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Europe

BolognaItaly

Porticoed streets, Emilian cooking and a student city that eats and drinks well for little.

The vibe

Food-focusedHistoricArtsyWalkableRomantic

Derived from Bologna’s strongest Destination DNA attributes.

Where is Bologna?

Map showing the location of Bologna, ItalyBologna, Italy is in Europe. The marker shows its approximate position.
Simplified location map: Bologna, Italy, Europe.

Bologna is in northern Italy, inland in the Emilia-Romagna region at the foot of the Apennines.

At a glance

Country
Italy
Region
Europe
City size
Medium
English
Moderate

Why you might like Bologna

  • Food
  • Nightlife
  • History
  • Museums
  • Football
  • Budget friendly

Bologna is the food capital of Emilia-Romagna: tortellini, mortadella and ragù, with Parma and Modena producers within an hour by train. Nearly forty kilometres of porticoes shelter the centre, and Europe's oldest university keeps prices and nightlife student-friendly.

Bologna in facts

Country
Italy
Region
Europe
City size
Medium · ~790,000 residents

Urban area population · UN World Urbanization Prospects and national statistics offices, 2024

English proficiency
Moderate · 513/800

Country-level score · EF English Proficiency Index 2025

Why Bologna stands out

  1. Bologna is home to the University of Bologna, founded in 1088 and considered the oldest university in continuous operation.

  2. The city's historic center has roughly 40 kilometers of covered porticoes, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  3. Bologna's cuisine gave rise to tagliatelle al ragu, tortellini and mortadella, distinct from dishes marketed abroad under its name.

  4. The Two Towers, Asinelli and Garisenda, are surviving examples of medieval towers that once numbered in the dozens across the city.

Good to know

  • Bologna sees fewer tourists than Florence or Rome, keeping its central markets and trattorias oriented toward locals.
  • The city is a major rail hub, making it a convenient base for day trips across Emilia-Romagna.
  • Many restaurants close for a mid-afternoon break, following the wider Italian pattern of a long lunch pause.

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