Bologna: 7 things to do to live the city like a local

Bologna has been called a lot of names: La Rossa (the red: because of its elegant red-brick buildings), La Dotta (the learned: it’s home to the oldest university in the western world) and, best of all, La Grassa (the fat: a nod to its wonderfully indulgent side). The home of the tastiest food in Italy, it will treat you to a weekend of perfect pasta and parmesan, mouthwatering mortadella and abundant aperitivi — with excellent art and architecture thrown in for good measure.

If you want to visit the city like a local, then here are 7 things to do to become a true Bolognese.

1. Shop in the local markets 

Bologna boasts several markets, some a bit touristy but all very local. If you want to do the "culinary" shopping like a Bolognese, buy the regional products from the countryside: cheeses (parmesan and squacquerone above all), cold cuts (mortadella, ham and graves), balsamic vinegar, fresh pasta, fruit and local wines such as lambrusco.

Start from the very traditional Mercato di Mezzo, a popular and authentic market selling excellent products. Restored in 2004, the Mercato di Mezzo is quite picturesque, with stalls and small shops near Piazza Maggiore.

On the other hand, the Mercato delle Erbe is an excellently covered market in the city center, with fresh fruit and vegetable stalls but also independent delis and wine bars. Great for walking, shopping and having lunch, but also for an aperitivo with friends: if you only have time for one market, try this.

For even more local shopping, head to the Mercato Ritrovato, taking place every Saturday morning in front of the Cineteca di Piazzetta Pasolini. This is the farmer's market par excellence, ideal for buying products from the Bolognese countryside.

Finally, other interesting local markets are the one in Piazza Aldovrandi (this is an only local one) and the Albani-Bolognina Market (also famous for street art).

2. Eat in a trattoria!

In a country famed for its cuisine, Bologna reigns supreme as the gastronomic capital of Italy. Eating here is quite simply one of the best things to do.

Bologna is the birthplace of ragù, or tagliatelle al ragù, the delightful flat-ribboned pasta with subtle meat-sauce, tortellini, tortelloni, mortadella, Parma ham, balsamic vinegar, and many other delicacies.  

All of which can be found on the streets and laneways of Quadrilatero, just off Piazza Maggiore. 

The sweets aren’t forgotten either, with some of the best Gelato in Italy found at Cremeria La Vecchia Stalla in piazza Santo Stefano, delicious!

3. Walk under Bologna’s historic Porticoes

In a sign of Bologna’s intellectual successes, in the Middle Ages the growth of the University created an urgent need for extra space. Rather than narrow down the already-narrow streets, the decision was made to build porticoes over existing walkways to allow the footprint of the University to be extended on top of them.

During the Middle Ages, almost all of Europe’s developed cities had porticoes, however due to population booms and the invasion of ‘public’ space, authorities quickly put an end to porticoes. Many were demolished, but thankfully Bologna’s were spared. In fact, they were so revered they’ve been mentioned in all local regulations from the 13th century until today. 

Now, Bologna’s porticoes take pride of place on UNESCO’s world-heritage list. There are close to 40kms of these beautiful, tunneled passages throughout the city of Bologna, each with their own unique style and structure. Strolling through them feels like you're getting to know the city and its history, one step at a time.

4. Admire the unfinished beauty of Basilica di San Petronio

Smack bang in the middle of Bologna, just off Piazza Maggiore, lies one of the city's most important and imposing structures, San Petronio church.

Named in honor of the patron of Bologna, San Petronio, construction of the basilica started in 1390. Although it was never completed due to a rivalry with Rome (just look at the half marble, half brick facade on the exterior for the proof!), the church evolved through the middle ages to become the structure it is today. 

Inside, the church has many distinctive qualities which make it one of the most unique we've visited, so it's a definite stop for any Bologna itinerary.

5. Mambo (Museum of Modern Art) is a must during the weekend

Located in a former bread bakery, MAMbo is now a centre for creativity and experimentation and features permanent and loaned collections set out over 9,500sqm of modern, architecturally fluid floor space. The permanent collection is organized into nine separate themes spanning from the 20th century to present.

One of the best exhibitions was that of Italy's famous still life painter (and Bologna native), Giorgio Morandi. The exhibition features some of his most famous and significant works and analyses the motifs and periods that characterized Morandi's work.

6. Take the long walk (or train) to San Luca

"When I see San Luca, I know I'm home" say all Bolognese when they’re back from a trip.

 If you’re an outdoor enthusiast you cannot miss the UNESCO world's longest portico, winding its way for 4 kilometers right out of the city center and up into the hills to the Sanctuary of San Luca, a traditional walking destination for the Bolognese and one of Bologna’s icons.

The hour-long climb concludes at the foot of the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca church, which houses the icon of the Virgin. The Basilica was completed in 1723, although a church or chapel has existed on the site for over 1,000 years. It’s worth a look inside, especially to see the artwork and frescoes from famous Italian painters and sculptures Creti, Reni, Pestrini, Mazza, and Bigari.

If you'd prefer the easier option, you can catch the San Luca Express from Piazza Maggiore to the Basilica at half-hourly intervals through the day.

7. Climb the Asinelli Tower

At the end of Via Rizzoli, you will find the two towers — Torri degli Asinelli and Torri Garisenda — the striking symbols of the city. 

During medieval times, rich families demonstrated their power by constructing their own tower within the city, all striving to be the tallest and most grand.

These two towers are the tallest ones that remain from that day, and the Asinelli Tower is the only one available to climb.

For 3€, you'll have a great experience and the best possible view of Bologna! Better yet, combine a taste of local foods with the panoramic view from the Torre degli Asinelli, the perfect way to spend the weekend!