Bologna gardens and parks: where locals go to relax

Bologna may not look green at first glance.
But the best parks in Bologna and hidden gardens in Bologna don’t shout — they whisper behind old gates or peek from the hills above the porticoes.

Lace up your shoes (or hop on a bike) and go find them.

Opened in 1879, Giardini Margherita is the largest and most popular park in Bologna.
Once home to a lake with boats, a café chantant and even a lion zoo (!), today it’s where locals run, picnic, and meet for sunset drinks.

Giardini Margherita garden takes its name from the same queen of the famous pizza and is still Bologna's largest and most important park.

Why visit it
For a picnic amongst students and locals during spring weekends or for an aperitivo at Le Serre (the former greenhouses turned bar & cultural space)..

Good for
Families, runners, easy shade in summer

Info
Viale Giovanni Gozzadini, 40136 Bologna

Bologna University area hides one of the oldest botanical gardens in Europe.
2 hectares, +5000 plants including a selection of carnivores, 2 greenhouses with tropical and succulent plants.

Why visit it
For a breath of fresh air inside the city walls, or if you're looking for original things to do in Bologna with your kids.

Good for
Plant lovers, rainy-day strolls, short breaks

Info
Via Irnerio 42, 40126 Bologna

Wild nature on the hills behind Porta San Mamolo — no car needed.
​
Fondazione Villa Ghigi organizes educational activities for schools, birdwatching, and interesting trekking.

Why visit it
To have a wide view of Bologna and digest all the food you had around the markets.

Good for
Hikers, picnics with a view, spring mornings

Info
Via San Mamolo, 40136 Bologna

The best way to reach Parco Talon is through one of Bologna bike rides, at the foot of San Luca Basilica.
You can visit the old Chiusa: a medieval sluice to divert and adjust the Reno River and provide water to Bologna.

Why visit it
Because you can take the bike path that starts from Certosa Cemetery and follows an open canal to Casalecchio.

Good for
Cyclists, history nerds, riverside walks

Info
Via dei Mille 9, 40033 Casalecchio di Reno BO
www.parcodellachiusa.it​

Hey, do you know that Bologna had a harbor?
We're far from the sea, but until 1889, small boats used the harbor to move goods and trade with the markets of the center.

This park arises from its roots and unveils the canal still flowing underground.

Why visit it
Because in June, during Biografilm festival, Cavaticcio becomes a place for street food of Bologna, with live concerts and a vibrant atmosphere.

Good for
Urban explorers, summer nights with events, canal-history nerds, street-food lovers

Info
Via Azzo Gardino, 40122 Bologna

A huge park behind the train station, following the old Navile canal.
Nothing's left of Villa Angeletti, which gives the name to the park: it was destroyed during WW2.

Why visit it
It's a nice park where you can run or play some sport in Bologna, there's a nice kids area for playing and a kiosk at the entrance for gelato. What to ask for more?

Info
Via de' Carracci, 65, 40129 Bologna

Wear comfy shoes to arrive in this huge park behind San Luca Basilica.
Hills, rows of vines, and woods, to relax and admire the red city from the top.

Why visit it
If you're looking for one of the best panoramic view of Bologna, this is your place.

Info
Via di Casaglia, 36, 40135 Bologna

[Photo credits: Tiago Caramuro, Marco, Andrea Forni, Ube, Michele Mazzoli, Monica Galeotti]