Bologna
a city painted in shades of pink, orange and terracotta
Bologna is a feast for both your eyes and your taste buds. We spent our days exploring the colorful historic center and our evenings eating incredible pasta. It’s less than 40 minutes from Florence by train and worth an overnight visit. If you want to stay put for a few days, add a day trip to Venice or one of the smaller surrounding towns.
Bologna favorite finds: pasta, gelato and a vintage nightshirt
By the time my mom and I reached Bologna, we had already run through Florence’s train station with all our luggage after a long international travel day. I was telling her, “We’ve got to run,” convinced we were about to miss the train. We made it, found our seats, and then sat there, sweaty and relieved, for several more minutes before it actually left.
Bologna began with dropping our bags at our Airbnb just off of Piazza Santo Stefano and going straight out for gelato.
What I loved the most about Bologna was the phenomenal pasta at a shared table, a little window opening onto a canal, an Italian nightshirt I still wear, and how happy I was to return after a very hot day in Venice. These are my favorite finds from our short stay.
EAT
Sfoglia Rina
Sfoglia Rina was my favorite meal in Bologna. The pasta is made in-house, and the restaurant has a cute shop in the front with communal tables in the dining area.
Sharing tables with others is one of the things that makes Italy feel so special - strangers coming together over (very) good food.
EAT
Trattoria da Me
Our first dinner in Bologna was at Trattoria da Me and it was a great introduction to the food the city is known for. We were also celebrating my mom’s 60th birthday, so the dinner was extra special.
You can’t go wrong with any of the pasta - just pick one and enjoy!
TREAT
Cremeria La Vecchia Stalla
Our Airbnb in Bologna sat right on Piazza Santo Stefano and Cremeria La Vecchia Stalla was just a few doors down.
It was the perfect stop after a night out and we went back as many times as possible, sampling different flavors each time.
DO
Vintage Shopping
After gelato and the canal on our first afternoon, we went to a thrift store I’d found before the trip - Humana Vintage. I had been to one of their locations in Rome before and absolutely loved it. This time was no different; I found the cutest green and blue striped pajama shirt that I still wear.
SEE
La Piccola Venezia
One of Bologna’s secret sights is the small canal running through the city, referred to as La Piccola Venezia.
The view through the little canal window is a quick stop, but worth it as you feel like you’re peeking into another world.
STAY
Piazza Santo Stefano Loft
I loved the historical architecture set against bright orange accents, luxury bedding and quiet location. This one bedroom and 1.5 bathroom Airbnb is perfect for solo travelers, couples and close friends. Amenities included a fully stocked kitchen, designer bathroom, and views of the surrounding neighborhood.
