Bologna suggestions?

Posted by Michael (Seattle, WA, USA) on 12/01/07 03:43 PM

We're going to be spending two or three nights in Bologna in May. Since Rick barely acknowledges its existence in his books ^_^, I was hoping to get some suggestions and feedback from those who have visited there. I keep hearing how great the food is, so specific restaurants would be appreciated. Same thing for lodging and activity recommendations. We tend to like two-star lodging and can do the occasional splurge for dinner. (We're also planning to do a day trip to Ravenna while were there.)

We have Lonely Planet, Frommer's, Eyewitness Travel and Blue Guide, but I'm looking for comments from Rick Steves type people.

Thanks!

Posted by Swan

Napa, CA

12/01/07 07:19 PM

3580 posts

Some of the other guidebooks cover more towns. Rough Guide to Italy should have a chapter on Bologna.

Posted by Thomas

Indianapolis, IN, USA

12/02/07 12:48 AM

143 posts

I had a terrific time in Bologna this past October. It is a great city walking city, with arcades covering a lot of the streets and good shopping. It is relatively untouristed, so if you've ever thought "I'd love to see what Italy is like without all the tourists," Bologna will you give a feel of that.

As for churches, check out San Petronio on the Piazza Maggiore, San Pietro a bit north on Via Independenzia, and San Luca south of the city in the hills (either a long walk or short bus ride). The university area has a number of museums and is another fun area to stroll. Just east of Piazza Maggiore is the market area with wonderful produce, fish, meat, and cheese shops.

Specific restaurants for traditional Bolognese food I'd recommend are Diana (Via Indipendenzia), Da Gianni (Via Clavature), Grassilli (Via Luzzo), and Da Ercole (Piazza Minghetti) More informal are Il Doge (Via Calderese), La Mela (Via de Fusrai), and Rossopomodoro (Via Fossalta - an Italian chain, but still good)

Posted by Thomas

Indianapolis, IN, USA

12/02/07 12:54 AM

143 posts

As Ellen mentioned, just get off the main streets and almost any place is good - lots of choices in the market area just east of Piazza Maggiore. And in that neighborhood don't miss Tamburini on Via Caprarie - a deli with a mouthwatering assortment of pre-cooked foods.

Check out the Hotel Roma on Via d'Azeglio just south of Piazza Maggiore. Great central location for walking and very comfortable with a nice staff and good breakfast. It definitely has an old fashioned / stodgy feel how its decorated, but it was a good value.

Posted by Ellen

Centennial, CO, USA

12/02/07 10:27 AM

1895 posts

We used Venere.com to find a nice hotel in Bologna. We used this city as a jumping off point to visit Vernona, Ravenna and Modena. Bologna doesn't have a bunch of stuff to do. The main Piazza has a great fountain, and you can climb the leaning tower for 3E. Great view of all the churches in Bologna from there.
Did you know that at one time Bologna had almost (or was it more) towers than San Gimignano? There are about 7 left today...and you can climb the one that looks like it is going to fall!

Food ---stay off the main streets, wander, and you will find good food.

I'd highly recommend Verona as a day trip...it is a bit further. I didn't find much in Ravenna, and the duomo/church/etc wasn't as exciting as everyone makes it out to be. Verona has the mini-Colosseum, great food, and it's an easy walk to these sights from the train station.

On Venere.com, search for a hotel by the train station for best access to the main piazza and the train for your day trips.