Bologna Travel Guide

The Best of Bologna, Italy

One of the best day trips a Florentine can embark on is to the historic city Bologna. From its ancient anecdotes to its youthful energy, its spirit will make you smile.

The city of Bologna has a lot to offer young people traveling to Italy. A quick ninety-minute train ride will deliver you from Santa Maria Novella train station to Bologna Centrale. From there walk for ten minutes until you find yourself in awe of the beautiful Parco della Montagnola. A cream-colored staircase spiraling above a fountain sculpture of a woman and a horse in the sea will lead you up to the elevated park where you can admire the beautiful architecture of the city.

Continuing down Via dell’Independenza you will stumble upon a sunny piazza, home to a very large outdoor market. It is easy to spend anywhere from ten minutes to an hour hunting in the market for the perfect Christmas gifts or whatever random trinkets you need. They have everything from corny souvenirs to sneakers and high heels to jewelry and dish detergent, saving you a trip to the supermarket.

When you’re ready for a shopping break head towards the city’s Centrale Storico where you can admire the magnificent Neptune fountain, Palazzo d’accursio, and the San Pietro Cathedral. After admiring the ancient stained-glass windows and stunning gold engravings treat yourself to the area’s culinary claim to fame: tagliatelle or tortellini.

There are dozens of amazing choices from food vendors to indoor markets, to high-end restaurants, whichever you decide will leave you completely satisfied.

Pisa gets all of the credit for Italy’s leaning tower, but Bologna has one of its very own. You can climb the twin tower next to it for under five euros but get your ticket early because it’s a popular attraction in the area. If you have a thirst for knowledge hop on the trolly-style tours that run every hour and a half in the afternoon. It’s a great way to see Bologna and find out about some of its oldest buildings and statues, as well as what University life is like there.

On weekends the street music scene comes to life. Every hour on the hour a gifted drummer bangs out a killer rhythm or a guitarist gathers a crowd of dozens. The street musicians are truly talented and make the ancient town’s young spirit come to life. From locals to tourists, a group of listeners is drawn in, many of them sing along to the compilation of American and Italian hits.

As the evening rolls in you can enjoy some broiled chestnuts or mulled wine from a cart on the street on your way into a cozy local pub. If you are visiting on a Sunday night you will be able to catch your favorite European football team duking it out with another. There’s something for everyone in the exciting city of Bologna and a day trip is time well spent.