Holidays to Bologna

With a population of 380,000, Bologna is the capital and largest city in Northern Italy's Emilia-Romagna region. One of the most populous cities in the country, it is nestled between the Savena and Reno rivers. A rich artistic heritage, exquisite food, stunning architecture, theatre and museums make Bologna one of the most sought-after vacation destinations in Italy.

Bologna is one of the liveliest and most dynamic cities in northern Italy, drawing visitors from around the world for city breaks. By booking your Bologna flight and hotel together, you can save money.

Flights to Bologna arrive at Guglielmo Marconi International Airport (BLQ), which has fantastic connectivity with several destinations. If you're travelling from the UK, you can opt for a direct flight from London or Manchester to Bologna.

UK citizens won't need a visa to enter Bologna. While the official language is Italian, English is spoken by many locals. Bologna is an hour ahead of the United Kingdom, and the local currency is the euro.

In Bologna, summers are warm and sunny, while winters can be chilly and cloudy. The city also receives rain during spring and autumn. If you choose package holidays in Bologna between March and October, you'll likely experience pleasant weather, perfect for enjoying outdoor activities. Booking your flight to and hotel in Bologna together can make your holiday planning simple and economical.

City breaks in Bologna offer plenty to explore and do in Bologna. Climb Asinelli Tower for panoramic views of the city from the top. Take a stroll through Piazza Maggiore, the city's arcaded central square and home to the famous renaissance Fountain of Neptune.

• Just behind Piazza Maggiore, you can explore the Quadrilatero, an ancient city market offering seasonal fruit, fresh fish, mortadella, traditional sweets, tortellini and much more.
• Bologna is also known for its cinema, theatre, art and music events. There are many traditional festivals, such as the International Soup Festival, where you can savour the tastes of the region and mingle with locals.
• On a weekend in Bologna, stop in at Vanilia & Comics, which doubles as a comic shop and eccentric drinking place, or Locomotiv Club, which hosts some of the best live concerts in the city. Head to Osteria L’Infedele for wine, blues and jazz.
• Learn to prepare traditional cuisine at the Culinary Institute of Bologna or Cook Italy.

From magnificent panoramic views to iconic medieval structures, Bologna has something for everyone. On a weekend in Bologna, visit the Archiginnasio, the oldest university in Europe, founded in 1088. Be sure to peek inside the fascinating Teatro Anatomico, where corpses were once dissected for study. Learn about the area at the Museum of the History of Bologna. The city also boasts some fascinating churches. The Basilica of San Domenico houses a Michelangelo statue, while Chiesa della Santa is home to Saint Catherine’s mummified remains.

A must-see is the Basilica of San Petronio, one of the largest churches in the world and known for its incomplete façade. Take a tour of Santuario di Madonna di San Luca, a Roman Catholic monument offering splendid views of the city. The Basilica di Santo Stefano, also worth a visit, is actually seven churches – stop in at the gift shop for souvenirs of your trip to Bologna. If you want to explore these sites and attractions, package holidays in Bologna can take the stress out of holiday planning and save you money.

If you also have time to explore the surrounding area, you can also rent a car in Bologna.

What to eat in Bologna

Bologna is renowned for its cuisine. While in the city, try mortadella, Italian pork sausage flavoured with myrtle berries, nutmeg, black pepper and pistachios. Lasagne al forno, another worldwide favourite, comprises layers of pasta, béchamel sauce and parmesan cheese. Other popular dishes to sample include gramigna alla salsiccia (curly pasta seasoned with sausage ragu) and bollito misto (a meat and vegetable stew).

What to bring home from Bologna

Bologna offers incredible possibilities when it comes to souvenirs. Cookbooks are a fantastic way to share traditional recipes with your friends at home, and a set of beautiful kitchenware carved from olive wood or ceramic serving utensils will undoubtedly make a great gift. Edible souvenirs you can bring back home include classic Italian dried mushrooms and parmesan.