Bologna, IT

Bologna is one of those Italian cities where food, history, and everyday life seem to blend together effortlessly. Miles of covered porticoes wind through streets filled with medieval buildings, lively piazzas, historic markets, and restaurants serving some of the dishes that have made Emilia-Romagna one of Italy's most celebrated culinary regions.

And if you love food, Bologna is a particularly dangerous place to arrive hungry. This is the region of Parmigiano Reggiano, traditional balsamic vinegar, cured meats, fresh pasta, and countless other specialties that go far beyond the versions many of us know from home. Exploring the city introduced us to the foods themselves, while traveling into the surrounding countryside gave us the chance to see how some of the region's most famous products are actually made.

But Bologna is more than a place to eat your way through Italy. Its historic center is packed with character, from Piazza Maggiore and the city's famous towers to colorful streets and seemingly endless porticoes. Whether you're exploring the city on foot, sitting down for another plate of pasta, or heading into Emilia-Romagna to meet the people producing its famous foods and wines, Bologna makes a fantastic base for experiencing a different side of northern Italy.