Bologna has always been just an association with the airport for me or a short train connection stop-over from Florence to Milan. So when I had the chance to travel to the region, my expectations weren’t high. Therefore, I was extremely surprised. Here is a short guide of my 2 days of exploring Bologna.
It might sound strange (or not), but the most memorable moments from Bologna were vine tasting… And shopping… On the other hand, Bologna is far more than that, and I managed to bring back quite a lot of photos. The love for the Bologna raises from several different but perfect variables: great place, perfect location, tasty food, vine (again), good company, weather, etc., etc.
We stayed in central location Airbnb apartment B&B 21. This is a perfect place for 7 people, spacious and with all necessary equipment to live longer periods.
Although we had all the means to prepare food in the apartment, what we often did, but still we went sometimes for breakfast, sometimes for lunch to these great places.
Experience of tastes
RistòPallotti Bologna. A busy place for breakfast, brunch, or desserts. And of course – a perfect cup of espresso. Always full of people, but pastries never end. The prices are decent, and the quality is excellent.
Osteria dell’Orsa. The best pasta in Bologna. The place is opened for more than 40 years already, so this means something. Located in the University area it’s always full, the reservation is needed as in most places in Italy. We went there just after the opening so there were still available places. And the menu: tasty bruschettas, lasagna, tortellini soup, pasta bolognese, and many many more. Everything washed with few liters of red vine…
What I needed to start with this food topic but left for the last, is aperitivo. Italy is not fully experienced without (at least) one glass of spritz. These ones were tasted in the Mercato di Mezzo. A small indoor market is full of small Italian shops. Just a few steps away from Piazza Maggiore and right beside the church Santa Maria Della Vita. There is plenty to look at and taste.
Exploring Bologna old town in the evening you’ll be surrounded by food. Bologna’s outdoor markets are the perfect source for a true Italian dinner. Just indulge yourself in all the fresh smells of fruits, vegetables, meat, cheese…
A walk in the downtown exploring Bologna
Like most Italian cities, Bologna dates back to way before the Antique times. So, It’s not a surprise that when exploring Bologna you’ll encounter several architectural landmarks dating back to the 12th century. What I’m talking about is the symbol of Bologna – the two towers. The Garisenda and Asinelli are some of the few towers that survived since the medieval ages when there were more than a hundred of them.
Asinelli Tower is the highest – almost 100 m tall. This is the tallest leaning medieval tower in the world. You can climb 423 steps to the top of the tower for the most stunning views of Bologna. It is always better to buy tickets in advance on the official website.
The center of everything in Bologna is Piazza Maggiore – the main square. Many important buildings with high historical meaning are surrounding the heart of the city.
The most important of them is Basilica di San Petronio. Which is the biggest church in Bolonia dating to the 14th century. It raises interest and legends are related to the church’s facade that looks unfinished. And not only that, there were at least two terrorist attack attempts planned for this church in modern times.
Just around the corner of Piazza Maggiore, you’ll encounter a great fountain with the statue of Neptune, which, actually, connects the main square with Piazza of Neptune. This is a place of more 13th – 14th-century palaces, like Palazzo re Enzo. The palace, which began as a prison for Sardinian king Enzo, now is a place for events, exhibitions, and cultural initiatives.
A lot of cities in Europe tend to take the name of “Venice”, well, guess what? You can find scenic canals in Bologna also. Not that they are famous by quantity, but the framed views are worth looking for.
I left the big part of Bologna unexplored, all because of the short time. But definitely, this is a city worth visiting not once or twice in your life.
If you enjoyed this guide there are more of my adventures in Italy, like Rome, Ravenna or Siena
I’ve visited Bologna once before but only for a day! This post makes me want to go back! Your photos are stunning and that food looks delicious! xx
Thanks Emily! I also want to go back asap.
The desserts and the food looked so good. I love these posts.
🙂 thanks! Yep, the food in Italy is awesome!