Once you reach the sanctuary, you’ll be able to see beautiful views of Bologna down below! (pasta in broth) is a very simple stuffed pasta dish–so simple, in fact, that you might be tempted to skip it in favor of heavier fare. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. The city makes an excellent base for day trips around the region and beyond: consider a trip to Rimini for one of Emilia-Romagna’s best beaches, San Marino to visit the world’s fifth smallest country, Florence to get a taste of Tuscany, and Verona to chase the ghosts of Romeo & Juliet (or just to enjoy a really cool Italian city). Don’t be fooled, though: while you can tell enough similarities between mortadella and bologna to see why they are compared, mortadella is in a whole different league. Fingers crossed for you! Because we spent a month in Bologna, we rented this spacious Airbnb a bit away from the center of town. The apartment was perfect for long visits (very clean, close to a grocery store, great wifi), but the 20-minute walk to the center of Bologna means that we wouldn’t recommend it for a short stay. Definitely don’t! Forget the “salad dressing” you find on grocery store shelves at home–traditional balsamic vinegar is aged for a minimum of 12 years, preferably 25, and is more like a rich, almost-sweet-but-also-tangy syrup than a salad dressing. is made up of small cubes of pork fat, giving it a smooth, creamy texture and a delicious taste. Bologna may be the capital of Emilia-Romagna, but it’s hardly the only place worth seeing while there! We headed to Parma during the end of our month in Bologna specifically to go on a food tour (that we maybe-kinda-sorta partially booked because of my desperate desire to see hundreds of wheels of parmigiano-reggiano aging in person), and had an absolute blast! In Jun 1980, Itavia Flight 870 was in route from Bologna to Palermo when it exploded, killing all 81 people on board. What Does a Trip to Italy Cost (On Any Budget)? This cooking class takes place in the home of a local family! Be sure to stop by Mercato delle Erbe for food (parts of the market have even been converted into a food court, so no worries about bringing things home to cook! Don’t worry: Bologna is actually home to a taller leaning tower than Pisa anyway! If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. While tortellini is delicious in all sorts of cream sauces (or smothered in pesto, which is our totally untraditional favorite way to eat it), the traditional dish is delicious and definitely worth sampling while in Bologna. Some links in this post may be affiliate links. One of the most extensive archaeological museums in Europe is housed right next door to the Piazza Maggiore in Bologna! Here are the things to do in Bologna for foodies. These hotels meet our usual preferences (free wifi, excellent location, great reviews), and we would absolutely consider them for a visit to Bologna: Residenza Bianconcini — Set in a historic building in the university district, the Residenza Bianconcini is especially noted in the reviews for its charming neighborhood close to major attractions and its delicious included breakfast! Calling all the foodies out there, find & book the top-rated and best-reviewed food tours on Tripadvisor today. While you’re there, be sure to try the tagliatelle al ragu and the mortadella–you’ve probably had less-than-ideal versions of both in the past, as they’re better known throughout the world by the names inspired by their origin: spaghetti bolognese and bologna (though I promise, mortadella is nothing like what you pick up in the average grocery store!). Take a Food Tour. In the nearly 40 years since the flight has remained a source of controversy and contention: it’s widely agreed that the plane was shot down by a missile, but less clear is who shot that missile, and why. Tucked into a quiet square in Bologna that you would never know is there without a map, Torre Prendiparte is home to a tiny bed & breakfast that definitely fits the bill if you’re looking for unique accommodation in Bologna! There’s something magical about wandering through opulent, historical universities: there is just so much history and mystery (pardon the rhyme) there. Worth it, though! Book effortlessly online with Tripadvisor. We loved our food-filled day trip to Parma! If you’re going to be in Bologna for a few days, be sure to schedule a trip out to a nearby winery to soak in the views while you sample the local specialties! Thanks again! Throughout the day, we visited a parmigiano-reggiano factory (and yes, it lived up to expectations), a parma ham factory, and a passionate balsamic vinegar producer at his home/one-man production spot–plus a stop for a delicious lunch, of course, because what respectable food tour doesn’t involve lots of eating? Not only does this tower boast a fabulous view of Bologna from its terrace and an interesting history as a prison, you can also sleep there if you like! Things to Do in Bologna: Foodie Tours & Day Trip to Parma. If you’re feeling brave, you can ever lean over up top (don’t worry, it’s enclosed and safe) to get a great view of the shorter Garisenda Tower beneath you. The history museum is the perfect place: learn all about the different phases of Bologna’s history, and walk away with context that will help you enjoy the rest of your things to do in Bologna even more! back in time–no history lover should skip putting the archaeological museum on their list of things to do in Bologna! a is perhaps the most popular cured meat in Bologna–we recommend getting a heaping plate of it (along with some. ) For foodies or those looking to stay close by, two of the best day trips from Bologna are to Modena (home of balsamic vinegar) and Parma (home to parma ham and parmigiano-reggiano). Some links throughout this site are affiliate links. These experiences are best for food tours in Bologna: What are the best places for food tours in Bologna?