Bologna
The red, the fat, and the learned—Italy's great food city under 40km of medieval porticoes.
About Bologna
Bologna wears three nicknames proudly: La Rossa (the red) for its terracotta buildings and leftist politics, La Grassa (the fat) for its extraordinary food culture, and La Dotta (the learned) for hosting the world's oldest university, founded in 1088. The centro storico is a medieval marvel of leaning towers, hidden canals, and UNESCO-listed porticoes stretching 40 kilometres through the city. But Bologna's real magic is edible: tortellini in brodo, ragù bolognese (never called 'spaghetti bolognese' here), mortadella, and fresh tagliatelle. The university gives the city a youthful energy, with aperitivo bars spilling into piazzas and a live music scene that rivals cities twice its size.
Best Time to Visit
April to June or September to November. The Po Valley is foggy in winter and hot in summer. Autumn brings food festivals and the famous Cinema Ritrovato film festival in late June.
Local Tips
- Learn tortellini from a sfoglina.
A sfoglina is a pasta-making master—usually a woman who's been rolling by hand for decades. A local can arrange a lesson in a real Bolognese kitchen where you'll learn the traditional pinch that shapes each tiny parcel.
- Climb to San Luca via the portico.
The world's longest portico—almost 4km with 666 arches—climbs from the city centre to the hilltop Sanctuary of San Luca. A local will time the walk for sunset views over the terracotta rooftops.
- Find the hidden canals.
Bologna once had a canal system rivalling Venice's. Most are now underground, but a local knows the Finestrella di Via Piella—a tiny window revealing a secret canal—and the history of the city's lost waterways.
(the local lens)
Meet the Local Experts
Your on-the-ground insiders . The ones who know the enduring favourites, the quiet corners and what’s worth your time.
Isadora
Bologna, Modena +3
0.0(0 reviews)Born and raised in Bologna (with a few adventurous years spent in the United Kingdom and travelling all aorund the world), I know my region inside out, from the iconic landmarks you absolutely shouldn’t miss to the hidden corners most visitors walk straight past. I also know how tricky it can be to find the right balance: you want to see the highlights, of cours, but you also want to experience something real, personal, and memorable. That’s exactly where I come in. After several years working as an event producer in Bologna and abroad, I learned how to design experiences: atmosphere, storytelling, timing, emotion, those are the “secret ingredients” I would like to bring to your vacation. Combining your passions and mine to build something that fits you perfectly — like a tailor-made experience. Art, wine, food, history, contemporary culture… we can mix and match to create something that feels natural, inspiring, and very “you”. As a licensed local guide, I have access to all major landmarks — so you won’t miss the essentials. But we’ll also go beyond them, discovering the local scene in a way that feels authentic and, possibly, slightly unexpected.
Lucrezia
Bologna, Modena +4
0.0(0 reviews)Ciao! I’m Lucrezia, a 21-year-old working student from Northern Italy and with a big passion for travelling and discovering new cultures. While I've explored different parts of the world, my heart always brings me back to Italy - its landscape, traditions and food. I have a deep love for nature, the outdoors, and sports, but I also enjoy good food and the small pleasures of everyday life. From scenic hikes and peaceful walks, to local cafés and hidden gems, I love sharing authentic experiences that make you feel truly connected to a place. Travelling with awareness and respect for the places you visit is something I deeply value, and I’d love to be your local reference to experience Italy in that same mindful and genuine way.
Rosa
Florence, Pisa +13
5.0(1 review)Hi, I’m Rosa - your local Italy travel planner based in Florence. I'm 26 and I live in Florence, in the heart of Tuscany. Italy is not just where I live, it's what I love sharing with others. Over the years, I've explored many cities like Bologna, Milan, Venice, Rome Naples, Sicily, Sardinia, Puglia and many more. Each region has its own flow, flavors and traditions, and understanding these differeces is what makes a trip truly special. I help travelers experience Italy beyond the typical tourist path. From selecting the perfect area to stay, to reccomending authentic restaurants, wineries and hidden villages. I desing trips that feel personal and deeply Italian. If you want to experience Italy with local insight and thoughtful planning, I’ll help you create a journey you’ll never forget.