Which Italian City Keeps Drawing Me Back?

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Discovering Bologna: The Hidden Gem of Italy

My great Italian love affair started at a wedding. Or, to be more accurate, because of a wedding. I’d just watched my friends get married in a fairytale ceremony in Tuscany, and I wanted to round the trip of dreams off with a city break. Everyone else in our party had the same idea: recover from four days of Prosecco drinking with downtime, dolce vita style. But while they were heading for Florence, two of us broke away to go to Bologna.

As we said our goodbyes after some of the best days we’d had in years, I started to regret our decision — perhaps we should have followed the gang and gone to Florence, widely hailed as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, to soak up culture, history, and the best prosciutto in the country. I’d been dead set on Bologna, though. My well-travelled sister always said it was her favourite city in the world before she died suddenly in 2002, but I never got the chance to ask her why. A quick Google of ‘things to do’ didn’t make it much clearer, either.

I will always choose a city break over a beach holiday or sitting by the pool in a fancy villa. I need to be constantly stimulated — I love the bustle, the smells, the knowledge that you could stumble across a meal, an exhibition, or a show that changes something fundamental about who you are. In life, I have very little structure — my day-to-day schedule would strike horror into the hearts of many. But if I’m going to a city, I want a firm plan.

I want a list of galleries, museums, churches, dinners booked well in advance, and barely a minute unaccounted for. Depending on whether you’re type A or B, I might very well be your nightmare travel companion. A weekend break with me, and you’ll need to book another holiday just to recover. So, what would I do in Bologna?

The Must-See Attractions of Bologna

Google told me that ‘must-see attractions’ are the Piazza Maggiore, the Basilica di San Petronio, the Two Towers, and the Basilica di Santo Stefano (Seven Churches). I’d never heard of anything listed, and at a glance, I wasn’t particularly excited about them. Bologna looked beautiful in pictures, its signature red buildings against the backdrop of rolling hills and the Apennine Mountains, but still, I wasn’t necessarily counting down the days.

I’ve been to Italy more times than I can remember and love Florence, Rome, Venice, Milan, Verona, Siena, Lucca, Pisa, and Bergamo. Claiming Bologna as your favourite city in Italy seems like a bold statement — let alone your favourite in the world — but after one night there, I had to agree with my sister. I can’t name many cities I want to come back to again and again, but this is at the very top of the list. I already have a flight booked for another trip, later this month.

Why Bologna Stands Out

Florence, Rome, Venice — they all live up to their reputations. The Vatican City is so impressive, it reduced me to tears; there are few joys in life more magical than walking along the canals of Venice. And Florence is, of course, replete with magnificent buildings and extraordinary art and history. But aside from their creative wonders, they all have one thing in common: they’re tourist traps.

Getting into anything worth seeing can be claustrophobic, with huge crowds and long queues. They’re also eye-wateringly expensive to eat, drink, and exist in. I’d never stay in Florence again, knowing Bologna is just a 40-minute train ride away. Bologna taught me a valuable lesson about city breaks and what makes a city truly special.

Yes, there are beautiful tourist attractions, absolutely worth seeing, but more than anywhere else I’ve been, Bologna has a unique spirit. It’s both historic and cosmopolitan. Among its many nicknames, Bologna is often referred to as La Rossa — ‘The Red’ — for the terracotta buildings that have been its quintessential design for centuries. The streets are alive all day and night, with locals chattering at bars and cafes.

The Vibrant Life of Bologna

We were there for two nights — from Monday to Wednesday, outside of school holidays — and it felt like a weekend in any other city. That might sound off-putting, like the rowdy streets of the UK after an England men’s football match, but it’s nothing like that. Bologna is bustling, yes, but it never loses its class — no matter what street you go down or how many Aperols (which are around €5 each, wherever you go) you see being poured along the way.

Another of Bologna’s other nicknames is La Grassa: ‘The Fat.’ I’ve been to many food capitals—New York, Tokyo, Paris, Singapore—and I live in London which, it must be said, has some of the best grub on the planet. But Bologna? It’s wall-to-wall with the best food I’ve ever eaten, the kind of meals you’d have to book weeks in advance for in London, at half the price.

Culinary Delights of Bologna

The city’s signature dish is Tortellini in Brodo — meat-filled pasta served in broth. I’d love to tell you all about it, but I suffer from turophobia: a phobia of cheese. My travel buddy had plenty, though. While all I can report is that it looked incredibly chic (and I wish I could have eaten at least 10 servings based on its appearance alone), he ate enough for both of us.

Every street is lined with incredible cuisine. We were lucky enough to get recommendations from a friend-of-a-friend who lives in Bologna. She pointed us toward various cheap eats, like Mercato delle Erbe, where we ate a grilled alla Norma toastie I still think about daily. She promised we’d find the ‘best gelato in the world’ at Cremeria Cavour, and she was right.

The Simplicity of Life in Bologna

But the real magic of Bologna is in its simplicity. Everything feels so calm and easy. Eating, drinking, exploring—it all feels effortless compared to Florence, Venice, or Rome. It’s one of the only city breaks I’ve been on where I felt genuinely rejuvenated afterwards. I can’t imagine staying anywhere else in Italy for a city break now, especially when the Italian train service is so cheap and efficient.

Florence is close, Venice is only 70 minutes away, and tickets can be as cheap as £13, so it also makes a great detour destination. I’ve already told you I’m going back, so what are you waiting for?

Frequently Asked Questions about Bologna

What is Bologna famous for?

Bologna is famous for its rich culinary traditions, particularly its pasta dishes such as Tortellini in Brodo and Ragu alla Bolognese. It is also known for its historic architecture and vibrant university culture.

How many days should I spend in Bologna?

A weekend of two to three days is ideal for exploring Bologna. This will give you ample time to enjoy the local cuisine, visit key attractions, and soak in the lively atmosphere.

Is Bologna a good base for exploring Italy?

Absolutely! Bologna's central location in Italy makes it an excellent base for day trips to nearby cities such as Florence, Venice, and Modena, all easily accessible by train.

What is the best time to visit Bologna?

The best time to visit Bologna is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) when the weather is pleasant and the city is less crowded with tourists.

In conclusion, Bologna stands out as a city that beautifully balances history, culture, and gastronomy. It invites you to experience the authentic Italian lifestyle without the overwhelming crowds found in more touristy cities. So, why not pack your bags and experience the magic of Bologna for yourself? #Bologna #TravelItaly #HiddenGems

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