
Many people pass through Bologna, Italy, on their way elsewhere, which is a shame—it merits a stop of at least a day.
Sometimes called "Bologna the fat," this city 65 mi/105 km north of Florence is a great place to indulge yourself: Many consider it the gastronomic capital of Italy.
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Must See or Do
Sights—Climbing the 498 steps to the top of the Asinelli; mingling with locals in the Piazza Maggiore.
Museums—The Museo della Storia di Bologna to learn about the city's 2,500 years of history; Pinacoteca Nazionale to admire the works of Bologna's most famous painters; the Museo Civico Archeologico for insight into the city's Etruscan and Roman past.
Memorable Meals—Eating tris Bologna (fresh, handmade tortellini, lasagne and tagliatelle) at Trattoria dal Biassanot; trying the local specialty, crescentine, with local cold cuts and cheeses at Osteria al 15; tasting Bologna's signature delicacy, mortadella, at Simoni Laboratorio.
Late Night—Sipping a glass of Italian wine while listening to live jazz at Cantina Bentivoglio.
Walks—Walking the longest portico in the world up to the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca; strolling the lovely paths of the Giardini Margherita.
Especially for Kids—A ride on the San Luca Express, an open-air train from the city center to San Luca operated by City Red Bus.