BOLOGNA BY BIKE
August 01 2023
Excursions BOLOGNA 
Bologna is famously a pedestrian-friendly city: when moving around the historic center, where all the main attractions are located, you can forget about cars and even public transportation. The easiest and most convenient ways to explore Bologna's historic center are by walking and cycling! Cycling, in particular, allows you to get around quickly and with less physical effort, without giving up on experiencing Bologna firsthand and immersing yourself in the atmosphere and life of the city. In our hotel with bike rental services , you can fully enjoy a nice bike ride through the fantastic views of our city, starting from the center and then venturing into the more natural trails offered by the Bologna hills.
Giardini Margherita
The bicycle can also be a great way to enjoy the green spaces that Bologna has to offer. First and foremost, there are the Giardini Margherita: just outside the walls, between Porta Castiglione and Porta Santo Stefano, you will find this vast and enchanting park of 26 hectares. Inaugurated in 1879, the Gardens still preserve much of their original layout, inspired by English romantic parks. The park is crossed by wide and suggestive tree-lined avenues, where you can walk in the shade of lime trees, oaks, cedars, and other native species. You can breathe in the scent of flowers and the atmosphere of the real Bologna, the one lived in daily by the people who live here. Cycling through the avenues of the Giardini Margherita is a great way to enjoy the sun and nature during the beautiful season, as well as admire the colors of autumn leaves and the melancholic charm of Bolognese winters.
Parco della Resistenza
The route between Bologna and San Lazzaro, along the picturesque Carlo-Piazzi cycle path to the charming Parco della Resistenza in San Lazzaro, offers the opportunity for a pleasant and tranquil bike ride immersing oneself in the beauty of parks and historic buildings. Once you reach Parco della Resistenza, you have the option of an adventurous return by following the steep road within Hotel Relais Bellaria, crossing the cycle-pedestrian bridge that leads to Bellaria Hospital. From there, you can take a short section of the scenic path that runs alongside the Savena River, before heading back towards Santo Stefano neighborhood through the charming Via delle Armi. This longer route allows you to enjoy the landscape even more and discover new glimpses of beauty along the way.
Oasis outside the city
Among the slightly more challenging, yet not too much, routes, there is the Navile Cycle path: just a few minutes away from the chaos of the city, you find yourself immersed in a charming oasis of peace along the canal, surrounded by the marvel of nature and the sweet melody of birdsong. This route gives us the opportunity to reach fascinating places, such as the beautiful Museum of Peasant Civilization, where we can discover the traditions and rural life of the past, and continue on to La Rizza Oasis, a former rice field that is now a protected natural area, ideal for spotting the local wildlife. But what makes this experience even more special is the return journey along the protected cycle path, which guarantees complete safety even for children or those who don't feel secure on the road. So, if you're concerned about the distances, you can tackle the entire route or just enjoy a few short sections!
Parco Talòn
The Talòn Park, also known as the Chiusa Park, is one of the most beautiful and spacious parks in the area, located just a few kilometers from Bologna. What makes it even more special is that it can be easily reached by following a completely bike-friendly route! You can choose the classic way there, which includes a bicycle bypass and a cycling path along the Reno River, starting from Viale Sabotino. For the return, instead, we suggest a small variation: you can cross the two beautiful cycling bridges of Casalecchio and head towards the Barca neighborhood, following the itinerary that runs alongside the suggestive monumental cemetery of the Certosa, which certainly deserves a stop if you have never visited it. Finally, you can return to the center of Bologna.
For the most reckless
If you are adventurers in search of thrills and new discoveries, we highly recommend considering the itinerary of the ancient Bolognese marshes cycle path. This fascinating route stretches for 45 km in an area that was once characterized by vast marshes, which have now been transformed into a charming rural landscape, adorned with beautiful forests, magnificent ancient villas, and enchanting museums. Immersed in this magical atmosphere, you can enjoy breathtaking views and breathe the pure countryside air. The cycle path will lead you along dirt roads, providing a unique and thrilling experience. However, to ensure your trip is perfect, we recommend renting bicycles specifically suited for rough terrains from specialized shops.
The Art Hotel dei Commercianti stands out as an oasis of beauty and functionality in the heart of Bologna's historic center. With its high-quality services, the hotel offers a unique experience that allows guests to fully immerse themselves in the culture and history of this fascinating city. But it is bike rental that adds a touch of vibrancy and sustainability to this experience, allowing visitors to explore not only the architecture and historical treasures of Bologna but also to enjoy the surrounding natural wonders. Don't forget to start your day cycling with a hearty meal that can fully recharge you at our Hotel with buffet breakfast in Bologna . The Art Hotel Commercianti is a place where past and present blend masterfully, offering an unforgettable experience for those seeking to discover Bologna in all its splendor.
Return
Giardini Margherita
The bicycle can also be a great way to enjoy the green spaces that Bologna has to offer. First and foremost, there are the Giardini Margherita: just outside the walls, between Porta Castiglione and Porta Santo Stefano, you will find this vast and enchanting park of 26 hectares. Inaugurated in 1879, the Gardens still preserve much of their original layout, inspired by English romantic parks. The park is crossed by wide and suggestive tree-lined avenues, where you can walk in the shade of lime trees, oaks, cedars, and other native species. You can breathe in the scent of flowers and the atmosphere of the real Bologna, the one lived in daily by the people who live here. Cycling through the avenues of the Giardini Margherita is a great way to enjoy the sun and nature during the beautiful season, as well as admire the colors of autumn leaves and the melancholic charm of Bolognese winters.
Parco della Resistenza
The route between Bologna and San Lazzaro, along the picturesque Carlo-Piazzi cycle path to the charming Parco della Resistenza in San Lazzaro, offers the opportunity for a pleasant and tranquil bike ride immersing oneself in the beauty of parks and historic buildings. Once you reach Parco della Resistenza, you have the option of an adventurous return by following the steep road within Hotel Relais Bellaria, crossing the cycle-pedestrian bridge that leads to Bellaria Hospital. From there, you can take a short section of the scenic path that runs alongside the Savena River, before heading back towards Santo Stefano neighborhood through the charming Via delle Armi. This longer route allows you to enjoy the landscape even more and discover new glimpses of beauty along the way.
Oasis outside the city
Among the slightly more challenging, yet not too much, routes, there is the Navile Cycle path: just a few minutes away from the chaos of the city, you find yourself immersed in a charming oasis of peace along the canal, surrounded by the marvel of nature and the sweet melody of birdsong. This route gives us the opportunity to reach fascinating places, such as the beautiful Museum of Peasant Civilization, where we can discover the traditions and rural life of the past, and continue on to La Rizza Oasis, a former rice field that is now a protected natural area, ideal for spotting the local wildlife. But what makes this experience even more special is the return journey along the protected cycle path, which guarantees complete safety even for children or those who don't feel secure on the road. So, if you're concerned about the distances, you can tackle the entire route or just enjoy a few short sections!
Parco Talòn
The Talòn Park, also known as the Chiusa Park, is one of the most beautiful and spacious parks in the area, located just a few kilometers from Bologna. What makes it even more special is that it can be easily reached by following a completely bike-friendly route! You can choose the classic way there, which includes a bicycle bypass and a cycling path along the Reno River, starting from Viale Sabotino. For the return, instead, we suggest a small variation: you can cross the two beautiful cycling bridges of Casalecchio and head towards the Barca neighborhood, following the itinerary that runs alongside the suggestive monumental cemetery of the Certosa, which certainly deserves a stop if you have never visited it. Finally, you can return to the center of Bologna.
For the most reckless
If you are adventurers in search of thrills and new discoveries, we highly recommend considering the itinerary of the ancient Bolognese marshes cycle path. This fascinating route stretches for 45 km in an area that was once characterized by vast marshes, which have now been transformed into a charming rural landscape, adorned with beautiful forests, magnificent ancient villas, and enchanting museums. Immersed in this magical atmosphere, you can enjoy breathtaking views and breathe the pure countryside air. The cycle path will lead you along dirt roads, providing a unique and thrilling experience. However, to ensure your trip is perfect, we recommend renting bicycles specifically suited for rough terrains from specialized shops.
The Art Hotel dei Commercianti stands out as an oasis of beauty and functionality in the heart of Bologna's historic center. With its high-quality services, the hotel offers a unique experience that allows guests to fully immerse themselves in the culture and history of this fascinating city. But it is bike rental that adds a touch of vibrancy and sustainability to this experience, allowing visitors to explore not only the architecture and historical treasures of Bologna but also to enjoy the surrounding natural wonders. Don't forget to start your day cycling with a hearty meal that can fully recharge you at our Hotel with buffet breakfast in Bologna . The Art Hotel Commercianti is a place where past and present blend masterfully, offering an unforgettable experience for those seeking to discover Bologna in all its splendor.