Bologna, capital city of the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, is known throughout Europe as a food-lover’s mecca. Friends gather along the peach porticos of Piazza Mazziore for carafes of Lambrusco, the local wine, and plates of prosciutto and other aperitivi. Some restaurants specialize in Bologna’s distinctive pastas, such as meat-filled tortellini in broth (hand twisted, of course) and lasagne oozing with Bolognese sauce.

While the incredible food scene is a huge draw, Bologna’s other charms are on display when you’re not looking down at your plate. Recently, the so-called City of Porticos was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. Musicians perform on the cobblestones of Bologna’s central piazzas while cyclists whisk by on bikes and Vespas. Bologna doesn’t have a leaning tower like Pisa — it has two: Asinelli and Garisenda. At the Fountain of Neptune in the Piazza del Nettuno, the Ancient Roman sea god towers over the city. North of the city center, the centuries-old Piazzola Market is where hundreds of merchants sell their wares, from fashion to flowers.

The best times to secure your Bologna vacation rental are spring and autumn, when the weather is usually sunny but milder and less humid than summer, which can get very hot. Businesses also often close during part of the summer so the owners can take their annual vacations, so keep this in mind if you choose to visit during this time. Winters are generally cool but not too cold, and since snow is rare, this may be a great time to explore the city. Bologna’s Christmas markets, held in the weeks leading up to the holiday, can be a festive place to do some shopping and discover Christmas delicacies.

Bologna Food Tour

A perfect way to quickly get your bearings in the city that calls itself La Grassa (“the fat one”) is to take a walking, biking, or bus tasting tour. You can learn how the best foods and wines are produced and prepared, and leave knowing where to buy true Modena balsamic vinegar or top-notch Parmigiano Reggiano.

University of Bologna

Founded in 1088, the University of Bologna is the world’s oldest university in continuous operation. It is home to stunning 16th-century buildings like the Palazzo Poggi or the Collegio di Spagna, as well as one of the oldest botanical gardens in Europe. The university grounds and many of its buildings are open to the public to explore.

Carpigiani Gelato Museum

This museum is dedicated to the history, culture, and technology of gelato. Here you can enroll in a hands-on masterclass, take a guided tour of the exhibits, and taste some of the many flavors of gelato that Bolognese artisans produce.