Visit Bologna during Covid emergency: what you can safely do (Update Sept 2021)

Are you planning your visit to Bologna?

During the Covid emergency, a lot has changed.
Learn all about the green pass, what you can or can't do and how safely enjoy your time.

I'll keep this post updated following Italian government rules and restrictions.

When and how to cross Italy state border

Before planning your arrival in Bologna, please check the travel rules by the Italian Government.

Certain restrictions are in place, with some exceptions.

What to visit in Bologna during Covid emergency?

Most of the main Bologna landmarks and attractions are open despite Coronavirus emergency.

All the hotels are open.

The main squares like Piazza Maggiore (with the Neptune fountain) and Piazza Santo Stefano are open day and night.

Also, all the churches are open.
So you can visit San Petronio Basilica, Basilica of Santo Stefano, admire the Compianto at Santa Maria della Vita or Michelangelo's sculptures inside San Domenico.

You can walk and relax in all the parks of Bologna.
Walk around Giardini Margherita, look at the unique plants and trees of the botanic garden, or wear your jogging shoes to visit Villa Ghigi park.

But the best walking you can do is the longest porticoes in Bologna: the one that brings you to San Luca Basilica.

Restaurants, bar and shops (and all about Green Pass)

All the restaurants, food markets, bars and gelato shops in Bologna are open.

Since August 6th 2021, you need to have a green pass to enter indoor places.

The green pass is a certification in digital and printable format, issued by the national platform of the Ministry of Health, which contains a QR Code to verify its authenticity and validity.

To get it you need to have a vaccination against Covid-19, a negative antigenic or molecular swab taken within the last 48 hours, or recovery from the infection.

For extra-EU travellers, your covid vaccination certificate will be valid as well as the green pass.

You also have to always wear a mask indoors (of course you can take it off when you're eating or sit at the table).

All the Bologna food markets that take place are open.

And of course, our food tours in Bologna are all safe and running (but with only 8 people per group).

Museums, sport and nightlife

Cinemas, museums and theatres are open.

To enter it you need the green pass as all the indoors places.

You can visit the best museums of Bologna like MamBo museum of modern art or learn the history of Bologna at Palazzo Pepoli.

Keep an eye also on the photo exhibitions at MAST, always interesting and free (but you have to book in advance).

Or if you like the style and portraits of early 1900, visit Vittorio Corsos's exhibition at Palazzo Pallavicini.

Passion for photography?
Don't miss the "Some kind of heavenly fire" exhibition by Maria Lax at PHmuseum Lab.
Or try our brand new Bologna Street Photography Workshop.

Fans of sports?

Swimming pools and gyms are open and you watch basketball or soccer match also indoor.

Need to relax?
You can also spend a day in a SPA and thermal bath in Bologna.

If you have any questions, please leave a comment.
And stay safe.

Emergency numbers

If you need info about Covid emergency in Bologna, you can call the free number 800 033 033.

In Bologna the AUSL (Hospital group) number is +39 051 2869406

The Italian emergency number is 118.

This post was updated on September 6th, 2021.