Bologna—often overshadowed by the likes of Rome and Florence—turned out to be a truly delightful surprise during our recent Italian road trip.
Nestled in the heart of Italy, Bologna feels like a city that hasn’t been overly polished for tourists. It has a welcoming, authentic charm, with layers of history, art, and food that completely captivated us during our short stay.
Where We Stayed: Urbanicooh Azzoguidi – Torre Asinelli View
We couldn’t have asked for a better location than the Urbanicooh Azzoguidi – Torre Asinelli View apartment, just a few steps from Piazza Maggiore (Bologna’s main square). This place felt like the perfect mix of comfort and practicality.
The apartment was spacious, modern, and had jaw-dropping views of the Torre Asinelli. While we had some trouble with the loft (it was broken during our stay), it was a minor hiccup in what was otherwise a fantastic accommodation. The property has an elevator, private check-in, and free Wi-Fi and we were met by the host to let us in and found the process straightforward and communication good.
The best part? It’s situated within walking distance of some of the best Bologna has to offer—Piazza Maggiore, the Basilica, the Quadrilatero, and countless food spots. We’d definitely stay here again.
The Piazza Maggiore Vibe
Piazza Maggiore is one of those iconic squares where you can just sit back and soak up the atmosphere. In fact, we spent most of one evening sat at a bar, listening to buskers playing in the square and taking in the basilica which makes up one side of the square.
With its grand architecture, including the imposing Basilica di San Petronio, and the bustling vibe, it’s impossible not to feel the history seep into you. What we loved most, though, was the liveliness of the square. There’s always something happening here—live music, street performers, and a steady stream of people enjoying the sun. The Basilica di San Petronio, with its unfinished facade, is a striking sight and offers a glimpse into Bologna’s long history of art and architecture.
The Portico to Santuario di San Luca
One of the most memorable experiences in Bologna was our visit to Santuario di San Luca, a beautiful sanctuary atop a hill with panoramic views of the city and beyond. To get there, we walked (well, mostly) the longest portico in the world—the Portico di San Luca—which stretches for about 3.8 kilometers (2.4 miles). On the way up, we caught a ride on the little land train (thank goodness, because it was quite the climb), and then decided to walk back down. The walk took us about 60 minutes, at a leisurely pace and the journey was well worth it. The portico, with its 666 arches, is stunning in its own right, and the peaceful atmosphere of the hilltop sanctuary was a welcome retreat from the busy city center.
Bologna Food Scene: Italy’s Culinary Capital
Bologna is often called the food capital of Italy, and after our visit, we fully understood why. We started our mornings at Piano Piano, a quaint cafe right on Piazza Maggiore that’s perfect for breakfast. Whether it was their freshly baked pastries, rich espresso, or a simple but perfect slice of focaccia, it was always a good start to the day.
Then there’s Quadrilatero, Bologna’s ancient market district, where we easily spent hours wandering the streets lined with local butchers, cheesemongers, and fruit stalls, stopping at a few to sample different bits and pieces. The food is fresh – and it really, really looks fresh – it’s amazing – and much of it comes from the surrounding hills of Emilia-Romagna.
Don’t miss the mortadella, the region’s famous cured meat (it’s far superior to anything you’ll find outside of Bologna), or the handmade pasta like tagliatelle al ragù (which we loved so much, we ate it multiple times). One of our favorite spots for an authentic meal was Osteria dell’Orsa, where we tucked into plates of rich, comforting pasta and shared a glass (or two) of local wine.
Bologna’s Iconic Towers and Historic Streets
Bologna’s two leaning towers—Torre degli Asinelli and Torre Garisenda—are probably the city’s most recognizable landmarks. If you want, you can climb the 498 steps of Torre degli Asinelli for incredible panoramic views of the city.
Simply walking around though, you realise how much of Bologna’s charm is wrapped up in its medieval architecture and cobbled streets. Wandering through Bologna’s historic center feels like stepping back in time, with its red-tiled roofs, arcaded walkways, and beautiful, narrow streets piled with produce and people hand making pasta in windows, or standing for espresso.
Bologna Food Markets
Speaking of food (again!) the Mercato di Mezzo is a must-see for anyone with a foodie soul. It’s an indoor market filled with local produce, cheeses, and meats—many of them made right in the surrounding hills. We couldn’t resist picking up some Parmigiano Reggiano and Balsamic Vinegar to take back to the room with some bread. There’s a real focus here on quality, and it’s easy to see why Bologna is such a gastronomic hub in Italy.
Bologna’s History
Bologna’s history is rich, with roots stretching back to Roman times. Known as the “learned city,” it’s home to Europe’s oldest university, founded in 1088. We took a stroll past the Archiginnasio, the former seat of the university, and The Museo Civico Archeologico offers fascinating insights into Bologna’s ancient past, with artifacts from the Etruscan, Roman, and medieval periods.
The best part about Bologna, though, is its blend of old and new. The city is vibrant and youthful, thanks in part to its university, but it’s also deeply rooted in its medieval heritage, which is evident around every corner.
Bologna – Summary
Bologna may not always be the first city that comes to mind when planning an Italian getaway, but it’s definitely one of the most rewarding. From the mouth-watering food to the welcoming streets filled with history, we felt like we discovered a side of Italy that was refreshingly authentic and untouched by mass tourism.
Whether you’re strolling through the historic center, enjoying local delicacies, or simply taking in the views of the Torre Asinelli or out in the hills near the sanctuary, Bologna offers an experience that is both rich and down-to-earth. It was the perfect place to pause and savor all that Italy has to offer. It’s easy to get to on a train and you can also fly from several UK airports – do not miss this!
