Bologna is Italy's gastronomic capital. In the birthplace of tortellini
pasta, mortadella sausage and the world-famous Bolognese meat sauce, it's
almost impossible to find a mediocre restaurant. Most eateries, including a number
of ethnic ones, are in the city center.
Caracci's selling points are a superior wine list and fine food
served in an 18th-century frescoed room. Godot Wine Bar, in the university
area, offers around 1,000 wines to accompany a menu that changes every two weeks.
Slightly out of town but worth the trip is San Domenico, a restaurant many
food critics consider the best in the country.
Shopping
Via dell'Indipendenza, Via Ugo Bassi, Via Rizzoli and Via D'Azeglio, in the city
center, are Bologna's main shopping streets. Here you can pick up
everything from suits and leather goods to antiques and books. For jewelry, Rolex
watches and the like, browse the Galleria Cavour. The shopping complex is
also home to one of the most stylish branches of the locally based international
lingerie firm La Perla.
Majani, on Via Carbonesi, claims to be Italy's oldest candy shop. Sample the
sweets there or at the lavish Tamburini on Via Caprarie. For handmade shoes
that fit like a glove, visit Branchini Calzoleria and arrange to have the
perfect pair crafted and shipped to you.
Things to do
The 12th-century Due Torri (twin leaning towers) dominate the historic town.
Climb the Tower of the Asinelli and look out over Piazza Maggiore,
Bologna's bustling main square. Piazza Nettuno, next door, is home to the
Archaeological Museum. If contemporary machines are more your style,
visit the Ferrari, Lamborghini or Ducati museums.
A university city, Bologna stays up late. Venues in the university area book live
jazz, folk music and theatrical performances. Opera, ballet, and orchestral
performances take place at the Teatro Comunale. The namesake of the Sala
Mozart performance hall at the Accademia Filarmonica di Bologna
gained a diploma in composition there at the age of 14.
