Bologna: Walk via Arcades to San Luca
 

This walk sounds interesting. How far is it from Piazza Maggiore? I heard it was mostly uphill a large part of the way. Advisable to take a taxi up to San Luca and then walk back? Any interesting stops along the way - quick looks or refreshments? Best time of day to do it?

We took a taxi up and I was glad we did...steep hill.
There is a charming family restaurant right there.
We walked down...I know there is a well known spot in the area..cannot remember the name.
Took a bus back to town.

I also took a taxi up and walked down. To me it's not the most interesting thing to do in Bologna (and the santuario itself is just flamboyant, not lovely), but it depends on what you find an intereseting and enjoyable way to spend time on your vacation. I did it later in the day, nearing sunset but in time to complete the walk while it was still light.

Trattoria Meloncello is around there if you wanted to combine it with lunch. If you were going later in the day, there is a gelateria everyone talks about which is around a 10 minute walk from the bottom of the hill. It's called Cremeria Funivia. (I don't eat gelato much, so can't persaonally recommend).

We enjoyed the visit and the view very much.

You're staying at the Aemilia, yes? If you contact them and ask for a room on the top floors facing Bologna, you'll have a nice view of the distant San Luca and the torri and campanile of the city.

We took the #20 bus, which I believe leaves from Piazza Maggiore (we caught it at a stop). You can get off near the base of the steps and proceed up the arches. It is more about the climb than the destination, in my opinion. (The church interior is way over the top.)

When we walked up, there were groups of Eastern European(?) pilgrims guided by a priest who led them in prayer.

The walk from Piazza Maggiore is, if I remember correctly, 5-6 km. It is mostly uphill, and if you are not in good shape, you might want to take the bus or a taxi up and walk down. The walk is not, as someone else noted, the most beautiful. It is, however, interesting to see the different "shrines" and such along the portico.

A word about Cremeria Funivia: it is indeed very good, with locals filling the place every night. I know the branch in the centre of town, at Piazza Cavour, off Via Farini. It's well worth trying. Open until 23:30 every day except Monday.

Thank you all for the feedback and recommendations. if in the morning, we will walk up. If later in the day after we have walked alot, then we will take a taxi.