Discover Bologna's Charm on a Long Weekend

Bask in the romance of Bologna's cobblestone streets and culinary delights.

22 April 2023

A trip to Bologna, Italy for a romantic getaway would involve indulging in some of the country's finest food, wine, and architecture. One could walk through Piazza Maggiore, the main square of Bologna, and admire the beautiful buildings such as the Basilica di San Petronio. At night, the city comes alive with street performers and live music perfect for couples looking to soak up the ambiance.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Exploring Historic Bologna

  • Stay at Hotel Corona d'Oro an elegant hotel decorated in a Renaissance style.
  • Begin the day with a visit to the Piazza Maggiore, the city's main square, which is surrounded by stunning architecture.
  • Head to the University of Bologna, the oldest university in the world, and admire the historic buildings.
  • Visit the Two Towers, the symbol of the city, and climb the Torre degli Asinelli for breathtaking views over Bologna.
  • Take a break at the Mercato di Mezzo, a historic indoor market with local food stalls and artisanal shops.
  • End the day with a romantic stroll through the Giardini Margherita, a beautiful park with views over the city.
Day 2

Food and Wine in Bologna

  • Stay at the Al Cappello Rosso, a charming hotel with a gourmet restaurant.
  • Start the day with a coffee and pastry at Scuderia, a chic cafe with a vintage vibe.
  • Join a food tour to discover the delicious local specialties, such as mortadella, tagliatelle al ragù, and gelato.
  • Take a trip to one of the nearby vineyards to explore the Emilia-Romagna wine region and taste some local wines.
  • Visit the Archiginnasio, an impressive 16th-century building that once housed the University of Bologna's medical school.
  • Enjoy a romantic dinner at Osteria dell'Orsa, a popular local restaurant serving traditional Bolognese cuisine.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Bologna by plane is to fly into Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport, which is located approximately 6 kilometers from the city center. Many major airlines offer direct flights to Bologna from cities across Europe, including London, Paris, and Frankfurt.

Car

If you prefer to drive, Bologna is easily accessible from several major highways, including the A1, which runs from Milan to Bologna and on to Rome. You can rent a car from major providers at Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport, or you can drive your own car and park in one of the city's public parking lots.

Train

Traveling to Bologna by train is easy thanks to the city's central location and excellent rail connections. Bologna Centrale is the main train station in the city, and it operates high-speed trains to destinations throughout Italy, including Rome, Florence, and Venice.

Boat

While there is no direct ferry service to Bologna, it is possible to take a ferry to nearby coastal cities such as Ravenna and Ancona and then travel to Bologna by train or bus. Alternatively, you can charter a private boat to travel to one of the marinas located on nearby bodies of water such as Lake Garda or the Adriatic Sea.

Bus

There are several bus companies that provide services to Bologna from other Italian cities such as Florence, Pisa, and Milan. The main bus station in Bologna is located next to the train station, making it easy to connect to other destinations. Tickets can usually be purchased online or at the bus station.

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