Bologna  123 properties

A Gourmet Delight

World-class cuisine is what Bologna does best. Nowhere in Italy, a country with considerable culinary heritage, is the food considered better than in this medieval gem.

Bolognese sauce of course originated here, but to try the real thing look for ragú on the menu. Cold meats and cheeses are also exquisite. Make sure you save plenty of time for eating – the Bolognese like to savor their food, so a meal can last for hours.

Many of the best eateries and homemade ice cream shops can be found behind the mile upon mile of porticoed streets, now UNESCO World Heritage listed. The complex of medieval churches and buildings in cobbled Piazza Santo Stefano is a tranquil spot to explore. Climb one of the Two Towers nearby (not the one leaning at a startling angle) for spectacular views over this red-roof city.

The focal point of Bologna is huge Piazza Maggiore, whose Santo Petronio church has an unimpressive, half-finished façade that doesn’t prepare you for its sheer scale inside. Fanning out from this square are the buildings of Europe’s oldest university, founded in 1088 and home to the city’s best museums.

Bologna accommodations at Booking.com ranges from small B&Bs to luxury hotels, all easily accessible from Bologna Airport just outside the city.