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Where to Stay
Villa Gotti Charming Rooms · Bologna
Villa Gotti Charming Rooms
I haven’t stayed here but it’s at the top of my list for when I return to Bologna. It’s an Art Deco villa that was designed by architect Enrico De Angeli back in the 1940s. It’s a little outside the center of town, but Bologna is fairly easy to drive into and there’s lots of parking. Decor highlights include a beautiful staircase and large windows that let in ample light.
Airbnb in Casteldebole
We stayed at this hilltop Airbnb which has incredible morning views overlooking a church. The rooms were clean and comfortable, with some that are ornate and in the Italian Renaissance style. It’s affordable and lovely, with a pool in summer.
Day One
Allegra - Bar & trattoria · Bologna
Allegra
Start your day with breakfast at Allegra, run by the lovely Lorenzo. The all-day eatery has the best coffee and pastries in Bologna (and other breakfast bits).
MAMbo - Museo d'Arte Moderna di Bologna · Bologna
MAMbo - Museo d'Arte Moderna di Bologna
Get a bit of culture at MAMbo, which has an excellent selection of modern art and is a perfect post-coffee and pastry activity.
Mercato di Mezzo · Bologna
Mercato di Mezzo
For lunch, pop by this market, which has a mixture of produce stalls and food spots. We sat and had negronis and pizza slices in the main food area.
Vintage55 Bologna · Bologna
Vintage55 Bologna
This clothing shop was originally designed by Italian designer Carlo Scarpa. Visit both to see his design and to shop the genuinely good clothing selection.
Cremeria Cavour · Bologna
Cremeria Cavour
Prepare to queue for this ice cream, but it’s absolutely worth it!
Ristorante Diana · Bologna
Ristorante Diana
For dinner, opt for this classic Italian restaurant with gorgeous decor. They have a famous meat trolley where you can choose different cuts of meat. There is also a trolley that brings out tortellini in brodo, one of the most famous Bolognan dishes. Both are delicious!
Day Two
Caffè Terzi Bologna · Bologna
Caffè Terzi Bologna
Start your day with a sweet breakfast at this classic Italian pastry and coffee spot, set right in the center of town.
Pavillon de l'Esprit Nouveau - Le Corbusier
A faithful reconstruction of the original pavilion designed by Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret for the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, the Esprit Nouveau Pavilion recreates every detail of the groundbreaking building, which was later demolished.
Allegra - Bar & trattoria · Bologna
Allegra
Revisit yesterday’s coffee shop for lunch. The food is delicious and they have an excellent wine list!
Bologna National Art Gallery · Bologna
Bologna National Art Gallery
This excellent museum houses masterpieces from the 13th to 18th centuries.
Osteria del Sole · Bologna
Osteria del Sole
Like a huge beer hall, this bar is so much fun, with cheap drinks and an amazing atmosphere. We had a great time here for pre-dinner drinks.
Antica Osteria del Mirasole · Bologna
Antica Osteria del Mirasole
Osteria del Mirasole is technically in Modena (a 30-minute drive from Bologna), but essential for any trip to the city. It’s one of the best restaurants in the world—I recommend coming hungry and trying as much as possible. Everything is perfect, from the decor to the staff and the wine list. Have the tortellini in crema which comes with a little pamphlet explaining where the milk comes from. I think about it once a week.
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