Whenever you and your girlfriends are planning for a getaway, it’s always necessary to pick a place that your entire group will enjoy, whether it’s food, art, culture, or shopping. If you’re looking for a destination that ticks all boxes for a trip that you and your ladies won’t forget, consider visiting the Italian city of Bologna.
This capital city (as well as its biggest city) of Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, Bologna is a treasure trove of cultural treasures and some of the most delectable food you will ever try in the country.
While it not as popular as other Italian cities such as Rome, Milan, or Florence, it certainly has plenty of gems to be discovered and is compact enough that it can be easily explored, making for the perfect holiday destination.
Below are some of the best things to see and do during a girls’ trip to Bologna. (Insider tip: It’s best to leave your bulky items at a luggage storage locker in Bologna to avoid any inconvenience, especially when entering tourist attractions such as museums.)
Best Things to Do in Bologna with Your Girls
1. Eat your heart out!
Italy is world-renowned for its incredible cuisine and Bologna is widely considered as the nation’s gastronomical capital. The city takes pride in its food and is the birthplace of numerous beloved Italian dishes such as lasagne, tagliatelle, and tortellini as well as raw products like balsamic vinegar and Parmigiano-Reggiano.
In fact, the food here alone is more than enough reason to visit; Bologna boasts an array of trattorias, pizzerias, and local restaurants that will leave you wanting more. Here are our top picks of where to eat in Bologna:
- All’Osteria Bottega: One of the most well-known restaurants in the city, this spot serves traditional Bolognese fare, including their star dishes such as the 36-month cured culatello di Zibello ham and pigeon in a wine reduction.
- Trattoria Bertozzi: Often regarded as the best restaurant in Bologna, this trattoria is a must-try when in the city. The menu consists of classic Bolognese favorites, including the best gramigna you will ever have in your life. Reservations are a must.
- Oltre: This is a trendy trattoria that serves modern and creative versions of Bolognese staples such as chestnut tagliatelle with pork belly and Sangiovese-braised beef cheeks.
- Trattoria di Via Serra: A no-frills trattoria just outside the city center with a huge following, this is a must-try. The menu is comprised of traditional fare with a twist and dishes are all made using farm-to-table ingredients. Excellent items on the menu include tagliatelle ragu made out of minced meat and gramigna pasta with white ragu and mountain pork.
- Trattoria Da Me: Founded in 1937, this dining institution serves staples such as tagliatelle and pasta Bolognese as well as other innovative dishes like panko-fried chicken and slow-cooked pork in coconut and peanut sauce.
For more fun, check out one of the many available Bologna food tours, which take you to the top dining spots in the city.
2. Visit the oldest operational university in the world.
Bologna is home to the University of Bologna, which is the oldest university in the world still operating today. Founded in 1088, it is one of Italy’s most prestigious universities and has become a historic attraction in the city of Bologna. Located in the Archiginnasio, a former main building of the university is the most popular tourist spot on campus – the Teatro Anatomico.
Made completely out of wood and featuring some statues of famous medical personalities, this 17th-century medical hall used to be where medical students watched autopsies. Right in the center of the room is a fascinating anatomical marble table where fresh cadavers were once dissected.
3. Admire the city’s best museums.
Bologna is a city rich in cultural appreciation, which can be seen best through its array of museums. This Italian city has at least 20 museums dedicated to a variety of fields, including art, history, archaeology, music, and more. During your girls’ trip, it is a must for you to make a stop at the following Bolognese museums:
- Modern Art Museum of Bologna (MAMbo): Considered Bologna’s most famous museum, this art museum traces the history of Italian art starting from World War II until the present day.
- Museo della Storia di Bologna: Founded in 2012 and located within Palazzo Pepoli, this interactive museum tells the story of the city of Bologna through its innovative exhibits.
- Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna: Located in Bologna’s university district, this is the city’s premier art institution and boasts a massive collection of Emilian paintings spanning the 13th and 18th centuries.
- Museo Civico Archeologico: Housed in the Palazzo Galvani, this prestigious museum houses some valuable archaeological finds from the prehistoric period until the Roman Age.
- Museo Internazionale e Biblioteca della Musica di Bologna: Situated within the Palazzo Aldini Sanguinetti, this music museum and library hosts a wide collection of historic artifacts related to music, such as music repertoire, manuscripts, autographs, and more.
Pro tip: If you want to save on entrance tickets and skip the lines, you can purchase a Bologna Welcome Card, which will give you free access to most of the city’s museums.
4. Climb the city’s famous twin towers.
Perhaps the city’s primary symbol, no visit to Bologna would be complete without seeing the “twin towers” of Torre degli Asinelli and the Torre Garisenda. Situated at the end of Via Rizzoli, these towers were built between 1109 and 1119 and are a definite must-see when visiting the city because of their slight tilt.
While not as famous as the Leaning Tower of Pisa, these towers are still worth seeing in person; by climbing the top of taller Torre degli Asinelli, which has nearly 500 steps, you will be rewarded with a spectacular view of Bologna and the shorter Torre Garisenda.
5. Stroll along the city’s famous porticoes.
For an authentic Bolognese experience, you and your girls should definitely seek out the city’s historic porticoes (a porch that leads to an entrance or serves as a colonnade); the Italian city is home to nearly 40 kilometers of porticoes, some of which are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Some of Bologna’s most famous porticoes include the one that leads to the Santuario di Madonna di Luca as well as the four-sided portico leading to Chiesa di Santa Maria dei Servi. This activity can be especially fun if you or any of your friends are into street photography or architecture.
Sources:
https://theculturetrip.com/europe/italy/articles/the-top-10-things-to-do-and-see-in-bologna/
https://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions-/bologna-i-er-b.htm
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/italy/emilia-romagna-and-san-marino/bologna/top-things-to-do
https://www.timeout.com/bologna/things-to-do/best-things-to-do-in-bologna
