Exploring Bologna: Italy’s Culinary and Cultural Capital
Nov 2024 • By Lindsay FoleyBologna, the vibrant capital of Emilia-Romagna in northern Italy, is an absolute must-visit destination. Known for its exquisite food, rich history, and beautiful architecture, it’s a city that’s perfect for a long weekend. Despite visiting in November when it was freezing—even colder than London — the chill didn’t dampen our experience. The charm of this northern Italian city more than made up for the cold weather!
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Where to Stay in Bologna
We stayed at the Art Hotel Commercianti, a four-star hotel in the heart of Bologna, to celebrate my birthday—and as you can see, the hotel pulled out all the stops! Tucked away down a quiet side street just off the main square, this hotel was in a perfect location. It offered both peace and proximity, everything was right on our doorstep and we still enjoyed quiet and restful nights.
The decor of the hotel was traditional and elegant, with historic artwork throughout the property, creating a charming atmosphere. We stayed in a Classic Double Room, which was both comfortable and beautifully designed, making it the perfect choice for a weekend getaway.
Breakfast was great, offering a continental buffet with both sweet and savoury options to set you up for the day.
Things to Do in Bologna
Piazza Maggiore
Piazza Maggiore is the heart of Bologna, and we found ourselves walking through it regularly during our stay. Surrounded by shops, restaurants, and bars, the square has a lively atmosphere and is a must-see even if you’re not staying nearby.
Basilica di San Petronio
Located in Piazza Maggiore, this grand basilica offers free admission. It’s well worth stepping inside to admire the stunning architecture and get a sense of Bologna’s history.
Fontana del Nettuno
Also situated in Piazza Maggiore, this iconic fountain is a landmark you can’t miss—even if you don’t plan to visit it intentionally. It’s especially beautiful when lit up at night.
La Piccola Venezia
We were a bit disappointed by this spot, as the canal was completely dried up when we visited! If you’re considering a visit, check ahead to see if there’s water in the canals—it may save you a trip.
Porticoes
Bologna’s famous porticoes are a unique feature of the city and something you’ll encounter naturally as you explore. These historic covered walkways are both beautiful and practical, especially in colder weather.
Torre dell’Orologio
One of the highlights of our trip was climbing the clocktower in Piazza Maggiore. For €10 per person, you can explore the clock mechanism and ascend to the top for amazing views of the city. While the stairs to the very top aren’t the most stable—built long before modern building regulations—you’ll need to sign a waiver to continue. If you’re comfortable with the climb, it’s absolutely worth it for the stunning views, especially at sunset!
Dining in Bologna
Bologna is truly a food lover’s paradise! Every meal was 10/10, and the city lived up to its reputation as the culinary capital of Italy.
Trattoria da Me
On our first night, we visited Trattoria da Me, which was exactly the relaxed experience we needed after traveling. For starters, we enjoyed crescentina bread—a traditional fried bread—paired with delicious cured meats, a perfect intro to Bologna’s culinary traditions. The restaurant’s cosy atmosphere and great menu made it an ideal start to our trip. Conveniently, it was just a 20-minute walk from our hotel, and the stroll itself was lovely, taking us past busy shops and inviting bars and restaurants along the way.
Ahimè
For a truly special dining experience in Bologna, we visited Ahimè. Known for its innovative and imaginative approach to food, Ahimè offers a tasting menu that highlights modern interpretations of traditional Bolognese cuisine.
Each course was intricately prepared and beautifully presented, with the tortellini being a standout for me! Perfectly cooked and bursting with flavour, it was one of the most memorable dishes of the evening. The tasting menu itself was a really nice surprise, as we didn’t know ahead of time what would be served, making the experience even more exciting.
The restaurant is small and cosy, with a minimalist yet inviting interior. The intimate setting paired with the creative dishes made this a dining experience we won’t forget. If you’re in Bologna and looking for something unique, Ahimè is absolutely worth a visit.
Vicolo Colombina
On our last night, we dined at Vicolo Colombina, which was conveniently just a few minutes’ walk from our hotel—ideal on a cold evening! The food was delicious, and the intimate setting made it the perfect way to wrap up our trip.
Bologna Travel Tips
- Bundle up for Bologna: Bologna can be much colder than expected in November, so prepare and pack warm clothing and layers
- Do your homework: For attractions like La Piccola Venezia, check conditions in advance to avoid disappointment!
- Stride through the streets: Bologna is a walkable city, and many of its highlights are best enjoyed on foot
Final Thoughts
Bologna exceeded all expectations with its incredible food, historic charm, and vibrant atmosphere. The city offers a perfect mix of culinary delights and cultural experiences. Whether it’s climbing the clocktower at sunset, strolling through Piazza Maggiore, or indulging in mortadella sandwiches, Bologna is a destination that leaves you craving more!