Unsure whether to visit and/or stay in Bologna or Florence? In this post, I give you some points to ponder.
Author: Silvia Donati
I'm a professional hiking guide leading tours in Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Trentino's Val di Non and the Dolomites. I also work as a freelance journalist and travel writer. My passions are the outdoors and active travel. I try to lead people to discover authentic, curious and lesser-known aspects of the places they visit.
Five Things to Eat in Bologna (Besides Tortellini and Tagliatelle)
Bologna is known for its rich culinary tradition, although most people are only familiar with the stars of Bolognese cuisine. Well, I suggest you experiment a little and try the five dishes I describe in this post!
Ten Things to Know About Bologna (Quiz Answers)
As promised, here are the answers to the questions published in my blog post from last week, where I asked about some important elements of Bologna’s history and culture, which will help you to familiarize with the city as you plan a visit, or just for the fun of it.
QUIZ: How Well Do You Know Bologna?
Test your knowledge of Bologna! Answer ten questions to get an overview of Bologna’s history and other elements that give the city its character. Quiz results will be published next week!
When To Visit Bologna (Italy)
When is the best time to visit Bologna? Any season really is good if you know how to make the most of it. Here's my advice.
Five Videos to Transport You to Bologna
Being stuck at home is no fun, but you can still travel virtually. Here are five great videos and documentaries I've picked about Bologna and Emilia-Romagna. Enjoy!
Emilia-Romagna’s Spring Delicacy: The Green Asparagus of Altedo
No other vegetable symbolizes spring in Emilia Romagna more than the prized ‘asparago verde di Altedo,’ grown north of Bologna.
The Real Spaghetti Bolognese Are with Tuna
Did you know?! The real spaghetti alla bolognese are with tuna. Read on for the interesting story and fierce debate surrouding the dish.
What’s New in Bologna and Emilia-Romagna for 2020
Welcome to the first post of this new year! Read on for new things happening in Bologna and Emilia-Romagna in 2020.
What To Do In and Around Bologna on New Year’s Eve (2019)
If you’re spending New Year’s Eve in Bologna or around Emilia-Romagna, here are a few ideas. Buon Anno!
Bologna’s Christmas Cake: Certosino
Forget Panettone and Pandoro: in Bologna, you've got to do Certosino when it's Christmas time.
In the Parma Hills, A Castle Built for Love: Torrechiara
Looking mighty from its panoramic position on the rolling hills of the Val Parma, 18 km south of the city of Parma, Torrechiara Castle is among the most significant and best preserved examples of Italian castle architecture.
Why You Should See San Michele in Bosco in Bologna
San Michele in Bosco offers one of the best views over Bologna and is a site rich with history and spirituality.
Is FICO Eataly World (Bologna) Worth the Trip To the Outskirts of Town?
Here's a concise guide to FICO Eataly World to help you understand if it may be a fit for you or not and plan your visit accordingly.
Bologna 101: Practical Information to Navigate the City
Must-have info for first-timers and anyone who needs guidance about Bologna’s transport, where to stay/be, when to visit, stores and restaurants opening hours, and all those practical details needed when traveling to a new city, plus lots of useful links for planning your visit, all compiled in one place!
Where to Eat Gelato in Bologna – My Top Picks
When the weather gets hot in Bologna, there are only two things you can do: find shelter under porticos, and eat gelato.
A Portico-Themed Tour of Bologna
An itinerary to guide you through the history and variety of Bologna's porticoes.
Bologna’s Porticoes To Be Nominated For Inclusion On Unesco’s World Heritage List
Big news for Bologna! The porticoes will be nominated for inclusion on the coveted Unesco's World Heritage list. Here's the scoop.
Where to Stay in Bologna: My Top Picks
To answer the often asked question of where to stay in Bologna, I've compiled this list of my favorite hotels and B&Bs in Bologna. I hope you find it useful.
The Reggio Emilia Countryside: Haunted Castles and Gluttonous Pleasures in the Lands of Matilde di Canossa
A road trip through the Reggio Emilia countryside, discovering haunted castles, learning about a very special woman, and visiting producers of local specialties like Parmigiano Reggiano, balsamic vinegar and culatello. Start planning!
Walking in Bologna: The Portico and the Sanctuary of San Luca
Discover why walking along the Portico di San Luca is a quintessential Bologna experience! I also tell you about my guided walking tour of the portico and the Bologna hills.
Day Trip from Bologna: Visit Ferrara
Ferrara, Unesco city of the Renaissance, makes for a delightful day trip from Bologna. Here's a comprehensive guide on what to see in a day.
My Favorite Mountain Villages of the Bologna Apennines
An itinerary through beautiful mountain villages in the Bologna Apennines, better discovered on foot!
Climbing Bologna’s Asinelli Tower
For gorgeous views of Bologna, and a quintessential Bologna experience, climb the 97-meter-high Torre degli Asinelli!
Top Three Walks in the Bologna Hills
Get those walking shoes on and explore the beautiful hills surrounding Bologna! Read my suggestions for three top walks.
What to See In (and Around) Bologna in One/Two/Three Days
A handy guide on how to plan one, two or three days in and around Bologna!
Tagliatelle alla Bolognese: Recipe and Rules
How do you make tagliatelle alla bolognese? And more fun bits about one of Bologna's quintessential dishes.
Learning How to Make Fresh Pasta in Bologna
I'm not exactly a skilled cook, but I've finally learned how to make tortelloni, a typical fresh pasta dish from Bologna, thanks to Le Cesarine.
Where to Get the Best Panoramic Views of Bologna
The best lookouts over Bologna, all in this handy list!
Visiting the Museum of the History of Bologna
The Museum of the History of Bologna gives a great overview of 3,000 years of Bologna history and could be the starting point of a visit to the city. Plus, there's a really cool temporary exhibit which you shouldn't miss!
