Bologna might not have the canals of Venice, nor the ancient ruins of Rome, but that certainly hasn’t held the city back from being one of Italy’s most unique, beautiful, and underrated places to visit.
Bologna remains almost undiscovered by the masses of foreign tourists that flock elsewhere in Italy, which makes for a beautifully authentic, immersive local experience as you wander the streets shoulder to shoulder with locals, not flag-waving tour groups. Here are some local tips if you’re a first-timer to Bologna that will help you blend in with the locals and explore all the hidden gems.