Bologna Tourist Information

Bologna Travel Guide

Bologna, officially called Bologna la Rossa ('Bologna the Red'), was so named for the unique red, orange and yellow hues that colour its architecture. Home of the first university in Europe, the city is famous for its delicious cuisine and beautifully preserved town centre. A traditional stopover point between Florence and Venice, Bologna is being rediscovered by tourists looking to experience the beauty and culture of real Italy.

If ambling through parks - once the private gardens of nobility - or taking in the view from St Luke's Basilica, are not enough reasons to visit Bologna, then the museums definitely are. One of the world's most important Renaissance collections is housed in the National Picture Gallery (Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna), with works by Giotto, Raffaello, Tiziano and Tintoretto.

Bologna Tourist Attractions

Communal Collection of Fine Arts (Collezioni Comunali d'Arte) offers a history of fine art, with paintings by several well-known artists. Bologna City Hall is famous for its masterpieces of the Renaissance, and for music lovers, the 17th century Philharmonic Academy of Bologna displays a variety of original works and autographed manuscripts from composers such as Mozart, Puccini, Verdi and Beethoven. An impressive collection of antiquities can also be found at the Archaeological Museum all these destinations can be found on Bologna tours.

Shopping and stopping for coffee in one of the city's scenic piazzas or gorging yourself on Italian cuisine is what Bologna is all about. In the summer months, Piazza Maggiore and Santo Stefano are filled with outdoor cafés where locals meet to exchange the news. Drives around the Tuscan countryside are a relaxing way to spend the day, while the university quarter is where you will find the best nightlife. The city offers various shopping choices, although many shopkeepers do not speak English.

Transport Around Bologna

The closest airport is Guglielmo Marconi Bologna International, which is minutes away from the city centre. Easily accessible by train or motorway from anywhere in Europe, Bologna's central location makes it a transportation hub. Sights are easily experienced on foot, but when opting for public transport a convenient bus system covers most of the city.

Travel insurance is recommended while visiting Bologna. While it is considered a safe place to visit, medical bills can be expensive when dealing with an accident or serious illness. Enjoy your trip knowing that you and your loved ones are covered in the event of a medical emergency.