Planning a trip to Bologna? Start here!
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2 Days in Bologna: The Perfect Weekend Itinerary (2026 Guide)
Bologna is often called the “underrated” neighbor of Florence and Venice, but let’s be honest: it is actually the superior choice. It is less crowded, the locals are friendlier, and the food is arguably the best in Italy. Known as La Dotta (The Learned), La Grassa (The Fat), and La Rossa (The Red), Bologna is…
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Where to Stay in Bologna: Best Neighborhoods & Hotels (2026 Guide)
Choosing where to stay in Bologna is usually easy, but 2026 is a unique year for the city. Bologna is currently undergoing major construction to complete the new tram line (the “Linea Rossa”). This means some traditionally popular streets—specifically Via dell’Indipendenza, Via Ugo Bassi, and Via Riva di Reno — are facing construction noise and…
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The 3 Best Day Trips from Bologna: Modena, Parma & Ferrari Valley (2026 Guide)
One of the best reasons to visit Bologna is that it is the railway hub of Italy. You can hop on a train and be in Florence in 37 minutes or Venice in 90 minutes. Trains run frequently from Bologna Centrale. If you aren’t sure how to buy tickets or validate them, check my Bologna…
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Bologna Transport Guide 2026: Airport to City, Trains & Buses
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…
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Bologna on a Budget: Free Things to Do & Cheap Eats (2026 Guide)
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…
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Is Bologna Safe? Tourist Safety Guide & Areas to Avoid (2026)
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…
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What to Buy in Bologna: 10 Best Authentic Souvenirs (2026 Guide)
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…
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The Ultimate Guide to Bologna Museums: Ferrari, Lamborghini & Ducati (2026)
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…
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Visiting Bologna with Kids: The Ultimate Family Guide & Best Things to Do (2026)
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…
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Best Day Trips from Bologna by Train: Florence, Venice, San Marino & Food Valley (2026)
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…
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Shopping in Bologna: The Ultimate Guide to Markets, Outlets & Artisan Goods (2026)
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,…
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Bologna Trip Cost 2026: Complete Budget Guide & Price Watch
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…
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Bologna to Florence Day Trip: Train Guide & 1-Day Itinerary (2026)
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…
