The food capital of Italy well endowed with historical attractions, Bologna is a city beloved by the Italian people. The rest of the fame of this prosperous city in Northern Italy comes from a good number of museums and art galleries that introduce you everything from Egyptian mummies to the latest styles of modern art. Bologna offers you also shopping promenades with high-end fashion as well as lively nightlife with lots of international concerts. The two 11th century towers are a famous landmark in this main city of the Emilia-Romagna region.
Historical sights. As for historical and archaeological interests, Bologna has a large old town area that offers a variety of impressive Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture. The winding and atmospheric streets and medieval cityscape of Bologna offer much more than an average visitor is able to explore in a few days. There are plenty of interesting museums in Bologna, introducing you Egyptian mummies and ancient Roman vases as well as motorcycles, pathology, and fine arts. Local art galleries with works from artists like Raffaello, Giotto, and Perugino are a must-see for all culture lovers. Bologna University is among the oldest in Europe.
Shopping and entertainment. Besides the old, Bologna attracts also with the new. It is a modern capital of Emilia-Romagna Region with treasures of shopping in Bologna waiting for you to discover them. During the summer, this prosperous North Italian town hosts a big number of international concerts, and nightlife in Bologna is considered very active also during other times. If you like more peaceful activities, why not visit one of the many gardens of Bologna, or make a tour to the nearby mountains that are excellent for trekking and biking around Bologna. The Catholic St. Luca's Basilica offers panoramic views over the city and is an ideal destination for short treks. Also of interest, there are plenty of courses for golf around Bologna available.
Bologna, North Italian city where history and culinary traditions meet modern city life
Known as the food capital of Italy, Bologna is the place to go for enjoying the rich Italian culinary heritage and for relaxing in the piazzas with a glass of local wine. If you are looking for historical buildings with nice views, visit Bologna's two renaissance towers, Asinelli and Garisenda, which are considered the main landmarks of the city.Historical sights. As for historical and archaeological interests, Bologna has a large old town area that offers a variety of impressive Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture. The winding and atmospheric streets and medieval cityscape of Bologna offer much more than an average visitor is able to explore in a few days. There are plenty of interesting museums in Bologna, introducing you Egyptian mummies and ancient Roman vases as well as motorcycles, pathology, and fine arts. Local art galleries with works from artists like Raffaello, Giotto, and Perugino are a must-see for all culture lovers. Bologna University is among the oldest in Europe.
Shopping and entertainment. Besides the old, Bologna attracts also with the new. It is a modern capital of Emilia-Romagna Region with treasures of shopping in Bologna waiting for you to discover them. During the summer, this prosperous North Italian town hosts a big number of international concerts, and nightlife in Bologna is considered very active also during other times. If you like more peaceful activities, why not visit one of the many gardens of Bologna, or make a tour to the nearby mountains that are excellent for trekking and biking around Bologna. The Catholic St. Luca's Basilica offers panoramic views over the city and is an ideal destination for short treks. Also of interest, there are plenty of courses for golf around Bologna available.
Practical information for your trip to Bologna
Located in Northern Italy at the foot of the mountains of Emilia-Romagna, Bologna is a few hour train trip away from Milan or Venice. The architectural and culinary attractions of the city can be reached also with direct flights to Bologna.
Photo: il CAMA, used under Creative Commons License (By 2.0)
Central Bologna is small enough to be negotiated by foot, and car rental in Bologna is available for moving around in the surroundings of the city. Alternatively, you can also tour in Emilia-Romagna with a bike or use the efficient services of public transport in Italy. Inside the city area, sightseeing tours in Bologna are a good way of exploring the city's sights.
Climate in Bologna is enjoyable for most of the year with warm summers and mild winters. During the warmest months of the year, June, July, and August, average monthly high temperatures in Bologna go up to 30°C or close. During the wintertime, the mercury drops to 5–10°C, which means you can leave out the sun cream, but it is still fairly pleasant to enjoy city life in Bologna. In general, Bologna is at its best during spring and autumn. High season for tourism in Bologna is in July, August, and September.
Unspoiled destination. A city beloved by the Italians but not yet fully found by international travelers, Bologna offers authentic Italian experiences. The streets of the historical city are filled with friendly small hotels in Bologna and truthfully to the image of the Italian food capital, restaurants in Bologna will keep you happy but curious for the length of your visit. In spite of the active local nightlife, Bologna is considered a safe destination for travel. Watch out for pickpockets, though.
hint See also these nearby destinations: Tuscany, San Marino, Verona, Rimini, Venice, Lake Garda, Cinque Terre
