What’s Cooking in Bologna?

From Tagliatelle to Tortellini - A Feast You’ll Never Forget

Tortelloni with nuts, cream and sage - Shutterstock

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Bologna is one of Italy’s most fascinating cities, yet it often flies under the radar. Located in the northern region of Emilia-Romagna, it’s a place where history, food, and culture come together in a truly special way. With its famous red rooftops, long covered walkways, and mouth-watering cuisine, Bologna offers a rich and authentic Italian experience without the heavy tourist crowds found in Rome, Venice, or Florence.

Bologna is known as "La Grassa" (the Fat One) for good reason - it’s the home of rich dishes like tagliatelle al ragù, tortellini in broth, and lasagne alla Bolognese. But it’s also called "La Dotta" (the Learned One) because it’s home to the University of Bologna, the oldest in Europe, founded in 1088. Add to that its nickname "La Rossa" (the Red One) for the city’s terracotta architecture and its left-leaning politics, and you’ve got a city with real personality.

Aside from its world-famous food, Bologna offers medieval towers, hidden canals, lively markets, elegant churches, and a buzzing student atmosphere. The city’s porticoes - which stretch over 60 km - have been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and you can walk under them for hours, rain or shine.

Bologna is also well located for exploring Italy. It’s a major rail hub and easy to reach:

• From Rome, it takes about 2 hours by high-speed train

• From Milan, the journey is just 1 hour

Because of its size and character, Bologna is great for both short visits and longer stays. If you're on a quick trip, 2 days is enough to see the highlights and eat well. But if you love food, slow travel, and side trips, 3 to 4 days will let you enjoy Bologna at a more relaxed pace - and perhaps take a day trip to Modena, Parma, or the Emilia-Romagna countryside.

In today’s email: 

• What’s Cooking in Bologna - Visiting Bologna is all about choosing your own kind of fun - whether it's climbing medieval towers, tasting fresh tortellini, exploring hidden canals, or simply strolling under its endless porticoes with gelato in hand:-

  • Take a Food Tour at Quadrilatero Market

  • Learn to Make Pasta at Le Sfogline

  • Visit the Pasta Museum at FICO Eataly World

  • Eat Like a Local at Osteria dell’Orsa

  • Climb the Asinelli Tower for a View of the Red City

  • Visit the Basilica of San Petronio

  • Wander the Porticoes – UNESCO Heritage

  • Shop and Sip at Tamburini Gastronomia

  • Explore Bologna’s Hidden Canals

  • Join Aperitivo at Osteria del Sole

What’s Cooking in Bologna?