Me and my husband will be in Bologna for one night this September. We have never been there before. We'll be driving from Venice, and before we get to Bologna we will be hitting the Ferrari, Lamborghini and Pagani museums/factories. I'm not sure yet, but we probably won't get to Bologna until 5pm. Then we have to leave the next day for a flight which is at 2pm. So if we get up at 7am, we'll basically have 5 or 6 hours before we have to head to the airport, plus whatever time the previous evening. Bologna seems like an amazing city, but unfortunately we can't change our itinerary at this point. What are the few things we should do in the short amount of time that we have there? We're willing to get up really early to be able to see more of the city. We don't want to spend too much time in museums. Also, I'm assuming we should stay in the centro storico? Any recommendations on moderately priced hotels/B&Bs? I'm not sure if we'll be dropping off the car right when we get to Bologna or using it to drive to the airport the next day. Also assuming parking would not be easy or cheap in that part of town. Thanks!
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
Here's a good place in a great location: http://www.albergodrapperie.com/chisiamo_en.php We stayed there for a couple of nights. Do ask to see the room first, though. We ended up with a bathtub that didn't work comfortably as either a tub or a shower. The staff are very helpful.
Posted by
Atlanta
3262 posts
I agree with Michael--Albergo delle Drapperie is in a great location in Bologna. It's in a great location!
Posted by
OP
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
17 posts
Thanks you two. I've e-mailed them to check the availability and price. Just incase they aren't available/out of my price range, any other suggestions around that area?
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
I can't remember where I found the original rec for Drapperie. But you might try tripadvisor.com (after searching "Bologna" on this site in the upper right window). Good luck.
Posted by
Centennial, CO, USA
1895 posts
I found a great hotel using Venere.com. Needed one close/walking distance to the train station. We spent about $100 for the night, and it was a great hotel, but I can't remember the name! Search Venere.com to see if you can find a location that looks pleasing to you. they offer lots of options, and you can see pictures of the hotels as well. One day in Bologna is enough. We found it kind of boring. Do take time to walk to the top of the tower there, it leans like in Pisa! Great shots of the city and surrounding hills from the top. We just walked to the main piazza, and explored around there. We used Bologna as a base to explore Verona, Modena and Ravenna. Lots of places to eat, and some shopping. It's a college town, so lots of young people there.
Posted by
OP
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
17 posts
Booked it! :)
Posted by
Shawnee, OK, USA
396 posts
I always stay at Hotel San donato when in bologna. It is central. Has a wonderful breakfast (included in rate) and large, comfortable rooms. it is close to the piazza and the church at via Zamboni 16. Easy walk!
Posted by
Florence
362 posts
Well it sounds like you are into cars, but if you like art at all, Bologna was home to one of Italy's greatest contemporary artists - Giorgio Morandi - and there is a museum dedicated to him and his work there which is fantastic: http://www.mambo-bologna.org/museomorandi/
Posted by
Los Angeles, CA, USA
1003 posts
There are several good museums all around the Piazza Maggiore area. one is related to the university, but I cannot remember the name. You get to see old sarcophagi of professors and go into the history of teaching in the middle ages which was a different sort of thing (I'm not personally into art). you must wander around the food markets, if you booked the Drapperie there is one right around there, and then down the street going off Piazza Maggiore there's the indoors mercato delle erbe which is a veritable food emporium. there's a small Jewish ghetto not far off the main area, if that's your cup of tea. also the Santo Stefano church is unique and quite interesting. Lastly I found Bologna a vibrant city more full of locals than tourists. I enjoyed wandering around under the arcades just watching families do their shopping and passeggiate, etc. It's not a city to spend days on end in I don't think but for a couple of days I really found it quite enjoyable. And perhaps most importantly, be sure to enjoy a couple of what will almost surely be the best meals of your life! ;)