Bologna Italy Tourism (2020) Travel Guide Top Places

"Historic capital of North Italy"

Bologna Tourism

Bologna is the largest city in the Emilia-Romagna region in north Italy, the city is nicknamed 'the learned one', referring to the oldest university in Europe located in Bologna and 'the fat one', referring to the culinary cuisine. Bologna is also a UNESCO 'city of music'.

Bologna is centrally located in North Italy - the city is famous for housing the oldest university in Europe built in 1088 AD, the Bolgnese cuisine, plentiful beautiful churches and some amazing museums. Many Italins consider Bologna, with it's red terrocatta roofs, the most beautiful city in Italy, second to only Venice. Bologna hosts several students every year from different parts of Italy and Europe and the north east part of Bologna is the universoty zone, with many pubs. The best way to discover the city is by hiring a bicycle and cycling around the porticos of Bolgna.

Places to Visit In Bologna

Basilica - Santuario di Santo Stefano

Piazza Maggiore

Torri degli Asinelli e Garisenda

Museo Civico Archeologico

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Exchanging Money in Bologna

Exchanging currency in Bologna is not difficult, however, in terms of exchange rates, you may not get a good deal. As with most big cities of Italy, there are several exchange booths and before doing any transaction, ask for that day's rate and any fee, if applicable. A better alternative is to use your ATM card to withdraw money in local currency. Most ATMs in Bologna accept foreign cards.

Daily Budget for Bologna

Per day costs in Bologna for a budget trip can start from EUR 100. These costs include three meals a day, some alcohol, transportation and entry passes for attractions. Eating in fancy restaurants, shopping, and other small upgrades can almost double that amount per day. Luxury travel in Bologna can start at EUR 200.

Religion of Bologna

Christianity is the broad religion in Bologna as with most of Italy, and Roman Catholicism is the prinicpal religion to be followed.

Bologna Customs

Family value is of utmost importance to Italians, and family gatherings are often frequent and are thoroughly enjoyed. In the north, usually only nuclear families stay together, unlike in the south where the whole extended family stays together. Another interesting custom peculiar to Italians is the importance given to appearances. Locals assess each other within seconds of meeting each other - a concept called 'bella figura' - which means that good image is important to Italians.

Language of Bologna

The main language spoken in Italy is Italian, however, the Bolognese dialect is more common in this region of Italy. The Bolognese dialect is more aligned to Gallo-Italic languages than to Italian itself. Kownledge of English among locals is fairly poor, but enough to get a tourist around.

History of Bologna

Inhabited since the iron age, it was then under the Roman leadership. Bologna has struggled for autonomy at many points, as it was ruled by various kings and the church. Throughout the centuries, Bologna has been occupied by various ethnicities, the Lombards, Austrians, French etc and if you visit Bologna today, you can still fragments of influence left behind. Bologna has been home to several artists and painters, including Leonardo (of the famed Mona Lisa painting) and scientists such as Galvani and Marconi.

Nightlife in Bologna

There are several pubs, resto-pubs and wineries in and around Bologna, especially near the universty zone like the popular Irish Pub. There are several student joints that boast of a vibrant nighlife, such as Piazza Verdi. In the north east of the city, near Via Mascarella, are a few good jazz clubs. Other pubs include Celtic Druid Pub and Bar Wolf.

Shopping in Bologna

Shopping in any Italian city is a unforgettable experience, and you have to look in every nook and corner, street and alley to get the best buys. Don't forget to buy locally made pastas and the plentiful varieties of cheeses. One street to visit if you're a shopaholic is the via San Felice with quite a few small vendors and stores selling dresses, shoes and art.

Currency in Bologna

The official currency in Italy, which is part of the Eurozone, is Euro. Even smaller establishments use Euro as this is the single currency used. The Italian Lira was used only up to 1999.

Restaurants and Local Food in Bologna

Bologna is often referred to as the food capital of Italy, a gastronomic trate for anyone who visit the city. Trattoria di via Serra, a top rated eaterie in Bologna, is extremely popular with tourists. The tortelloni is a well appreciated dish, apart from their other traditional dishes. Other fast food and cheap options include II Panino and Pizzartist. They serve mostly Italian and Meditarrarean options - and the food is delicious. Bologna is famous foe the Bolognese cuisine, centred around the Bolognese sauce. While in Bologna, a must try is their lasgna or pasta with Bolognese sauce.
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Best Time to Visit Bologna

Commuting within Bologna

Bologna Photos

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Top Hotels In Bologna

Grand Hotel Majestic gia' Baglioni

9.3 (528 reviews)

€ 239 onwards

UNAWAY Congress Hotel Bologna San Lazzaro

9.1 (1431 reviews)

€ 60 onwards

Hotel Corona d'Oro

9.1 (983 reviews)

€ 165 onwards

Art Hotel Orologio

9.0 (436 reviews)

€ 115 onwards

Art Hotel Commercianti

9.0 (1038 reviews)

€ 95 onwards

Zanhotel Regina

9.0 (1640 reviews)

€ 83 onwards

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How To Reach Bologna

Bologna is served by the Guglielmo Marconi (Bologna) International Airport, very close to the city. And due to it's gepgraphical location, it's common to reach Bologna by rail.