Bologna , Italy

82

Bologna is a medieval red-brick city whose porticoed streets make everyday life feel like a long, shaded promenade. A major rail crossroads, it fuses scholarly calm with lively food culture. Its car-light historic core glows with the smell of ragù at dusk.

Est. monthly cost €1,600 – €2,000
Overall score 82
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Livability scores

  • Walkability 17 / 20
  • Rail Connectivity 14 / 15
  • Public Transit 7 / 10
  • Affordability 11 / 15
  • Safety 7 / 10
  • Air Quality 6 / 10
  • Quality Of Life 8 / 10
  • Food Culture 5 / 5
  • Car Free Practicality 8 / 5

Food guide

Bologna, nicknamed **La Grassa** (the fat one), is widely regarded as Italy’s food capital, celebrated for rich, hearty cooking and handmade egg pasta. Its cuisine centers on ragù, tortellini, cured meats like mortadella, and Parmigiano, enjoyed in trattorias, historic markets, and informal wine bars.

Signature dishes

  • Tagliatelle al Ragù BologneseFresh egg tagliatelle with slow-cooked meat ragù, the city’s emblematic pasta.
  • Tortellini in BrodoTiny stuffed pasta rings served in rich capon or meat broth, a festive classic.
  • Lasagne alla BologneseLayers of spinach pasta, ragù, béchamel, and Parmigiano baked until bubbling.
  • Mortadella di BolognaSilky, gently spiced pork sausage, often served in sandwiches or antipasti.
  • Cotoletta alla Bolognese (La Petroniana)Veal cutlet fried in butter, topped with prosciutto and Parmigiano, finished with broth.
  • Tigelle / CrescentineSmall round breads served with cured meats, cheese, and spreads for sharing.
  • FriggioneSlow-cooked onion and tomato side dish, traditionally served with bread or meats.

Where to eat

  • Mercato di Mezzo indoor market & food hallHistoric central market turned food hall with pasta, cured meats, and casual dining.
  • Osteria del Sole osteria / wine barWine-only historic osteria (since 1465); bring your own food from nearby markets.
  • Salumeria Simoni salumeria & wine barBeloved deli for mortadella, salumi boards, and sandwiches in the Quadrilatero.
  • Trattoria Anna Maria trattoriaTraditional spot known for tagliatelle al ragù and classic Bolognese fare.
  • Trattoria del Rosso trattoriaCasual, central trattoria popular for affordable home-style pasta dishes.
  • Le Sfogline pasta shopArtisan shop making fresh egg pasta by hand, including tortellini and tagliatelle.

Markets & food shopping

  • Mercato di Mezzo
  • Mercato delle Erbe
  • Quadrilatero food streets
  • Fiera di Bologna food events