Destinations  > Italy > Bologna

BOLOGNA

Why Bologna?

Home to the oldest university in the world, established 1088, Bologna has a student population nearing 100,000. And there are many reasons why you should become one of them. The red city that blessed the world with ragù – which has somehow become known as Spaghetti Bolognese, despite the fact the traditional dish is served with tagliatelle – is a very tempting alternative to the likes of Milan, Rome and Florence, often overwhelmed by tourists. From jazz bars to rich cuisine and market culture, steeped in tradition and socialist rebellion, Bologna is one of Italy’s finest.

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Our Community

Highlights

"I couldn’t recommend Bologna enough as a year abroad destination. Making the most of an experience in Bologna seems so doable, thanks to the great price points (€2 bottles of wine ?!) and lively student culture."
Jade
Student

Giardini Margherita

Originally inspired by the romantic English garden, Bologna’s biggest park is just outside the city centre. Bring a book or some running shoes and soak up some of the sun next to the lake!

Cantina Bentivoglio

This live jazz bar doubles as a restaurant, making for a truly unforgettable experience. Make sure you smarten up and book yourself a table in the sala musica (music room) at our experts’ favourite place in town. Photo credit: Cantina Bentivoglio

Finestrella di Via Piella

Finestrella means window, and when you open this one, you will feast your eyes on the Canale di Reno. Just like this hidden surprise, Bologna is waiting to be discovered – you just have to open its doors. Once you’ve taken a picture, indulge in a gelato, a coffee stop or perhaps an Aperol Spritz if it’s nearing 5 o’clock.

Link

If it is a proper party that you seek, take a 30 minute bus ride to just outside of Bologna to the cultural-hub-come-club known as Link. There’s live music, club nights, cinema showings, food and ample outside space, meaning you’ll never be cramped in a smoking area when you need a breath of fresh air.

Explore these unique experiences and amazing tours

Accommodation

Looking for long term stays? Read our guide below. 

If you’re looking for short-term stays:

Booking.com

Looking for long term stays? Read our guide below. 

If you’re looking for short-term stays:

Booking.com

Entertainment

Our Top Restaurants in Bologna

Destinations  > Italy > Bologna Our Top Restaurants in Bologna Home to one of the most famous pasta sauce, Bologna has perfected

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Transport

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  • Public Transport
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Bologna is very well-linked to lots of neighbouring Italian cities by train. Verona, Milan, Florence, Turin, Trieste…that’s just to name a few. Within the city itself, it is best to get around by bike or simply on foot – do not rush through its winding streets, past its ancient monuments or the smells of the traditional kitchens that perfume its streets.

Mobike is a really convenient way to get around the city (as Bologna is relatively small) and costs about 25 cents an hour.

Doing day trips from Bologna is so easy but be aware that the trains leave exactly when they say they will and you have to validate your ticket first or you will get fined. Make sure to have a lot of time in the train station.

There is no Uber in Bologna and you cannot simply hail a cab and jump in so if you really need one it will have to be booked in advanced. As Bologna is quite compact you will most probaby never need one!

Our Community

Talk to one of our ambassadors for bespoke advice or read our students blogs.​​

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Jade Cheli

"Hi, I’m currently on my year abroad in Italy. I spent the first term at Bologna University and I’m now working remotely for a Florence based cultural Magazine, hoping to get to Florence in the next few weeks. The Italian University system is mind boggling so if anyone is stressed about this please reach out to me! I’ve travelled through Italy for years and years and have a lots of Italian family there, if you want any advice on where to go and what to do I’d love to share what I know."

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