Weekend in Bologna
I always learn something when I travel. It may be about a people group, history of the city, food, religion, myself, my travel partner, or something totally off the wall. This weekend I observed a different kind of Italian city - Bologna. Not so touristy, yet has plenty to offer the busy bodies with FICO nearby. Downtown is a historic wonderland of porticoes, Fountain of Neptune (1565 version of Playboy) , the oldest university in the western world, museums, cathedrals, and traditional FOOD. I learned not all Italian cities have the same vibe. After visiting several, I was beginning to wonder. 😉
As usual, we did our share of walking but we also rode the Red City Bus (hop on/off) and the gas powered choo choo train to a hilltop cathedral overlooking the city. I know - super touristy, right? However, it’s a great way to get a feel for the city as a whole. I didn’t want to, nor could we, walk every corner but the bus could take us there. I think it’s a great way to be introduced to a city in a short amount of time. Bologna reminds me of a quiet, university town. Plenty of traditional, yet hip, foodie strade, nice parks, mix of old homes and apartments, green space, stadium, hills, massive and small squares, and people are out living life. If you desire to shop, you’ll do well in Bologna. From LV & Hermès stores to street markets.
Where Did You Stay?
Hotel Cosmopolitan Bologna is a nice, clean, and inexpensive hotel, conveniently located near FICO but not so convenient to downtown. Keep reading to see what transportation we used to get around.
In September, over the weekend, the cost was:
Night 1 = 53.01 EUR *included breakfast
Night 2 = 69.26 EUR *included breakfast
What Did You Do?
Toured FICO Eataly
The place is massive! You can rent bikes or scooters to tootle around and pick up all the local food items your blessed heart desires. We walked….and walked……and walked.
There is also a small petting zoo out back! Not pictured ducks, geese, and chickens.
Chinese Lantern Festival
When you’re Asian at heart, you go where Asians are. I saw there was a lantern festival in Bologna and instantly began the research. It wasn’t quite the lantern festival I would expect but it was artsy, quirky, and fun, not to mention it was at FICO.
Hop On Hop Off Bus & San Luca Express Train Combo
We did the super touristy thing and bought the combo ticket in Bologna - Red City Bus (hop on/off) & San Luca Express Train Ride to the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca. The cost was €22 each. The basilica had amazing views of the city and countryside. So yes, I recommend it. You could do the uphill hike under the porticoes, if you’re into that.
Gallivanted through Downtown
When you leave the train station go down Via dell'Indipendenza toward Piazza Maggiore. Once you’ve seen everything there, head over to Piazza Santo Stefano to visit the Basilica di Santo Stefano. It is a quaint nook where I got some cool pictures.
Tip: The train station has a luggage drop. Enter the door next to KFC. The luggage drop is on the same side as platform 7 ovest. The cost is 6€ per piece.
I hope you go on a beautiful day so you can enjoy smelling all the foods and running for the shade under the porticoes. If you go and see the artist below, I’d like that picture on the right of the lavender field. Sigh - when you get home and wish you’d bought that one thing. I must go back and look for him.
By the way, the Fountain of Neptune in Piazza del Nettuno may have you covering your children’s/teen’s eyes. Once you’re past that, it is yet another beautiful, Italian city!
Where did you eat?
Baladin FICO - Yummy burgers and beer
PizzAltero - Quick pizza (downtown)
Wiener Haus - Near the hotel. Austrian restaurant. Good, heavy food and beer.
Hotel Breakfast
How did you get around?
We took the train to Bologna from Vicenza. The hotel shuttle picked us up near the train station and took us to/from downtown at certain times of the day. It was €3 each. We also rode the city bus to/from our hotel to downtown and the hop on/hop off bus. City bus tickets can be purchased on the bus. Taxis to get downtown were far too expensive where we were staying. As always, we did our share of walking. The hotel mentioned above is within walking distance to FICO. Remember - FICO is huge so save your energy or be prepared to rent a scooter or bike to get around.
I hope you found this post helpful. As always be safe, sanitize, and stay hydrated.
Do you know of other sites one must see in Bologna or upcoming events at FICO? If so, please share in the comments below.
See other Helpful Travel Apps.
