In Bologna, the aperitivo is a well-established part of everyday life, marking the arrival of the evening. It might be a traditional spritz, a glass of wine from the region or a Negroni: The aperitivo is more than just a drink. It is a social ritual, and the perfect way to embark on an evening of pleasure.

This is the first and only bar in Italy to be run by deaf people. The very special experience here is that customers can order their meals using Italian sign language – illustrations provide the hand movements required. Those who might be expecting a quiet location will find they are mistaken. The bar is a popular one, and not just with deaf customers. The Bar Senza Nome regularly organises cultural events, book presentations, concerts and exhibitions, which are designed to be enjoyed by visitors who are deaf as well as those who are not.

This bar in the former private chapel of the 16th century Palazzo Bentivoglio is certain to provide a unique experience. The high ceilings and well-preserved frescoes lend the location elegance and an incomparable atmosphere. The name is apt: Stanze is Italian for rooms, referring to the various rooms which make up the bar. Well-trained barmen mix creative cocktails and guests settle in for an evening of pleasure.

You will find this charming bistro hidden in the historic court of the 16th century Teatro Arena del Sole. Away from the hubbub of the city, the picturesque inner courtyard provides a calm, relaxed atmosphere. The menu lists light meals and a well-curated selection of natural wines and refreshing drinks.

Shopping and city breaks simply belong together, and Bologna offers the perfect setting for both. Among the historic arcades and charming alleys, traditional craft businesses, independent boutiques and outlandish concept stores invite you to come in and look around.

The Bologna region is known for its majolica – a kind of glazed pottery. The young artist Francesca Tomasini runs a small shop in her studio, where she creates hand-made ceramic works of art. From lampshades and olive oil bottles to plates, dishes and cups – you are sure to find a beautiful souvenir of Bologna here.

Hat-making is also a long-established tradition in Bologna. Situated on a trade route, the city had access to cloth, leather and felt, all of which contributed to the local tradition of hat-making. The oldest millinery in Bologna, the Antica Cappelleria Malaguti was established in 1870. Today it is run by Marzia Malaguti, a granddaughter of the founder, Girolamo Colombarini. Here you will find headwear for every occasion.

Bologna has a lively and diverse music scene and was named a ‘city of music’ by UNESCO in 2006. Unsurprisingly, there are record shops all over the city. Disco d’Oro is a shop for lovers of music with a real history of its own. The shop has catered to a broad variety of musical tastes since 1976: indie, rock, hip hop and Italian chansons too.

Fitzroy is a riot of colour. The shop is small and focuses on hand-made products, illustrations and design. For the owners, it is important that they offer local artists and independent brands a platform. Here you will find a range of clothes, accessories, home furnishings and stationery.

If you are looking for sustainable, locally produced clothing, Wooden is where you will find it. The shop sells modern clothing and accessories which unite style with environmental awareness. ‘Modern-sporty-Canadian-Dad-Style’ – this is perhaps the best way to describe the products on sale.

Markets are a firmly entrenched part of Italian culture, reflecting the liveliness of the cities where they are held. In Bologna, they invite you to amble through, look around and try things out – from freshly-made food to hand-made products to vintage treasures.

What could possibly be better than a market on an old railway? This is where the Rail Market regularly takes place, offering a diverse range of hand-made products, vintage items and street food. All of this is accompanied by live music, which ensures a lively atmosphere.

Fresh fruit and vegetables, dairy and meat products, or locally produced wine and beer? On this farmers' market there is something for everyone. Around 50 producers from the region offer their specialities here. The market atmosphere is completed by the street food stands and live music. But there’s more: those who are interested can also attend cookery courses. Opening hours: Saturdays, 9am – 2pm (September to June), Wednesdays 5.30pm – 9.30pm (April to October).

This market is a different way to attend church. Several times a year, the Basilica San Francesco opens its gates and invites visitors to come in and wander around its charity market. In the cloister, second-hand clothing, books and furniture can be found. The money made supports the basilica and humanitarian projects. Highlights are the big market in June and in autumn, as well as the Christmas market.

Bologna can look back on a rich cultural history – from Europe’s oldest university to impressive museums and lively street art. This is where tradition meets modernity, science meets art, and the past meets the present.

The building in which this museum is to be found is worth a visit in itself. Palazzo Poggi was designed in the 16th century by Pellegrino Tibaldi. Amongst other things, today it is still possible to marvel at many of the frescoes which he left on the walls and ceilings. The museum contains the collections of the former institute of sciences and arts. The exhibits include topics such as geography, nautical science, military architecture, physics, natural history, chemistry, anatomy and obstetrics. Something for everyone, in other words.

Street art arrived in Bologna in the 1980s. Since then, the city has become one of the most significant centres of street art in Italy. Bologna now has an impressive collection of murals and graffiti with contributions by both international and local artists. The hotspots are Via Stalingrado and the Porto-Saragozza quarter. For those who are interested, there are guided tours which cover the most significant works and provide more of the story behind the works and their creators.

This place is not such an insider tip, but it is still well worth a visit. The 3.8km long Portico di San Luca begins at the Porta Saragozza and extends to the church. With 666 arches, it is the longest arcade in the world and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2021. With its elevated position, this striking piece of architecture offers impressive views of Bologna and the surrounding landscape.

Behind a wall in a side road, you will find this beautiful little garden. It is an oasis of green which hosts exhibitions, concerts and all sorts of cultural events. It is a meeting point for art and music enthusiasts from the whole city. This location supports exchange between young talents and established artists and offers a platform for creative forms of expression. Besides housing regular exhibitions, the garden is also a place to relax, learn and enjoy the company of others.

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