Are you coming to Bologna by car? Greta won't love you, but if you park in the right place without wandering around and getting a ticket, we can make her happier. ​Here are my suggestions to park in Bologna and avoid tickets in the relentless ZTL (traffic limited zone). The Traffic Limited Zone (Ztl): if you know it, you avoid it There's an area in Bologna that you mustn't cross: it's the ZTL. ​It's a limited area that covers almost the whole city inside the old walls and it's forbidden to non-residents from 7am to 8pm. It's important to know in advance where the area begi ..read more

Maybe I was born old, but I've always been attracted by flea markets. At first it was Kinder surprises, then stamps, later vinyl and furniture. Here’s my pick of the best flea markets and second-hand fairs in Bologna. And since walking, browsing and digging are calories consuming activities, I suggest you what and where to eat near the markets. Mercato antiquario, Piazza Santo Stefano, Bologna Night or day, Santo Stefano is the probably the most beautiful square of Bologna.  Even covered with vintage stalls selling vinyl, antiques, jewelry, furniture and books, its allure ..read more

Not only Sfogline. A great part of the history of Bologna was written by women, too. ​All around the city you can find some hints to recall a parallel, feminine, story of the city. Take a walk with us to meet them. 1. Laura Bassi Anatomical Theatre of Archiginnasio Once upon a time, in the oldest University in Europe, there was the first lady professor in history... Sounds like the beginning of a wonderful story, and actually, it is. Laura Bassi was the first woman who was officially nominated professor in a University, in 1732. Professor of what? you may ask. Maybe litera ..read more

Bologna doesn't look very green at first sight. But like our best food, parks and gardens are not exhibited. They're hidden behind old gates or they look at Bologna's skyline from the hills outside the city walls. Don't be lazy, wear you jogging shoes and go look for them. Giardini Margherita Opened in 1879, Giardini Margherita garden take its name from the same queen of the famous pizza.  ​ During its glorious days, you could have found there a lake with renting boats, a cafe chantant, a funicular railway and a zoo for lions.  Now most of these things are gone, but Giard ..read more

You landed in the Italian food capital but you have only one day to spend there? Don’t panic. It’s possible to get the best from Bologna in one day if you know how to mastermind distances, sightseeing and - of course - carbs. Here’s my recipe to have the perfect day in Bologna: amazing food, a bit of culture and something unexpected. 9 am: Start with a king breakfast A whole foodie day awaits you. The temptation to skip breakfast can be strong, but don’t fall into it.  ​ Since Italians eat a little in the morning, it will take only a few minutes, but you’re definitely going to ne ..read more

Find an open restaurant in August in Bologna seems a jigsaw to solve. Most of the places are closed for the summer holidays, but I won't leave you without good food. Here's a list of quality restaurants open in August. Tamburini If Bologna's food has a sacred temple, this is Tamburini. An old salsamenteria, meat shop, that serves generations of Bolognesi in the heart of Quadrilatero food market. Via Caprarie, 1, 40124 Bologna Tel. +39 051 234726 www.tamburini.com Cantina Bentivoglio Food + music is my magic potion. In this restaurant and jazz club you find both really well made ..read more

Summer in Bologna is like a chocolate box, sorry Forrest. Rich and tasty, but ends always too soon. Here's my guide for the best places to enjoy and never miss any crumb of it. Aperitivo at Le Serre dei Giardini Margherita. Live music between rosemary and thyme. With a spritz, between the trees: aperitivo places You've drunk all the water of Nettuno fountain. Jump between the shadows of the porticos. Spend a full day through crypts and ice caves (yes, we have a lot of them). But it's hot, still. Summer in Bologna can be very hot. The good news is that you can find an esca ..read more

Why Alvar Aalto, one of the most important architect and designer of the XX century, would create a church in a tiny village of 300 people on the hills of Bologna? The story is long and complex. Let's start from the beginning. From Finland to Riola: Alvaar Alto in Bologna 1955. Cardinal Giacomo Lercaro established a commission for the creation of new churches around Bologna as a symbol of renovation and inclusion of the suburbs. After a first missed attempt with Le Corbusier, Lercaro asked the Finnish architect Alvar Aalto to create a church in Riola, a small village betwe ..read more

If I say Michelin starred restaurant near Bologna your first thought will go to Massimo Bottura's Osteria Francescana. And I can say you're right because #1 restaurant in the world is a worth-a-plane place. But it's not the only Michelin star that you should check out if you are in Bologna. It took me some time (and money) but here are 3 very different places that have more than a star in common. 1. Trattoria da Amerigo Amerigo's egg with asparagus Savigno is a small town inside Val Samoggia, about 25min from Bologna, surrounded by woods and hills full of vineyards. Sinc ..read more

Bologna doesn't look very green at first sight. But like our best food, parks and gardens are not exhibited. They're hidden behind old gates or they look at Bologna's skyline from the hills outside the city walls. Don't be lazy, wear you jogging shoes and go look for them. Giardini Margherita Opened in 1879, Giardini Margherita garden take its name from the same queen of the famous pizza.  ​ During its glorious days, you could have found there a lake with renting boats, a cafe chantant, a funicular railway and a zoo for lions.  Now most of these things are gone, but Giard ..read more