![Bologna, Italy](https://images.suitcasemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/10201550/five-beautiful-italian-cities-to-visit-if-youve-done-rome_652e7bd2e6fab.jpeg)
Bologna
Italy's unofficial culinary capital, Bologna is beloved by foodies - the Emilia-Romagna region is the birthplace of lasagne, tortellini, parmesan cheese and balsamic vinegar, to name but a few. Start your tour of this beautiful city with a stroll beneath the terracotta tiles of Piazza Maggiore, before swinging by the gorgeous, 1200-built Palazzo del Podestà. From there, head to the Quadrilatero, Italy's oldest food market, or, alternatively, treat yourself to a five-course feast at local favourite Banco 32 restaurant - the kitchen-facing bar is worth a visit alone. Grub aside, this city is home to the world's oldest university, so expect to rub shoulders with crowds of achingly cool bright young things.
Where to stay: Porta San Mamolo