you can easily combine a stay in Bagno di Romagna (below) with some other spots on a road trip to lesser-known Emilia Romagna. This part of the region borders Tuscany, so another option is to continue on to the likes of Florence.
Read more: Exploring the history of Ferrara by bicycle
Download this complimentary Emilia Romagna magazine containing this article and many more to help you plan an even deeper dive into the top things to do in Emilia Romagna.
An excellent location to sample the differences in regional cheese and ingredients – with mushrooms being a real focus during the season – is the lovely Hostaria Volante. This small restaurant in the town has a very creative owner who, as well as designing the menu, has handmade many items, from water glasses to lampshades.
Modena is famous for two things: Fast cars and Balsamic Vinegar. That’s not to say you shouldn’t take a day trip here. It’s also pretty and one of the best places to visit in Emilia Romagna. While the Ferraris and Lamborghini which you can book to test drive provide a contrast to the more classical opera scene, there are plenty of impressive sights to enjoy.
Best day trips from Bologna
I stayed at the Euroterme Wellness Resort, which was vast and offered everything from a spa circuit and indoor and outdoor thermal pools to (not needed by me) blood sampling and recovery options.
I’m gonna be honest, my friend Janet and I spent (too) much of our time in Ferrara drinking wine, Aperol and anything else we could use to ‘rehydrate’. While this large city has plenty going on it also seemed like the perfect place to have a lazy day of sightseeing and bar-hopping.
Read more: Comacchio and the Po Delta
Top things to do in Brisighella, Emilia Romagna
- Visit the hill-topping clocktower for some magnificent views
- Climb the Torre Manfrediana (get access with a guide)
- Get lost in the old town, and don’t miss the Via degli Asini, an ancient wooden-beamed portico
- Tour the underground quarries or enjoy a seasonal concert
- Head into the nearby hills for rural food and trails
But the real magic lies in the lagoons and saltworks of the park just outside Comacchio town. Whether you opt to cycle, take a boat, or both, the views are made more special by the flamingos that can be found on the lake. Although a migration spot, there are now permanent flocks of flamingos who have set up their home here.
But given Emilia Romagna surrounds it, it’s a must-do while you’re here, although a day trip from Bologna would be rather intense.
Make it a day trip from Bologna: By train or car, the journey will take just over an hour.
Ravenna
Make it a day trip from Bologna: This is a super easy day trip, as the train takes less than 30 minutes.
Here are some of my top things to do in Emilia Romagna, many of which are possible as day trips from Bologna by train.
It’s a truly fascinating place being one of the oldest republics in the world. Italy surrounds it but is not part of the EU (although it has no borders). They use the Euro and have individual San Marino coins. They have two presidents at any time who serve six months each. They have their own calendar. You get the point, it’s a pretty unique place, and as such, you should certainly make the time when planning your Emilia Romagna day trips to fit it in.
Top things to do in Ravenna, Emilia Romagna
- The mosaics in Basilica di San Vitale are one of the best things to do in Emilia Romagna
- Be sure to head inside Basilica di Sant’Apollinare in Classe; the grand architecture is home to Byzantine art
- Katun is a large theme park just outside the city, a fun way to entertain kids who may need a break from the architecture overload
- The 6th-century Basilica di Sant’Apollinare Nuovo is a real sight to behold
- Squeeze in another UNESCO-listed site, the 5th-century Battistero degli Ariani, if time allows
You don’t just travel to Italy; you get consumed by Italy; the words stumbled out of my mouth as I tried to explain why it was one of my favourite countries and in that particular moment, to express my admiration for all the incredible places to visit in Emilia Romagna.
If you’re keen on a flying visit to Tuscany’s famed leaning tower, it can be done on a fast-paced day trip from Bologna. While you will most likely need to travel via Florence to arrive here, it’s a small city in terms of attractions and better suited to a day trip.
Steeped in art, culture and music, Mantua in the Lombardy region has played a sizable contribution to the opera scene. This is perfectly captured in Teatro Bibiena, a small but perfectly-formed theatre and one of the most beautiful in Europe. There’s also some grand architecture here courtesy of the Gonzaga Dynasty, and on a day trip from Bologna, you could certainly fit in the highlight: The Palazzo Ducale di Mantova, a vast stately complex which combined forms one of Europe’s largest residential buildings in one of Europe’s most underrated cities.
The Po Delta Nature Park straddles both the Emilia Romagna and Veneto regions. While this could be an intense day trip from Bologna, it’s one of the most beautiful places in Emilia Romagna, and indeed Italy.
Ferrara
In fact, I’d suggest you stay overnight. This tiny republic is the 5th smallest country in the world and the least visited in Europe, and post-sunset when the day visitors depart, you have the most magical ancient experience walking its old city without any crowds.
Emilia Romagna is often touted as ‘the home of food’, partly due to being the birthplace of Ragu. To the horror of most Italians, we call it Spaghetti Bolognese, but the dish’s origins are here as a more meat-based sauce served with tagliatelle – yup, we all eat an Italian dish that doesn’t really exist.
Make it a day trip from Bologna: By train, you can arrive in Florence in less than 40 minutes. Driving time is at least 90 minutes, more with traffic.
Top things to do in Ferrara, Emilia Romagna
- Visit The Este Palace – the photo opportunities from the roof terrace are fantastic, and it’s one of the top things to do in Emilia Romagna
- Explore the city walls by bicycle
- Admire the Cathedral of Ferrara for its ornate decoration
- Head to Volte, a cobbled Roman street, to see another side of the city away from the Renaissance architecture
- Take time to enjoy Aperitivo cocktail hour – there is a lively atmosphere thanks to the university
Make it a day trip from Bologna: You can easily reach Parma from Bologna in less than an hour by rail.
It took me a few visits to Emilia Romagna before I finally made it to Comacchio, but it was certainly worth the wait! Comacchio isn’t the most accessible place to get to in Emilia Romagna as it does not have a train station, but whether you hire a car or make it here by bus, it’s well worth taking a detour for!
To avoid any doubt, San Marino is no longer Italy, and yes, one of the best things to do in Emilia Romagna is to go to another country!
Culture and the arts are especially highlighted here, from the 19th-century opera house with its magical performances to the much older wooden theatre, which still draws in crowds.
Top things to do in Rimini, Emilia Romagna
- Walk under the imposing city entrance, the Arch of Augustus, a slice of Roman architecture
- Visit the 13th-century Malatestiano Temple
- Enjoy the long stretches of golden beach sands
- Take the kids to Italia in Miniatura, a mini land of many Italian attractions, or a seaside amusement park, Fiabilandia
- Admire Ponte di Tiberio, one of the most iconic bridges in the country
Be sure to check out the surroundings, including the old quarry caves, which now host live music performances underground. The excavation site of the old castle which offers terrific panoramic views. Finally, head to the mountains for some fantastic fresh food and fresh air at the Parco Carnè visitor centre.
Parma
Make it a day trip from Bologna: Rimini can be reached from Bologna in less than an hour using high-speed rail.
If you are after sun, sea, sand and some nightlife, then Rimini offers these in buckets and spades, but you can also take to the old streets and discover another side. From 13th-century churches and historic bridges to Roman excavation sites and perfect for people-watching piazzas, it’s a city with its own character.
Personally, I didn’t rate Rimini as highly as some of the other best places to visit in Emilia Romagna, but don’t let that discourage you; as I said, for many, this is somewhere not to miss.
Often billed as ‘Little Venice’ due to it being close to the Veneto border, it comes complete with canals and remains relatively devoid of tourists. This is an ideal base to explore the local nature, such as the Po Delta.
Top things to do in Parma, Emilia Romagna
- Take a tour of a Parmigiano Reggiano factory to see this famous cheese being produced
- Visit the unique Baptistery of Parma, with its marble exterior
- Tour the Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Steccata, full of incredible frescos
- See the Governor’s Palace illuminated at night
- Head inside the Cattedrale di Parma, one of the most impressive in the region
- Sample Prosciutto di Parma at its source
Nestled amongst the mountains of the Casentinesi Forest National Park, you’ll find Bagno di Romagna. Charming and compact, the town is renowned locally for the many thermal spa hotels and resorts here. Not that well known with foreign tourists, this is an ideal place to escape for some R&R.
Reggio Emilia
Luckily, quaint Cesenatico is an ideal day trip from Bologna. Sure, it has a beach on the Adriatic – and a little out of the centre, you’ll find some more untouched sands – but the real charm is in the compact core, regarded as one of the best places to visit in Emilia Romagna.
Of course, no trip to Emilia Romagna is complete without enjoying the region’s best experiences. These are some of my favourite things to do in Emilia Romagna.
The people, the passion, the food (oh boy, the food), the panoramas, the serenity; something about the lifestyle in this northern Italian region captures your heartstrings and reels them in. Emilia Romagna offers a fantastic blend of culinary treats, architectural wonders and art-based attractions, all wrapped up in some incredible day trips from Bologna, the regional capital.
Top things to do in Reggio Emilia, Emilia Romagna
- See the mosaic in Santa Maria Cathedral
- Head inside the Basilica della Ghiara, for one of the most impressive spots in the city
- Visit The San Prospero Church, mainly for the people-watching cafes on the terraces in front
A buzzing city, and one of the largest in the region, Parma is a captivating cocktail of historic buildings and storied culture shaken up with a university atmosphere.
Further afield day trips from Bologna
Rimini is a city of many things to many people, and is enjoying something a rebirth. That means, for some, it’s a great base, while others may see it as somewhere to avoid. As such, I recommend meeting in the middle by having a day trip from Bologna here.
San Marino
When you think of Italy from the movies, you know the one: hair flying in convertible cars, verdant green hills of vines, castles towering above little ochre-roof towns, you’re essentially thinking of Brisighella. This medieval town is one of the best hidden gems of Europe.
When it comes to foodie things the world should be grateful for, send your thanks for Parmigiano Reggiano (Parmesan) and Prosciutto di Parma (Parma Ham) right here.
Make it a day trip from Bologna: By train, this would be too long and complicated as a day trip from Bologna due to the connections. It could be done by car, with a 90-minute journey time, but given the main reason to visit the spa town is to relax, at least an overnight stay is best.
Read more: Exploring Brisighella, Emilia Romagna
Top things to do in San Marino
- Visit the three towers which crown the Città di San Marino
- Tour the collection of fascinating and sometimes bizarre museums
- Experience the oldest part of the country at dusk when all the day trippers have left
- Learn about the nation’s intriguing calendar, politics and national sport
- Soak up the feeling of being in the ‘best places to visit in Emilia Romagna’ while no longer even being in Italy
While this article is packed with day trips from Bologna, for those who are researching the best places to visit in Emilia Romagna, I best start with the region’s delicious and centre-stage capital city.
Read more: Why you shouldn’t day trip San Marino but stay overnight
Comacchio
With a vast collection of religious buildings – and either UNESCO inscribed monuments – you’ll be busy. The outstanding Mausoleum di Teodorico, a 6th-century tomb for a king, it’s one of the standouts. Don’t miss the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare near the train station, easily missed if you’re making a beeline to the city centre.
There are a lot of car and motorcycle manufacturers here – such as Lamborghini, Ducati, Maserati and Ferrari – and with museums dedicated to these luxury drives and even tracks where you can test drive a Ferrari, those with a penchant for speed will be in their element.
Top things to do in Comacchio, Emilia Romagna
- Walk the canals and bridges, hunting out cute corners
- Admire the ancient ship inside the Museo Delta Antico
- Hire a bike and spot flamingos in the saltpans
- Try the local delicacy eel – they even have an annual eel festival
Thus, you may want to stay for some nights. I checked in at the Spiaggia Romea Club Village. This large resort, with pools, water sports, horse riding and a range of accommodations is set in a beautiful area that has been preserved by the current owners. Earmarked initially to be property development, the land was all brought, and the resort takes up just a fraction, leaving the rest of the area to nature and wildlife to blossom; an electric golf cart can take you on a ‘mini-safari’ through this part of the park.
If you visit Ravenna as a day trip from Bologna, be sure to give yourself enough time here as I wish I had been able to explore the plethora of UNESCO World Heritage Site protected artwork more in-depth. Luckily, I’ve since been able to return for a weekend in Ravenna, and If we’re being honest, at least two days are needed to start to do the city justice. Yet, with a fast-paced itinerary, it can mostly ‘be done’ as a day trip, although you may want to join a group tour of the UNESCO mosaics to manage your time best.
Best places to visit in Emilia Romagna for a longer stay
For those who are into art and sophisticated architecture, this might actually be one of the best day trips in Emilia Romagna. With multiple museums and palaces which date back over a thousand years, you can slowly hop between each sight while stopping for coffee refills as needed. The Galleria Estense is a notable must-visit for its painting collection from the 14th century onwards.
The Casentinesi Forest National Park
While I wouldn’t say the region’s beaches are the top thing to do in Emilia Romagna, they are very welcome on a hot summer’s day. Personally, I found the beaches in Rimini to be a little too developed, with beach clubs and umbrellas and people as far as the eye can see. So, it’s best to head to the beaches a little further from the city if you want a serene shoreline escape.
Adorable would be a fair word to describe this small town. With colourful houses lining the few small canals, a maritime museum, and enough laid-back little restaurants, Cesenatico is a good size for a day trip from Bologna.
Make it a day trip from Bologna: The journey by train takes between 22-30 minutes, depending on the type of service.
Top things to do in The Casentinesi Forest National Park, Emilia Romagna
- Forage for mushrooms in season in the forest
- Stay, and eat at a rural farm-style lodge called an agriturismo
- Take a mountain bike tour through the forest
- Kayak on the Ridracoli Dam in the summer
Read more: Comacchio and the Po Delta
Make it a day trip from Bologna: Allow around two hours by car each way. By public transport, you’ll first need to get to Rimini (around an hour by train) and then take the bus (approximately 50 minutes) up to San Marino. There are no border checks or anything like that to worry about. If there are a few of you, a private tour from Bologna might be a quicker option, as you could split the cost.
Bagno di Romagna
As with many of the region’s cities, it’s the food and architecture that makes a trip to Reggio Emilia worth it. Inside the imposing Santa Maria cathedral, you’ll find the remains of a Roman floor mosaic while the 17th-century facades across the city complement the multicoloured pastel hues of the various buildings and porticos.
Make it a day trip from Bologna: With no train station, a car journey of around 80 minutes is the easiest. On public transport, it is possible as a day trip from Bologna, though you’ll need to really plan to not miss the return journey. First, take a train to Ferrara and then another to Ostellato before changing to a local bus. Alternatively, you can head to Ravenna and take a local bus from there.
Make it a day trip from Bologna: By train or car, the journey will take a little over an hour. If you’re using public transport for your day trip from Bologna, you will need to change trains in Faenza. Don’t let this deter you; Brisighella is perhaps the best day trip from Bologna.
This is one of my favourites, and hands-down perhaps the best place to visit in Emilia Romagna other than Bologna. Famed for its historical and mesmerising colourful mosaics, which can be found on walls, inside churches and hiding down little alleys, it’s an intricate treat.
Best things to do in Emilia Romagna
Make it a day trip from Bologna: You’re looking at a rather long journey, with a train to Forlì followed by a slower local bus. By car, it’s possible, but as this is one of the best places to visit in Emilia Romagna to relax and connect with nature, it might seem a bit rushed on a day trip from Bologna.
Devour all the food
Make it a day trip from Bologna: By fast train, the journey to Venice can be as quick as 90 minutes, though it will take perhaps an extra 30-60 minutes by car.
The town itself isn’t large, but it has a quaint and relaxing fresh-mountain air to it. It’s a great retreat, whether you want a quick hop to nearby hiking options or just to indulge in the Romagna side of the region’s cuisine. There is a difference even here in Emilia Romagna.
Just don’t get as tipsy as me and miss your train back to Bologna!
Make it a day trip from Bologna: By train, it will take around 90 minutes each way to Cesenatico from Bologna.
Drive a sports car
These are some of the best places to visit in Emilia Romagna that can be enjoyed on a relatively quick and easy day trip from Bologna. Of course, they all are equally as deserving of a longer visit, so if you have the time, try to combine these places together as an extender road – or bus and rail – trip around Emilia Romagna.
Making use of the high-speed rail network, these destinations in neighbouring regions could work as day trips from Bologna. However, I believe they are more deserving of a separate visit.
Visit a county in a country
Make it a day trip from Bologna: By fast train, you can reach Verona in a little over an hour. By car, allow for more than 90 minutes.
Day trips from Bologna beyond Emilia Romagna
Make it a day trip from Bologna: By car and train, the journey will take around two hours, including a change in Modena.
Florence
Perhaps the most unique and striking of the city’s architecture is the Baptistery of Parma. The incredible pink marble exterior and unique design really astound me. Just next door, when you step into the cathedral, you’ll find a dazzling display of art across the ceilings and walls that puts many other churches to shame.
Pisa
I got the feeling that Reggio Emilia isn’t as used to seeing tourists as other parts of the region, and while I think the residents of Emilia Romagna are some of the most friendly and welcoming in Italy, in Reggio Emilia, the hospitality from those I met was heightened. The tricolour flag that we now know as the Italian flag also hails from this city, and a selection of smaller museums and ancient sites can also be visited.
The city of Romeo and Juliet is another possible day trip from Bologna. While you won’t be able to visit all the attractions, you should book tickets in advance to enter the Roman amphitheatre, explore the Centro Storico (Old Town) on foot, and spot some of the city’s Romanesque architecture.
Mantua
Cesenatico was one of those places where I just pointed at a map and went with no real research (it’s one of my best skills in life). I had wanted to visit the charming canals of Comacchio, which had been touted as a ‘Venice without the people’, but time was not on my side.
Milan
Brisighella was my first day trip in Emilia Romagna, and it set the bar high. The picturesque streets with little cafes and gelato shops sit under the three hills of the town, each crowned by something else; one clocktower, one castle and one church. You can enjoy a casual stroll between the three and visit them before noshing down on all the gelato below. We saw one little tourist group there, but other than that, on a blissfully sunny June day, it was devoid of tourists.
You can read about how to enjoy a weekend in Bologna here, but for now, let’s dive into the best day trips from Bologna. Just don’t forget to book your train tickets and any line-skipping entrance passes in advance to maximise your time.
Venice
Make it a day trip from Bologna: Modena is quick and easy to reach, taking just 17 minutes on the fastest train service.
The architecture throughout the city is outstanding, and the overall vibe is one of youthful energy alongside an aged environment; it’s romantic, but it’s also a buzzing university city – the oldest in Europe, in fact – and that gives the city a real mix of culture and cuisine.
Want more Emilia Romagna?
Other options in the Po Delta National Park include heading to the Sacca di Goro by the Veneto border to see traditional clam fishing with the ‘rasca’ (although this is quite a detour, so, not ideal if you are short on time) or relaxing in one of the spa and wellness facilities.