Bologna in September

Nancy - You can also add a visit to the beach resort town of Rimini Italy which not too far from Bologna by train. The trip from Bologna is 1hr. 10min by train.

https://www.tripsavvy.com/rimini-travel-guide-1547819

Ravenna is definitely worth a visit. The mosaics are breathtaking.

We used public transportation almost exclusively for our trip last year and found all modes to be very easy. And this from someone who had never used trains or subways before. It's going to be our first choice from now on.

Be sure to plan for a day or two IN Bologna. The Tourist Information office, on Piazza Maggiore, offers a Bologna walking tour that is very good. It lasts about 2 1/2 hours; our guide was entertaining and informative. (She also gave great recommendations for dining.) You can take the city bus to the Santuario di Madonna di San Luca, a basilica in the hills overlooking Bologna. After your visit, walk back down to the city on a path covered by nearly 4 km of porticos. Beautiful views, plus you will see many local residents out for their daily run coming up the hill to San Luca. You will find no shortage of excellent food in Bologna! Mercato di Mezzo is a great place for a light or casual meal.

Ravenna was awesome with its Byzantine Historical buildings and art. Bologna was OK, but underwhelming.

I liked Bologna a lot. It has one of the largest medieval centers in Europe. I, too, liked the walking tour offered by the Tourist Office.

I agree that Ravenna is spectacular. The town itself is very picturesque, and the mosaics (at seven different sites) are stunning. There are other good day-trips to be made from Bologna that require less time sitting on a train, but I can't imagine any of them are as wonderful as Ravenna.

Ravenna is spectacular but it sounds like that wouldn't leave you much time in Bologna itself, which would be a shame. Bologna is a great city to wander in: through the food markets, along the porticos, up to San Luca...It's a fun city and feels so much less touristy than most other Italian towns. I also visited in September, which is a beautiful month to be there and to be thankful for slightly cooler weather - just right for enjoying hearty Bolognese food!

That said, depending on your age and frequency of visits to Europe, if you're only going to be in this part of Italy once I'd head for Ravenna. The mosaics are extraordinary and something you will never forget seeing. Just make sure you make it back to Bologna for a delicious dinner and a stroll.

(Out of curiosity, is your day-long food tour the Italian Days one? I did it while I was in town and it was fantastic!)

We arrive in Bologna on Saturday from Naples...not sure what time we will arrive as too early to book train...probably around 12 or 1:00 pm...haven’t planned anything for that day. On Sunday we booked a walk and eat like a local tour at 11:30 a 2 1/2 tour....on Monday, we have a full day tour starting at 8:15 both tours booked through Viator. I was considering cancelling the tour on Sunday and going to Ravenna instead...we could take in the sights in Bologna when we arrive on Saturday....and of course find a lovely place for dinner and wine...thoughts? I wish I could do it all, but alas so much to do so little time.

I’ll look for some of our favorite spots. I’ll sen you a private message after I do.

Have lunch at the Mercato delle erbe! Our Bologian friends met us for lunch here and it was awesome. Crowded at lunchtime of course but at least walk through! One of our highlights. Also visit the library. I know it sounds weird but it is quite interesting.