If you are thinking of coming to Bologna for a romantic escape, you should know that there are some truly romantic places in the city, perfect to be enjoyed in the company of your sweetheart.

In this post we have put together a short list of them. So let's set off in search of the most romantic places in Bologna.

The terrace of San Michele in Bosco

Panoramic views over the city always have something romantic about them (and we told you about them in a previous post). In the city of towers, it is quite easy to admire the skyline from above, but perhaps not everyone knows that Bologna also has a very charming panoramic terrace.

This is the belvedere of the San Michele in Bosco complex, just outside Porta San Mamolo, located on a small hill that can be reached from the city centre with a short walk. Once on the terrace, you will be faced with a breathtaking view over the roofs of Bologna, framed by trees, very romantic especially at sunset.

The Manifattura delle Arti

We return to the city centre to visit the multifaceted Manifattura delle Arti area, which includes the Cineteca di Bologna, the Parco del Cavaticcio and the Parco 11 Settembre 2001. A combination of culture, nature and history waiting to be discovered, which especially at night can become quite romantic.

You could start your exploration with a visit to Parco 11 Settembre, a rather busy but at the same time intimate garden, where you can enjoy a few moments of relaxation lying on the grass. In summer, the park's kiosk organises a few evening concerts too.

In the nearby Parco del Cavaticcio, on the other hand, you will discover an important part of Bologna's past history. In this area there was the ancient river port of Bologna, no longer existing, where the Cavaticcio canal flowed. Recently, the area has been reclaimed and turned into a public park, which hosts events and concerts in summer. For a better view of the park, we recommend you look out from the terrace near the MAMbo museum in Via Don Minzoni, from where you can also see the old salt warehouse, now home to Bologna's LGBTQ+ centre.

To finish your walk through the Manifattura delle Arti, we recommend a visit to the Cineteca di Bologna. Inside there are the halls of the Lumière cinema, where you can enjoy a good film in the comfort of your armchairs.

Walk under the arcades to the Madonna del Baraccano

Recently declared a Unesco heritage site, Bologna's porticos are fascinating and intimate places, especially those a bit further away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. Walking along the last stretch of Via Santo Stefano, for example, you will suddenly find yourself in a world apart, perfect for a slow walk hand in hand.

Walking in the opposite direction from the centre, you will reach the church of the Beata Vergine del Baraccano, recognisable by the large archway that opens on your right. Right under the large archway leading to the sanctuary there are many couples stopping to contemplate the illuminated church in the soft evening atmosphere, locked in an embrace.

And while you are in this part of Bologna, we suggest you head to the Giardini Margherita for a nice walk. In Bologna's largest public park you can stop for an aperitif, a picnic or simply a stroll through the greenery.