My Bologna has a first name, it's B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L

Bologna, dubbed as the ‘red’ city and the ‘fat’ city has grown from the centrally located city to a thriving cultural hub. With several museums, a rolling countryside, divine cuisine, and a beautiful historic sites that are must-sees. Having had to the privilege to not only visit, but live there, over 10-years ago, here are my recommendations for a weekend in Bologna.

1. Due Torri

The towers were built between 1109 and 1119, and the tallest of the two is the tallest leaning medieval tower in the world.

While only one is still able to be climbed, checking out these famous and centrally located towers, along with the 498 stair climb to the top, is not only highly advisable, but it provides you an incredible view of the city.

2. San Luca

A sanctuary church, built on a hill just outside of the city, has gained it's popularity due to the covered walkway that takes you from the base to the doors of the church.

This 3.7km walk begins at Porta Saragozza, with the last 1.9km being an uphill walk. Once at the top you are gifted with spectacular views of the countryside and of the city.

3. La Campagna

Being that the countryside is a quick bus from the city centre, it is worth hopping on a bus, taking a drive, or hiking into the countryside. From the growing journey on the 'Via degli Dei', starting in Bologna to Florence, to new restaurants lining the country roads that lead from Bologna, there are different ways to fully explore and take in the rolling hills that surround the city.

4. Eat at a Trattoria

On top of boosting several historical building, Bologna is known for its food. From Ragu, to tortellini, to mortadella, and tagliatelle, there is no shortage of options for food when you visit the city.

While really you could just stop into any of the small trattorias to grab a traditional meal, here are some of the places I have either visited or been recommended when it comes to eating traditional food.

Osteria dal Nonno

Agriturismo Granantico

Nonna Rosa

La Svolta

Da Cesarina

Pappagallo

Due to the increase popularity Bologna has received over the last few years, it is highly advised that you book a reservation for either lunch or dinner if there is a place you really want to try.

5. I Portici

While you will quickly learn that the Portici are around every corner in the city, they are definitely something that should be admired.

Officially added to the UNESCO World Heritage site in 2021, these covered walkways provide coverage from the weather as you walk around the historic city.

6. Il Centro

The city centre holds many neat areas to checkout. From Piazza Maggiore and the adjacent streets full of shops and bars, to Piazza Santo Stefano, that is home to the 7 churches, or walking in any direction to explore the portici, medieval buildings and gates into the city, or even visiting the outer circle to see the remains of the old wall that use to surround the city, there is several options.

And if you finish all of these and have some spare time, try checking out some of the museums, such as Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna, take a stroll through the university, the oldest in the western world, do a half-day trip to Modena or Ravena, or take a coffee in the city centre and just bask in the beauty that is Bologna.