Bologna from the top: 7 places to get the best panoramic view of the red city

You can walk through the porticoes, get an electric train, or jump on a tourist bus. There are many perspectives to see Bologna, some better than others. From a high spot, it's one of the most fascinating. Here are 7 popular and hidden places to get a panoramic viewpoint of Bologna.

Torre degli Asinelli (2 towers)

The symbol of Bologna. The landmark not to miss. The selfie spot to stay in line for. Is it worth the effort to climb the 498 wood made steps?
If it's a clear sunny day the view is amazing, but if you only have one day in Bologna you can save time and look for less popular alternatives.

View Vote: 9

Price: 5€

San Pietro's Cathedral bell tower

During our food tours in Bologna I suggest to visit the bell tower on San Pietro Cathedral instead of Torre degli Asinelli.
Why?
No one knows about it and when Piazza Maggiore appears after the last step you'd be speechless.

The bad news? The opening time is more random than the ingredients of Bolognese ragù. So go and get lucky.

View Vote: 10

Price: 3€

Palazzo D'Accursio

A room with a view on Piazza Maggiore is a privilege for few.
But you can enter Palazzo D'Accursio and walk to the window on the second floor for a new perspective of the square and its crescentone.

It's free, so if you're planning to visit Bologna on a budget do not skip this. Soon the clock tower of Palazzo D'Accursio will be open to the public and I'll be happy to update this list.

View Vote: 8

Price: free

Specola

In the city of towers, you may not notice an astronomical observatory in the middle of the University area.
Specola (means "the place to observe" in Latin) is a former observatory now converted in a museum with telescopes, globes and lunar maps.
And when you arrive on the rooftop the stars appear and Bologna shines.

In the same building don't forget to visit Palazzo Poggi, one of the most unusual museums of Bologna.

View Vote: 9

Price: 5€ only with a guided tour

San Luca Basilica

It doesn't matter if you are religious: if there's a symbol for Bolognesi, more than the towers or Neptune fountain, this is San Luca.

From the top of the hill where it's set, you can enjoy the view of Dall'Ara stadium and Certosa cemetery. But you'll get disappointed if you go there just for the view.

Wear comfortable shoes, plan a couple of hours early in the morning or at sunset and walk up: this is the one and only way to enjoy San Luca as locals do.

View Vote: 6

Price: Free

Villa Ghigi

Like emerging rocks on a river where to stand and watch fishes swimming, the hills behind Bologna are a perfect viewpoint on the red roofs of Bologna's skyline.

Villa Ghigi is one of the best parks in Bologna with a view unraveling from San Luca Basilica to Asinelli tower.

Relax on a bench under a tree or open a blanket and...picnic!

View Vote: 7

Price: Free

San Michele in Bosco

It's one of the oldest churches in Bologna and it still keeps artworks by Carracci and Vasari. But even if Renaissance art is not your style, the view from San Michele in Bosco is the most picture postcard of Bologna.

View Vote: 7,5

Price: Free

[Photos: Ștefan Jurcă, Justin Kern, lorenzoclick]