Parks and gardens in Bologna

Visit Giardini Margherita after exploring Santo Stefano for paths, lawns and a lake. Bring a book, take a family break or simply sit down. Alternate open spaces with shade, especially in warm weather.

Le Serre offers another place to pause within the park. Browse its activities calendar for something that interests you: it can be a reason to return and enjoy the garden at another time of day.

At Via Irnerio 42, the University’s Botanical Garden invites close observation of plants and habitats. Add it to a central walk when you would like a nature-focused visit. Consult SMA for opening times and accessible areas.

Look at a leaf, a shape or an unfamiliar species. Stay on permitted paths and do not collect plants or seeds. Children can turn observation into a small game, without expecting a workshop that is absent from the official programme.

Villa Ghigi offers lawns, trees and paths with slopes, a different experience from a flat urban garden. Choose a route that matches your energy and give the landscape time rather than adding it at the end of an already crowded day.

Consult the Villa Ghigi Foundation for park information and activities. Some paths are less comfortable after rain; water, suitable shoes and a weather check help. Continue with our hills and San Luca guide for other viewpoints.