Why Bologna is the most underrated city in Italy
Bologna is often called one of the most underrated cities in Italy, and in this article I’ll show you why. It might even convince you to book that plane ticket for your next trip.
I visited Bologna twice, something I’ve never done with any other destination. The first time, I went with a friend. We wanted a short trip together and, at that time, we didn’t have much money, so it had to be low cost. One day we found a promotion for cheap flights to Bologna, so we grabbed the chance and booked right away.
The second time, I went with my husband. We had planned a longer trip to Tuscany (with Florence included), and from Romania, the cheapest flights we could find were to Bologna. That turned out perfectly, because Bologna is very close to Florence—our first main stop. Naturally, we added Bologna to our itinerary for the final days of our trip.
Both times I visited Bologna, I felt the same amazing mix of rich culture, incredible food, and a calming atmosphere. I’ve visited many Italian cities, but honestly, none of them gave me this same sense of freedom and warmth.
People of all ages wander through the city, relaxing at cafés or enjoying the piazzas. The charming architecture and atmosphere make it easy to lose yourself while exploring. Even if Bologna isn’t considered very touristic, the streets are vibrant with students and locals—yet at the same time, you get a wonderful feeling of coziness.
It’s a slow-paced destination, perfect for exploring Italian culture and soaking up the local vibe. If you’re wondering is Bologna worth visiting or is Bologna worth it, the answer is absolutely yes.
If you are interested in slow travel destinations in Europe, then consider checking out this article here.
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Why Bologna Deserves More Attention
Less Touristy Than Florence or Rome
It goes without saying that cities like Florence or Rome are more popular and higher on people’s bucket lists than Bologna. I understand why we all want to see these two cities—I visited them too and loved them. Florence remains one of my favorite Italian cities.
That being said, the popularity of a city doesn’t mean it’s the best or the only place you should visit. Less touristy often means more authentic cultural experiences, more local and traditional restaurants or boutiques, and more space for you to explore and enjoy.
Bologna is one of those places—being less touristy doesn’t mean it isn’t worth visiting, especially if you’re looking for hidden gems Bologna has to offer, without the crowds.
The markets and restaurants are mostly attended by locals and students. Unlike Florence, Rome, or Venice, Bologna feels like one of the most underrated cities in Italy, worth visiting for its authentic food and cozy atmosphere.
Authentic Italian Atmosphere
Everything about Bologna gives off a vibe of authenticity—from the unique architecture and medieval atmosphere to the way the city pulses with young energy, cultural events, and nightlife.
Walking the streets in Bologna feels like stepping back in time, with the famous Bologna porticoes UNESCO (over 40 km of covered arcades) that protect you from both sun and rain while charming you with their design.
Piazza Maggiore and the 13th–16th century buildings create a beautiful medieval atmosphere, but without the crowds other Italian cities attract.
And how cool is it to study at the oldest university in the world? The University of Bologna, founded in 1088, attracts thousands of international students.
Another thing I found charming were the Two Towers Bologna—Asinelli and Garisenda—located right in the city center, recalling the time when Bologna had hundreds of such towers.
The Italian atmosphere is a fascinating combination of charming streets, medieval details, and youthful energy, brought to life through cultural events and festivals.
The Bohemian Lifestyle & Aperitivo Culture
I don’t know how much you know about Italians, but this is something that really caught my attention when I first visited the country.
Sure, they love their pasta, pizza, and cappuccino, but Italians also embrace a bohemian lifestyle. I’ve visited many Italian cities, but nowhere did I find the aperitivo culture as prominent as in Bologna.
If you’re wondering what aperitivo culture is, it’s as the name says, but with a twist. In Bologna, most restaurants and cafés offer special deals between 5 pm and 7 pm called aperitivo hours. For a fixed price (for example, 12 euros) you get a glass of wine or a cocktail and as many appetizers as you can eat.
Basically, restaurants prepare small bites of different foods you can enjoy with your drink and friends.
What fascinated me was how people of all ages filled the restaurants during aperitivo hours. I was especially impressed by the elderly, relaxed and cheerful, drinking, eating, and enjoying life.
In my country—and in many others—you rarely see elderly people going out simply to relax. Usually, people go to restaurants for meetings or specific occasions.
In Bologna, people don’t need a reason to go out; it’s simply part of their lifestyle. That’s why I believe aperitivo hours are part of their culture and identity.
I really admired the locals and students in Bologna who knew how to slow down and just enjoy life. As I said, I don’t know in which country you live, but in Italy—and in Bologna in particular—people truly know how to live a more cozy and wholesome life.
And this isn’t just about having drinks at certain hours. In Bologna you can actually feel the bohemian lifestyle. There’s a specific vibe that’s impossible to ignore.
Walking the streets and seeing people of all ages drinking wine and enjoying conversations without any rush or hustle culture made me admire and even envy them. I knew I wanted that kind of life for myself, but at the time I didn’t know how to get there.
This is another reason why Bologna is considered one of the most underrated cities in Italy—because even without world-famous landmarks, there’s something magical about the way people live here. The aperitivo culture is just one example.
Affordable City Break in Italy
If you’re traveling on a budget but still want to experience authentic Italian culture, then Bologna—one of the most underrated cities in Italy—is the place for you. Plane tickets are cheaper from most destinations, especially if you book in the fall.
I think Bologna is the perfect fall destination: fewer tourists than in summer, cheaper accommodations, and perfect weather for exploring.
Also, if you’re planning to visit Florence on a budget, booking your flight to Bologna and staying here is the smartest choice. From Bologna you can take the train to Florence in just 30–40 minutes. The same goes for Venice and Milan, which are about an hour away.
In Bologna, you can enjoy authentic recipes like tagliatelle al ragù Bologna, tortellini in brodo Bologna, or mortadella Bologna at wallet-friendly prices, without compromising on quality. Basically, you get better value for your money—and some of the best food in Bologna truly competes with anywhere else in Italy.
So if you want to visit Italy without breaking the bank, Bologna offers one of the most budget-friendly city breaks.
How Many Days Do You Need in Bologna?
If you’re wondering how many days you need in Bologna, the answer is anywhere between one day and 3–4 days. That’s part of what makes Bologna one of the most underrated cities in Italy—you can enjoy it on a short stopover or a longer stay.
You can plan a transition day in Bologna and see most of its landmarks, especially if it isn’t your main destination. For example, when we planned our trip to Tuscany and other cities like Pisa and Siena, we decided to start and finish in Bologna because the flights were cheapest. So we only had one full day there.
If you are interested in my One Day in Bologna Itinerary, please check out this article here. You are going to find recommendations for places to eat breakfast, lunch or buy things. Also there is a list with all the popular landmarks that you can see in just one day.
A few years earlier, when I visited with a friend, we stayed four days in Bologna. In both cases, we had a great experience with plenty of things to do.
During our one full day, we explored the main Bologna landmarks, tried authentic Italian dishes, and relaxed with a cappuccino.
When I had more time, my friend and I enjoyed every cozy corner of the city, visited a monastery just outside Bologna, and even dedicated a full day to Florence.
If you’re interested in a one-day or 3–4 day itinerary in Bologna, consider subscribing to my blog to get notified when I post those guides.
Bologna as a Slow Travel Destination
I used to associate a slow travel destination with places mostly surrounded by nature, secluded, and less populated. But as my travels expanded, I learned that slow travel can also come from the overall atmosphere and vibe of a city.
Bologna—one of the most underrated cities in Italy—felt like a true slow travel destination. The bohemian lifestyle of its people, the medieval architecture, the cozy streets lined with restaurants and cafés, and the way locals enjoy their time all make this city a perfect slow escape.
In Bologna you don’t feel pressured to check off endless landmarks. You don’t feel rushed to cram in tons of activities for fear of missing something.
Instead, you can follow the locals’ lead: take your time, unwind, drink great wine, eat appetizers, and live in the moment. You can wander the streets, take in the details, find a cozy corner to sip a cappuccino, and capture the atmosphere in photos.
Why Bologna Is the Food Capital of Italy
I don’t know how many people are aware of this—I wasn’t either when I planned my first trip—but Bologna is considered the food capital of Italy.
It’s fascinating that one of the most underrated cities in Italy is also the place where you can eat some of the best food in Bologna, filled with wholesome and traditional recipes.
If you love food as much as I do, and if tasting traditional recipes is part of your travel itineraries, then this section is for you.
Tagliatelle al Ragù (Not Spaghetti Bolognese)
Tagliatelle al ragù Bologna is the city’s most famous dish—and the authentic version of what the world mistakenly calls “spaghetti bolognese.” The proper way is with fresh tagliatelle and a slow-cooked sauce made with beef and pork. If there’s one dish I recommend you try in Bologna, this is it.
Mortadella, Tortellini & Local Markets
If you’re visiting Bologna in fall or winter, you should definitely try their traditional tortellini in brodo Bologna—tiny stuffed pasta served in a clear meat broth.
If you’re a fan of cold cuts and cheeses, explore the local markets and look for Bologna’s delicacy: mortadella Bologna, prosciutto cotto, or Parmigiano Reggiano.
Bakeries will tempt you with their specialties, one of them being tigelle, small flat buns filled with cold cuts, cheeses, or traditional spreads. They’re perfect if you’re on the go.
Eating Like a Local in Bologna
Eating like a local in Bologna—one of the most underrated Italian cities—makes your trip feel truly authentic and special.
For me and my husband, food is always an important part of traveling, especially when it comes from traditional places. If you’re like us and want to eat like a local in Bologna, here are some tips:
- Eat at family-run restaurants. These places carry recipes passed down through generations, which always adds something magical to the flavors.
- Join the aperitivo ritual. As I mentioned earlier, the aperitivo culture is part of Bologna’s bohemian lifestyle. It’s the perfect chance to unwind and take a break from sightseeing while enjoying delicious food and a glass of wine.
- Visit local markets. If you want authentic local produce, you must stop by Mercato delle Erbe or the Quadrilatero. You’ll find fresh pasta, tigelle, mortadella, and local wines. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to buy souvenirs—what better way to bring Italy home than gifting friends and family with traditional foods from Bologna?
- Finish your meals with a traditional dessert. Try torta di riso, a rice cake unique to Bologna, or opt for artisanal gelato.
- Book a food tour. This way you can be sure to sample all the essential traditional dishes and local spots.
- Take a cooking class. Learn how to make authentic tagliatelle al ragù or tortellini, and return home with precious knowledge and a deeper connection to Bologna’s culinary culture.
- Respect the pasta tradition. One thing we didn’t know before visiting Bologna: “spaghetti bolognese” isn’t a dish here (even if the name sounds intuitive). It’s a tourist invention. Always order tagliatelle al ragù Bologna instead.
Hidden Gems & Landmarks in Bologna
The Two Towers & UNESCO Porticoes
During the Middle Ages, Bologna had over 100 towers, but today only a few remain. The iconic Two Towers Bologna—Asinelli and Garisenda—stand in the city center, and you can climb Asinelli Tower for a breathtaking panorama of Bologna.
Another thing that makes Bologna one of the most underrated cities in Italy is its extraordinary porticoes, recently added to the Bologna porticoes UNESCO World Heritage list. Imagine walking through more than 40 km of beautiful covered arcades, supported by arches and columns, that protect you from sun and rain while offering endless charm.
Bologna’s Secret Canals
Most tourists don’t realize that Bologna has canals built during the Middle Ages. While most of them are now covered, there’s a tiny window—Finestrella di Via Piella—that overlooks one of the Bologna canals and offers a picture-perfect view. For those who stumble upon it, it’s always an unexpected highlight and one of the true hidden gems Bologna keeps for curious travelers.
Cozy Corners to Slow Down
One thing I loved about Bologna is how many cozy corners you can find if you’re looking to slow down. As one of the most underrated Italian cities, Bologna is full of small piazzas, quiet streets, and traditional cafés.
Bologna isn’t your typical “active” travel destination, but it’s the perfect getaway if you’re using the city as a starting point to explore other parts of Italy.
For us, it was the best place to unwind and relax after a full week exploring Tuscany. After visiting nine different cities and villages, we needed a slower pace—to sit, drink cappuccinos, and wander without a plan.
When I traveled with my friend, Bologna was again the perfect destination for our small budget, creating the ideal setting to connect and recharge. We discovered many cozy corners, like Piazza Santo Stefano, simply by exploring without a rush or strict itinerary.
It was also a great base for day trips—for example, we visited Florence on a budget-friendly train ticket.
Bologna vs Other Italian Cities
When people think about visiting Italy, they usually search for cities like Rome, Florence, Venice, or Milan, or dreamy destinations like Cinque Terre or Positano.
However, Bologna is a hidden gem that deserves a spot on your itinerary or bucket list. Let me explain why by comparing it with the most famous cities:
- Rome – It’s crowded with tourists all year, with long lines at every landmark. Bologna, on the other hand, has a rich history with medieval towers and UNESCO porticoes but without the overwhelming crowds.
- Florence – It’s world-famous for art and Renaissance heritage, but just like Rome, it’s crowded and expensive. Unlike Bologna, it’s harder to find cozy corners in Florence, and the sheer number of landmarks can make you feel rushed. You also need more organization—researching the best visiting times and booking tickets online. Florence or Bologna—which is better? Florence may have the Uffizi, but Bologna offers authentic architecture, hidden canals, and beautiful churches that you can explore at your own pace.
- Venice – It’s unique and romantic, but heavily touristy and, of course, more expensive. Bologna, by contrast, feels romantic thanks to its slow vibe and relaxing atmosphere. It has a vibrant local life that Venice lost long ago because of mass tourism.
So, why choose Bologna? If you’re still asking is Bologna worth visiting or looking for less touristy Italian cities, here’s my take: Bologna combines everything people love about Italy—history, food, atmosphere, and authenticity—without the crowds or inflated prices. You get the real Italian experience on a budget, and that’s why Bologna is one of the most underrated cities in Italy.
Is Bologna Worth Visiting? Final Thoughts
Is Bologna worth visiting? Without a doubt.
Bologna is one of the most underrated cities in Italy—a place where you can enjoy authentic food, discover hidden gems Bologna keeps secret, and soak in a cozy, bohemian vibe that feels more local than touristy.
If you’re still wondering why visit Bologna or is Bologna worth it, remember this: it’s the food capital of Italy, filled with history, charm, and authenticity—without the crowds of Florence or Rome. Bologna may not shout for attention, but it quietly gives you one of the most memorable Italian experiences.
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