Using Bologna as base - Where to Go

blacksta

Hi all

I have plans to fly to Bologna over the Jubiliee bank Holiday wanted to help in planning an iternary especially where to get good food at a reasonable price

Firstly are there things to do in Bologna , My holiday will last over 3 days , I also plan to visit Florence

Any shopping outlets in Bologna or where i can visit ?

totallybored

There is a Prada outlet somewhere near Florence I think.

Itismehonest

2nd June is Italy's national holiday (Festa della Repubblica) so there should be plenty happening. The recent earthquakes didn't hurt Bologna.

The city is not as touristy as many others like Florence, for example. It is famous for its' food & its' university so, having lots of hungry students around, Bologna caters for all types & pockets.

Bob_the_Saver

blacksta wrote: »

Hi all

I have plans to fly to Bologna over the Jubiliee bank Holiday wanted to help in planning an iternary especially where to get good food at a reasonable price

Firstly are there things to do in Bologna , My holiday will last over 3 days , I also plan to visit Florence

Any shopping outlets in Bologna or where i can visit ?

Only 3 days and you want to go soddin Shopping !!!!! :think:

"Bologna is one of the most attractive cities in Italy and is full of character. Despite having suffered considerable bombing damage in 1944, Bologna's historic centre, Europe's 2nd largest (after Venice), contains a wealth of Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque artistic monuments of primary importance."
OK that bit's from the tourism office.

princeofpounds

Hi, I have used Bologna as a base. I thought it was great. The town itself is not super-touristy but it is very pleasant, great value and it is perfect for getting to various places across the north of italy.

I can really recommend Da Nello restaurant. Ended up going there 3 times in a week, they never had any problem us sitting at the table for hours, the wine was all cheap and excellent, and the food exceptional.

http://www.worldfoodieguide.com/index.php/ristorante-montegrappa-da-nello-italian-bologna-italy-810-by-helen-yuet-ling-pang/

I also really enjoyed walking (uphill so dress for moderate exercise!) through the 666 porticoes up to the Santuario San Luca. The road at the bottom where it starts isn't particularly auspicious, but as you head up out of the town you get more views and so on. At the top, near the church, there is a roadside restaurant that was also great. We were there in autumn, walked in and there were a half-dozen locals eating the same thing (mushrooms, blue cheese and polenta concoction), turned out it was the first day of the winter season they were making it and people turned up specifically for it, wasn't on the menu or anything.

http://www.viator.com/Bologna-attractions/Santuario-de-Madonna-di-San-Luca/d791-a1525

Final thing I found was that the rail was really cheap. Cost us something like 13 quid first class to Venice for the day. It was two hours on the train, but very comfortable and far cheaper than staying in Venice. You could do to the same to Florence and Ravenna easily, Milan is a bit further but also very doable.

totallybored

Bob_the_Saver wrote: »

Only 3 days and you want to go soddin Shopping !!!!! :think:
.

Well it is Italy and you could get a fabulous handbag