We will be doing a tour in Bologna that ends around 4:30 on a Monday. We wanted to stay for a few hours after to walk around a bit and I had a few questions.

1. Is it best to just walk around the Piazza Maggiore area?
2. Are there lots of shops there and maybe a cafe to get a light dinner? We will need to catch a train to Rome when we are done, so we don't want to spend too much time on dinner (we are thinking of leaving around 7:30).
3. Can you walk to the train station from Piazza Maggiore and how long does it take?
4. Is there another area that will be better to walk around?

Thanks for your help!

There are some cafes facing Piazza Maggiore on the arcaded walkway where you probably can get a pasta dish and salad. The one we visited (on the far left corner when you are facing the church across the piazza) had very good pasta. Of course, that's one of the things Bologna is famous for, isn't it?

Many of the regular restaurants will not open until 8 pm, so the cafe is probably your best bet.

I think you could walk to the train station in about 15 minutes, but I haven't done it myself.

Hi R,

www.maps.google.com will give you walking times.

Enjoy your visit.

You can walk to the train station in about 20 minutes, but if you want to window shop, stop for a glass of wine in a cafe, or the like, allow a little more time. It's a pleasant walk (we stayed near the train station and walked to the Piazza Maggiore every day). If you just want a light bite to eat, you might just start walking to the station and stop at whichever cafe looks good.

I have walked to the train station, Rosie, and although I don't remember exactly how long it took it is not a real long walk. Thankfully the weather was pleasant versus real hot and humid so that helped of course.