Spritzy Snapshot: Bologna
Experience the Dolce Vita without the crowds in Italy’s vibrant Red City.
Bologna is a hidden gem bursting with the most delicious cuisine, stunning architecture, and rich cultural history.
This vibrant Italian city not only delivers on giving you the quintessential dolce vita opportunities without the overtourism, it also offers you the perfect base from which to explore this beautiful country. Milan, Florence, Verona, Parma & Moderna are all just an easy train ride away in addition to the beach resorts of Rimini, Cattolica and Ravenna.
There is something perfect here for everyone, with a vibrant music and arts scene, beautiful parks and surrounding mountains and a city steeped in history and beautiful architecture you won’t be short of things to do. Even the Ferrari and Ducati museum are close by for sport lovers.
What really makes this city stand out though is the foodie experience. The streets are lined with bars filled with legs of Parma hams, mortadella, wheels of parmigiana, tempting pastries and the best gelato to tempt you everywhere you go. All washed down with negroni’s, spritz or a refreshing Lambrusco (a delicious sparkling red). What’s not to love!
Here’s your ultimate guide to spritzing up your trip to this enchanting city:
Best Restaurant – Casa Merlo
This restaurant is one of my absolute favourites in Italy. It gives this unique experience which combines a traditional Italian menu with the most innovative flavours for the more adventurous. The decor is quirky with lots of gnomes and vibrant wallpaper and the focus is all on having fun. Everything we ate was delicious. The highlight though was the the truffle cheese doughnut—a dish so decadent it’s in a league of its own. Don’t leave without trying this one.
Best Traditional Trattoria – La Montanara
If you crave an authentic taste of Bologna, this cozy trattoria is your go-to. Expect hearty portions at reasonable prices in a charming, old-style setting. Set on one of the most popular streets in Bologna,
Most Interesting Bar – La Stanze
Housed in a beautifully converted church, this bar offers an unforgettable setting. Enjoy aperitivo snacks indoors or take advantage of the delightful outdoor seating.
Best Spritz – Ripasso
Bologna is full of spritzers at some of the most affordable prices I’ve seen. Ripasso though was a real standout as it delivered everything you need – full of life, this place is packed full of locals gather with groups of friends to enjoy aperitivo and evening drinks, they serve their spritzers with great snacks – olives, crisps and taralli’s and the spritzers were only 5 Euro’s. This whole street is great for spritzers, lined with little huts to serve the drinks from and off on a lively side street its a great place to mix with the locals.
Best Bar with a View – Signorvino
Relax with a glass of wine and a mouthwatering antipasto platter as you gaze out at the magnificent Piazza Maggiore and its iconic cathedral. Top tip become a member of Signorvino to enjoy extra discounts on food and drink as well. They also have great spots in Florence and Milan with incredible views and an accompanying wine shop you can spend hours in.
Best Bakery/Gelato – Matteo De Simoni
For the ultimate creamy gelato experience, this spot is unbeatable. If you’re nearby, Cremeria Retro also offers an indulgent array of frozen treats.
Best Pizza – Zii Margherita
This casual, local Neapolitan pizzeria was recommended by a local taxi driver and it didn’t disappoint. The perfect place to come if you’re looking for authentic, mouthwatering pizza just like in Naples. It’s a real fun vibe in here, with the atmosphere buzzing and sport on in the background.
Must-Do Activities
- Visit the 18th-Century Anatomy Museum (Museo di Palazzo Poggi)
This place is fascinating. I wasn’t sure about going but it is an amazing way to see Bologna’s history as the first university in the Western world. The building is full medical artifacts and unique exhibits that need to be seen to be appreciated. Even if you aren’t into science and medicine this is one not to miss.
- Climb the Portico di San Luca
Take the UNESCO-protected 3.5 km walk under continuous porticos to experience the longest covered walkway in the world. It’s not an easy walk as it’s up a very steep hill and it starts from the Porta Saragozza. Make sure you take lots of water and stop along the way to admire the views and architecture. At the top you are rewarded with not all an incredible view over the city but also the beautiful Sanctuary of Madonna di San Luca. (If the climb is too difficult you can take the little train that goes up and down from Piazza Maggiore).
Must-Try Dishes
- Gnocchi Fritto with Cheese and Ham
This is a little puff of heaven. Gnocchi Fritto, means fried dough but these little morsels taste like fried air, inredibly light. They are the perfect replacement for a cracker or bread to accompany the delicious cheese, parma ham and mortadella Bologna is so famous for.
- Tortellini in Brodo and Vitello Tonnato
These are both two of Bologna’s most classic dishes and whilst neither of them are for me, Andrew couldn’t get enough of them. The home-made tortellini is served up in a light broth and is often filled with Mortadella to combine all of the local delicacies and it is a regular on most Bologna menus. Vitello Tonnato is very unique, it’s thinly sliced veal covered in a tuna mayonnaise sauce with capers and anchovies, traditionally served cold. For anyone who wants to try the local flavours this is one to add to your list whilst visiting.
Bologna is a city where every corner tells a story and every bite leaves a memory. Buon viaggio!
Discover more tips and inspiration for your Italian travels here… https://spritzinguplife.com/italy/
