weekend in Bologna

Very safe and lovely to walk around. If you like a good walk, the walk to the Santuario Madonna di San Luca will justify anything you want to eat afterwards.

Ravenna is a fabulous day trip from Bologna. It has a really pretty historic district in addition to 6 or 7 sites with wonderful medieval mosaics. Most are right near the historic center; one is a little way out of town but can be reached by public bus if you want to see it. The tourist office can help with details.

I spent several nights in Bologna and did a lot of wandering around. I never felt unsafe. Italian street life tends to be really busy, so there always seem to be people out and about.

Note that the area immediately around the train station isn't as attractive as the historic center.

I can't imagine anything happening to you in Bologna. One of the most agreeable large cities in Italy.
For a day-trip you have a wide choice. Ferrara, Modena and Ravenna are all easily reached by frequent direct Regionale trains. For timetables and prices see: www.trenitalia.com/tcom-en

Bologna is one of my favorite cities in Italy. You could easily fill 2 1/2 days there. I apologize if I spell these suggestions wrong: the food shops and markets around via Drapperie, the San Stephano church complex, the Pinoteca Nationale art museum, and just wandering around the many, twisting, scenic streets in the historic center. One of our favorite things to do is enjoy an appertivo in one of the many bars along a food street, where you can have amazing local meats, cheeses and wine. If you do want to do a day trip, I'd consider Reggio-Emilia or Parma which are both beautiful snd easy train trips from Bologna.

My vote is for Ravenna. It is the longest train ride from Bologna but the most outstanding for sights.

Bologna is one of my favorites, too. Easy walking with lots of colonnaded streets, some great sights, and excellent train connections.

Hotel Metropolitan is one of my favorite hotels.