Our guide on the Mistakes to Avoid in Bologna and how to avoid them for your next trip.
Bologna, known as La Grassa (The Fat) for its culinary delights, La Dotta (The Learned) for its historic university, and La Rossa (The Red) for its terracotta-colored buildings, is a city rich in history, culture, and incredible food. It’s a hidden gem in Italy that combines the best of art, architecture, and gastronomy. While visiting Bologna, there are a few common pitfalls that can prevent you from fully experiencing all it has to offer.
Bologna is a city that rewards those who take the time to explore beyond the surface, offering a rich tapestry of history, culture, and—of course—amazing food. Avoid these common mistakes, and you’ll experience Bologna like a true local, savoring its hidden gems and unique charm.
Here’s a travel guide to the mistakes to avoid in Bologna, along with tips on how to have the best experience in this fascinating city.
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Mistakes to Avoid in Bologna
1. Skipping the Food Markets
One of the biggest mistakes in Bologna is missing out on its food markets. Known as the gastronomic capital of Italy, Bologna’s markets offer some of the best local products, from fresh pasta to cured meats, cheeses, and seasonal produce. Many tourists head straight for the restaurants, missing out on the authentic food scene that can be found in the city’s bustling markets.
How to Avoid It:
Visit the Mercato di Mezzo, one of Bologna’s oldest markets, located in the heart of the Quadrilatero District. It’s perfect for tasting local specialties and enjoying the lively atmosphere.
Check out Mercato delle Erbe for fresh produce, cheese, and meats. Enjoy a meal at one of the small eateries in the market.
Explore FICO Eataly World, a massive food park dedicated to Italian cuisine, where you can sample a variety of Italian dishes and learn about food production.
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2. Not Booking a Food Tour
Bologna is famous for its culinary heritage, including iconic dishes like tagliatelle al ragù (often misidentified as spaghetti Bolognese), tortellini, and mortadella. Missing a guided food tour means you might not discover the best spots for these delicacies or understand the city’s rich food culture.
How to Avoid It:
Book a Bolognese food tour to visit local markets, learn about traditional pasta-making, and sample delicacies like Parmigiano Reggiano, balsamic vinegar, and prosciutto.
Opt for a cooking class where you can learn to make fresh pasta like a true local.
Take a day trip to Modena to learn about traditional balsamic vinegar production or visit Parma for a Parmigiano Reggiano tour.
3. Confusing “Spaghetti Bolognese” with the Local Dish
One of the most common mistakes made by visitors is asking for “Spaghetti Bolognese” in Bologna. This dish doesn’t exist in local cuisine, and ordering it will mark you as a tourist. Instead, Bologna’s famous pasta dish is Tagliatelle al Ragù, featuring rich ragù sauce over flat, ribbon-like tagliatelle pasta.
How to Avoid It:
Always order Tagliatelle al Ragù when you want the local Bolognese meat sauce.
Try other local pasta dishes like Tortellini in Brodo (tortellini in broth) or Lasagna alla Bolognese.
Visit traditional restaurants like Trattoria Anna Maria or Osteria dell’Orsa for an authentic experience.
4. Only Visiting the Main Piazza and Missing Hidden Gems
While Piazza Maggiore and the Basilica di San Petronio are must-see landmarks, many visitors overlook Bologna’s lesser-known attractions and end up missing out on the true character of the city.
How to Avoid It:
Visit the Seven Secrets of Bologna, a series of hidden spots around the city with intriguing stories (like the whispering walls at Palazzo del Podestà or the hidden canals visible through small windows).
Explore Santo Stefano Complex, a beautiful maze of interconnected churches and courtyards.
Climb the Asinelli Tower for a panoramic view of the city’s red rooftops. There’s no elevator, so be prepared for a workout!
5. Skipping Aperitivo in the Evenings
In Bologna, the evening aperitivo is a local tradition where people gather to enjoy drinks accompanied by small snacks. Many visitors head straight to dinner without experiencing this social event, missing out on the lively evening atmosphere.
How to Avoid It:
Head to Via Zamboni or the Quadrilatero District around 6-8 pm for a classic aperitivo.
Order a Spritz or a local wine like Pignoletto, and enjoy the complimentary snacks such as cured meats, cheeses, and small bruschettas.
Check out popular spots like Café Zamboni or Osteria del Sole (one of the oldest taverns in Bologna) for a lively aperitivo experience.
6. Not Visiting the University of Bologna
The University of Bologna, founded in 1088, is the oldest university in the Western world and a cornerstone of the city’s history. Many visitors skip it, not realizing its importance and the fascinating sites associated with it.
How to Avoid It:
Visit the Archiginnasio library, which houses the stunning Anatomical Theatre, used for teaching anatomy in the 17th century.
Explore the University Museum, featuring historical collections and scientific instruments.
Stroll through Via Zamboni, the heart of the university district, filled with lively cafes, bookstores, and student hangouts.
7. Missing Out on the Porticoes
Bologna is famous for its porticoes—long, covered walkways that stretch for over 40 kilometers throughout the city. Many tourists miss exploring these architectural gems, opting to stick to the main streets instead.
How to Avoid It:
Walk under the Portico di San Luca, the longest portico in the world, leading to the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca. The walk is long but offers beautiful views.
Don’t miss the Portico del Pavaglione near the Archiginnasio, or the Portico dei Servi on Strada Maggiore.
Look up and admire the detailed frescoes and architectural designs that adorn many of the porticoes.
8. Only Eating at Tourist Restaurants
Like in any popular Italian city, there are restaurants in Bologna that cater mostly to tourists. These spots tend to be overpriced and lack authenticity. Many visitors fall into the trap of dining near the main piazzas.
How to Avoid It:
Venture into the side streets and local neighborhoods to find authentic trattorias.
Ask locals or shop owners for their favorite spots—places like Trattoria da Gianni or Trattoria da Me are excellent options.
Look for restaurants filled with locals rather than tourists. This is always a good sign of authentic cuisine.
9. Overlooking Bologna’s Towers
Bologna was once known as the “City of a Hundred Towers”, but today only a few remain. Most tourists only visit the Asinelli Tower, missing the other historic towers that dot the city.
How to Avoid It:
Climb the Asinelli Tower for the best view in Bologna.
Check out Torre Prendiparte, which has been converted into a boutique B&B and offers a unique perspective of the city.
Visit the Torre degli Azzoguidi and Torre degli Scappi in the medieval heart of Bologna for a glimpse of the city’s rich architectural past.
10. Ignoring the Seasonal Festivals and Events
Bologna hosts numerous festivals and events throughout the year, from food festivals celebrating tortellini and mortadella to classical music concerts and film festivals. Many tourists miss these experiences by not planning around them.
How to Avoid It:
Research the city’s event calendar before your visit to see if any festivals or special events are taking place.
Attend the Bologna Jazz Festival if you’re visiting in November, or the Cineteca di Bologna’s classic film screenings in summer.
Don’t miss the Tortellini Day Festival in January or the MortadellaBò festival in October for an immersive culinary experience.
11. Underestimating Bologna as a Base for Day Trips
Many visitors don’t realize that Bologna is perfectly situated for day trips to some of Italy’s most iconic destinations, including Florence, Modena, and Parma.
How to Avoid It:
Use Bologna as a base for day trips, taking advantage of the city’s excellent train connections.
Visit Modena for balsamic vinegar and Ferrari museums, or head to Parma for Parmigiano Reggiano and prosciutto tours.
Consider a day trip to Ferrara, Ravenna, or Florence, all of which are easily accessible by train.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.