Bologna

🏛️ Why Visit Bologna, Italy?

This brilliant city is Italy's best-kept secret - famous for three things that'll make you fall head over heels: it's La Dotta (the learned one), La Rossa (the red one), and La Grassa (the well fed one!) Translation? It's home to the world's oldest university, gorgeous red-brick architecture, and the most incredible food scene in Italy. Yes, please!

You're looking at the place where tagliatelle Bolognese was actually invented (and no, they don't serve it with spaghetti here - that's proper sacrilege!). Plus, you've got over 23 miles of stunning porticoes that are UNESCO World Heritage sites, medieval towers that lean more than Pisa's, and the kind of authentic Italian atmosphere that'll have you planning your next visit before you've even left.

Top reasons to visit Bologna:

🍝 Foodie paradise where pasta legends were born - Tortellini, tagliatelle al ragù, and mortadella all originated here!

🏛️ World's oldest university and buzzing student energy - Founded in 1088, this place has been brilliant for nearly a thousand years

🌆 Stunning medieval towers and UNESCO porticoes - Over 20 surviving towers from the Middle Ages, including the leaning ones

🎨 Incredible art and cultural scene - From ancient frescoes to cutting-edge contemporary galleries

☀️ Perfect base for exploring northern Italy - Florence, Venice, and the Italian Riviera are all just a train ride away

🎭 Top Things to Do in Bologna

There's absolutely loads to keep you busy in this epic city - from climbing medieval towers to stuffing your face with the best pasta you'll ever taste!

Historic Sights & Architecture

🗼 Due Torri (Two Towers) – Bologna's iconic leaning towers are Instagram gold! Climb the 498 steps of Asinelli Tower for jaw-dropping 360° views over those famous red rooftops. The neighbouring Garisenda tower leans even more than Pisa's - talk about dramatic!

🏛️ Piazza Maggiore – This stunning main square is the beating heart of Bologna, surrounded by gorgeous medieval buildings. The massive Basilica of San Petronio is oddly unfinished (they ran out of money!), but it's still absolutely magnificent inside.

⛪ Santo Stefano Complex – Known as the "Seven Churches," this mind-blowing religious complex is actually several buildings from different eras all smooshed together. It's like walking through a thousand years of history!

Food & Culture Experiences

🍷 Quadrilatero Market District – This ancient market area is where locals shop for the best ingredients. Pop into the old-school delis for tastings of Parmigiano Reggiano, prosciutto, and proper mortadella.

🎨 MAMbo Museum – Bologna's contemporary art museum is housed in a former tobacco factory and showcases brilliant modern works alongside the city's artistic heritage.

🍝 Pasta Making Classes – Learn to make tortellini and tagliatelle from the masters! There are loads of cooking schools where you can get hands-on with fresh pasta.

Unique Bologna Experiences

📚 Archiginnasio Palace – The original university building houses the world's most beautiful anatomical theatre, carved entirely from spruce wood in the 17th century.

🔍 Finestrella di Via Piella – Peek through this tiny window to see Bologna's "Little Venice" - a hidden canal that's one of the few remaining from the city's ancient waterway system.

🚶 San Luca Portico Walk – Take on the world's longest portico! This 3.8km covered walkway winds up to the Sanctuary of San Luca with absolutely stunning views.

🏨 Where to Stay on your Bologna Holidays

We've picked some cracking hotels across all budgets that'll make your Bologna adventure absolutely brilliant!

Best Value Breaks

🏨 NH Bologna Villanova - This smart 4-star hotel sits in peaceful countryside just 10 minutes from the city centre, offering brilliant value with spacious rooms, free outdoor parking (proper handy!), an indoor swimming pool, and a mini-gym. The breakfast features local mortadella alongside international options, and there's a restaurant serving regional dishes. Perfect for families or business travellers who want modern comfort and a peaceful setting.

🏨 Living Place Hotel - Talk about getting loads for your money! This impressive 4-star property has an Olympic-sized outdoor pool, tennis courts, and beach volleyball courts. It's brilliant for active families, plus you get free parking and it's right next to a massive shopping centre. The breakfast buffet gets rave reviews, and the location means you're perfectly placed for Bologna exploration.

🏨 Boutique Hotel Calzavecchio - This charming 4-star gem in Casalecchio di Reno offers modern elegance in a historic setting with its own beautiful garden. You're just a quick bus ride from Bologna centre, plus there's free parking and an excellent restaurant serving Bolognese specialities. The rooms are spotless and comfortable, and the staff are absolutely lovely - proper Italian hospitality at its finest.

Mid-Range Options

🏨 The Social Hub Bologna - This trendy spot near the train station is perfect for the Instagram generation! Housed in a gorgeous palazzo, it's got a buzzing community vibe with co-working spaces, a courtyard pool, and events happening all the time. The modern rooms are super comfortable, breakfast is excellent, and you'll love mixing with digital nomads, students, and fellow travellers in the vibrant public spaces.

🏨 Hotel Il Guercino - A classic Bologna choice that's been welcoming guests with proper Italian charm for years. The central location means you can walk to all the major sights, and the traditional rooms offer that authentic Italian hotel experience you're after. The staff know the city inside out and will point you towards the best local trattorias.

🏨 Porta San Mamolo - This boutique beauty combines historical charm with modern comfort, offering a more intimate Bologna experience. The location is absolutely spot-on for exploring the historic centre on foot, and the attention to detail in both service and décor is just brilliant.

Hotels that offer a touch of Luxury or Something Special

🏨 Touring Bologna - When you want to treat yourself, this elegant hotel delivers sophistication and prime location in spades. The refined atmosphere and top-notch service, combined with the hot tub on the roof, mean it’s a great option to explore the city in style.

🏨 SAV Hotel - A stunning blend of contemporary design and Italian elegance, this place is all about style and substance. The modern amenities and chic interiors create the perfect backdrop for a memorable Bologna stay.

🏨 Art Hotel Commercianti - This one's often booked up (and you'll see why!) - positioned right in the heart of the historic centre, this elegant boutique gem offers rooms with unique character, beautiful antique furnishings and an absolutely unbeatable location. When you can snag a room, you're literally steps from Piazza Maggiore and all the major sights.

🏨 Grand Hotel Majestic già Baglioni - The absolute pinnacle of Bologna luxury! This 5-star palace has been the city's most prestigious address since 1912. Built in an 18th-century palazzo originally designed for a future Pope, it's dripping with original frescoes, marble floors, and antique furnishings. The famous I Carracci restaurant serves sublime cuisine under Renaissance ceiling frescoes, and the 106 rooms are like staying in a museum. When you want the ultimate Bologna experience, this is it!

Whether you're after budget-friendly comfort or five-star indulgence, these hotels will make your Bologna adventure absolutely unforgettable. You're perfectly placed to explore medieval squares, climb those famous towers, and eat your way through the world's best pasta - all while soaking up that brilliant Italian atmosphere that makes Bologna so special!

💰 How to Have a Very Cheap Bologna Holiday (that's still Brilliant)

Here's the beauty of Bologna - it's way more affordable than tourist hotspots like Florence or Venice, but you still get incredible food, stunning architecture, and proper Italian culture!

When to Go

Avoid July and August when it's sweltering and pricier. Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) are absolutely perfect - lovely weather, fewer crowds, and much better prices. Plus, autumn's when the local truffles are in season!

Smart Savings

• Stay outside the historic centre - Places like Villanova or Casalecchio offer brilliant value with excellent transport links

• Take advantage of university areas - Loads of affordable trattorias cater to students, so you'll eat brilliantly for very little

• Use the Bologna Welcome Card - Gets you into museums, towers, and includes public transport

Free Fun

Bologna's packed with free activities! The porticoes are free to explore (obviously!), you can peek through the famous Finestrella window, wander the Quadrilatero markets, and enjoy the buzz of university life around the historic centre.

Getting About

The city centre's completely walkable, or rent one of the city bikes to zip around those famous porticoes. Regional trains to nearby cities like Modena or Parma are dead cheap too.

The brilliant thing about Bologna is that "cheap" definitely doesn't mean cheerless - you're getting some of Italy's best food, most stunning architecture, and most authentic atmosphere at prices that'll leave you with plenty left over for extra helpings of gelato!