Europe’s Rising Star: Bologna
Friday night in Bologna, and the central Quadrilatero district is heaving.
But it’s not the trendy bars or boutiques that have brought what feels like half the city to these ancient streets; the biggest line, spilling out into Via Drapperie, is at delicatessen Salumeria Simoni, where customers are stocking up on great wedges of Parmesan and piles of prosciutto before the weekend can really begin.
Often overlooked by visitors, Bologna magnifies and mixes the best Italian clichés.
Historic architecture? Check—these Renaissance palazzi, terra-cotta roofs, and winding streets seem barely changed in centuries.
An intrinsic sense of style? Of course—from meticulously kept bars serving frothy cappuccinos to shops selling handmade shoes or designer labels.
Friendly service? Absolutely—Bologna has yet to develop tourist fatigue, unlike Rome and Venice.
And great food? Well, there’s a reason why Bologna is called la grassa, or “the fat one.” All Italy acknowledges: The food here ranks second to none.
- Best For: The essence of Italy
- Must-See Museum: Palazzo Fava, a medieval villa formerly home to one of Bologna’s most prominent families and now hosting top-notch temporary art exhibits
- Also Try: Bergen, Norway, another small-city gem with historic buildings and great views of fjords and mountains
This piece is adapted from a story that originally appeared in the UK edition of National Geographic Traveler magazine.
Related Topics
You May Also Like
Go Further
Animals
- What La Palma's 'lava tubes' tell us about life on other planetsWhat La Palma's 'lava tubes' tell us about life on other planets
- This fungus turns cicadas into zombies who procreate—then dieThis fungus turns cicadas into zombies who procreate—then die
- How can we protect grizzlies from their biggest threat—trains?How can we protect grizzlies from their biggest threat—trains?
- This ‘saber-toothed’ salmon wasn’t quite what we thoughtThis ‘saber-toothed’ salmon wasn’t quite what we thought
- Why this rhino-zebra friendship makes perfect senseWhy this rhino-zebra friendship makes perfect sense
Environment
- What La Palma's 'lava tubes' tell us about life on other planetsWhat La Palma's 'lava tubes' tell us about life on other planets
- How fungi form ‘fairy rings’ and inspire superstitionsHow fungi form ‘fairy rings’ and inspire superstitions
- Your favorite foods may not taste the same in the future. Here's why.Your favorite foods may not taste the same in the future. Here's why.
- Are the Great Lakes the key to solving America’s emissions conundrum?Are the Great Lakes the key to solving America’s emissions conundrum?
- The world’s historic sites face climate change. Can Petra lead the way?The world’s historic sites face climate change. Can Petra lead the way?
History & Culture
- Meet the ruthless king who unified the Kingdom of Hawai'iMeet the ruthless king who unified the Kingdom of Hawai'i
- Hawaii's Lei Day is about so much more than flowersHawaii's Lei Day is about so much more than flowers
- When treasure hunters find artifacts, who gets to keep them?When treasure hunters find artifacts, who gets to keep them?
- Meet the original members of the tortured poets departmentMeet the original members of the tortured poets department
Science
- Should you be concerned about bird flu in your milk?Should you be concerned about bird flu in your milk?
- Here's how astronomers found one of the rarest phenomenons in spaceHere's how astronomers found one of the rarest phenomenons in space
Travel
- On this Croatian peninsula, traditions are securing locals' futuresOn this Croatian peninsula, traditions are securing locals' futures
- Are Italy's 'problem bears' a danger to travellers?Are Italy's 'problem bears' a danger to travellers?
- How to navigate Nantes’ arts and culture scene
- Paid Content
How to navigate Nantes’ arts and culture scene - This striking city is home to some of Spain's most stylish hotelsThis striking city is home to some of Spain's most stylish hotels