Bologna is not only the capital city of the region, but is also a foodie’s paradise. This place is great in spring and autumn, but the summer brings out the vibrancy of the city, which one must enjoy slowly, taking in the culture and witnessing the beauty of ancient monuments and buildings. The city of Bolgna is located at the center of the province of Emilia Romagna, attracting a lot of tourists from all over the world and Italy as well. There are a dozen things to do in Bologna and you would want to explore the city gradually to appreciate what it has. Don’t know what to explore? Browse through our list of things that mustn’t be missed in Bologna and decide.

Lined with arches and columns, Porticoes are partially enclosed walkways that are famed in the city of Bologna. These porticoes are beautiful and are a unique feature of the city that helps people take shade on a hot sunny afternoon. People can walk through these porticoes without having to care for traffic and have plenty of space to walk. There are several porticoes all over the city but the most famous one is the walkway that leads to the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca.

One of the most famous and the most authentic Italian dishes served in Bologna is the Tortellini. Originally, tortellini ring shaped pasta was filled with meat like pork, ham and cheese and then served with chicken broth. From there onwards, the recipe has been tweaked and a lot of restaurants now add their own style to the dish, altering it a bit from the original. No one knows where this dish was originated, but Bologna is one of the best places to get Tortellini.

Balsamic vinegar is a dressing that is made with oil which has a peculiar pungent taste to it. The original dressing is made here in Bologna and is a process that takes 7 years of fermenting. Some batches were fermented in barrels for 45 years and the result was thick and delicious balsamic vinegar dressing. Drizzle some on top of your salad, a pizza, strawberries and cheese and many more things to get a real and authentic taste of the Balsamic Vinegar.

If you are a fan of cheese, the famous Parmesan cheese found in Parma, must be tasted. Parmigiano-reggiano is known for some of the world’s best cheeses and come from smaller towns like Parma that is located at an hour from Bologna that can be reached by train. Visit Parma to taste some of the best cheeses that originate from Italy. There are a variety you can choose from; the 30 month old cheese is perfect in texture and has a sharp taste while the other is a more smoother type of cheese that has been aged for 24 months.

The bustling markets of Bologna are some of the best places to experience the Italian culture. The Mercato delle Erbe that has been converted into a food court can be enjoyed. If you are looking for a local feel while you are shopping, you might want to check out the La Piazzola for clothes and accessories and have a very local feel to it. These markets are bustling with people at all times and vendors give a good price for things that are bought.

The hills in the Maranello area are absolutely safe and a fun spot to hike in and even go bicycling in. Vineyards are everywhere in Emilia-Romagna and especially during autumn, it is time for these vineyards to harvest, making the region look so beautiful. The hills of Maranello also have vineyards that you will pass by if you are on a bicycle. The climb is a bit steep, but the scenery is absolutely worth it. This activity takes you close to nature and proves to be great exercise for your body too!

Situated in the heart of the city are the leaning towers of Bologna which are amazing structures by themselves. If you want to get a good view of Bologna, you must climb all the way to the top of the Asinelli Tower, which is the taller one amongst the two and then you can have a view of the stunning city. The staircase is narrow and made of wood and you will have to climb up the leaning teetering stairs, which often feel like an adventure. Once you are on top, you are in for one of the best views of the city.