Fine dining, medieval architecture and a rich history fuse together to create a beautiful vacation spot. This destination is brimming with culture and character, just waiting to be discovered. Sun-kissed piazzas and ancient porticoes await in one of Italy’s finest places to be.
Amble through history
Circled by crumbling walls, the historic center of Bologna is perfect to explore come rain or shine. A maze of red buildings and arcaded walkways snake between picture-perfect piazzas. Under the arches, tables and chairs spill from cafés and you can enjoy an Italian espresso al fresco, even in the rare rain, under the cover of medieval arcades.
Step into the quiet calm of St. Stephen’s Basilica. This ancient church is packed with intricate frescos and a labyrinth of time-worn corridors. It’s known as Sette Chiese (seven churches), and there are a number of peaceful chapels to see.
Admire the city from above by ascending the Asinelli Tower. This tower has stood at the entrance to the city for over 900 years and, along with its leaning twin, is the symbol of Bologna. Climb nearly 500 wooden steps to reach the top and experience panoramic views across the terracotta roofs and rose-hued houses of the center, out to the forest-green hills.
Take a bite out of Bologna
The first thing you’ll notice about Bologna is its healthy appetite. Delicious food is on display down every street and narrow alley. Fresh fruit and vegetables spill from shop fronts, local Bolognese and visitors pack outdoor seating restaurants and chalkboards advertise traditional tagliatelle al ragu (the origin of spaghetti bolognese).
Sample the city’s most famous export in one of the traditional restaurants where lively waiters bustle amongst check-clothed tables. There’s always a line outside Osteria dell'Orsa, testament to the magnificent taste experience that awaits inside. Sample the famous tagliatelle al ragu or try the regional staple of tiny tortellinis in a clear broth.
Food defines Bologna, so the best way to get under the skin of this city is by making your way through every flavor. Taste Bologna offer a variety of tours where a guide will help you navigate through the hearty fare. Focus on pizza and gelato or take home a tasty recipe souvenir with a cooking class. The classic tour will take you to traditional osteria (tavern-like restaurants), an artisan pasta-maker and the many market stalls of Bologna.
Explore Emilia-Romagna
Drive to the Ferrari Museum in Maranello and admire the history of the company through an exhibition of sleek sports cars from past and present. Tour the factory and you’ll discover how the cars are engineered and see the track where they’re tested. Get your adrenaline pumping with an F1 or sports car driving simulation.
Stop in Modena, one of Italy’s great gastronomic centers. Sample the best of the best with a meal at Osteria Francescana, which earned its third Michelin star in 2012 and was voted number one on the World’s best restaurants list in 2016. Each dish is like a science experiment in taste and comes with a story of its own.
On the other side of the coin, visit Mercato Albinelli, a covered food market where doorstop wedges of cheese and paper-thin prosciutto are served on wooden boards. Take home world-famous olive oil and balsamic vinegar from the region. Eat in the throng of the market or create your own luxurious picnic and enjoy it in the shadow of a Gothic cathedral in Piazza Grande.
Tuck in to an unbeatable foodie experiences, gaze at stunning historic buildings and roam this beautiful country on day trips – whatever you’re planning, car rental in Bologna is your passport to it all.