We know Bologna is known for fabulous food, and we definitely plan on eating and drinking. What are other things to do either within the city or within a couple hours drive of the city?
Posted by
Chicago
8223 posts
Posted by
Laval, Québec, Canada
336 posts
Staying in bologna last year we did a long day trip, left early, to go to Ravenna for the amazing mosaics and after lunch, went to San Marino which we thought was absolutely spectacular. A long but memorable day.
Posted by
WPB, FL & Firenze
3112 posts
Both Lonely Planet and Rough Guide guidebooks (probably others like Michelin) have good coverage of Bologna sights. I bought the Lonely Planet book for my visit of 2 full days and never ran out of interesting things to do. Your interests may be different from mine, so it's best to scan a guidebook and select those of interest to you. With 4 days, a day trip to Ravenna would be easy to add and is very worthwhile. Note that some restaurants may be closed for all or part of August. I liked Tamburini for its delicious and inexpensive lunch, but I'm not sure of their August schedule. The front part is a deli and wine bar, with a lunch-only seating area in the back. Don't let the cafeteria style set-up discourage you. It was some of the best food I had in Bologna.
Posted by
seattle
2147 posts
Within Bologna it is great to wander the historic Midieval core with great architecture and winding streets. The food markets near Piazza Maggiore are wonderful. Also enjoyed the National Pinotecca museum. Many easy day trips to places like Ferrara, Modena, Parma and Ravenna.
Posted by
Windsor, Ontario, Canada
4093 posts
A number of walking tours through the city are available from the city tourism bureau. I took a guided tour of the distinctive defence towers, those unusual-looking spires where the rich withstood sieges. You don't have to go to Pisa to see a tilted tower. But try to find a tour that has access to a tower interior. My group went up -- up,up,up, and narrower all the way -- for a great view across the city rooftops. Oddly, the place is now used as a bed-and-breakfast, presumably for robust stair-climbers.
The site below has many suggestions, including the nearby car plants:
Posted by
Philadelphia, PA
187 posts
We will be there 4 days in May. I am so looking forward to our visit.
That was great website welcome to Bologna thanks so much...
Then we head to Padua for 4 days also...
Posted by
Laval, Québec, Canada
336 posts
Padua... Scrovegni chapel is a major piece of pre-rennaissance. Make sure to reserve ahead.