Nicknamed La Dotta, La Grassa, La Rossa — ‘The Learned, The Fat, The Red’ — Bologna is a city of intellect, culinary excellence, and warm-toned rooftops. Home to the world’s oldest university, it’s a haven for history lovers and culture seekers. Its medieval architecture and atmospheric piazzas give you the feeling of stepping into a storybook — without the crowds.
And now, this northern gem has joined our handpicked collection of tailor-made holidays.Here’s why it deserves a prime spot on your travel wish list:
Bologna is a food lover's paradise
Bologna is worth visiting for many reasons, but for food lovers like us, it’s nothing short of a pilgrimage. Often called La Grassa – “the fat one” – this city wears its reputation proudly as the culinary heart of Italy. What makes it special is how authentic everything feels. Unlike Venice or Florence, where the beauty is sometimes hidden behind selfie sticks and tour groups, Bologna still feels real — lived-in, loved, and delicious. One of our favourite moments was at Osteria Da Fortunata, where we sat near the front window, watching two local women expertly roll and shape fresh pasta by hand. Within minutes, that same pasta landed on our plates, transformed into rich, silky tagliatelle al ragù — pure comfort on a fork. Earlier that day, we had stopped for an aperitivo at Casa Minghetti, where the drinks were generous and the snacks even more so — a beautiful spread of nibbles that felt more like a meal. And just when we thought it couldn’t get better, we found Cremeria la Vecchia Stalla, a local gelateria tucked away from the crowds, serving some of the creamiest pistachio and stracciatella we’ve ever tasted. In Bologna, food isn’t just part of the experience — it is the experience. And for us, that’s what made it even better than the big-name cities.
You Can Feel Majestic Architecture and Rich History at Every Step
No visit to Bologna is complete without admiring the warm terracotta hues of its iconic "architettura de rossa"—a nickname for the city’s distinct red-toned architecture. These rich colors, seen in the brick buildings, porticoes, and rooftops, give Bologna a timeless, almost cinematic atmosphere. The best way to take it all in? Climbing the Asinelli Tower, the tallest of the city’s medieval "Due Torri." The climb is steep, but the panoramic view from the top is breathtaking—red rooftops stretching to the hills, punctuated by church domes and bell towers. Speaking of churches, we were moved by the quiet majesty inside San Petronio and the layered history of Santo Stefano, a complex of seven churches. Bologna’s architectural soul isn’t just something you see—it’s something you feel with every step.
Where to Stay
Our handpicked hotels in Bologna combine charm, comfort, and unbeatable locations.
Art Hotel Commercianti
A boutique gem in a medieval guildhall beside the Basilica. Antique furnishings and complimentary bikes included. The breakfast here will for sure amaze you.
Hotel Corona D’Oro
Elegant and historic, just steps from the Two Towers. Expect frescoed ceilings, Murano chandeliers, and breakfast like royalty.
Make Bologna Your Base
Bologna’s central location makes it the perfect base for exploring northern Italy. Florence is just 35 minutes away by train — close enough for a day trip, but far enough to leave the crowds behind when you return for dinner.
