A globetrotter who has explored 9 Italian cities has declared one lesser-identified vacation spot as his favourite – its lack of vacationer crowds and “unique spirit” including to its attraction, not to point out the distinctive Italian delicacies.
Journalist Adam Miller chronicled his go to to this fascinating metropolis, describing it as a world aside from stays in Rome or Venice.
The author had already journeyed via “Florence, Rome, Venice, Milan, Verona, Siena, Lucca, Pisa, and Bergamo” all of which he adored, but then he stumbled upon a new metropolis that shortly turned a high choose.
Venturing to Bologna, Italy for the primary time (in August 2025), Adam was captivated by the town’s vibrancy, the terracotta buildings, and “the best food” he’d “ever eaten”.
In his piece for Metro Travel Hot Takes, Adam portrayed Bologna: “The real magic of Bologna is in its simplicity. Everything feels so calm and easy. Eating, drinking, exploring – it all feels effortless compared to Florence, Venice, or Rome.”, experiences <a href=(*10*) rel=”Follow” goal=”_self”>the Mirror</a>.
“I can’t imagine staying anywhere else in Italy for a city break now, especially when the Italian train service is so cheap and efficient. Florence is close, Venice is only 70 minutes away, and tickets can be as cheap as £13, so it also makes a great detour destination.”
Adam paints a image of the colourful metropolis, but he notes that it is a world away from the standard UK weekend night time out. He describes Bologna’s power as “unique” and confesses it is his “favorite” Italian metropolis.
TripAdvisor reviewers who’ve additionally journeyed to Bologna extremely suggest visiting the Santuario di Madonna di San Luca. They describe it as a “unique experience” with breathtaking views.
One reviewer shared on TripAdvisor: “Very suggestive place on the hills of Bologna, which can be reached through a not too strenuous walk under long porches, possibly starting from the monumental cemetery of the Certosa (equally suggestive place, which I absolutely recommend to visit).
“The arcades are properly maintained and the identical applies to the realm in entrance of the sanctuary; the view, as soon as arrived, is magnificent.”
Another visitor to the Santuario di Madonna di San Luca wrote: “It is a lovely Baroque basilica completely maintained each inside and out of doors. It is situated within the hills which permits you to get pleasure from a lovely view of the town and the encircling hills.
“You can reach it by taxi, with the train that leaves from Piazza Maggiore but the most exciting experience is to do it on foot by climbing for about 4km, about 500 steps, under the longest porch in the world that starts from the city center – not to be missed.”
Other high-rated Bologna customer experiences in accordance to TripAdvisor embody the town’s coronary heart, Piazza Maggiore, and the statement deck, Le Due Torri Torre degli Asinelli, identified for its expansive views.
The Porticoes of Bologna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, can also be touted as unforgettable for its gorgeous Bolognese structure of crimson-stone columns and sumptuous arches.

