Visiting Bologna: A mix of academia, flavor, and heritage
Located in the heart of Emilia-Romagna, Bologna is worth a stop for its deep academic roots, UNESCO-listed porticoes, and legendary food scene. It sees fewer crowds than Florence or Venise, offering a more grounded Italian experience that balances history with serious culinary indulgence.
A historic city center
The Piazza Maggiore serves as the city's main hub, framed by heavy hitters like the basilique San Petronio and the Palazzo d'Accursio. Nearby, the fontaine de Neptune commands attention with its massive statue. If you have the stamina, the tours Asinelli et Garisenda are medieval survivors that reward those who climb them with a sweeping view of the city skyline.
A center for art and education
Bologna is home to the oldest university in Europe, founded in 1088. The Palazzo dell'Archiginnasio, once the university's main building, is worth a visit for its library and historic anatomical theater. The city is also packed with museums, such as the Pinacothèque nationale, which holds a collection of works by Italian masters.
Iconic arcades
With over 25 miles of arcades, Bologna allows you to walk through the city shielded from the sun or rain. These covered walkways, some dating back to the Middle Ages, are UNESCO World Heritage sites and give the city its signature look.
A lively, social atmosphere
As a classic university town, Bologna has a youthful, high-energy pulse. The narrow streets of the Quadrilatero, an old commercial district, come alive at night with wine bars and trattorias. For a closer look at daily life, head to markets like the Mercato delle Erbe.
Generous and flavorful cuisine
Bologna is the birthplace of heavy hitters like tagliatelle al ragù, often misidentified abroad as "spaghetti bolognese." You also have tortellini en brodo, small pasta pockets served in a clear broth, and the local staple, mortadella. To round out a meal, look for Parmigiano Reggiano and authentic balsamic vinegar from nearby Modena.
Where to eat?
- Trattoria di Via Serra (Navile): Traditional cooking in a cozy, unpretentious setting.
- Osteria dell'Orsa (Università): A student favorite known for big portions at fair prices.
- Drogheria della Rosa (Centro Storico): A refined menu in a romantic, intimate space.
- Ristorante Da Cesari (Centro Storico): A family-run spot that has been serving multi-generational recipes for years.
Where to stay?
- Royal Hotel Carlton (Centro Storico): An elegant choice with a spa and garden, located near the main train station.
- Hotel Palace Bologna Centro (Centro Storico): A historic building just steps from Piazza Maggiore.
- Savhotel (Fiera): A sleek, modern property that works well for business travelers.
- Hotel San Donato (Università): A comfortable hotel with a terrace overlooking the medieval towers.
When to go?
The best time to visit is from mai à juin or septembre à octobre, when the weather is mild and the crowds are manageable. Summers can get quite hot, though the evening cultural festivals like Il Cinema Ritrovato keep the city active.
Getting there
Bologna is well-connected. L'aéroport Guglielmo Marconi handles direct flights from many European hubs. The main train station is a major rail junction, linking the city to Milan, Florence, and Rome via high-speed rail.
Getting around
You can easily explore Bologna's historic center on foot, thanks to the extensive network of arcades. For longer distances, the local bus system is efficient and covers the entire city.
I traveled all over Italy by train and my stop in Bologna was one of my best memories! It is a very lively university town, with lots of cool bars and intimate restaurants where you can enjoy the famous Ragù alla Bolognese. Do not leave without trying it, as you will never look at spaghetti bolognese the same way again! The architecture in Bologna is also very surprising, made up of brick arcades that form covered walkways throughout the city. They are very practical when it rains and you want to stroll through the shops. I recommend Bologna for a romantic weekend filled with heritage and gastronomy, or a student trip to celebrate graduation!