Logistics made easy. Access our 2-day itineraries, hotel neighborhood guides, and budget tips to plan a stress-free trip to Bologna.
Bologna is arguably the best “Base Camp” in Italy. Why? Because you can reach Florence in 37 minutes flat. While hotels in Florence have skyrocketed to €250+ per night for 2026, Bologna remains a strategic hub. You can wake up in Bologna, see the David, eat a panino on the Ponte Vecchio, and be back…
Is Bologna expensive? Compared to the tourist giants like Venice or Milan, Bologna remains surprisingly affordable. However, inflation and the 2026 City Tax updates have changed the math for travelers. While you can still find a world-class plate of Tagliatelle for €14, “Hidden Costs” like the Coperto (cover charge) and late-night taxi surcharges can add…
Bologna is not just about eating; it’s about living well. And in Italy, living well means dressing well and filling your home with high-quality goods. Unlike Milan, where shopping can feel like a stressful fashion show, shopping in Bologna is a relaxed stroll under the porticoes. Whether you are looking for a handmade leather bag,…
One of the smartest travel hacks in Italy is to use Bologna as your “Base Camp.” Why? Because Bologna is the central knot of Italy’s high-speed rail network (Le Frecce). You can stay here—where the food is better and the hotels are cheaper than in Venice or Florence—and reach the country’s most famous cities in…
If you tell your kids you are going to a “medieval university city famous for architecture,” they might cry. If you tell them you are going to the City of Pasta, Gelato, and Whispering Walls, they will pack their bags themselves. Bologna is surprisingly fantastic for families. The historic center is mostly car-free (safe for…
Bologna has two very different sides. On one side, you have the oldest university in the Western world, filled with medieval art, anatomical waxworks, and dusty libraries. On the other side, you have the “Motor Valley”—the high-octane home of the world’s fastest supercars. Whether you want to stare at a Renaissance painting or sit inside…
If you leave Bologna with a fridge magnet made in China, you have failed. Bologna is a city of artisans and flavors. The best souvenirs here aren’t things that sit on a shelf gathering dust; they are things you eat, drink, or use. Since you are visiting the culinary capital of Italy, your suitcase should…
One of the most common questions I get from travelers planning a trip to Italy is: “Is Bologna safe?” The short answer is: Yes, absolutely! Compared to major tourist hubs like Rome, Paris, or Barcelona, Bologna feels like a village. It has a low violent crime rate, a relaxed vibe, and a massive student population…
They call Bologna La Grassa (The Fat) because of its rich food, but that doesn’t mean your wallet has to get thin. Yes, you can spend €100 on a dinner of truffle pasta and Barolo wine. But Bologna is also home to the oldest university in the western world, which means it is packed with…
Bologna is one of the easiest cities in Italy to navigate. The airport is practically in the city, the train station connects you to everywhere, and the historic center is walkable. However, mistakes can still be made (like driving into the ZTL zone!). If you are driving, choosing the right hotel is crucial to avoid…
