A travel writer has visited nine Italian cities and has declared one in particular is his favourite – and it’s not one of the more well-known destinations
11:36 ET, 01 Nov 2025Updated 11:36 ET, 01 Nov 2025
Bologna in Italy – the Palazzo d’Accursio and Piazza Maggiore (Image: Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
A traveler who’s explored nine Italian cities has declared one in particular as his top pick – and it’s not one of the usual tourist hotspots. The lower tourist numbers are part of what makes this European destination so appealing, along with the “unique spirit” of the locale that made it truly stand out, not to mention the outstanding Italian cuisine.
Journalist Adam Miller shared details of his trip to this beautiful city, calling the experience “worlds away” from visiting Rome or Venice.
The writer had previously been to “Florence, Rome, Venice, Milan, Verona, Siena, Lucca, Pisa, and Bergamo” which he enjoyed, but then he found a new city that’s become his clear favorite.
Visiting the city of Bologna in Italy for the first time (in August 2025), Adam was captivated by the energy, the terracotta architecture and “the best food” he’d “ever eaten”.
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Gorgeous Italian city has “the best food” and an exceptional atmosphere(Image: Michele Lapini/Getty Images)
Writing for the Metro Travel Hot Takes, Adam described Bologna: “The real magic of Bologna is in its simplicity. Everything feels so calm and easy. Eating, drinking, exploring – it all feels effortless compared to Florence, Venice, or Rome.”, reports the Mirror.
“I can’t imagine staying anywhere else in Italy for a city break now, especially when the Italian train service is so cheap and efficient. Florence is close, Venice is only 70 minutes away, and tickets can be as cheap as £13, so it also makes a great detour destination.”
Adam painted a vivid picture of the bustling city, contrasting it with the vibe of a typical weekend night out in the UK. He described Bologna’s energy as “unique” and declared it his “favorite” Italian city.
Travelers who have also experienced the charm of Bologna highly recommend visiting the Santuario di Madonna di San Luca. They describe it as a “unique experience” with breathtaking views from the site, according to TripAdvisor reviews.
One reviewer shared their experience on TripAdvisor, writing: “Very suggestive place on the hills of Bologna, which can be reached through a not too strenuous walk under long porches, possibly starting from the monumental cemetery of the Certosa (equally suggestive place, which I absolutely recommend to visit).
“The arcades are well maintained and the same applies to the area in front of the sanctuary; the view, once arrived, is magnificent.”
Another visitor to the Santuario di Madonna di San Luca penned: “It is a beautiful Baroque basilica perfectly maintained both inside and outside. It is located in the hills which allows you to enjoy a beautiful view of the city and the surrounding hills.
“You can reach it by taxi, with the train that leaves from Piazza Maggiore but the most exciting experience is to do it on foot by climbing for about 4km, about 500 steps, under the longest porch in the world that starts from the city center – not to be missed.”
According to TripAdvisor, other highly recommended experiences in Bologna include visiting the city’s heart, Piazza Maggiore, and the observation deck, Le Due Torri Torre degli Asinelli, known for its panoramic views.
The Porticoes of Bologna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is also touted as a must-see for its breathtaking Bolognese architecture featuring red-stone columns and grand arches.
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