Vacation rentals and Airbnbs in Bologna

If when you think of Bologna, you think of deli meat, it's time to change your perspective! Vacation rentals in Bologna are the ideal way to get to know this historic Italian city. While it might not be all that well known as a destination outside of Italy, Italians have long flocked to this locale, famed for being home to the west's oldest university and, of course, the delicious cuisine of Emilia-Romagna.

Historic Bologna

From your vacation home in Bologna, you'll be perfectly primed to get to know the historic city on your holiday. Bologna's city center is extremely well preserved, inhabited since the 10th century and made up of dozens of lovely porticos – the longest is 3.8 kilometers long and leads to a beautiful sanctuary of the Basilica of San Luca. Visit the Archaeological Museum for even more information on the illustrious history of the city. Bologna is perhaps most famous for being home to Europe's oldest university, whose seat is at the Archiginnasio. The university was founded in 1088, though the building wasn't built until the 16th century; before this, classes were held in a variety of local buildings. The university is still in use today, and many local students are here staying in rooms for rent or cheap apartments, so choosing this option for your stay will give you a real insider's look at life in Bologna. You can also visit the Museum of European Students to learn all about historic universities in Europe starting in the 13th century… before going out on the town to meet the more modern students!

Bologna's architecture

You may be lucky enough to find an apartment in Bologna boasting some of the city's famous architecture. Bologna is known for its terracotta, giving the city an orange-red hue that gave Bologna its nickname, Bologna la rossa, or Bologna the red. Learn a bit more about the city's architecture with the Museum of Military Architecture, where you'll discover the city's historic fortifications. Also be sure to visit the Piazza Maggiore, the large square in the old center surrounded by many beautiful and historic buildings – and maybe even home to your accommodations, if you're lucky. Bologna is also home to several beautiful architectural structures, like the towers of the Asinelli and the Garisenda, built in the 12th century. Bologna's other symbol, however, is quite a bit newer – the Fountain of Neptune, built in 1563.

Bologna's cuisine

Bologna's cuisine is famous all over the world – the city is considered to be the culinary capital of Italy, starting with delicious Bolognese sauce or ragu that you'll now find all over the world. The true ragu doesn't have nearly as much tomato as the versions you may have encountered elsewhere, so be sure to try some real Bolognese sauce in its birthplace. Of course, Bolognese cuisine doesn't start and stop at sauce: it extends through several other specialties like tortelloni with sage and butter, tagliatelle and more. Try cooking some local specialties up at your apartment in Bologna, or even take a cooking class and bring your skills back to your flat: Cook Italy is the Bolognese cooking school, while the Culinary Institute of Bologna offers a different but no less intriguing approach to cooking.