Airline tickets to Bologna take you to gourmet heaven. Bologna is synonymous with fabulous food, and the city's distinctive porticoes are ideal for post-dinner walks along the rust-red streets surrounding the historic central square, Piazza Maggiore.

Things to do

Climb Bologna's steepest flight of steps, the Two Towers, for views over the whole city. Piazza Maggiore preserves Bologna's medieval heart, with Gothic architecture in San Petronio Basilica, Renaissance artists in the National Picture Gallery of Bologna and history in the Medieval Museum.

Shopping

Take the opportunity on your Bologna city break to buy souvenirs for food-loving friends at markets and food stores. Travel to Bologna's vintage clothing market on Piazza VIII Agosto square and browse the upmarket boutiques in elegant shopping arcade Galleria Cavour.

Restaurants

Accept that your dieting plans will take flight in Bologna and enjoy the best regional Italian cuisine. Fine dining establishments like Diana encircle Piazza Maggiore square while local trattorias specialising in home-made mortadella ham tortellini and budget restaurants fill Bologna's University quarter.

Nightlife

Bologna's University quarter is crammed with lively bars and clubs, and elegant wine bars and cocktail lounges dot the streets between Piazza Maggiore square and the Two Towers. Book a ticket to Bologna's live music venues to hear jazz or opera.

When to go

KLM has frequent flights to Bologna. Book airline tickets to Bologna for February's Carnivale. Buy a ticket to Bologna Festival events in spring or autumn and for September's City of Food festival.