Two weekends ago during my Italian holidays I had the chance to visit Bologna. In this blog post, I would like to share with you a few photos that I took during my stay, as well as a few travel tips on things to do if you plan to visit this gorgeous people friendly Italian city.
Bologna is definitely a city to discover! Along the classic Italian axis Venice – Florence – Rome, stop in Bologna and you will fall in love with it! Bologna offers all the best you are looking for in a visit to the sign of culture and good food. Yes, because for those who do not know it, right here in 1088 was founded the first university in the world!
Bologna is located in Emilia Romagna, the Italian region from which the most famous Italian products come, such as prosciutto di Parma, Parmigiano Reggiano and balsamic vinegar of Modena.
Bologna is the home of tortellini, fresh pasta, tagliatelle, the famous ragu`, hence the names “Bolognese sauce” or even better “spaghetti bolognese”. Beware because locals do not eat spaghetti with ragu` but homemade tagliatelle. And what about lasagna, piadine, tigelle and cold cuts, including the queen Mortadella (which I love!) strictly with pistachio. Dress it all up with a nice glass of local wine, Pignoletto, and you are in paradise!
As I did, enjoy an Italian ice cream getting lost through the historical center, walking along the arcades and discovering the most ancient handcrafted food shops. Even better, you can climb the 498 stairs for reaching the top of the Asinelli Tower that, together with Garisenda Tower, nowadays are the symbol of the city. In Bologna there were around 100 Towers, a sign of power for noble families. Asinelli Tower is the highest sloping medieval tower in the world. Tie`, another record!
To admire the city from above at 360°, including the Colli Bolognesi, the hills, stay at the magnificent Hotel Touring. The view from its terrace, where having a good coffee or an Italian Aperitivo is fabulous, for sure the best in town. Moreover, after my long days, I could also pamper myself with a stunning panoramic whirlpool all over the roofs. I need definitely to share with you more about this gorgeous family-run hotel.
Then I took part in the Taste Tour organized by Bologna Welcome Tourist Board, which includes history and tasting of the typical wine and food shops in the historic center. They provide many other thematic tours for discovering all beauties of the city and surroundings, such as the visit to the motors factories (Ducati, Ferrari, Maserati, Lamborghini) or a trip to Appennino mountains.
I would also advise you to make the Bologna Welcome Card that gives you free entrances to museums, panoramic views on top of Basilica San Petronio and towers, city bus tours with audio guide and much more, even discounts in restaurants.
WHAT TO DO
Visit the old town on foot and get lost in its streets and Food shops. Don’t miss: Via (street) delle Drapperie, Via delle Pescherie, Via Orefici e Via Caprarie. Stop by followings shops: Tamburini, Ceccarelli, Sfoglia Rina where you can also eat and Drogheria Gilberto, with a great selection of chocolate, wines and cleaning items.
Climb up to the Asinelli Tower, the view from up there is fabulous! They say on certain clear days you can see the sea.
Basilica of San Petronio and enjoy the view from its terrace.
Mambo, Museum of Modern Art. If like me you are a fan of modern and contemporary art, you cannot miss it. An excursus of Italian art of the second post-war period awaits you. Morandi’s painting collection included.
WHERE TO EAT
You can also eat a quick delicious lunch at Tamburini, Ceccarelli, Sfoglia Rina and then indulge yourself with a great dinner in a traditional trattoria such as Trattoria Meloncello, Trattoria Montanara, Ristorante San Petronio or at Cantina Bentivoglio (10% off with Bologna welcome card).
As street food, try a piadina or tigella! The ones I ate at Tigellona were delicious.
I also recommend the super cool Ragu`, a bistrot with all traditional cuisine, also with delivery!
I’d like to thank wholeheartedly the Bologna Welcome Tourism board for supporting me to explore the city, Averna to delight my most precious moments and the family of Hotel Touring for being so great and kind as hosts.
It is a pity that I had not yet visited the beautiful city of Bologna. Now I wish to come back soon!
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