With miles of elegant porticoes (a UNESCO World Heritage site) and the oldest university in the Western world, Bologna wraps history in warm terracotta tones. The city thrived in the Middle Ages as a scholarly and mercantile hub; today, its medieval lanes still hum with café chatter, church bells, and the clink of wine glasses at aperitivo.

Known as “La Grassa” (the Fat One), Bologna is Italy’s capital of comfort food—think tagliatelle al ragù, tortellini in brodo, mortadella, and lasagna verdi. Markets spill over with Parmigiano Reggiano, balsamico, and cured meats from the wider Emilia‑Romagna region, making it a dream for travelers who love tasting as much as touring.

Practical notes: book restaurants ahead (especially on weekends), expect some shop closures Sunday afternoons, and bring comfy shoes—Bologna is best on foot. Trains connect quickly to Florence, Milan, Venice, and Rome for easy arrivals and departures. This itinerary balances romance, mid‑range budget choices, and standout foodie experiences.

Bologna

Medieval towers, Renaissance libraries, and arcaded streets set the stage for an intimate city break. Start in Piazza Maggiore, drift through the Quadrilatero’s artisan food stalls, and step into the whispering halls of the Archiginnasio. If open during your visit, the Asinelli Tower offers a stirring skyline; otherwise, the panoramic sanctuary of San Luca is a worthy substitute.

Top sights: Piazza Maggiore and Basilica di San Petronio; Archiginnasio & Anatomical Theatre; Quadrilatero market; the Two Towers (Asinelli and the stabilizing Garisenda—area access may be restricted); Seven Churches of Santo Stefano; Portico di San Luca.

Essential tastes: Tagliatelle al ragù; tortellini in brodo; gramigna alla salsiccia; crescentine/tigelle with cured meats; mortadella; balsamico from nearby Modena; and gelato at artisan cremerie.

Where to stay (mid‑range to romantic):

• Grand Hotel Majestic \"Già Baglioni\" (classic, opulent stay a few steps from Piazza Maggiore): Check price & availability
• Aemilia Hotel Bologna (sleek rooms, rooftop terrace views, great value for couples): Check price & availability
• Hotel University (smart budget‑friendly base near the historic university): Check price & availability
• Browse more stays on Hotels.com: Bologna hotel search or apartments on VRBO: Bologna vacation rentals

Getting in/out: High‑speed trains are the easiest. From Florence (~40 min, ~€15–25), Milan (~1 h, ~€20–40), Venice (~1 h 30, ~€15–30), or Rome (~2 h, ~€30–60). Compare times and fares on Omio trains in Europe. Flights arrive at BLQ (Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport); check options on Omio flights and airport buses on Omio buses. The Marconi Express links BLQ to Bologna Centrale in ~8 minutes.

Day 1: Arrival, Piazza Maggiore, and a Romantic Stroll under the Porticoes

Morning: Travel to Bologna. If you arrive early, refuel like a local: an espresso and maritozzo or croissant at Forno Brisa (creative bakery) or Pasticceria Gamberini (historic pastry shop with gorgeous counters).

Afternoon: Drop bags, then set out for Piazza Maggiore. Step into Basilica di San Petronio to see the meridian line, then cross to the Archiginnasio to tour the wood‑carved Anatomical Theatre—an evocative window into 17th‑century medicine. Continue into the Quadrilatero market for tastings: mortadella, 30‑month Parmigiano, and balsamico spooned over flakes of cheese.

For context and shortcuts to hidden corners, consider this guided walk (timed afternoon departures are common—reserve ahead):

Viator pick: Bologna City Walking Tour

Evening: Toast your first night with an old‑school aperitivo. Grab a glass at Osteria del Sole (a 15th‑century wine bar; bring your own bites from Salumeria Simoni or Tamburini around the corner), or opt for a seated spritz at Marsalino (lively, reasonably priced small plates). For a romantic dinner, choose:

• Trattoria da Me: handmade tagliatelle al ragù, tortellini in brodo; cozy, mid‑range—reserve.
• Trattoria Serghei: tiny, traditional; gramigna alla salsiccia is excellent.
• Drogheria della Rosa: candlelit in a former pharmacy; seasonal Emilian dishes.
• Budget favorite: Osteria dell’Orsa for hearty tagliatelle and crescentine.

Prefer a curated tasting evening that blends sights and bites? Book this flavorful stroll:

Viator pick: Bologna: Dinner, Wine & Tastings Walking Tour

Nightcap: slip into Camera a Sud for an intimate glass of Lambrusco or a Negroni, or admire frescoes with cocktails at Le Stanze. End sweetly with gelato at Cremeria Santo Stefano (pistachio and “Crema di Guglielmo” are local favorites).

Day 2: Pasta Secrets, Market Bites, and San Luca Views (Depart Afternoon)

Morning: Start at Caffè Terzi—tiny, refined, and serious about espresso. Then roll up your sleeves for a hands‑on class that’s perfect for couples and food lovers:

Viator pick: Bologna: Pasta and Tiramisu Small Group Cooking Class with Wine

You’ll knead and cut fresh sfoglia, shape pasta, and finish with a classic tiramisù—often with a sit‑down meal and wine included. It’s a delicious souvenir you can recreate at home.

Afternoon: If time allows, ride the San Luca Express from the city center to the hilltop Santuario di San Luca for sweeping views, or stroll a segment of the Portico di San Luca—the world’s longest arcade. Alternatively, ascend the Asinelli Tower for a skyline panorama if open during your dates; otherwise visit the Seven Churches of Santo Stefano, a serene compound perfect for a quiet moment together.

Lunch ideas (light and local): Sfoglia Rina (fresh pasta bar; fast and flavorful), Da Cesari (romantic old‑world dining; tortellini in brodo), or Simoni Laboratorio (platters of cured meats and cheeses). Grab one last gelato at Cremeria Cavour before you go.

Evening: Departure day note: Aim to be at Bologna Centrale or BLQ ~60–90 minutes before your train/flight. The Marconi Express to the airport takes ~8 minutes; taxis typically ~15–20 minutes depending on traffic. Compare trains and buses on Omio trains and Omio buses, and check flights on Omio flights.

Budget tips (aiming for a 50/100 spend): Book lunches over dinners at top trattorie (set menus are cheaper), share antipasti boards, use free sights (Basilica di San Petronio, Piazza Maggiore, porticoes), and travel by foot. Reserve attractions and tours early to lock in lower prices.

Optional foodie upgrades for a future visit: Factory tours in nearby Modena and Parma for Parmigiano Reggiano and traditional balsamic vinegar pair beautifully with Bologna stays; consider full‑day experiences when you’re not departing the same afternoon.

In two indulgent days, Bologna woos you with arcaded streets, scholarly history, and plates that taste like nonna’s kitchen. Between market nibbles, cooking together, and golden‑hour piazzas, this romantic city makes the simplest moments feel special. You’ll leave with recipes, stories—and every reason to return.