Bologna is the gastronomic capital of Italy, so many tasty restaurants and fresh pasta on the way! It is also a strategic base, situated between Florence and Milan. Bologna is known as LA ROSSO for being a red city with its medieval terracotta buildings. The city is beautiful, fresh, and gives you a great Italian lifestyle experience.
BEST ICE CREAM AND GREAT RESTAURANTS
Bologna has the best ice cream! The best and most famous gelateria is CREMERIA CAVOUR, located in PIAZZA CAVOUR. It is incredibly delicious. I used to go there every other day.
Check out good local restaurants, and be careful with the tourist ones. Don't forget to try the traditional TAGLIATELLE AL RAGÚ, famous worldwide as a BOLOGNESE pasta, honoring the city's name. Here are some restaurants I'd recommend: TRATTORIA BIAGI (ask to sit in the garden), the traditional RISTORANTE GRASSILLI, TRATTORIA SANTA CATERINA, TRATTORIA DA ME and TRATTORIA DELLA SANTA. Book your table in advance.
HIDDEN CANALS
Although they are not easily seen, Bologna has had, since the Middle Ages, 60 km of canals. If you are aware, you can check them during your strolls:
- THE WINDOW ON VIA PIELLA: Through a cute window, you have a view of the Reno canal.
- VIA CAPO DI LUCCA
- THE BRIDGE IN VIA MALCONTENTI
QUADRILATERO AND PESCHERIE VECCHIE
My favorite part of Bologna! These market streets have a complete Italian spirit and make you feel hungry all the time. The smell, the colors, and the diversity of artisan and fresh food. You feel like you are in an Italian movie. Eat at ZEROCINQUANTINO, via PESCHERIE VECCHIE, they have all sorts of cheese, bread, caponata, etc., all served as appetizers that go perfect with a cold beer.
GHETTO HEBRAICO AND PIAZZA SANTO STEFANO
This area of Bologna has this young and vibrant energy, with many hipster spots, cool bars, and restaurants. It's definitely a place to have some cocktails and enjoy the bohemian atmosphere. Near is PIAZZA SANTO STEFANO also with a nice movement.
One thing I really like about this region is the many bars with tables outside. They get crowded during the summer and create this party atmosphere.
One thing I really like about this region is the many bars with tables outside. They get crowded during the summer and create this party atmosphere.
GARISENDA TOWERS, PIAZZA MAGGIORE AND BASILICA OF SAN PETRONIO
Two landmarks of the city. GARISENDA TOWERS are located at the center of a circle from where all main streets emerge. They were built in the 11th century as defensive fortifications. The two towers are crooked, which makes us think that Italians have difficulty building towers. You can climb the ASINELLI TOWER to have a great view of the city. This is the center area, and you will find endless shops, restaurants, and cafés.
Near the Two Towers are PIAZZA MAGGIORE with many interesting streets around it and BASILICA OF SAN PETRONIO. I’m not a basilica fan, but I loved the style of this medieval one, built in the 14th century and still unfinished.
