Bologna Travel Guide
Though not as famous as Rome or Venice, the tragically overlooked northern city of Bologna is an important cultural and artistic centre in a country that's full of them.
Designated a UNESCO City of Music in 2006, there are always concerts and other performances happening in any number of concert halls, rock venues and electronic clubs. The oldest university in the world is another of the city's features, and a lively student population keeps it young at heart.
The medieval city centre has been faithfully preserved and the original Roman street plan is still visible. Visitors can see countless landmarks and historic buildings, including the Palazzo Comunale, the Basilica of San Petronio and the Santuario della Madonna di San Luca, which offers panoramic views of the city. Most famous are the Two Towers of Bologna: the Tower of the Asinelli and the Tower of the Garisenda, whose 10ft (3m) lean is obvious compared to its twin.
The city boasts dozens of world-class museums, and visitors are advised to get a Museum Card for free or discounted access to many of them. Aside from a number of archaeological, art and cultural institutions, Bologna has three Italian car museums devoted to its most famous brands: Lamborghini, Ducati and Ferrari, which has an excellent Formula One exhibit.
Foodies should note that Bologna is the capital of Italy's most important food region, Emilia-Romagna, where the passing centuries have yielded a long list of world-famous specialities such as parmesan cheese, mortadella, balsamic vinegar, lasagna, and tortellini. Voted European Capital of Culture in 2000, Bologna is a lively cultural hub settled at the foot of the picturesque Apennine Mountains, and well worth a visit on any holiday in Italy.
Getting Around
Bologna's city centre is compact and the narrow cobblestone streets are great fun to wander, so walking is an ideal way to see the sights. Bicycles and motorbikes are also a common sight. Visitors worried about getting lost in the labyrinthine passageways can take advantage of the excellent bus system, which runs from 6.30am until late. A City Pass is a cost-effective way of taking multiple journeys. Taxis and rental cars are also available but much of the historical centre of Bologna, which is considered one of the most beautiful in Italy, falls within a Limited Traffic Zone, negating a lot of the convenience.
Bologna Climate and Weather
Bologna's climate is humid subtropical, with large swings in temperature from summer to winter. Summers are hot and muggy with temperatures higher than those found along the coast. In the hottest months, July and August, average temperatures range between 88F (31C) and 63F (17C). Visitors should note that in August many locals take their holiday and a number of restaurants and businesses close down for at least part of the month.
In the coldest month, January, the temperatures range between 50F (10C) and 34F (1C). Rainfall prevails in the winter, with cool to cold temperatures and occasional snow. November is the wettest month but visitors should anticipate rain in October, December, March and April as well. The best time to visit Bologna is in spring (April and May) or autumn (September) when the weather is warm and the crowds are small.
Italy travel info
Electricity
Electrical current in Italy is 230 volts, 50Hz. A variety of plugs are in use, including the European-style two-pin plug.
Language
The official language of Italy is Italian. English is understood in the larger cities but not in the more remote parts of the country.
Money
The euro (EUR) is the official currency, which is divided into 100 cents. Those arriving in Italy with foreign currency can obtain euros through any bank, ATM or bureau de change. ATMs are widespread; credit cards are accepted in upmarket establishments and shops around the cities, although cash is expected when paying for items that are less than 10 euros. Banks are closed on weekends but tend to have better rates than foreign exchange houses.
Tipping
Tipping is customary in Italy and 10 to 15 percent of the bill is acceptable in restaurants, unless a 15 percent service charge has already been added to the bill. Hotels add a service charge of 15 to 18 percent, but it is customary to tip the service staff extra. Italians rarely tip taxi drivers but a 5 to 10 percent tip is always appreciated.
Health
There are no specific health risks associated with travel to Italy and visitors should be able to travel without special vaccinations and medications. Medical facilities in Italy are good but travel insurance is still recommended for non-EU citizens, as medical attention can be expensive. EU citizens can make use of Italy's health services provided they have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), with UK citizens using their Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). The GHIC replaced the EHIC for UK citizens and allows UK citizens access to state healthcare during visits to the EU. The GHIC is not valid in Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland, nor is it an alternative to travel insurance. Although it should be possible to get most medication in Italy, travel authorities always suggest taking any prescribed medication in its original packaging with a signed and dated letter from a doctor.
Safety
Tourists are vulnerable to pickpocketing in the bigger cities, particularly on public transport, in crowded areas and around tourist sites. It's advisable to be careful when carrying large amounts of cash and valuables. Travellers should be particularly careful around Termini, which is the main train station in Rome. Visitors should be wary of groups of children, some of whom will distract attention while the others try to steal what they can. Strikes by transport workers take place regularly throughout Italy and delays are possible.
Local customs
Italian are elegant dressers and travellers should opt for smart casual clothes if they want to fit in, particularly in Rome or Milan. Gym clothes should be kept for exercise, and shorts, vests or any other immodest clothing should not be worn inside churches. The pace of life is a little slower in Italy, so tourists should immerse themselves into the local rythym, and enjoy long lunch breaks, and casual coffee stops.
Doing business
Italians can be very formal and old fashioned, but are also warm and welcoming. Face to face communication is best and often a third party introduction can speed initial negotiations. Business attire is formal and stylish, and handshakes are the norm, with first impressions counting a lot in Italy. Business cards are used. Visiting business people should also expect plenty of gesticulating, interruptions or people talking over each other. Unfortunately the bureaucracy in Italy can slow down deal-making. Business hours are usually 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday, but can vary according to season and region.
Duty free
Travellers over 17 years from non-EU countries do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco. Nor do they have to pay duty on 4 litres of wine, 16 lires of beer or 1 litre of spirits over 22 percent volume, or 2 litres of alcoholic beverages less than 22 percent volume. Other goods up to the value of €430 are also permitted (reduced to €175 for children under 15).
Travellers from EU countries travelling within the EU are limited to 110 litres of beer, 90 litres of wine, 10 litres of fortified wine, 10 litres of spirits and 1kg of tobacco, 800 cigarettes, 200 cigars or 400 cigarellos. Prohibited items include narcotic drugs, medicinal products, arms and weapons, explosives and protected animal and plant species.
Communications
The international access code for Italy is +39. Hotels, cafes and restaurants offering free WiFi are widely available; as international roaming costs can be high, purchasing a local prepaid SIM card can be a cheaper option.
Passport & Visa
The borderless region known as the Schengen Area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option, and which allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all the aforementioned countries. All foreign passengers to Italy must also hold visible proof of financial means to support themselves while in the country, return or onward tickets, and the necessary travel documentation for their next destination. Visitors may be refused entry, either for public security, tranquillity, order or health reasons. Extensions of stay in Italy are possible by applying to local authorities. It is highly recommended that travellers' passport have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry requirements
US citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond their intended stay in Italy (and issued within the last 10 years). No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
UK citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond their intended stay in Italy (and issued within the last 10 years). No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond their intended stay in Italy (and issued within the last 10 years). No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond their intended stay in Italy (and issued within the last 10 years). No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond their intended stay in Italy (and issued within the last 10 years), and a valid Schengen visa is required to enter Italy.
Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid for the duration of their stay in Italy. No visa is required.
New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond their intended stay in Italy (and issued within the last 10 years). No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Useful contacts
www.enit.it
112 (General Emergencies), 113 (Police), 118 (Ambulance)