Top Tips for a Trip to Bologna!

We arrived in Bologna at night, in the pouring rain with no idea where we were going. I had come to this city with a lot of preconceived notions and ideas based on what I'd read and what others had told me. This was not a safe city! That's what I'd been lead to believe. This is why you should never make assumptions based on other's experiences. Yes, be cautious but make up your own mind. Anyone who knows me will know what kind of state I was in not knowing where I was going at night in a strange and apparently dangerous city. However, the people here soon made me change my mind. It reminded me of home in a weird way. (Glasgow!) People could tell we were lost and were more than willing to help. Everyone from labour workers, servers in cafes to just randomers on the street stopped to help us find our hostel. I very quickly realised that this city was actually extremely welcoming and friendly. I'm not doubting it has its dodgy side but like Glasgow it was a remarkable experience of people who actually cared and were proud of their home town.

After spending two days in this city I would definitely recommend it as must visit whilst in Italy. Actually I would go as far as to say it was in my top two destinations of the trip. If you're planning a trip to Italy you would be a fool to miss out Bologna!
Here's my top tips and reasons why this city should definitely be on your bucket list!

1. Mercato di Mezzo 

As we arrived in Bologna quite late (9pm -10pm) I was concerned that we wouldn't be able to get food. We spent quite a while wandering aimlessly around that streets looking for somewhere to eat without much luck. 
However, we soon came across Mercato di Mezzo, a very unique food outlet which offered a variety of different street vendors. There was stalls selling everything from Seafoods, Salads, Piadinis, Pastas, Gelatos, Beers and Aperol Spritz! 
We opted for Piadinis and perched up on one of the high wooden canteen style tables which ran up the middle of the room, to soak up the busy atmosphere. 
This place had such a buzz that we opted to come back the next day for some calamari and seafood salad. The food was high quality, delicious and reasonably priced. The atmosphere very typically Italian, busy and loud yet laid back and relaxed. And I was very impressed at the overall cleanliness of the facilities considering the number of customers. 
I would definitely consider popping in here for a snack at some point during your visit. 


2. Piazza Maggiore Outdoor Cinema 

During the Summer months in Bologna there are free film showings at 9.45pm in the main Piazza every single evening! 
I cannot begin to explain to you how amazing an experience this is. 
An open-air cinema in the UK is unrealistic due to our temperamental climate so having the chance to sit outside under the stars with a beer/gelato and watch a film was amazing! 
The films are normally shown in their original language with Italian subtitles and range from classics to modern day favourites. I was in luck that the film which was shown the evening we were there was in French, my undergraduate at University was French so worked out well for me! 
So if you happen to be in Bologna in July or August make sure to check out the big screen in the square for a FREE evening of entertainment. 
Seats can be hard to come by so if you can try to head down a bit early or do what we did and grab a gelato from a nearby parlour and perch on the church steps; it's just as good a view. 


3. Asinelli Tower 

The real Leaning Towers of  Italy. 

A visit to Bologna would not be complete without a trip up the Asinelli Tower. One of the two most prominent towers which occupy the skyline of Bologna, the Asinelli Tower costs only 3euros to climb. A huge amount cheaper than the entrance fee to the Leaning Tower of Pisa! And a lot less tourists!

Towering to a height of 97 metres, you will have to climb 498 steps to reach the top, a whole 202 more than you would have to climb in Pisa. Not only that but this tower actually leans too! More so I would say than Pisa. If you do decide to climb it you will notice the rickety wooden staircases and scaffolding which has been put in place to help keep it standing. I'm not going to lie, there were a few points on the ascent to the top where the structure of the staircases made me extremely nervous. However, once at the top the views over the city were amazing! And for 3euros you can't really go wrong! I'm glad I can say that I climbed the true Leaning Tower in Italy! 




4. Basilica di San Domenico 

St Dominic's Tomb 

There are many churches worth a visit in Bologna but this one is definitely in the top three mainly because of the beautiful marble ark where Saint Dominic was laid to rest.  It's said that Michelangelo carved part of the ark where Saint Dominic's remains still lie today. Although the entrance to the church is free, one of the priests who was there when we were was quite insistent that you pay a donation in order to see the tomb. We didn't mind of course but it is worth noting you may be asked to part with some change. 
Also ladies again make sure you have a shawl or cardigan to cover your shoulders or you won't be permitted to enter.  


5. Complesso di Santo Stefano 

In one of the many courtyards 

This is one of the other churches in Bologna which is a must see, mainly due to its unique architecture and history. Also known as the seven churches this unusual building houses seven different rooms/churches all from different eras. I've heard of it being described as a russian doll of churches; each room leading to a smaller and older one. Ranging from the 12th century onwards this place is a unique find and well worth a visit. Again it's free entrance but there is a donations box and small gift shop where you can support the church. 

P.S. Again make sure you have your shoulders covered. I can't say it enough, you have no idea how many people I saw during my time in Italy get turned away because they weren't covered up. 


6. Retorto Bar 

Retorto Bar

If you like speciality beers and a good atmosphere then this is the bar for you. The staff and regulars here were so friendly and welcoming and spent ages giving us tips on where to go and what to see whilst in Bologna. The best tip though came from a local student who told us to put away our maps and just wander the city, he told us not to worry that you can't get lost as  you can walk from one side of the city to the other in less than 2 hours and all you need to do is look for the towers and you'll be back in the centre. His advice made me realise that I had meticulously planned our trip in Italy down to the very last detail due to time constraints. I became aware that unless we just relaxed and soaked up the feel of the town then we would only be tokenistically ticking off tourist sites but not really seeing or experiencing the real Italian way of life. I'm so glad I had the chance to realise this so early on in the trip! It is definitely a tip I will be sharing with others. 
Try this bar though for an afternoon aperitif! 

7. Ragù ! 

My yummy Panna Cotta 

You cannot visit the town where bolognese originates from and not have it for dinner. However please DO NOT ask for Spaghetti Bolognese, it's just known as Ragu. Also be wary of any restaurants advertising Bolognese, this is only for tourists and won't be the real deal. The owner of the hotel where we stayed () was very friendly and offered plenty of advice on where we could go to get a true taste of the local dish. We opted for one of his suggestions 'Ostario Il 15' which was about a 15 minute walk away from the city centre but had a quaint, welcoming and family type of atmosphere about it. The ragu was delicious, unlike any Bolognese i've had before and was served with tagliatelle not spaghetti, which is the real Bologna way to eat it. And even though I was absolutely stuffed, I "reluctantly" scoffed the most tastiest panna cotta! 
This restaurant was reasonably priced, welcoming and homely with very friendly staff and delicious food. My one tip would be to go after 8pm as that is when the place really got busy and the atmosphere was perfect! 

8. Quadrilatero Market 

Our Platter from A.F.Tamburini

Close to the the Mercato di Mezzo is the Quadrilatero Market district, a bustling part of the city with incredible smells and sights. The narrow streets are lined with food carts and stalls and it's an amazing spot to just watch the locals go about their daily business. Via Pescherie Vecchie is the most incredible street though with delicatessens lining both sides of the narrow road and their tables sprawling out into the street. We stopped in A.F.Tamburini, one of the many eating options on the street, for a platter and glass of wine in the afternoon. Although a bit more expensive than other options the food was amazing. A platter with warm bread, meats and cheeses was the perfect accompaniment to a well needed break from all the sightseeing.  



9. Mercato della Terra. 

On a Saturday Morning or Monday evening during the summer months you will find the Mercato della Terra in the courtyard of the cinema lumiere. It is very close to the Riva Reno Guesthouse where we stayed during our visit. Selling fresh fruit, vegetables and other farm goods this market is a nice place to wander around and sample some of the local fresh produce. It is also only a short walk from the Bologna Art Gallery so if you have some spare time it is well worth a visit to this part of the city. 
See http://www.mercatidellaterra.com/network/bologna for more details on the Earth Market. 

10. Mix with the Locals! 

Mercato Di Mezzo: A good place to meet locals. 

My last tip for visiting Bologna would be to speak to people in this incredible city. They locals are so friendly and eager to help and offer advice on their town at all times. I had heard really negative comments about this city before I visited but i'm so glad that I didn't listen to them and went to experience it for myself as it truly is one of the friendliest and safest cities I have ever visited. I'm not one for going to the same place twice, I like a new experience somewhere new but Bologna would be the exception. I would return here in a heartbeat. So please please please don't bypass or miss this amazing city on your travels. You won't get a true experience of Italy without visiting Bologna!