If you’re thinking about visiting Italy, you are surely questioning which city is best for you. While cities like Rome or Florence often take the spotlight, we highly suggest visiting this hidden gem.
Bologna quietly shines with its own charms, offering an authentic Italian experience that is both rich and welcoming. Whether you’re a culinary enthusiast, history buff, or architecture lover, this city has something to offer. From its stunning medieval streets to vibrant markets, there are so many exciting things to do in Bologna.
Here are our top seven reasons why we think Bologna deserves a spot on your travel list.
Bologna is the ultimate destination for food lovers. It is the birthplace of some of Italy’s most iconic dishes including the tagliatelle al ragù, famously known as pasta with Bolognese sauce.
This city is also home to some world famous delicacies such as mortadella, tortellini and lasagna made with traditional recipes that have been passed down through generations. In Bologna, food isn’t just a meal, it is a form of art. Italians definitely showcase their love through food and this city definitely does not miss out on this.
Bologna is full of delicious food with many restaurants offering traditional dishes. We highly recommend trying pizza with mortadella and pesto as well as the tortellini as they are both mouth watering dishes.
Tip:
We recommend taking a guided food tour to get a better understanding of Bologna’s culinary treasures. Make sure to visit local trattorias to sample freshly homemade pasta made right in front of you.
There are many places where you can see chefs make the pasta, which is not only mesmerizing to look at but also enables you to customize your dish like filling, shape and sauce.
Bologna’s historic center is like stepping into a medieval story. The city is home to well-preserved landmarks such as the Two Towers (Le Due Torri). Between the 12th and 13th century, Bologna was full of towers. The reason for constructing so many towers is not clear, however many believe that the richest families used them for offensive/defensive purposes.
Le Due Torri are the two most prominent ones which remain. There is also the stunning Piazza Maggiore. This is a square surrounded by historic buildings, including the Basilica of Daniela Petronio, fountains and an amazing atmosphere.
Tip:
We suggest climbing the Asinelli Tower which is the tallest of the two. There you can experience amazing panoramic views of the city. Be prepared for a steep climb of over 490 steps. However, we think that at the end it was worth it and something you should definitely do if you’re able to.
The tower is currently closed for renovation however, we suggest to take a look at their website in order to stay updated.
Bologna is also famous for its porticos, which span over 38 kilometers throughout the city. These covered, arched walkways not only add architectural beauty but are also ideal to provide shelter from the rain and the sun.
No other city in the world has as many porticos as Bologna. They are such as significant part of the culture and history of this city that they have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021.
The Portico of San Luca is the longest in the world. It connects Porto Saragozza which is one of the twelve gates of the medieval walls encircling the old city, with the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca.
Tip:
If you’re up for a challenge, walk along the Portico di San Luca which leads to the sanctuary. The views at the top here are incredible. At the top you can witness stunning views of Bologna and the neighboring cities such as Firenze and Pisa. This was one of our favorite things we did during our trip.
We suggest that you plan half a day there and taking a picnic to eat while watching the views. However, when we went we did not walk, but we took the San Luca express. This is a small train that shows you around the city with an audio guide and the final destination would be the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca. It is definitely something you must do.
The university of Bologna was founded in 1088 and is the oldest university that has been in continuous operation. This prestigious institution has not only shaped the city’s history but also its vibrant and youthful atmosphere. The university district is full of lively cafes, bookstores and cultural events. Overall Bologna is a quiet city and much less hectic than big cities such as Paris or Rome.
We suggest that you visit this city if you want a more relaxing holiday but still want to experience the perks of exploring something new such as history, culture and delicious food. Don’t forget to taste some of the delicious ice creams that can be found in many gelaterias that surround this stunning city.
Tip:
Make sure to visit the Archiginnasio Library. This was once the main building of the university. Here you can see its stunning frescoed ceilings and the historic Teatro Anatomico. It is an anatomical theater which is used for medical studies.
This place is like stepping into a medieval fairytale that will create nice memories. It is also a very nice place to take photos here.
Bologna’s markets surely have something for all your senses. The most famous is the Quadrilatero markets. This is a maze of narrow streets lined with stalls and shops selling fresh produce, cheeses, handmade pasta and much more.
This place is a must visit. Here you can sample many food before you buy such as delicious cheeses, salami and mortadella which is Bologna’s staple. We also recommend picking up some authentic Italian souvenirs from here.
If you are planning to make your own homemade meal while being there, this is definitely the place where you should buy your ingredients. Each stall offers a variety of fresh selections and you will surely find something to satisfy your taste.
Tip:
If you want the best selection of goods and want to see all the stalls full and open, make sure to visit early. Also, it is better to have some cash as some vendors might not accept cards, especially for small payments.
Make sure you don’t miss out on trying some freshly made tortellini. In Bologna you can find tortellini with flavors that you have never seen before. Even though the classical meat filling is delicious we were also fascinated by the taste of the tortellini filled with figs. These were a delicious sweet and savory surprise.
Bologna is the perfect city to indulge in Italy’s aperitivo tradition. This is a pre-dinner ritual involving enjoying a glass of wine or a cocktail accompanied by small snacks. Local wines such as Lambrusco and Pignoletto are amongst some of the most popular choices.
These offer a taste of the Emilia-Romagna region’s vineyards. This is perfect especially for a date night. It allows you to taste different items when the selection is too big to choose from. Make sure to do something research beforehand on the best places to try Aperitivo.
Moreover, don’t be shy to ask for suggestions of local bests and to also determine which are the best pairs.
Tip:
For some of the best aperitivo spots make sure to check out Via Santo Stefano or Via del Pratello. These are very close to Piazza Maggiore which makes them ideal spots to relax after a full day of exploring.
Allocate some time to just relax, sip your drink and just take in the lively amazing atmosphere.
Bologna is central in Italy. This makes it the ideal place for exploring other parts of Italy. Cities like Florence, Venice and even Rome are just a short train ride away. Since Bologna is not that big and can be easily explored in two days, it is perfect to visit other cities during your Italian adventure.
We personally started our journey in Bologna and took a day trip to Florence. Train tickets were only around €20 per person both ways, which is much cheaper than a plane and also less chaotic. We personally regretted not planning better and exploring other cities by train.
However, since it was our first time, we hesitated and wanted to make sure all goes well hence we ended up coming back to Bologna to take the plane back home. We highly recommend that you arrive in Bologna and then leave back home from another city if you want to explore more while also saving some money.
Tip:
Don’t be scared to take the train. Italy’s train system is quite efficient to plan your day trips.
Also, make sure to purchase tickets in advance as the closer it gets to your departure date, the more expensive they get. Make sure you check out different websites to find the best deals and also look for promotion codes online to save you money.
This is the city that truly has it all. Although not very big, it is filled with food, rich history, stunning architecture and a welcoming atmosphere. It is perfect for a quick vacation or simply just another city to add while exploring Italy. It is calm, authentic and peaceful while also portraying some of Italy’s finest.
Bologna will surely leave a lasting impression. Remember to let us know if you would like us to talk about anything specific or simply plan a perfect tour of Italy. Don’t forget to also check out some of our recent posts such as Angers and Nantes.
We are Martina and Cyprien, a long-distance couple with a passion for travelling.
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