I was surprised to find that there is no information on Bologna in any of my Rick Steves Italy books. We are going to stop there for 3-4 hours on our way from Florence to Venice in January 2009. For those of you who have been there, what should we do for our short time there? We can stay longer if we need to also..we just want to get a feel for the place. Any advice on sights, restaurants, shops, anything really would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
Go here: Bologna tipsAlso search on Bologna in search box upper right of this page, you'll get more links.
Posted by
Los Angeles, CA, USA
1449 posts
many other guide books do cover Bologna. Its a fair-sized city, so you can't really get people to type in all the things you can choose between; if you just rely on this site you might not learn about some things you would have liked to have done. With that caveat, I'd recommend climing the open tower (one of the 2 towers), visiting Piazza Maggiore, and taking the walking tour in English that starts from the TI office in the Piazza (not sure if they do it in January, though).
Posted by
Indianapolis, IN, USA
143 posts
If you are at all a foodie, I'd spend some time in the market area just east of Piazza Maggiore. Great neighborhood to just stroll and enjoy the various vendors, great photos as well. Open mornings and early afternoons until 1:30 or so, then close before reopening for the evening "rush hour."
There is an information center right on Piazza Maggiore in the center of town that is helpful. Bologna is a delighful walking city, you really can't go wrong heading in any direction from there and just strolling.
Posted by
OP
Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
19 posts
Thanks for all the help! I will be doing more research as I have another 5 months till our trip but I like to know what other travelers enjoyed more than I like to take the advice of guide books(with the exception of Rick Steves=)
Thanks for the opinions again!
Posted by
Myrtle Beach, USA
12313 posts
Many suggest the Michelin Green guides. I haven't looked at them yet for Bologna. I've also noticed Rick's books hit highlights only and skip a lot.