Is Bologna Worth Visiting? 4 Big Reasons You Shouldn’t Skip It

Is Bologna worth visiting on your way from Florence to Venice? If you were planning a trip to Rome, Florence, and Venice, I don’t think you’d be the first person to ask this question. And I’m probably not the first person to say this, either.

Yes, Bologna is so worth a visit! For at least a week if you ask me. I wish I could stay there for like a month if anything.

The city looks bleh next to the grandiosities of Rome and Florence, but it’s got something in the air that you can’t photograph, quite like New York in that sense. You just gotta be there to get it.

It’s home to the oldest university in Europe, the birthplace of Maserati (Mhm), the food capital of Italy, and the only place where you can walk underneath the longest portico (arcade) in the world.

That’s not all of it. But it’ll take me more than a few paragraphs to rave to you about Bologna, which is exactly what I’m about to do. From one cultural traveler to another, it really is the best city for slow and cultural travelers who love finding hidden gems.

I would know. I’ve been there twice on two long trips, and I’m still pretty crazy about it!

Why You Should Visit Bologna At Least Once

Four reasons: 1) It’s Italy’s food capital, and we all love food. 2) It holds an incredible amount of historical depth that people don’t talk about nearly enough. 3) You can explore in the rain without getting wet, even without an umbrella. And 4) The slow travel vibe is so real.

Honestly, I love both Rome and Florence just as much as Bologna. But while those two felt like an ornately decorated dream world, Bologna feels touchable, and real.

Its charms are in the food, the people, and in the warm, bustling vibes of a 15th-century tavern. If anything, you’ll fall for it slowly.

Until you start eating, that is… then you’ll fall so fast your jeans can’t catch up. Be careful.

1. Bologna Is Known as Italy’s Food Capital

Slow food, to be exact. The term refers to the practice of traditional cooking using local ingredients, and the movement, founded in 1986, was in direct retaliation to the global rise of fast food.

Some of the most famous ingredients from Emilia-Romagna, the province of which Bologna is the capital city, are Parmigiano Reggiano cheese (the original Parmesan), Mortadella (Boloney), Salame rosa, and balsamic vinegar.

The most famous Bolognese dish is inarguably Tagliatelle al ragù, which is known all over the world by the name “Pasta Bolognese.”

But let me tell you one thing, this ragù sauce never goes on Spaghetti. Ever. Spaghetti can’t freakin’ hold the sauce and the meat will slide right off. Ugh!

Oh, wait, Lasagna is from here, too. And check this out, it’s supposed to be green!

Bologna is honestly a foodie heaven. I don’t know about you, but I am a massive foodie. I love trying out local menus and doing local foodie things.

Learning how to make pasta with a local in her home was one of the most memorable few hours of my time there.

Eating my way through Quadrilatero, the city’s market district, with a local guide comes in second place. I got a seat inside the oldest tavern in Europe with no wait, thanks to her.

2. It’s One of Italy’s Most Historically Underrated Cities

If you’re anything like me, you’re gonna be blown away by the historical depth of Bologna. Yes, not enough people talk about it, but that’s because not enough people even visit the city!

This city was founded as Felsina by the Etruscans over 2,500 years ago. In 189 BC, it became a Roman colony called Bononia, which means well done (no argument there).

It then went through centuries as an independent entity before the unification of Italy in 1860.

It is also home to the oldest university in Europe, the University of Bologna, established in 1080. The school had turned out many prominent historical figures in medicine.

And with a guided tour of its first campus, you can still visit its 17th-century anatomical theatre today. Yes, where medical professors cut corpses open… right on that marble table there.

Meanwhile, the region’s production of Ferrari and Maserati has earned Emilia-Romagna the loving nickname, “the region of fast cars and slow food.”

But did you know that while Maserati’s headquarters is in Modena, the brand was born in Bologna?

Its logo was actually inspired by the trident from the Fountain of Neptune in the city’s main square. I tell you where to find it exactly in my Bologna solo travel guide.

I haven’t even started to talk about the many beautiful catholic churches around the city, but before I bore you with all the details, I’ll leave a few photos and let you convince yourself. Yes, there’s a Michelangelo piece in this city, too!

3. In Bologna, You Won’t Get Wet Even When It Rains!

No, it’s not because you have an umbrella or a raincoat on or anything. There are over 60 kilometers of porticoes in Bologna.

These are covered walkways (exterior arcade, whichever you prefer) that medieval-age artisans started building to shield their works from the weather, while allowing passersby to see.

Once the University of Bologna started attracting more foreign students, the spaces above the vaults that were used to store artisanal tools were converted into lodging instead.

Today, twelve of these porticoes are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites.

One of them holds the record as the longest arcade in the world, and leads you up to a hilltop sanctuary with an amazing view of the region.

So, you just got caught in a storm while exploring? Relax and start skirting along buildings under those porticoes, and you’ll be back at your hotel, completely dry, in no time.

4. It’s the Perfect Destination for Slow Travelers

Bologna has this grounded, medieval charm, with tiny sprinkles of Renaissance, Baroque, and Gothic architectural details.

It isn’t so breathtaking that it sweeps you off your feet, but it’s lovely enough to make you wanna move there. In fact, the longer you have there, the more in love with it you’ll be.

The city center, where most attractions are, is easily walkable. You’ll walk the porticoes from point A to point B, and discover your new favorite coffee bar in the process.

That tiny restaurant in the alleyway you just passed looks good, so you go back to make a reservation for two days later (Yup, I did exactly that too, with Nonna Gigia!). It’s that kind of vibe.

I walked everywhere when I was there, including all the way up the San Luca Portico. You can easily do the same, as long as you know where to base yourself for the best access to everything.

But does that mean you can’t visit Bologna if you don’t have enough time to slow travel?

Not at all, my friend! You travel slowly only if you want to. But if you’re short on time, you can still connect with its most important historical sites and best restaurants within a few days.

I even made a 12-hour cultural itinerary for those who’ve mistakenly planned one day for Bologna, so their day becomes worthwhile. Is that you? Then I’ve got you!

So… Is Bologna Worth Visiting?

For me? Absolutely. It’s worth multiple long visits!

As you now know, Bologna has a ton of cool things for you to see, but if you care even more about feeling a place than seeing a handful of things, you can’t skip the city.

Like I said, what you’ll end up falling in love with in Bologna is something that can’t be photographed.

Ready to include Bologna in your plans? Start here!

• Where to stay in Bologna
• Things to do in Bologna
• What to eat in Bologna
• Best artisanal gelato in Bologna

Find more ideas for your trip on my Italy Cultural Travel page, including guides on Florence!

Get Ready For Your Trip to Italy

Here are some resources to help you get ready for your trip. Don’t forget to check your visa requirements for Italy, wherever you’re coming from.

• Make sure you have travel insurance. I always use SafetyWing or Heymondo.
• Stay connected in Italy with this eSIM
• Must-have Apps: City Mapper, Google Maps, WhatsApp

Grab My Trip-Planner Template

To help streamline your planning process, I’ve decided to share the template I’ve created and have personally used to plan my own trips. You can grab a copy of it for free below!

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