How to Spend One Full Day in Bologna, Bologna, Italy

Bologna, located in northern Italy, is the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region. It’s located less than an hour inland from Italy’s east coast and roughly halfway between Milan and Florence.

An old university city, Bologna, with its porticoed walkways, beautiful piazzas, historic buildings, and medieval centre, is a great place to visit. One day in Bologna allows you to see the city’s highlights, but be sure to stay overnight to experience the food. Bologna is, after all, the culinary capital of Italy.

When I arrived in Bologna, I initially felt a bit disappointed. After spending a week in beautiful Florence doing a one-week intensive Italian course, I expected more of the same in Bologna.

But it’s a different kind of beauty here, far less polished; the city overall is less touristy and feels more authentic. By the time I left the city, of course, I loved Bologna.

- La Dotta, “the learned one”, refers to the university. Bologna is home to the world’s oldest university. Founded in 1088, it’s still in operation today.

- La Grassa, “the fat one”. Bologna is famous for its food. My spoken Italian may need some work, but I know how to read a menu. But whatever you do, don’t ask for spaghetti bolognaise. In Italy, the meat-based sauce we call bolognaise is called ragù and is rarely served with spaghetti. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).