Bologna

Where to shoot

• Le Due Torri — Bologna's leaning medieval towers; the Asinelli climb has been closed since October 2023, so check its status before you go.
• The Porticoes — over 38 km of covered arcaded walkways threading the entire historic center, arched and columned since the 12th century, UNESCO-listed since 2021.
• Piazza Maggiore — the city's grand central square, ringed by porticoed palazzi, umbrella cafes, and the unfinished brick facade of the Basilica di San Petronio.
• The University Quarter — Via Zamboni and the streets around it, lined with faded palazzi, student bars, and the quiet, slightly scruffy energy of Europe's oldest university.
• Two Towers — the medieval Asinelli and leaning Garisenda towers rising over the old center
• Piazza Maggiore — the main square framed by the Basilica of San Petronio and civic palaces
• Portico di San Luca — a long covered walkway of arches climbing to a hilltop sanctuary
• Quadrilatero — a dense grid of market lanes and food stalls beside the main square

When to go

April to June or September to October, when the weather is mild enough for walking the porticoes at length. Bologna's summer heat is heavy and humid, and much of the city empties out in August as locals head to the coast.

What to eat

This is the birthplace of tagliatelle al ragù (the real Bolognese, always with flat ribbon pasta, never spaghetti), tortellini served in brodo, and mortadella by the slice from a Quadrilatero deli counter.

Where to stay

Base yourself near Piazza Maggiore or the Quadrilatero market streets for postcard porticoes and easy walking; choose Via Zamboni and the university quarter instead for cheaper rooms and a livelier, more local feel.