Bologna
World-famous food and covered arcades for strolling
Take flights to Bologna for fabulous food and long walks along the rust-red streets around the historic 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 Verdi 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 flights 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.
Upcoming events
- Bologna Mineral ShowMar 2012 (annual)
- Baby Bofe'Dec 2011 - Apr 2012; Weekends only (annual)
- Show all events
Things to do
SpotlightSan Petronio Basilica
Named after Bologna's patron saint, San Petronio Basilica is the city's most important church. The Gothic masterpiece looms over Piazza More about this item
More things to doRestaurants
SpotlightI Carracci
North of Piazza Maggiore square, I Carracci is Bologna's most elegant formal dining room, boasting a ceiling covered in 16th-century More about this item
More restaurantsNightlife
SpotlightZanarini
The period decor has been given a sleek, modern makeover but Zanarini remains one of Bologna's best-known bars. It's a More about this item
More nightlife
