The Best of Bologna in Two Days
Bologna, in northern Italy, is the region’s historic capital. It also houses the world’s first and oldest university.
Bologna might not be on your list of potential long-weekend destinations unless you’re a devoted foodie. Really bad idea. Our recent trip there confirmed our impression that this hidden gem is the ideal place for a unique and romantic long weekend getaway.
AMAZING THINGS TO DO IN BOLOGNA, ITALY
THE FAMOUS SKYLINE OF BOLOGNA, ITALY
Bologna’s towers used to dot the city’s skyline like massive brick trees. These fortifications were typically erected by prosperous merchant families to keep an eye on the city and keep off marauders. The taller your tower was in those days, the more money and power you had.
Only 22 out of the original 180 towers survive, and they have become little more than tourist traps. The Asinelli Tower is the tallest and best-known of these buildings. The ascent to the summit of this structure, which stands at over 97 meters, is no easy feat, but the rewards are worth the effort. Don’t risk missing out on your preferred time window by not scheduling it in advance.
We found the Prendiparte Tower, located just a few steps away from the Asinelli Tower, to be an excellent alternative to the Asinelli Tower without the need for scheduling in advance or waiting in long lines. The tower is available for those who want a truly unique, if not slightly rustic, experience.
A VISIT TO SAN LUCA MONASTERY
The San Luca Monastery is a must-see on every journey to Bologna. It is perched on a hilltop with a stunning view of La Rossa (the locals call Bologna “the Red City” because to its red roofs).
The San Luca Express, a small road train that departs from the Piazza Maggiore usually every 30 minutes, is the ideal choice (both in terms of convenience and scenery) due to the steep ascent.
You can get breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding green, rolling hills for a small fee if you pay your way to the top of the cupola.
While the San Luca Express will get you back to Piazza Maggiore quickly, we preferred to stroll back beneath the porticos (covered walkways, of which there are more than 40 kilometers in the city), exploring hidden courtyards and people-watching along the way.
A QUAINT STREET ART BICYCLE TOUR
The Travelhoo half-day small-group street art bicycle tour was a great way to see Bologna from a new angle. Bologna has been attracting artists from all over the world to its streets since the 1980s. Every year, it plays host to the CHEAP Street Art Festival.
The two of us were the only people on the trip, so we were able to venture off the usual path and see beautiful street art on buildings of all shapes and sizes in less well-known districts.
THE MANY CAR FACTORIES OF BOLOGNA
The Imola Grand Prix circuit and the factories of Lamborghini, Ferrari, and Bugatti are conveniently located nearby for auto enthusiasts. If you think you have what it takes to be the next Max Verstappen, then this is a great way to spend a day.
FANTASTIC PHOTO OPS IN BOLOGNA, ITALY
Instagrammers, have no fear; there is no shortage of great photo ops in this metropolis. Visit the Finestrella alla Piccola Venezia, a tiny window overlooking one of Bologna’s last remaining canals that, as the name suggests, conjures up images of Venice, during the day.
Take a trip along Via Massimo d’Azeglio after dark to see John Lennon’s “Imagine” spelled out in lights across the width of the street, located right off Piazza Maggiore.
WHERE TO STAY IN BOLOGNA, ITALY
There is no shortage of places to stay in the city, no matter what your budget is. We stayed in the Design Club Bologna, a serviced apartment complex just a 10-minute stroll from the main square. After a long day of walking around, we treated ourselves to a luxurious stay in one of the rooms equipped with a hot tub.
The Hotel Maggiore is a good choice for those on a tighter budget.
The luxurious I Portici Hotel is worth considering for a special trip because it houses one of only three restaurants in the city to have earned a coveted Michelin Star.
WHAT TO EAT IN BOLOGNA, ITALY
Some of Italy’s most famous foods and drinks come from the Emilia-Romagna area. To get the notion, just picture Balsamic Vinegar with Parmesan cheese.and it’s been named the best place in Italy to eat.
HALF-DAY WALKING FOOD TOUR
To see some of the city’s lesser-known landmarks and try some of the local specialties, we embarked on a half-day walking food tour on our first morning there.
The tour included a gastronomic feast of pistachio cream-filled croissants, sweet award-winning Balsamic Vinegar, spaghetti al ragu (the real spaghetti Bolognese), cured meat platters doused in sparkling chilled Lambrusco at Osteria Del Sole (a fantastic ‘bring your own’ restaurant that has been around since 1465) and topped off with a gluttonous cup of creamy gelato.
GREAT LUNCH CHOICES
In the Quadrilatero neighborhood to the east of Piazza Maggiore, for example, you can pick from a wide variety of tiny cafes and restaurants serving lunch. Several food markets, like the Mercato Delle Erbe, can be found in this area as well.
Tortelloni are meat-filled ravioli that are normally served in a broth and are a culinary delight if you ever get the chance to try them.
Stringhetto’s macarons were the perfect sugary pick-me-up for the middle of the afternoon.
A GRAND MICHELIN STAR EXPERIENCE
The I Portici Restaurant is one of only three in Bologna to have earned a coveted Michelin Star, and we decided to celebrate in style by dining there. There, you can select from a 5, 7, or 9-course tasting menu that features the best local produce and seafood that Emilia-Romagna has to offer.
Theatrics and service are equally as important as the food at a Michelin-starred restaurant, so try not to schedule it on the same day as your food tour.
A SPOT FOR LOCAL DELICACIES
The Fior di Sale restaurant, located near the Prendiparte Tower, hosted our farewell dinner. The menu was packed with tasty regional specialties, and the atmosphere was laid-back thanks to the exposed brickwork, soft lighting, and assortment of plants and intriguing souvenirs.
WHERE TO DRINK IN BOLOGNA
If you want to watch the world go by while sipping a cappuccino in the morning or an Aperol in the early evening, visit one of the many cafes and pubs located around Piazza Maggiore.
We discovered that most establishments offer a complementary snack (such as crisps or almonds to bruschetta) to go along with your drink, making them ideal for those on a strict budget or who are merely in the mood for a light meal.
Vanilla & Comics has a small but dedicated cocktail following, as does the 12-seat Bizarre.
Orsi and Corte d’Aibo, for example, are just two of the many vineyards dotted around the Emilia-Romagna region, where you can have a full vine-to-glass experience.
