What to Do in Bologna in 2 Days

As I mentioned in my post about underrated places to visit in Europe, Bologna is an Italian city that is so unfairly overshadowed by big-wigs Florence, Rome and Venice. I had never thought to visit but after I did during the first year of the Blogville program, it became my number one recommendation for a place to visit in Italy for something just a bit different, being great for foodies, city break-ers and culture buffs alike. Got 48 hours there? Here’s what to do with two days in Bologna.

1. Climb the Asinelli tower

Move over Leaning Tower of Pisa, Bologna’s Asinelli Tower’s got you beat. It’s the tallest leaning tower in Italy which means its views trump LTP’s. The climb can be a bit scary– actually, I think it’s worse on the way down, but the 498- stair-climb is worth it to see the city from above its red rooftops.

 

2. Eat Tagliatelle al Ragù, Parmigiano Reggiano and all the local eats

When I was learning Italian in school, my teachers would always say that Emilia Romagna is the gastronomic capital of Italy. You won’t be able to appreciate this until you’ve been yourself, and Bologna is one of the best places to experience it. Grab a piadina (flatbread sandwich) at Osteria dell’Orso, Tagliatelle al Ragù at Trattoria del Rosso, or grab an antipasto with Mortadella, Prosciutto di Parma, and Parmigiano Reggiano, which you should totally drizzle Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena onto…

Florence is just a 35-minute train ride from Bologna– experience both with my guide to seeing Florence in 48 hours.

 

3. Go for a passeggiata on via dell’Indipendenza

The Italians have perfected the art of the afternoon stroll, so do as the locals do and have a walk along via dell’Indipendenza. There’s some great shopping, but if that’s not your thing, admire the porticos that line the street. These were built hundreds of years ago so that more housing could be built to accommodate the rising student population. Little did they know how Instagram-worthy they would be…

 

4. Pick up some wine and enjoy Piazza Maggiore at night

My first time in Bologna, we were brought to a local wine bar where you can bring your own food to eat, called Osteria del Sole. It was a brilliant concept, but once it closed for the evening we brought our meal and bottles of red to the steps of San Petronio Basilica and enjoyed the city’s evening buzz and each other’s company. Sometimes, that’s all you need.

 

5. Grab an Aperitivo

I flipping love aperitivo. By a drink and have access to all the nibbles you want? Sold. Done. Most bars in major cities will offer Aperitivo around 7pm and in Bologna it’s no different. I recommend popping into Le Stanze, a bar that used to be a church– religious-themed murals still decorate the walls.

 

6. Get lost in the side streets

You hear people say to “get lost” in any place in Italy but it’s not always easy in the big cities. In Bologna, head just off of any major square and you’ll see shops that are actually authentic (not just claiming to be) and could easily discover a hidden gem. If anything, find the street just off Piazza Maggiore that’s lined with shops selling produce outside (shown above). The colors and signs are enough to make you feel as if you’ve walked miles away from the square.

How to get to Bologna

You can get the high-speed train from any major city, and from Florence, it’s only a 35 minute journey. Flights are available into Bologna or Pisa airport. Too easy I’d say…

Hotels in Bologna

We stayed at Hotel University during our last visit, which was budget-friendly and good value. Have a look at contemporary Aemilia Hotel or  Metropolitan Hotel, which is right on via dell’Indipendenza.

What will you do with two days in Bologna? Let me know in the comments.
Photos: All mine except credit to f0ff0 (Piazza Maggiore) and Matteo Pezzi (via dell’Indp)

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