Bologna Surpise!

That's great to hear - I will be there next weekend! I can't understand why it's not included in Rick's Italy book, but neither are a lot of places. In his Tuscany-centered book, he doesn't even mention most of the Chianti region.. he just picks and chooses, I guess.

Rick's books are deliberately selective, taking a different approach than most of the other guidebooks. Just because it isn't included in Rick's books doesn't mean it isn't worthwhile.

Hi Sharon,

Our first night we ate at Montegrappa da Nello. The second night at Diana. Both were great dining experiences. I'll give the nod to Nello. The waiter just took us under his wing and was (can I say "great" again?)great.

I spent 2 nights in Bologna before joining the Rick Steves Village Italy Tour last year. I loved Bologna and the food. I stayed at the Albrego Centrale and the location was perfect.
I also don't know why it is omitted by Rick - it is well worth the trip.
Frances

We've also stayed at Albergo delle Drapperie and recommend it highly. I hope you got a chance to climb the leaning tower; great views of the area from the top! The food is great in the city, and loved the miles of covered sidewalks.

As for why RS doesn't recommend it, I've heard that the city hosts lots of trade shows and accomodations at times can be hard to find.

I too spent some time in Bologna in May. It is so refreshing to stay someplace that is not so over-the-top touristy. My taxi drivers were very honest, unlike many scoundrels that I encountered while in Rome and Florence. There is still a lot to see there, the shopping is very good, and you actually get to see how people go about their daily lives. The food is particularly good. It is a good starting point to see Ravenna, Rimini, Modena, Parma, etc...or even San Marino and Florence.

We stayed in Bologna a couple of nights last year on our second trip to Italy. I think it's a okay city to put on your second trip itinerary, but it was not one of my highlights. The food indeed was outstanding, but Bologna faces stiff competition from other cities for sights to see. In other words, I'm glad we went, but I don't consider it a must-see. Maybe it should rank in with Torino and Genova?

Rick's Italy book leaves a lot of holes in Italy that need to be filled in using other guides.

Rick does a greatest hits point of view and it's hard to choose the top sites in Italy because there are so many great ones to choose from.

If it were not for all the graffiti everywhere (except the upscale area) it would have been a beautiful city in my opinion. I was disappointed but still am glad I spent a day there.