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Less famous than her Tuscan (Florence) and Venetian sisters, Bologna could be easily dismissed as the trio's ugly duckling sibling. But ugly duckling she's not; she is one fabulous maiden who loves the good life and goes by the three-word mantra "party, party, party!" She is hedonism personified.
Good food, good wine, and good time - these are Bologna's strengths - or weaknesses, if you wish. Fondly called La Grassa (the "Fat One"), Bologna is the acknowledged gourmet capital of Italy. She gifted the world that pasta with that quintessential ragu (meat) sauce (spaghetti bolognese to the uninitiated like us) and the world-famous eponymous sausage, bologna. Close by is the city of Parma, known for another epoynymous speciality, Parma ham, and everyone's favorite, parmesan reggiano. The vineyards in the surrounding hills make sure no one runs out of Lambrusco red and sauvignon blanc. The city's and the region's (Emilia-Romagna) culinary traditions are kept alive for locals and tourists to enjoy in Bologna's many fine restaurants (without the hefty tourist prices in Venice and Florence).
With good food and good wine, good time naturally follows - more so with Bologna's 90,000-strong student population, the main protagonists behind Bologna's famed night life. The area around the city's university quarter is the pefect place to take part in in the partying and strut your stuff amongst Bologna's beautiful set, who seem to possess a more developed sense of style than their Milanese counterparts.
This elevated sense of style extends beyond Bologna's fashionable party animals to its streets, buildings and architecture. The city's centro storico is lined with arcaded porticoes stretching more than 40 kilometers, connecting Bologna's beautiful medieval buildings. Shopping is another area where Bologna's fabulous self is revealed: well-designed shops peddling handsome wares to tourists intent on maxing out their credit cards.
Even if you've maxed out your credit card, or got no cards at all, Bologna is still a city you could enjoy. Perhaps this is best done by sitting down on a cafe in the Quadrilatero and watch the beautiful world pass by before you head to your next good meal; on one condition, though: you should be clad in Prada.
Reviews (26)
Ragu, not bolognese, please.
Warnings Or Dangers
(1)
Save yourself from embarassment when ordering the city's well-loved import, spaghetti bolognese. Never, ever, under any... more travel advice
All that jazz...and good food
Nightlife
(1)
If you have only one night in Bologna, Cantina Bentivoglio would be your best bet. It features some of the city's best... more travel advice
Bologna's (un)official university pub
Restaurants
(4)
While at Piazza Verdi, drop by La Scuderia, Bologna's unofficial student pub, for a drink. Located in what used to be... more travel advice
Great ambiance, great food
Restaurants
(4)
Located in a wine cellar of a 14th-century palazzo, this restaurant has definitely got the ambiance. To make it even... more travel advice
Travelogues (2)
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Comments (9)
Nice page! I have to re visit Bologna one day.
Ciao!
La Grassa sends her love. Enjoying an afternoon your favourite city before heading to Ravenna tomorrow. Ciao!
Oh to enjoy a gelato in the Piazza Cavour, shop for Parma ham in the market and feast in the Osteria de' Poeti! You've made me long for Italy, and specifically to visit this centre of gastronomy :-)
you have find some truly part of my Bologna...great pages and great photos! Sometimes when you pass all days in a street or under a building you are unable to 'see' a part of your town! thanks
Mhhh, I am in food heaven now, only with the thought of your chocolate mousse :-) Bologna is on my wishlist, for all the delicacies which come from here and the region. Palazzo Poggi sounds like fun, also St. Cecilia's Oratorio :-)
One of the few cities in Italy I have not visited...my loss. Your insights are keen...love marketplace, night life, university, Fountain of Neptune, palaces, churches, architecture, Porticoes, & even the graffiti!
I didn’t know it was dangerous to order for a “Bolognese”! :)) I liked a lot my tour with you in Bologna Titus, and this city deserves to be better known. Santo Stephano is the sort of place I could spend a whole afternoon. Beautiful travelogue pictures.
Happy to hear that you made it to Italy. Interesting page and fabulous pictures. Makes me want to see it too.
Hi, TV! You've made a great trip! Good for you! Great impressions!
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