The main city square, Piazza Maggiore is centrally located and close to the major tourist attractions, shopping streets, restaurants and bars. Get here early in the morning to avoid the heaviest tourist traffic. In the quiet of the morning, you can take your pick from the numerous small cafes that line the alleys, and start your day off with a relaxing cup of coffee.

Located right at the heart of Piazza Maggiore, just in front of the main entrance to the Bologna library, this fountain is a popular meeting point for Bolognese locals. No trip to Bologna is complete without a photo next to its bronze statue of the God Neptune (the name 'Fontana del Nettuno' means 'Neptune’s Fountain'), which was created by Flemish sculptor Giambologna.

Basilica di San Petronio is one of the biggest churches in the world, and though it was never actually finished (as you can see by its facade) its size and style are undeniably impressive. A charming example of Bolognese style, the basilica looks very different from the churches you will find in tourist hot-spots like Florence and Rome, making it well worth exploring while in the Piazza Maggiore area.

Via Dell’Indipendenza is the central shopping street leading to the very heart of Bologna. Whatever is on your shopping list, you're likely to find it (and then some) here. The street is home to an impressive array of stores, selling everything from ice cream to clothing to souvenirs.

Situated just outside of the old city center, Giardini Margerita is the most popular park in Bologna and is easy to reach on foot. When the sun is out, this park comes alive with couples, small groups of friends, and families sunbathing, enjoying picnics, or just relaxing on a blanket with a good book.

La Piccola Venezia ('the small Venice' in English), is a lasting reminder of what Bologna used to look like. While actually just a single canal (meaning visitors who have been to the real Venice may be a little less impressed), it's still worth a detour if you're nearby—and it will help you to better understand the origins of the city.

Also known as San Michele in Bosco, Complesso Monumentale is a must-see religious complex. The church itself is beautiful, and the view from the top of the hill is just as magnificent. Surrounded by trees and forest, this makes for a lovely, relaxing afternoon away from the busy streets of Bologna.

Santuario di Madoona di San Luca (also known as simply 'San Luca') is a beautiful church in the hills of Bologna, set on top of the Colle della Guardia. While it is possible to get here by car, a more beautiful and rewarding journey is to climb the 3.8-km Portico di San Luca, a roofed arcade preserved in the traditional Bologna style, which leads right to the top of the hill.

The University of Bologna is among the oldest in the world, and its 'Biblioteca' (library) is particularly impressive. Explore the incredible architecture of its buildings, including the original library foundations on display under the glass floor. This is a great spot to while away a few hours, rain or shine.

Located just 5 minutes from Piazza Maggiore, this set of towers is one of the first things you might spot when walking inside the old inner city of Bologna. The tallest of the two is among the tallest medieval buildings in the world, and, needless to say, it offers great views over Bologna.

Caffe Terzi serves up the best coffee in Bologna! Head to this small shop for exotic beans. If no tables are available, do as the locals do and enjoy your cup standing at the bar.