Bologna

Bologna

Rome and Florence may get more attention and more visitors, but underrate Bologna at your own risk.

You’ll likely spend your days in the city walking from cafe to gelateria to pasta restaurant to pizzeria. You might leave a little heavier, but you won’t regret it.

You can burn off some of those calories with a trek to the Santuario della Madonna di San Luca, a basilica that looks out over the city from the top of a hill, with 666 arches that connect it to the city walls.

Or walk through the historic centre, which, with its exceptional medieval architecture and gorgeous piazzas, deserves ample time dedicated to exploring its infinite exquisite details.

The city’s red roofs and nearly 40km of arcades make this the perfect place for photo opportunities, but take time out from admiring the architecture to try a pasta-making class, explore a museum, or spend a couple of hours in the botanical gardens. The city is overflowing with hidden delights that are well worth exploring.

Things to do in Bologna

■ Wander around the Basilica Santuario della Madonna di San Luca
■ Take a tour of Orto Botanico (Botanical Gardens)
■ Take a pasta-making class at the Culinary Institute of Bologna
■ Sample a sweet treat at Gelato Museum Carpigiani
■ Marvel at the Two Towers

Eat in Bologna

■ Drogheria della Rosa (Italian)
■ Ristorante Pappagallo (Italian)
■ Mercato di Mezzo (Market)
■ Il Gelatauro (Gelateria)
■ Caminetto d’Oro (Italian)
■ Alce Nero Berberè (Cafe)

Stay in Bologna

■ I Portici Hotel
■ Hotel Porta San Mamolo
■ Grand Hotel Majestic Già Baglioni
■ Bologna Center Town B&B and Guest House
■ Art Hotel Novecento
■ Il Convento dei Fiori di Seta

Scheduled Flights to Bologna (from Kuala Lumpur)

■ KLM (1 Stop)
■ Emirates (1 Stop)
■ Turkish Airlines (1 Stop)