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From Wikitravel

Bologna is a historical city, with around 380,000 inhabitants. Although it is known and loved by all Italians, it is less well known among foreign visitors. It is the capital and largest city of Emilia-Romagna (a region in northern Italy).

[edit] Understand

Bologna is famous for its cuisine (la cucina Bolognese), and is considered by Italians to be the nation's food capital. It is also viewed as a progressive and well administered city. It is considered second only to Venice in beauty by many Italians and certainly has one of the largest and best preserved historic centres among Italian cities. It is much loved for its architecture, especially its palette of terracotta reds, burnt oranges, and warm yellows, hence the name of Bologna la rossa (Bologna the red). The extensive town center, characterized by miles upon miles of attractive covered walkways known as "porticos", is one of the best-preserved in Europe.

Bologna is a lived-in, stress free, and prosperous North Italian city, noted by locals for the fact that it has not been ruined by mass international tourism though Italian tourists flock here during the main holidays. In recent years, though, the city has grown more popular with overseas travelers. It is an excellent destination for a few days' stopover between Milan or Venice and Florence, especially if you like good food!

Bologna is the seat of the oldest university in Europe, which dates from the 11th century, and a significant portion of its population consists of away-from-home university students. In common with other Italian university towns, it is in parts marred by excessive graffiti on its beautiful historic Palazzi though the new mayor (elected June 2009) has an ambitious plan for cleaning up. The Bolognese are very courteous and welcoming, and justly proud of their city, but communication in English is not always easy and a few phrases in Italian will come in handy.

[edit] When to visit

Bologna is at its best from March/April to October, when it is warm and there is much outdoor sipping and dining, or just sitting in squares such as Piazza Santo Stefano and Piazza Maggiore. However, during July and August it may be particularly hot. In August, as is the case in much of Italy in the summer, many shops and restaurants are closed for the summer vacation.

Winter can be cold, but Bologna is beautiful the two weeks before Christmas. January and February often feature cloudless blue skies, but the clear weather is often the coldest: you will need a coat, scarf, hat and gloves.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By plane

Bologna's closest airport is Guglielmo Marconi (Bologna) International Airport (IATA: BLQ) [1], just a few minutes from the city center, served by taxi and a special bus line called the Aerobus. An Aerobus Ticket costs €5. A taxi from the airport to the center costs about €15. The city bus stop is about 10 minutes walk from the airport. Buses 81 and 91 have the end stop at Bologna Central Train Station. Tickets (70 minutes) cost €1-2.

• Ryanair [2] flies to Bologna Gugliemo Marconi. Also British Airways from London Gatwick [3].
• Marconi Airport also has numerous international connections available, including nonstop flights to Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Dublin, Lisbon, London, Madrid, Moscow, Paris, Prague, Vienna, and Zagreb.

[edit] By train

Due to its central location and geography, Bologna has emerged as the main rail transport hub of northern Italy, making it very well-connected with other major Italian centers. From the 14th of December 2008 the new high speed railway line is available from/to Milan, shortening the journey to 65 minutes. Bologna is also 37 minutes from Florence, 2 hours 20 from Rome, 2 hours from Venice, 1 hour from Ferrara, etc. The new high speed train line between Rome and Bologna is now being fully available and can make many trips much faster.

There is also an overnight sleeper service from Paris Bercy to Bologna. Departs Paris 6:52PM in the evening, and arrives Bologna at 6AM. Return departs Bologna 10:30PM arrives Paris 9:06AM.

[edit] By car

The city is at the junction of the A1, A14 and A13 highways, and so is easily accessible from anywhere in Italy. Most traffic from Milan would exit the A1 and take the Tangenziale, but beware this road at rush hour because it is horrendously packed. Expect to use 2 hours from the A1 exit to the Tangenziale to the center at certain peak times over summer busy weekends, especially at the beginning and end of August.

[edit] Get around

[edit] Layout of the city

Looking at the map of the city (it is possible to get a free one at the Tourist Information Center in Piazza Maggiore), the first thing to do to orient yourself is to find the Due Torri landmark, which stays in the center of the free map. The center of the city is surrounded by the Viali, a circular road easily recognizable. The northeast quadrant of the map is the university district (which unlike US campus is an integral part of the city and not a separate compound). The two southern quadrants of your city map are residential sections of the city, and not common tourist areas. However, walking outside the city center, further to the south, you will come upon hills and the Giardini Margherita, the largest park of the city.

[edit] Plan your travel

A great place to start planning how to get around Emilia-Romagna region and Bologna city using buses and trains is on: [4].

[edit] By bus

The ATC company is in charge of the buses in Bologna. Useful information can be found on their website: [5]. Tickets should be purchased prior to boarding the bus. Information and ticket centers are available in central locations (railway station, coach station, city center). You can also purchase tickets in several shops (newspaper sellers, tobacconists, cafes).

[edit] By taxi

[edit] On bike

Bikes are most popular amongst the people of Bologna. They are available for hire on various location around the city (one near the train station). You can ride on the many bike trails and on the side of the road. Be sure to lock them safely with a good lock, as they get stolen all around town, especially around the University.

[edit] On foot

Bologna is a great place to travel be foot as getting around the city is very simple with clear street signs. It is also a great way to find hidden gems such as Pizzerias packed with Italians (so you KNOW you reached the right place).

[edit][add listing] See

[edit] Museums and art galleries

Museum Card (Carta Bologna dei Musei), Bologna's museum card, is available for either one (€6) or three days (€8). The museum card gets you free access to the city's main museums and discounts to some others. It is available at museums and tourist offices.

• Archaeological Museum (Museo Civico Archeologico), Via dell'Archiginnasio 2, ☎ +39 51 2757211, [6]. Tu-F 9AM-3PM, Sa-Su and holidays 10AM-6:30PM. This building, an old hospital, houses a comprehensive collection of antiquities including Egyptian civilization (mummies and sarcophagi), iron age Villanova culture, artifacts from Etruscan Velzna, funerary art, terracotta urns, ancient vases and items from Roman times. Do not miss the bronze Certosa jar which is over 1,500 years old. Free.  edit

• Jewish Museum (Museo Ebraico), via Valdonica 1/5, ☎ +39 051.2911280 (info@museoebraicobo.it, fax: +39 051.235430), [7]. Su-Th 10AM to 6PM, Fri 10AM-4PM. Tickets sold until 5:15PM (3:15PM Friday). Closed Saturdays and on Jewish holidays. Located in the area of the former ghetto, this museum covers the history of Bologna's Jewish population. 5€.  edit

• Gallery of Modern Art of Bologna, Via Don Giovanni Minzoni 14. Open 10:00-18:00 Tuesday–Sunday, Thursday 10 am - 10 pm, closed on Mondays. A nice collection of modern art, if you want a break from the more classical pieces that abound in Italy.

• National Picture Gallery (Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna), Via Belle Arti 56, Tel: +39 (0)51 421 1984, [8]. Containing the city's most important art, it offers an interesting panorama of the Emilian and Venetian painting from the XIII to the XVIII century. A must: the works by Giotto, Raffaello, Parmigianino (Madonna col Bambino/Virgin Mary with Baby and the Saints Margaret, Girolamo and Petronio), Perugino, Tiziano and Tintoretto (Visitazione/Visitation and Saints Joseph and Zacharias). Open: Tuesday to Sunday – 09:00 to 19:00 free for children under 18.

• The University Museums, via Zamboni. There are a number of interesting, small museums at the University in the Palazzo Poggi. These include:

1. The Museo Navale (Naval Museum) – 18th-century model warships (some very large) and collections of early maps 8.30-17.30 - closed Sat. and Sun. Admission free;
2. The Museum of Military Architechture – models of Bologna's fortifications Mon. to Fri. 8.30-17.30 - closed Sat. and Sun. Admission free;
3. Museo Ostetrico (Obstetric Museum)
4. The Museo Aldovrandi – the collections of the Renaissance naturalist Ulisse Aldovrandi;
5. Museo della Specola, [9]. Occupies the Specola, the astronomical tower built in the beginning of XVIII-century over Palazzo Poggi. The material exposed illustrates the evolution of the astronomic instrumentation through the centuries. Tours begins at the following hours for groups of 15 people maximum. June 24 till July 31 and from August 22 till September 18 from Monday to Sunday: 10:00; 11:30; 14:00 closed August 1 to 21; Sep.19-Dec.31 from Monday to Sunday: 10:00; 11:30; 14:30; 16:00. Free admission.

• Museo di Antropologia – Via Selme 3, B. Bones, and artifacts of prehistoric Italians. Open: Monday to Friday – 09:00 to 13:00. Closed: Saturday and Sunday, and all week in July and August. Free admission.

• Museo di Mineralogia, Piazza di Porta San Donato. Rocks, precious stones, rare minerals and meteorites. Open: Monday to Saturday – 09:00 to 13:00 Closed: Sunday

• Museo di Anatomia Patologica, Via Massarenti. Studies of human and animal deformities. Open: Monday to Friday 09:00 to 17:00, Saturday 09:00 to 13:00. Closed: Sunday. Free admission.

• Museum of Giorgio Morandi, Piazza Maggiore 6 (in the city hall), [10]. Tu-F, 09.00 - 15.00, Saturday and Sunday 10,00 - 18,30. Full price entrance €4, discounts available. Opened in 1993, the museum houses most of the works by the Bolognese painter Giorgio Morandi.

• Communal Collection of Fine Arts (Collezioni Comunali d'Arte), Piazza Maggiore 6 (In the city hall) Tel. +39 (0)51 2193631/2193526,[11]. Tu-F 9-15 Sa,Su, and holidays 10-18,30. Closed mondays. The painting collection offers works belonging to various historical periods. Special attention should be given to the paintings by Giuseppe Maria Crespi (Ritratto del cardinale Lambertini- Portrait of Cardinal Lambertini), Ludovico Carracci (S. Caterina in Carcere – S. Catherine in Prison), Guido Cagnacci (Cleopatra e Lucrezia), Francesco Hayez (Ruth).

• Museo Internazionale e Biblioteca della Musica di Bologna Strada Maggiore, 34 - Palazzo Aldini Sanguinetti Tel. +39 (0)51 2757711, +39 (0)51 221117, [12]. The international museum and library of music of Bologna. From Jan 1 to May 31: Tu-Su 10am-5pm; From June 1 to July 14: Tu-Th 10am-1:30pm, F-Su 10am-5pm; From July 15 to September 15: Mo-We+Fr 9:30am-4pm, Th 9:30am-10pm, Sa-Su 10am-6:30pm; From Sept 16 to Dec 31: Tues-Thurs 10am-1:30pm, Friday-Sun 10am-5pm; CLOSED Mondays, Jan 1, May 1, Dec 25.

• Philharmonic Academy (Accademia Filarmonica) via Guerrazzi 13, tel: +39 (0)51 222997 fax: +39 (0)51224104, [13]. The Philarmonic Academy of Bologna was established in 1666. Since then it has become a reference point for the city musical life and its fame has spread throughout Europe. Here are preserved the works of many illustrious students, including Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s (1770) and autographed documents by Puccini, Verdi and Beethoven.

• Modern Art Gallery «Raccolta Lercaro», via Riva di Reno 57, tel: +39 (0)51 472078 fax: +39 (0)51 476802, [14]. Opening/Closing Time: W-Sa 4AM-7PM; Su 10AM-1PM, 4PM-PM. It houses about 2000 works by Italian and foreign artists with special attention to the sculptures by Manzù, Messina, Rodin and Giacometti.

• Ducati Museum, via Cavalieri Ducati, tel: +39 (0)51 6413111 [15] Opening/Closing Time: M-F guided tours at 11AM and 4PM; Saturday 9AM-1PM. Closed during Easter and Christmas holidays and in August. It represents the evolution of the Bolognese motorcycle firm. An exposition of motorcycles, period materials, projects, mechanical components, pictures and videos.

• Museo Civico Medievale Via Manzoni, [16]

• Museo Di Fisica Via Irnerio;

• Pinacoteca Nazionale Via Belle Arti;

• Museo Dello Studio dell'Ottavo;

• Museo Degli Studenti E Della Goliardia Via Zamboni;

• Museo Marsili Via Zamboni;

• Museo Indiano Via Zamboni;

• Collezione Cospi Via Zamboni;

• Museo Delle Cere Anatomiche Via Zamboni;

• Museo Delle Navi;

[edit] Sightseeing

• Piazza Maggiore [17] Large pedestrian square located in the monumental center of the old part of the city, surrounded by the Basilica of San Petronio, the City Hall Building, the portico dei Banchi and the Palazzo del Podestà.

• Via Rizzoli One of the main streets of Bologna. It is a meeting point and strolling area. It opens up to Piazza di porta Ravegnana, where the two towers rise.

• Fontana di Nettuno (Fountain of Neptune) - Piazza del Nettuno. A fountain built in 1563 by Tommaso Laureti of Palermo later embellished by Jean de Boulogne (called Giambologna). It is considered to be one of Bologna’s symbols.

• Corte de' Galluzzi It can be accessed through a vault from Piazza Galvani, in front of the Archiginnasio. An area with strong Medieval tones.

• Portico Walk to San Luca Walk through the historic 666 Porticos, leaving from the Porta Saragozza at the end of Via Saragozza.

• University Quarter - Via Zamboni. Full of bars and cafés. The University of Bologna is Europe's oldest university, founded over 900 years ago.

[edit] Landmarks

• Torre degli Asinelli (Tower of the Asinelli) and Torre dei Garisenda (Tower of the Garisenda) - Piazza di Porta Ravegnana. The main symbols of Bologna. Torre degli Asinelli (built between 1109 and 1119) is 97.20 metres tall (330 feet), with 498 steps and an incline of 1.3 meters (4 feet). Torre dei Garisenda (closed to the public)is 47 m (162 feet) tall and has a lean of over 3m (10 feet). Both were built in the 12th century. Open: daily, 09:00 to 18:00 €3 to climb Torre degli Asinelli.

• Palazzo Comunale, Piazza Maggiore 6, Tel: (0)51 203 111. Bologna's city hall, with a very rich collection of Renaissance paintings, sculptures and antique furniture, is a 14th-century palace. Don't miss its enormous main staircase, which was designed to be used by horse drawn carriages. Tuesday to Sunday - 10:00 to 18:00 children under 14 get free admission.

• Tombe dei Glossatori (The Glossatori tombs), Piazza San Domenico e Piazza Malpighi. Named for the lawyers who used to add glosses (notes) to documents. The tombs, which date from the end of the 13th century, are home to many of Bologna's famous scholars.

• Santuario della Madonna di San Luca (St. Luke's Basilica), Colle della Guardia (Guardia hill). Built in mid-18th century, offers a panoramic view of the City, and can be reached by walking along] the 666 arches of its unique portico. It has a peculiar layout, being of a round shape. A widely city-known icon, the Madonna di San Luca, is held there.

• I Portici (The Arcades). Visitors can walk under the typical arcades of Bologna for a total of 38 km. The Portici were originally built by order of the town authorities to house temporary visitors. They had to be wide enough that a man could lie down under them to sleep.

• Basilica of San Petronio, Piazza Maggiore Bologne, tel: 051/231415. Opening/Closing Time: Weekdays 9.30AM-12.30PM, 2.30PM-5.30PM; Holidays 2.30PM-5PM. The Basilica houses an invaluable number of treasures such as the sundial by Cassini and Guglielmini, which indicates the exact period of the current year at all times, the "S. Rocco" by Parmigianino and the marvelous Bolognini Chapel. From the left nave of the basilica, the visitor can gain access to the Museum where many bas-reliefs are collected.

• Basilica of San Dominico, 13 Piazza di San Dominico, tel: +39 051 6400411. Open: daily, 07:30 to 13:00, 15:30-19:30

• Santa Maria della Vita, 10 Via Clavature, tel: +39 051 236245 Open: M-Sa, 07:30-19:30, Su, 16:30-19:00. This Church contains "The Lamentation", a life-size terracotta group sculpture, Renaissance masterpiece by Niccolò Dell'Arca.

• The Lamborghini Museum , this famous car maker in Italy has been producing some of the most sought-after luxury sports cars in the world for decades. There is a bus you can take from Bologna to the center of Sant’Agata Bolognese, which is a five minute walk from the museum location. The ATB 576 bus (direction Crevalcore) departs from the main bus station in Bologna and takes roughly 50 minutes to get to the “S. Agata Bolognese Chiesa Frati” stop in Sant’Agata Bolognese, which is five minutes on foot from the museum.

[edit] Parks and Gardens

Many parks were former private gardens of nobility.

• Giardini Margherita (Margherita Gardens), Viale Gozzadini. Bologna's main park created in 1875. The chalet converts to a nightclub in the summer evenings. Open: daily 06:00 to midnight.

• Parco Montagnola, Piazza VIII Agosto. Public park since the 17th century. Much of the current landscaping dates from the early 19th century. The pond in the center of the park was added in 1888. Open: daily 07:00 to midnight.

• Orto Botanico (Botanical Gardens), Via Irnerio, 42 Tel: (0)51351280. Created in the mid-16th century for medicinal herbs. Currently the second largest park in the city the Botanical gardens are home to over 5,000 plant species. Some of the highlights include a full-grown sequoia, and a greenhouse for cacti and carnivorous plants. Open: Monday to Friday - 08:30 to 15:00, Saturday 08:00 to 13:00.

• Villa delle Rose, Via Saragozza, 228/230 Tel: (0)51 436 818. Donated to the city in 1916, the gardens were originally owned by the Cella family. The 18th-century Villa delle Rose, which was the Cella's residence, hosts art exhibitions throughout the year. Open: Tuesday to Sunday 15:00 to 19:00.

• Villa Guastavillani, Via degli Scalini, 18 Tel: 051 239 660. Designed and built by Tomasso Martelli in the 16th century. Open: Monday to Saturday - 08:00 to 14:00.

• Villa Spada, Via Casaglia, 1 Tel: 051 614 5512. On the grounds of the Palazzo Ravone an 18th century villa, it was opened to the public in 1970. Open: April to September - Tuesday to Sunday 07:30 to 22:00; October to March - Tuesday to Sunday 07:30 to 18:00.

• Parco Cavaioni, Via di Casaglia. A large park featuring meadows, fields, wooded areas, and a lake. Open: April to September - 06:00 to midnight, October to March - 07:00 to 18:00.

• Certosa - Via della Certosa, 18, Tel: (0)514 12606. Bologna's main cemetery, with beautifully carved tombstones, built over the ruins of an ancient Etrusan necropolis. Open: daily 07:00 to 18:00.

[edit][add listing] Do

• Bologna Fiere, Via della Fiera, 20, ☎ +39 051.282.111 (segreteria.generale@bolognafiere.it), [18]. an Exhibition Centre near Bologna, that among other things have an International Automobile Exhibition every year  edit

• Cook Italy, Via Marsala 16 (central, nr corner with Via Oberdan), ☎ +39 349 0078 298, [19]. Get behind one of those huge Bologna doorways and spend a day cooking with Carmelita of Cook Italy, the longest established Bologna cooking-school. Very central location and Carmelita also customises the menu, that way you get to cook and eat the traditional Bologna meal of your dreams!  edit

[edit] Events and Festivals

There's a great film festival with restored silent and sound films throughout July in Piazza Maggiore. In the past, these have included especially Italian and French film, animation shorts from Annecy, archive footage of Bologna (e.g. of its liberation by British and American troops) and modern classics such as The Third Man, Raging Bull, Apocalypse Now and The Pianist.

[edit] Motor Show Bologna & The Car Museums

There are many exciting events that are worth taking part of during your stay in lively Bologna. If you plan on spending the onset of the winter holidays in Bologna, you can complete your vacation with a visit to the Motorshow Bologna and to the museums that showcase the automobile masterpieces of Italy.

And just nearby lies the three museums you must visit in order to do this. These are the Ducati Museum, the Lamborghini Museum, and the Ferrari Museum or Galleria Ferrari. To fully appreciate the Ducati Museum you can join guided tours by obtaining advanced reservations. The museum is open daily except on Sundays and holidays. But if you wish to join a tour, you can choose from the 11 am or the 4 pm schedule. You can also explore the museum at leisure since visits are entirely free. Next, you can make your way to the Lamborghini Museum, which is located in the area that connects Bologna with neighboring city Modena. It lies at about 21 miles from Bologna and can be easily driven to. The museum was established in 2001 and aims to celebrate one of the most expensive Italian cars in the world. To complete your unique museum-hopping, head over to Ferrari Museum or Galleria Ferrari. The museum is situated in Maranello, a town just outside Modena and located around 34 miles from Bologna. Although the museum is part of Ferrari’s headquarters, it has its own building separate from the Ferrari factory. Of the three museums in your itinerary, the Ferrari Museum is the oldest, dating back to 1990. The museum spans an amazing 2,500 sq/m and is divided into four sections, namely the Formula One collection, the special exhibits, the technological innovation exhibit, and the photo exhibits.

The Formula One collection displays the extraordinary race cars that have played a monumental role in making Ferrari the most famous automobile maker in the world. One of the most remarkable cars is the first Ferrari 125 S that was built in 1947 and won a race in the same year. And to give you a glimpse of what F1 racing is all about, you can check out the Fiorano test track next to the museum where you might even see a Ferrari racing past.

[edit] Music venues

Bologna is an Italian hub for rock, electronic and alternative music. There are almost a hundred concerts every year by international bands. Unfortunately many of these locations have moved outside the city center. The main places to check out are The Estragon and Link .

• Estragon, Parco Nord. a big ex-industrial hangar, features dj-sets and concerts by international rock bands almost every night.  edit

• Livello 57. Now only seldom open. It mainly features raves and techno gigs in an industrial, darkish atmosphere.  edit

• TPO, Viale Lenin. Another occupied location that mostly features experimental music festivals and rock concerts.  edit

• XM24, Via Fioravanti 24. an occupied ex-agricultural market where Punk-hc, rock and electronic concerts are often featured. A very cheap place, great if you don't mind the punk atmosphere. Avoid it if no concerts/festivals are announced.  edit

• The Link. recently moved outside the city, is a large, 2-floor club that features mostly avant garde electronic, techno and hip-hop gigs and dj-sets. A little book shop, mainly on "alternative" subjects, can be found inside  edit

• Il Covo. the most renowned indie rock club, features rock concerts by a number of interesting bands, but it is quite small and expensive.  edit

• Kindergarten, Via Calzoni. next to the "Fiera", is a recently opened club that features techno, and sometimes punk and new wave concerts.  edit

• Locomotiv. another indie rock club, but friendlier than il Covo  edit

[edit][add listing] Buy

The key to shopping in Italy is to look in every little shop as you walk around, paying attention to price tags. Please take note that the hours listed usually specify a closure in the afternoons. There is no one place to get the perfect pair of shoes or the perfect ties or the perfect anything: you have to look all over, but this is half the fun. If you can't find what you want at the price you want to pay for it, keep looking, chances are you will find something somewhere else that will work perfectly.

Don't miss the chance to buy local food, such as hand-made pastas and gorgeous cheeses, from any of the hundreds of small vendors and shops to be found in the city. At least half the experience of visiting Bologna is the gastronomic pleasure!

If you have money to spend (a lot perhaps ...) you have to go in 'Galleria Cavour' , near 'Via Farini' with a lot of high fashion shops (Armani,Yves Saint Laurent, Versace ... etc ...)

Another "shop street" is "via San Felice" near "via Ugo Bassi" with a lot of small shops that made artigianal dresses (sugarbabe), artshop (elzapoppin), art galleries and (as usual) shoes and dresses shop.

[edit][add listing] Eat

There are many choices for where to eat, as Bologna is generally considered to be the gastronomic centre of Italy, the Food Capital. It is difficult to find a truly poor meal as the Bolognese, like most Italians, use fabulous quality local produce with sparkling ingenuity.

• Gamberini in Via Ugo Bassi does the best pre-dinner Aperitivo in town, great cakes too. Closed Thursday afternoon and Sunday evenings. Gilberto in Via Clavature does a good Aperitivo on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays between 7 and 9 pm.
• Da Leonida in Vicolo Alemagna is hard to fault, with its excellent food and service at fair prices.But service can be slow ... it could take you a while to get your bill..
• Via Oberdan has the excellent restaurant Teresina which has both fish and meat menus. Also located on Via Oberdan: the unique Cafè, Terzi with single estate coffees, and La Salumeria Bruno e Franco, which is probably Bologna's best deli.
• Enoteca Italiana" in Via Marsala at Via Malcontenti, has twice been voted best in Italy. Great for a stand up sandwich ( Pancetta with Balsamic or a Mortadella Panino) and an excellent glass of the wine of your choice.
• For down to earth home style cooking try: Da Gianni in Via Clavature, Mariposa in Via Bertiera, Meloncello in Via Sargozza.
• For good service, good wine list and fine food at a price try Camminetto D'Oro in Via de Falegnami or Cesarina in Piazza Santo Stefano.
• For more contemporary stylish dining try the excellent and good value Marco Fadiga Bistro in Via Rialto or Casa Monica in Via San Felice.
• Via del Pratello has lots of bars and restaurants/osterie for young people. There's lots to choose from here. Walk past, look at the menus. It is located towards the middle of the 'western' part of the map. Fantoni with its checkered red and white table clothes and scribbled menus, is much frequented by students and serves fantastic fish secondi and an excellent ragu'. Via Mascarella/Largo Respighi is another zone with a lot of Osterie.
• The Diana on Via Indipendenza is probably the most famous restaurant in the city but now it is a pale shadow of what it once was, though still high on old world atmosphere. Elderly Bolognese, tourists and businessmen dine here. The traditional regional cuisine like Lasagne Bolognese, Tortellini in Brodo and Tagliatelle with Ragu are the best choice here and the service is top notch. The daunting bolito misto is still a favorite and 35 Euros will add heaps of shaved white truffle to any dish. Diana is a favorite of Mario Batali but has fallen out of favour with many locals.
• Il Pappagallo at the top of the street leading into Piazza Santo Stefano was a famous haunt of the stars during the '60s and '70s and still attracts an exclusive clientele. Its mix of traditional Bolognese fare and nouvelle cuisine gives the Diana a run for its money. Many other restaurants offer the same food for a lot less, but you get a lot of space between the tables here and the historic building is impressive if that is what you want.
• Once upon a time good ice cream (gelato) could only be found at Antica sorbetteria in Via Castiglione. Among current contenders for the Bologna's Best Gelato title is Stefino Via Galliera 49/B, not far from the railway station. Try the wonderful pistachio ice cream and try almond "granita", though this is better at the recently opened Grom on Via D'Azeglio. The other place for superb pistachio and chocolate and many unique ice cream flavors, like Parmigiano with Pears or Fig and Almond or Watermelon and Jasmine, is Il Gelatauro, in Via San Vitale, considered one of the best gelaterie in all Italy. The newly opened Cremeria in Piazza Cavour is givng everyoe else a run for their money with many excellent flavor combinations.
• Via San Vitale also features L'Antica Bologna, a chic but good and not particularly expensive bar and patisserie. Good Italian coffee is served too.
• If you want cheap but good Italian food, go to Trattoria L'Assassino (Via Vinazzetti 7/A) or to Al Matusel (Via Bertoloni 2). Both are in the University (north-east of the center) zone (next to Via San Vitale and Via Zamboni respectively) and offer a good and tasty meal for as cheap as 10 euros, coffee included. L'Assassino offers good pasta dishes and especially exquisite custards and self-made bread. Al Matuseli s renowned for good fish dishes. Also, Trattoria del Rosso in Via Righi 30 is a similar place, not far from Piazza 8 Agosto.
• Many gourmets swear by the simple Bolognese food of the down to earth, reasonably-priced Trattoria Tony in Via Augusto Righi, just 1/2 block off Via Independencia--truly excellent.

• L'antica Trattoria Spiga on Via Broccaindosso is a bit hard to find, but make the effort; it has a very good risotto and wonderful traditional Cucina Bolognese (which does not include risotto).If you are blessed to visit on a Wednesday,don't miss out on the day's special, a platter with crescente bread served with cold cured meats and cheeses for savory and nutella and jams for dessert. As with most places in Bologna, be prepared to know a little Italian. L'Antica Osteria Romagnola in Via Rialto is very pretty and does good food but refuse the abundant (and expensive) antipasto or have that and just one other course.

[edit][add listing] Drink

Consider visiting the many pubs and clubs of Via Zamboni (university zone); some, such as "The Irish Pub", popular with students and foreigners, give happy hours on Tuesday/Wednesday. "Al Piccolo" down the road in Piazza Verdi is another famous student haunt, a live DJ playing techno into the early mornings. Otherwise, the Via Pratello has many bars and is the center of the city's alternative scene. Worth a look in particular is "Mutanye", whose owner is reputed to have been part of the Red Brigade in his youth, hence the many soviet posters. Via Mascarella, in the northeast area of the city, has plenty of nightspots, among them two jazz clubs. And finaly check out themany bars and pubs host music contests and concerts, from rock to jazz to "liscio", the traditional folk songs in Emilia-Romagna.

For a good enoteca (winery), "Ai Vini Scelti" just outside the center in Via Andrea Costa and only a few moments from Via Pratello, is considered one of the best in Bologna, though there are many others in the center, providing everything from a quick aperitivo to proper wine-tasting. Another good winery is "Vini d'Italia" in Emilia Levante street (Viale Lenin corner), which is one of the oldest on in the city. A very pleasant outdoor trattoria and wine bar on Piazza San Martino called "Golem" has a relaxed, modern Italian atmosphere and is great for people watching. Reasonable prices, excellent wines, and a small appetizer bar make it ideal for a long evening of good drink with friends or family. Also, the gnocchi with crab sauce is superb, although you might want to avoid it if you're squeamish about crab parts.

• Enoteca Italiana (see above, in EAT) has excellent and non pretentious Sommeliers on hand to advise and guide you. Great place for a lovely glass of wine.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

Hotels can become shockingly expensive and the city quite packed over the days when fairs are hosted in the local Fiera District (especially beware of Saie and Cersaie). You can check the calendar on Fiera di Bologna web site [20].

[edit] Budget

• Ospiti da Fabrizio (Guest House), Via Sant'Anna 20, [21]. Charming flat (60 mq) with Italian characteristic style, comfortably furnished in every detail, including free Wireless, placed in an old Bolognese courtyard. Close to public transports and shops. Nice and cheap alternative to Hotels and B&B 30/50/60 € for 1/2/3 person.  edit
• Collegio Universitario S. Tommaso d'Aquino a Bologna, Via San Domenico, 1, ☎ (051)6564811 (fax: (051)6486508), [22]. Hotel is a part of San Tommaso's college but should be available for booking to everyone. Pro: Good location, cheap, free and high-speed Wi-Fi. Contra: Reception is not 24 hours! It is closed from 1am till 7am (8am during weekends), you will not be able to enter the hotel after 1am - it is possible to extend it for 20-30 € till 2am-3am respectively, but only in advance; very poor breakfast - just coffee, juice, cereals and cakes. 50 € for 1 person; parking is 10 € (extremely hard to find a parking place on the nearby streets) but you're not allowed to enter the city center, including the area where hotel is located, by car before 8pm.  edit

[edit] Mid-range

• Amadeus Hotel, Via Marco Lepido 39, ☎ +39 051 403 040, [23]. The Amadeus Hotel is near the Bologna airport, in the city's nearest suburban area. About 15 minutes by car or bus from the central station.  edit

• Hotel Fiera, Via Stalingrado 82, [24]. A very nice hotel in the Merchant district with clean rooms and nice bathrooms. If you are lucky enough to get a room with a balcony, you will be rewarded with an outstanding view of the Appenines in the distance. Friendly staff, and a very nice little restaurant. Breakfast here is lovely. If you want a place on the outskirts from which to plan your stay, you could do much worse, but at a significant distance from the center, public transport is a must. All rooms have a minibar at very reasonable prices. Very clean rooms. Doubles from €120, singles from €90.  edit

• Hotel Imperial, Via del Gomito, 16 40127, ☎ +39 051.327183 (fax: +39 051.4187076), [25]. A 3 star hotel with meeting rooms, wellness center and gym, a good choice for business travelers or for a relaxing holiday. Located near a bus no.25 stop, which takes you straight to the railway station. doubles from € 50.  edit

• Hotel Porta San Mamolo, Vicolo del Falcone 6-8, ☎ +39 051 583 056, [26]. Much-loved small Hotel, lauded for its lovely staff, comfortable and prettily decorated rooms, and central but quiet location.  edit

• Hotel University Bologna, Via Mentana, ☎ +39 051229713, [27]. The University Hotel is located close to the “Universitá degli Studi”, 22 bedroom of this three star hotel  edit

• Hotel HC3 Bologna, Via dell'Arcoveggio 46/4, ☎ +39 051 373632 (fax: +39 051 361429), [28]. HC3 is a 4 star hotel in Bologna near the City Fair and just a few minutes from downtown. It features 37 full optional rooms, free wi-fi internet connection, modern gym and a comfortable meeting room. Peculiar to the hotel is courtesy coffee around the clock available for free on every floor.  edit

[edit] Splurge

• Relais Villa Valfiore, Via Imelda Lambertini 20, San Lazzaro di Savena, ☎ +39 051 625 54 91 (info@valfiore.com, fax: +39 051 499 81 01), [29]. In a a park of century-old trees in an enchanting corner of the hills in the Municipality of San Lazzaro di Savena, just a few kilometres from Bologna.  edit

• Il Convento dei Fiori di Seta, Via Orfeo 34/4, [30]. A stylish little hotel that has been fitted into a small restored church.  edit

• Grand Hotel Baglioni, 8 Via Indipendenza, ☎ +39 051 225445 (fax: +39 051 234840). A grand large fairly elegant hotel doubles from € 565.  edit

[edit] Get out

• Day Trips by Car or Train - Head out for the day to Ferrara, Rimini, Ravenna, Cortona

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