10 Best Things to Do in Bolzano, Italy

1. Stroll Around Old Town

Bolzano's city center is beautiful. It's clean, colorful, and full of architecture you won't see elsewhere. Some streets make you feel as though you've crossed the border into Austria and others are quintessentially Italian but most are completely their own.

No matter if you have a day, week, or have just moved to Bolzano, the best place to get a feel for the city is by strolling around its old town. It's primarily pedestrian-friendly, with the only exception being cars making deliveries and locals with special passes.

The heart of old town is around Piazza delle Erbe but it does extend in all directions from there. Other than checking out the local farmers market that lines this street each day, I recommend you take a walk around to:

• Piazza Walther: This is the piazza right in the center of Bolzano. It's surrounded by restaurants, hotels, shops, and the beautiful Duomo di Bolzano, or Bolzano cathedral. The baroque architecture and beautifully tiled roof make it a sight to behold. The entire area between Piazza Walther and Piazza delle Erbe are great for walking around and photo opps.
• Via dei Portici: In Bolzano for shopping? While there are a great mix of local shops and chains throughout the city, this is the main shopping street. I'll cover more about this street below.
• Via Cassa di Risparmio: The northern end of this street has some stunning and bright Austrian architecture that you'll love to see.
• Corso della Liberta: Cross the Talvera River and walk down this street starting at the Victory Monument, or Monumento della Vittoria, to see the more residential side of town. Walk under porticos and make your way down to the grape vines and picturesque mountain backdrop.

Most people, myself included, have this impression that Bolzano is a small town but really, it's a small city. Don't expect any skyscrapers but the city center is larger than you might assume and is lively all year-round.

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2. Enjoy an Austro-Italian Meal

Remember how I mentioned Bolzano's German heritage at the start of this article? While you'll see it pretty quickly in the architecture, no where is it more visible than in the local food.

You'll be able to find all Italian favorites like pizza, pasta, and gelato but most menus offer this plus typical German and Austrian food like sausages, sauerkraut, and pretzels. In general, every city in Italy has their own specific cuisine and I always recommend you go heavy on the local specialties.

If you want to try food common in South Tyrol, I recommend these restaurants:

• Batzen Häusl: Enjoy an extensive beer and food menu at this garden-style restaurant. I highly recommend the Käsekrainer sausage.
• Hopfen & Co.: Another beer house style restaurant that serves a fusion menu between Italian and German classics. If available the barley and smoked meat soup and the pumpkin tiramisu are fantastic.
• Franziskanerstuben: For a higher end meal, this is a great restaurant. Want something lighter? The bakery next door is full of delicious treats.
• Wirtshaus Vögele: This low-key restaurant serves not only canederli and home-made pastas but also serves a variety of meat dishes keeping everyone in your group happy.

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3. Plan a Picnic in Talvera Park

Bolzano's city center is divided into two: the old town east of the river and the more residential area west of the river. This park sits right in the middle on both sides of the Talvera River. It meanders along, combining a sprawling green space and a number of interconnected walking and biking trails.

If the weather is good, this is the perfect place for a picnic or at least a short walking break. Pick up some local delicacies at the local market along Piazza delle Erbe, grab some drinks, and make a day of it. Bring a blanket and enjoy the picturesque view.

When you get tired of sitting, head on one of the trails and walk alongside the river. They're bike and pedestrian-friendly.

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4. Spend Time Outdoors

Bolzano is considered by many to be the Gateway to the Dolomites so really there's no better way to spend your trip to Bolzano than by getting outside. Regardless of the season there's a number of outdoor activities waiting for you.

Choose between a number of hiking trails, even a few that start right in the city center like Oswald Promenade and Guncina Trail. Have a bike? Hop on the Adige Cycle Path that starts in Landeck, Austria, passing through Bolzano all the way to Verona. Make it as far south as you can and return on the train when you run out of energy.

In the winter, there are a number of ski resorts just 30-minutes from Bolzano, namely Rittner Horn and Meran 2000. These offer great slopes in the winter but can also be used by hikers and cyclist in the summer.

I'll cover some farther away destinations in the day trips section as the options really are endless in Bolzano.

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5. Visit the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology

Ever heard of Ötzi, the iceman? This 5,000 perfectly preserved body was found in the nearby mountains and is now part of a permanent exhibition at the South Tyrol Archeological Museum. He was discovered in the Val Senales Valley in the Ötztal Alps, just north of Bolzano right near the border with Austria, by a group of hikers in 1991.

Since 1998, people have been visiting Ötzi and wowing guests at the South Tyrol museum with just how intact he, his clothing, and his equipment were found.

We unfortunately didn't get to see the iceman who became famous worldwide but have it at the top of our list for the next time we visit Bolzano.

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6. Take the Cable Car to Soprabolzano

For a family-friendly adventure, you can take a cable car from right next to the Bolzano train station to Soprabolzano, which translates to upper Bolzano. The ride is relatively short but on a clear day is scenic, showcasing the surrounding mountains and stunning landscapes around Bolzano.

In Soprabolzano, there are a number of hiking trails you can hop on for the day or simply indulge in the views at a restaurant or cafe.

If you have the time or the desire, from Soprabolzano you can hop on the historic train that connects Soprabolzano to Collalbo. This cute, old-timey train connects multiple small towns and gives you a fantastic chance to enjoy the scenery.

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7. Go Shopping on Via dei Portici

Whether you need souvenirs, a treat for yourself, or simply enjoy window shopping, Via dei Portici is the place to be. Although you'll find shops scattered all around the city, this is certainly the shopping street.

Even better is that the entire street is lined on both sides with porticos meaning you can shop regardless of the weather without having to worry about getting rained on or too hot in the sun. Since this street is in the city center, you don't have to go out of your way for it.

Keep in mind that from November-January (exact dates change annually), Bolzano hosts a big Christmas Market. So, in addition to shopping on Via dei Portici for clothing, shoes, and home goods, you can soak up the Christmas spirit nearby and mulled wine. The Christmas Market is located in Piazza Walther.

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8. Visit Nearby Castles

Who doesn't love a castle? I certainly do. Luckily for those like me, Bolzano boasts no shortage of castles to explore. While there are a lot in South Tyrol, a few closest to Bolzano worth visiting are:

• Castel Mareccio: This 13th century castle is just steps north of the historic center of Bolzano, making it super convenient to visit. This castle is surrounded by scenic vineyards and hosts events year-round.
• Castel Rancolo: Just a 10-minute drive north of the city, this castle from the middle ages. This castle is open to visitors who want to see the most important and best-preserved frescoes in the entire region.
• Castel Flavon: Since the 12th century, this castle has been keeping look over Bolzano from the southern end of the city. Now it's a restaurant, winery, and event space.

Each of these medieval castles offer breathtaking scenery and a glimpse into Bolzano's rich history.

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9. Celebrate Mountaineering at Messner Mountain Museum

The Messner Mountain Museum is actually comprised of 6 spaces scattered throughout Northern Italy. It's a museum dedicated to mountaineering but even if you're not a mountain enthusiast, the space itself warrants a visit.

The space in Bolzano is the centerpiece of the Messner Mountain Museum and is housed inside yet another nearby castle, Sigmundskron (Firmiano) Castle. This is one of the oldest castles in all of South Tyrol, coming from around the year 945 A.D. The museum showcases permanent and annual exhibitions, all which highlight the relationship between people, the great outdoors, and of course, the mountains.

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10. Take a Day Trip

Although I highly recommend you spend your time in and right around Bolzano itself, if you have the time for a day trip, you'll have no shortage of options:

• Trento: Trento is a really cute town between Bolzano and Verona. You can arrive in about 30 minutes on the train. It's also in the mountains and nearby the northern end of Lake Garda. The historic old town is great for walking around. Plus Trento is home to one of my favorite restaurants in Italy, L'e' Bon.
• Verona: If you've never visited Verona, the city is worth more time than just a day trip but if you're short on time, you can at least explore the city center and the most popular spots, like Juliet's House. Verona is only 1.5 hours from Bolzano's train station.
• Dolomites: The Dolomites are some of the most beautiful mountains in the entire world. They're imposing, dramatic, and always put on a show regardless of the season. Head east from Bolzano and you'll be surrounded by peaks. Less than 1 hour away are Seceda and St. Magdalena, 2 of the most picturesque spots in the region.
• Merano: Merano is ideal for a tranquil day trip. It's charming and just about 40 minutes away by train from Bolzano. The town has been famous throughout history as a spa retreat and is best for those who want a picturesque place to walk around.
• Innsbruck: Fancy a trip to Austria? Hop on the train heading north and you'll arrive in Innsbruck in less than 2 hours. Like Verona, Innsbruck is well worth more time than just a day trip but if you're short on time and up for the adventure, you'll love this other mountain city.

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Bolzano Travel Tips

Now that you know the 10 best things to do in Bolzano, take into consideration a few travel tips that'll help make your planning and the trip itself run a little bit smoother.

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Where to Stay

Looking for a great place to stay in Bolzano? I highly recommend staying in the city center to have easy access to all the best things to do. My top recommendations include:

• Budget Stay: Stay COOPER l Tivoli: This is where we stayed in Bolzano with our 2 pets and loved it. The apartment was big, bright, clean, and perfectly located.
• Mid-Tier Stay: Pepper Lounge & Suite: Set in the city center, just a few minutes from the central park, this luxury apartment is more spacious and meticulous than the budget option.
• Luxury Stay: Meta Suites: Enjoy great views and a one-of-a-kind breakfast at this luxurious hotel right in Piazza Walther.

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Best Time to Visit

Luckily, there's really no bad time to visit Bolzano. In the summer, you can enjoy hiking and biking trails and in the winter, you'll have a plethora of ski slopes to choose from.

Even if you don't want to enjoy outdoor activities, since Bolzano is a small yet lively city, enough people live here year-round that there's always something going on. It's not like the smaller towns in the Italian Alps that close down during certain seasons.

You can expect 4 true seasons in Bolzano but since the city sits in a valley, the winters aren't as tough as in the mountains themselves.

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Getting to Bolzano

Getting to Bolzano is way easier than getting to other parts of the Italian Alps thanks to the train station. You can get here directly from Rome, Bologna, and Verona and from a number of small towns.

If you plan to travel from city to city, I suggest relying on the train system. It's interconnected enough to get you where you need to go at a leisurely pace. Trainline is a great app and website for planning and buying train tickets.

For those that plan to use Bolzano as a base to explore the mountains, I recommend you rent a car. This will give you the freedom to drive right to the slopes or trailheads without having to wait on or deal with public transportation.

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Enjoy the Best Things to Do in Bolzano

Bolzano somehow slips past most travelers in Italy but I highly recommend you reconsider and give this alpine city a chance. Tucked away in some of the most beautiful natural landscapes, this lively city offers the perfect mix of restaurants, shops, and museums alongside hiking, biking, and skiing.

Let these 10 best things to do spark a number of other ideas the next time you visit Bolzano.