Bologna Travel Forum

I will be traveling by myself on Fri, May 2nd through Bologna. Does anyone have any recommendations for what to do with a free day in Bologna? I am a foodie, so I will definitely be checking out the cuisine, but what else is essential? Also, what is there to do in Bologna on a Friday night? (Because I will be alone, I would like to stay in a safer area of town.) Are there any places where I can meet some fun natives? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

I recommend Tratorria Annamaria for lunch or dinner. Offering excellent regional cuisine it is located at Via Delle Belle Arti, 17/A, and isn't far from the city center (maybe a 10 minute walk). As for night life, well...it is a University town. If you stroll down Via Zamboni away from the Due Torre, you will begin to see wall posters for all kinds of events within the City, typically with a youthful bent. You can also hang out at Piazza Maggiore, where everyone congregates, day or night.

When we stayed in Bologna (for three weeks) we were advised by the local from whom we were renting the flat not to go into the via Zamboni area at night. For things to do during the day, you could get the bus up to the church on top of the hill (I am sorry, the name completely escapes me!) and then walk down through the arcades. Or you could walk around Bologna itself, which has some fascinating streets and buildings. There are a lot of museums, etc. The art gallery is worth a visit. It all depends on what your interests are. Check out my Bologna pages.

San Luca is the name of the hilltop church.

That's right, so it is! I could only think of San Cecilia and knew that wasn't correct!!

Having just returned from two weeks in Bologna myself, I have to disagree with the comment about Via Zamboni at night. Never once did I encounter a problem or issue beyond a rambunctious, albeit drunken group of college students. It's fine.

As I said, we were told by a local not to venture into the area at night. Didn't particularly attract us anyway!!

Thanks everyone for your replies!!!

i agree with NorCAl...via Zamboni can be dengerouse cause is the university center and there are some pusher that stay there to seel smoke, but here is all time a Police car in front of teatro Comunale in Piazza Verdi...I have 43 years and friday night I was at the end of Via Zamboni to listen to a rock concert fo a friends of mine....I had more fear in some big stations!