Tucked between Florence and Milan, Bologna is one of Italy’s most underrated football cities — and the perfect base for a weekend of groundhopping through the passionate heart of the Italian game.
With its central location, efficient rail connections, and deep footballing tradition, Bologna offers access to a wide array of clubs across Serie A, B, C, and D — all within a couple of hours’ travel.
Whether you’re after the colour and song of a top-flight curva or the charm of a small-town terrace, this region delivers in spades.
Home to the historic Bologna FC 1909, a club with seven Serie A titles to its name, the city itself offers top-tier action at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara, one of Italy’s oldest and most atmospheric grounds.
But venture out just a bit further, and you’ll find local derbies, crumbling tribunes, and clubs that are the pride of their provinces.
Groundhopping Options from Bologna
Serie A
- Bologna FC 1909 – Watch top-flight football in one of Italy’s most traditional stadiums.
- Fiorentina (Florence) – Just 35 minutes by high-speed train.
- Sassuolo (Reggio Emilia) – Modern stadium and Serie A action, under an hour away.
- Parma – Former European giants with a passionate base and beautiful stadium.
Serie B
- Modena FC – A historic club just 25 minutes from Bologna.
- AC Reggiana (Reggio Emilia) – Local rivals to Modena with an intense fan culture.
- Cesena – A former Serie A side with one of the most devoted fanbases in Serie C.
Serie C
- Carpi – They were in Serie A back in 2015-16, but are now finding its feet in the lower leagues.
- Rimini – Coastal or commuter-friendly club with traditional roots.
Serie D
- Imolese – Another coastal or commuter-friendly club with traditional roots.
- Mezzolara and Forlì – Accessible and authentic community clubs scattered across Emilia-Romagna.
Thanks to Italy’s efficient regional train network, all of these destinations can be reached without a car, making Bologna a dream city for the weekend groundhopper.
Cultural things to do in and around Bologna
Bologna isn’t just about calcio. It’s known as La Dotta, La Grassa, La Rossa — the learned, the fat, the red — for its university (Europe’s oldest), rich cuisine, and terracotta-hued architecture.
- Climb the Asinelli Tower for sweeping city views.
- Walk the Porticoes — now a UNESCO site — that stretch across the city for miles.
- Visit Piazza Maggiore and the Basilica di San Petronio.
- Take a day trip to Ferrara, Ravenna, or Modena for more culture and food.
What local food should you try?
Bologna is considered the culinary capital of Italy, and it lives up to the hype.
- Tagliatelle al Ragù – The original (and far superior) version of what the world calls “Spaghetti Bolognese.”
- Tortellini in Brodo – Tiny filled pasta served in a rich meat broth.
- Lasagne alla Bolognese – Rich, layered and authentic.
- Mortadella – Often imitated (think: “bologna sausage”), never duplicated.
- Crescentine or Tigelle – Local flatbreads served with cured meats and cheese.
- Wash it all down with Lambrusco or Pignoletto — local wines with character.
Flights to Bologna from the UK and Ireland
Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ) is well-connected and a growing hub for both full-service and budget airlines.
From the UK:
- London (Stansted, Gatwick, Heathrow, Luton) – Ryanair, easyJet, British Airways
- Manchester, Bristol, Edinburgh – Ryanair, Jet2
From Ireland:
- Dublin – Ryanair, Aer Lingus (seasonal)
Getting from Bologna Airport to the city centre
- Marconi Express – A fast, driverless monorail takes just 7 minutes to reach Bologna Centrale train station. Cost: ~€9 one-way.
- Bus or Taxi – Alternatives are available, but the monorail is fastest and most convenient.
Bologna Centrale is a major rail hub, so from the moment you land, you’re only steps away from the rest of Italy.
Conclusion: Calcio, culture, and culinary bliss in Bologna
Groundhopping from Bologna is more than a football weekend — it’s a journey through the heart of Italian identity. From storied stadiums and fanatical ultras to small-town clubs where everyone knows your name, this region blends authentic calcio with cultural depth and world-class cuisine.
Whether you’re chasing goals in the foggy lanes of Reggio Emilia or singing with the Rossoblù faithful in the Dall’Ara, Bologna offers a footballing weekend unlike any other — affordable, accessible, and deeply Italian.
