Why Bologna is perfect for a couple

Bologna is just the right size for a weekend: you can walk the whole historic centre, under the porticoes even when it rains, and see the essentials in two days without rushing. It has quiet, intimate corners, medieval squares, rooftop views from the hills and a food tradition that turns every meal into a small occasion.

Where to stay: a loft with a terrace in the historic centre

Attico Castiglione is a 60 m² entire apartment on the top floor of a historic building next to Porta Castiglione. For a couple it has everything you need for a special stay:

  • A furnished private terrace overlooking the rooftops and the Chiesetta degli Angeli: for breakfast, an aperitivo, or to end the evening.
  • A double bedroom and a bathroom with a tub and shower.
  • Original 18th-century beams and carefully chosen furnishings, in a warm, bright space.
  • A quiet dead-end lane, a minute from the restaurants of Via Castiglione and two from Giardini Margherita park.
  • Self check-in with a keypad: arrive whenever you like, no fixed times.

It is rated 4.99/5 from 172 reviews on Airbnb and can be booked only on Airbnb.

Day 1: the historic centre on foot

  1. Morning, Via Castiglione and Santo Stefano — walk up Via Castiglione under the porticoes to the Basilica of Santo Stefano, the "Seven Churches", with its triangular square: one of the most evocative places in the city, best enjoyed slowly.
  2. The Two Towers and the Quadrilatero — from the Asinelli and Garisenda towers, step into the lanes of the old market, lined with shops selling cured meats, cheese and fresh pasta. A board of mortadella and a glass of wine make the perfect lunch.
  3. Piazza Maggiore and the "whispering gallery" — under the Voltone of Palazzo del Podestà, stand in opposite corners and whisper towards the wall: the other will hear you clearly. A classic for couples in Bologna.
  4. The little window on Via Piella — a small window that opens onto a canal hidden between the houses: Bologna's "little Venice".
  5. Evening, aperitivo on the terrace — head back to the loft for drinks above the rooftops, then dinner at a trattoria in the neighbourhood.

Day 2: hills, views and the park

  1. San Luca along the world's longest portico — from Porta Saragozza, the UNESCO-listed portico climbs to the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca. It's an uphill walk, but the view from the top is worth it.
  2. Or San Michele in Bosco — from Porta Castiglione, walk up to San Michele in Bosco for one of the finest views over Bologna's red roofs. Closer and quieter.
  3. Afternoon at Giardini Margherita — two minutes from the door, the park Bolognese people love most: tree-lined avenues, a small lake and lawns for a break in the shade.
  4. Last dinner — tortellini in brodo or tagliatelle al ragù, with a glass of Pignoletto from the Bolognese hills.

What to eat together

Bologna is "la Grassa", the fat one: tortellini, tagliatelle al ragù, green lasagne, mortadella, and crescentine and tigelle with cured meats and cheese. For something sweet, an artisan gelato along Via Castiglione. For a few favourite addresses near the loft, just ask Barbara.

When to go

Spring and autumn are ideal for walking and enjoying the terrace. In summer, evenings outdoors are the best part of the day, and the loft has air conditioning. In winter the porticoes, the osterie and the lights of the centre have a charm of their own, and Valentine's Day is a good excuse for a city break.

Practical tips