Just off Piazza Maggiore, Bologna’s central square, the Quadrilatero seduces all of the senses. Grocers deal out chunks of nutty, rich Parmigiano Reggiano cheese as samples to discerning shoppers, along with razor-thin slices of prosciutto di Parma that melt on the tongue. Wine bars pour effervescent glasses of local pignoletto wine alongside boards of warm focaccia, lightly salty-herby mortadella, and balsamic so delectable it tastes closer to dark-chocolate syrup than vinegar.
These flavors have been central to Bologna’s food heritage since the Middle Ages, when the Quadrilatero’s first purveyors opened shops. Today’s culinary spread is the 21st-century version of the same time-tested favorites that many consider to be Italy’s greatest foods, from savory cheeses and cured meats, to tortellini, ragú Bolognese, and lasagna (whose original 13th-century recipe is archived at the Bologna Chamber of Commerce.)
But food is just one aspect of beguiling Bologna, the central-Italian hub with nicknames alluding to its red bricks and left-leaning politics (La Rossa), its iconic towers (La Turrita), its food (La Grassa, the fat one), and its thousand-year-old university (La Dotta, the erudite). There is also an air of modernity here, owing to the youthful college-town vibes that keep community and culture at the forefront of life through bars, music, film, fine arts, and street art.
Via these storied streets, many of them covered by the city’s iconic porticoes, travelers can imagine life as it was centuries ago even as they sip spritzes and attend film and art openings. And while Rome, Venice, Milan, Florence, and other fantastic Italian destinations remained the focus of more than 75 million visitors to Italy last year, visiting less-touristed Bologna is a special delight.
An added bonus is that Bologna is a hub city for Italy’s stellar train and highway network, and central inside the Emilia-Romagna region. So travelers can zip in from most big cities, and add in some of the regional sights like Parma, Modena (famous for the Ferrari Museum and other marvelous history), and coastal Rimini.
All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Museo d'Arte Moderna di Bologna, aka MAMbo, houses the city's contemporary art collections within a historic former bakery.
The essence of Bologna begins in the heart of the city, where Piazza Maggiore is a gathering place and time capsule. Dating to the year 1200, this broad rectangle is surrounded by top sights and splendid porticoes.
The Basilica di San Petronio steals the show, partly for its size, partly for its legendary façade that was left unfinished
The website maxtravelz.com is an aggregator of news from open sources. The source is indicated at the beginning and at the end of the announcement. You can send a complaint on the news if you find it unreliable.
The ski resorts of Bulgaria have long been seen as the best option for British skiers hoping to hit the slopes on a budget. Borovets and Bansko might not have the glitz of Verbier, the after-ski buzz of St Anton, or the picturesque villages of the Trois Vallées, but as the solid, wallet-friendly option, Bulgaria has been unbeatable for more than a decade.
Often seen merely as a stepping stone to the stunning Italian islands accessible via its bustling port, Naples is seldom considered a destination in itself. Contrary to this negative portrayal, Naples is a lively, culture-rich city that deserves more recognition. As the birthplace of pizza, it commands respect on culinary grounds alone. Moreover, it’s home to a wealth of significant archaeological treasures, and its unpolished streets have a beauty and authenticity that’s been washed away in other large European cities. It’s also home to a handful of excellent luxury boutique hotels offering outstanding Italian hospitality and beautiful accommodations. Here are the top hotels in Naples, Italy for a weekend getaway or extended vacation in city and around the city.
Disclosure: TPG accepted a comped round-trip ticket from United for the SFO-CHC flight to get access to the events and executives on board. TPG paid $574.67 for a positioning flight to SFO and for other associated costs, such as hotel and ground transportation.
In the historic streets of Trieste, an often overlooked town on Italy’s Istria peninsula, there is an aroma of coffee in the air. Dating back to the early 18th century, when the tax on coffee beans arriving at its port was waived, the city has had a deep association with coffee and was the main entry point for coffee beans into Europe. In the historic centre, visitors can still find some of the original coffee houses, modelled on those found in Vienna at the time and, each year, the city hosts the Trieste Coffee Festival.
In a groundbreaking triumph, Haute Retreats, renowned for curating unparalleled luxury travel experiences, has been crowned the winner of the Best Luxury Villa Rental and Accommodation Service in Europe for the year 2023 by Luxury Lifestyle Awards.
Each morning for the past month, Brian has been waking to the deep peace of the Italian countryside and a view through the olive trees of a hilltop village in the distance.
The historic Spanish port city of Cadiz is rarely advertised as a highlight stop on a cruise itinerary. It’s often a city visited towards the beginning or end of itineraries that focus on the Canary Islands or major Mediterranean ports such as Barcelona.
Best Western Rewards' latest promotion has launched two generous hotel deals that allow you to stack bonuses this winter. And while you may already have your holiday or winter stays booked, this hotel promotion is one that you should really consider and take advantage of. Keep reading to find out how you can earn up to 100,000 reward points, as well as a $100 gift card.