Solo Travel in Bologna, Italy

Solo Travel in Bologna, Italy

Solo Travel in Bologna, Italy

 

With its colorful alleys, charming architecture, and miles of porticoes, Bologna is a city like no other. Despite its landlocked location, I immediately found myself daydreaming about planting roots in this laid back city — waking up to the smell of garlic, spending the day walking from cafe to cafe, meeting friends for Aperitivo, and immersing myself in the culture.

Bologna's hidden canals
Porticoes in Bologna, Italy

The longest arcade in the world in Bologna, Italy
The longest arcade in the world in Bologna, Italy

 

Loneliness often creeps in at some point during a visit to a new city — but in Bologna, I never felt lonely. I didn’t mind wandering the streets alone, browsing the street markets, requesting a table for one, or finding my way around the busy train station.

I found Bologna surprisingly easy to navigate, even for this directionally-challenged traveler. Despite Scott not joining me this trip, my days were never boring. I don’t think I would ever grow tired of making the 3.8 km trek to the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca or gazing at the expanse of orange-colored buildings and miniature buses from the Asinelli tower.

Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca
Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca

Flowers at a street market in Bologna

Asinelli Tower in Bologna, Italy
Asinelli Tower in Bologna, Italy
View from Asinelli Tower in Bologna, Italy
View from Asinelli Tower in Bologna, Italy

 

Besides wandering the streets and exploring the cafe culture, I grew fond of my daily trips to the grocery store — a two-minute walk from the apartment — where I always knew I would find the freshest cheese and Prosciutto.

Just next door stood a small pizza shop, with margarita pizza for a mere 2.5 euros and a line of locals out the door. Osteria dell’Orsa (another local favorite) was just around the corner for a taste of the traditional Tagliatelle al Ragu.

Streets of Bologna

Piazza Maggiore in Bologna
Piazza Maggiore in Bologna

 

I think Bologna is often overlooked because of its location. It’s sandwiched between three of the most popular cities in Italy — Milan, Venice and Florence. This city is perfect for travelers who have had their fill of the traditional sightseeing spots in Italy.

If you want to really get to know Italy and immerse yourself in the culture, then Bologna won’t disappoint.

Bologna, Italy architecture

Piazza del Nettuno in Bologna
Piazza del Nettuno in Bologna

Porticoes in Bologna
 

 

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24 Comments

  1. Very interesting ! Thank you, Christy !

  2. Paolo Merolla says:

    I’m from Napoli (Naples); I never saw Bologna, well I’m 50 I have time. Congratulations.

  3. Renuka Singh says:

    Amazing! Bologna is totally my kind of a place – pizza, cafes, old buildings…

  4. Charming pictures 🙂

  5. So achingly beautiful, Christy! Fantastic photographic captures!

    1. Ordinary Traveler says:

      Thank you so much, Henry!

  6. Green Global Travel says:

    Lovely photos! It really does look colorful and charming, and waking up to garlic in the morning sounds amazing. Thanks for sharing this! – Vanessa

    1. Ordinary Traveler says:

      Thanks, Vanessa!

  7. thetravelchica says:

    Sounds like I would LOVE Bologna!

    1. Ordinary Traveler says:

      I bet you would!

  8. Corinne Vail says:

    Bologna…must give it another try. (Not the sandwich meat)

    1. Ordinary Traveler says:

      Haha. Yeah, the sandwich meat is gross. 🙂

  9. Jenna Francisco says:

    Nice to hear you enjoyed being there by yourself. I would love to stay in Bologna. I haven’t been there but everything I’ve read makes me want to visit!

    1. Ordinary Traveler says:

      I hope you make it there, Jenna. I absolutely love Italy, but some of the cities can be a little overwhelming with tourists, so it’s nice to find a place where it feels like you are mingling with the locals.

  10. I’m planning a trip there in the fall. Thanks for confirming my city choice!

    1. Ordinary Traveler says:

      No problem! I hope you enjoy your trip!

  11. Elena Sonnino says:

    Beautiful photos. I love Bologna but have not been there in forever. Need to get back there the next time I go back to Italy.

    1. Ordinary Traveler says:

      Thank you, Elena. It only took me four visits to Italy to find this gem.

  12. Katie @ Second-Hand Hedgehog says:

    Gorgeous photos. And seriously beautiful colours, too. Makes me feel all calm and contented just looking at them!

    1. Ordinary Traveler says:

      Thanks, Katie!

  13. Jen @ The Trusted Traveller says:

    Really lovely photos Christy. I’d love to visit this beautiful city. It’s so colourful and interesting to look at.

    1. Ordinary Traveler says:

      Thanks, Jen! The city was extremely photogenic.

  14. Your photos are dreamy! There are definitely some cities that are perfect for solo travel – where you just can’t feel lonely. Good to know you’ve found one!

    1. Ordinary Traveler says:

      Thank you, Laura!