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Bologna is a beautiful and under-visited Italian city with an incredible food scene. I stayed in Bologna for 3 days and look forward to returning.

The base
The Al Cappello Rosso Hotel has been serving guests since 1375, so they know how to treat guests. Rooms here are beautifully updated and luxurious and the staff is very helpful. The hotel is centrally located in the heart of Bologna’s old town, steps away from Piazza Maggiore and within walking distance of all the major city sites.

To do
In addition to being the foodie centre of Italy, Bologna is also home to Ducati Motorcycles, which offers factory and museum tours by appointment in English. Book ahead for an informative and interesting tour on the history and design philosophy of Ducati.

Bologna is a quick drive to Modena and Parma, home to balsamic vinegar and parma ham. Learn about these foods plus the entire making of parmigiano-reggiano cheese on a food tour with Alessandro from Italian Days. Alessandro picks you up early and gets you to the cheese factory, walking you through the entire process of making this excellent product. Then you’re whisked off to an acetaia to see how traditional balsamic vinegar is made, complete with a taste of a 40 year aged balsamic over ice cream. Finally, you’re off to an organic winery where you sample wines over a lunch of incredible meats, cheeses, and bread – all products the Emilia-Romanga region is famous for (and, coincidently, local restaurant Campagnolo’s menu is inspired from). Alessandro, by the way, had never heard of Starbucks – seriously.

The shopping
Bologna’s shopping scene is excellent, including being the origin for “Fiorentini” in Fiorentini + Baker, makers of some excellent Italian leather boots. Their storefront in Bologna is quite modest and away from the main shopping areas of the city, but it’s a fun visit if you’re a fan of the company. Otherwise, do as I did, and check out the excellent shoes and bags at Cappelleria Trentini (Via Indipendenza 33/e) , a tiny boutique in Bologna packed with lovely items.

The food
Ristorante Diana (Via Indipendenza, 24) is the place to go to for the classics: bolognese, lasagne, and some impressive trays of roasted and boiled meats. I also enjoyed divine salad of truffles, porcinis, and parmigiano-reggiano.

Additional Bologna Resources
Go to this site for a list of excellent Bologna restaurant recommendations – they did some great research.