We're going to be in Florence, Italy (not our first time) for a few days just after New Year's, and I am thinking about jumping on the Eurostar for a day trip to Bologna (I noticed the trip is under an hour).

Anyone have thoughts as to whether this is a good day trip, and if so, any suggestions as to some nice sights to take in, as well as good recommendations for a restaurant to grab a nice, hearty lunch?

Just walk around the center, visit the basilica on the main square (I'd be curious to know if its solar calendar actually works) and San Stefano, I believe (that's the complex of 5 or 6 churches, or is it 7?).

I second Michael's suggestions and San Stefano in particular. I liked Cesarino (with an O) very much; mostly local business people having lunch there.

Also, there's an excellent Etruscan museum which is definitely worth your time.
And, if you want to do any shopping, you'll find the prices in Bologna better than those in Florence, Rome or Venice.

Hello MJRuggiero, I think taking a day trip to Bologna is an excellent idea. I personally love Bologna. Fantastic food, very nice residents, wonderful shops, plus the sites that have been mentioned already. Good idea IMO.

PS: I think Bologna is one of the unheralded gems of Italy.

Hi MJRuggiero, I note that you have two threads on this subject. Just in case you do not know..if you cannot find your first thread just "click" on your name and your first thread will show up. You have an answer on your other thread also. Take care.

No specific recommendations but Bologna is a wondrous old looking cities - i think it's supposed to have one of the best and most complete 'centro storicos' (sp?) or historic city centers in Europe - lots of neat arcades - big university livens up the city - yes definitely worth a day trip or longer. At the train station there's a poignant memorial to a bombing perpetrated there years ago that killed dozens, including some Eurailing American youths - the names are on the wall, whose split caused by the bomb has been retained and glassed in as a reminder of this neo-Fascist atrocity.

I lived in Bologna and think a good place to start is the main piazza. There's a statue of neptune with an interesting story about the sculpture if you can find someone to explain it to you. There's also a wall to the right of neptune memorializing the partisans murdered during WWII and the church San Pietro. The two towers nearby are a must and if you can climb the steps it's worth the view. Bologna's an easy place to stroll, even in bad weather b/c it is so porticoed.
Love Bologna, buon viaggio.

Thanks so much to all of you for the very helpful responses. It appears my instincts were on the mark. We will definitely hit the main piazza and Santo Stefano, and will look for Casarina (I think it's with an "a", at least based on what I'm turning up on the Internet???) I'm actually beginning to wonder whether we should have planned to stay a night or two there. . .

I was only in Bologna for 85 minutes. But I did do some research for it. These links may be useful:

http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/notes/food/ck_bologna.htm

http://travel2.nytimes.com/2005/07/3...YMv2UlrRvMXQfw

http://www.travelandleisure.com/invo...36F78FEE5C142B

In particular, T+L article: "Run by three brothers, Gelatauro (98 Via San Vitale; 39-051/230-049) is gaining international attention for its organic gelato, made with oranges from their grove in Calabria, as well as herbs like jasmine and bergamot—even Umberto Eco has come in for a taste."

I made sure that I ran there to get some gelato. Some have supposedly said that this is the best gelato in Europe (the SlowTrav link I gave you above).

Bologna would be an especially good place to go if you run into bad weather, because you can walk everywhere under its porticos and hardly get wet.

I actually would recommend spending more than a day there, if you have the time. I have seen comments from several people who visited for the day and didn’t really like Bologna. I think you need to spend a little time there to get into its rhythm and appreciate what it has to offer compared to some of the more well-known tourist spots.

This is another very good article about Bologna on the Slowtrav site:
http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/emilia...na/bologna.htm

I also recently posted a trip report about our trip to Bologna and other nearby cities this fall. The Bologna part starts here:
http://www.slowtrav.com/tr/triprepor...35&index=1

Yes, Da Cesarina (with an A) is better known than Cesarino (with an O). Unfortunately, I don't remember where I saw it recommended.

Have lunch at Tamburini-it's a deli with a self service "cafeteria" in the back-absolutely the best lasagna ever and the prices can't be beat. Here's their info:
A.F. TAMBURINI ANTICA SALSAMENTERIA BOLOGNESE
via Caprarie, 1 - 40124 Bologna
tel +39 (0)51 234726

Eloise, in my research on Bologna I am not finding any mention of Cesarino, with an "0." Do you have an address and more information on this place that you liked? Thanks so much! (I see Da Cesari and Cesarina..no Cesarino!!)

My mistake: It's Da Cesari. I found it in the Birnbaum guide to Italy. The series has unfortunately been discontinued; I found its restaurant recommendations very reliable in Italy and in Spain.

This is what the short blurb says:

An informal, relaxed atmosphere as well as fine pasta dishes, superlative veal kidneys in balsamic vinegar (rognoni con aceto balsamico - which I didn't have; I dislike kidneys) and good grilled meats make this a favorite among Bolognese literati. After a dessert of delicate half-moon pastries filled with fresh fruit, try a smooth grappa mirtilli (made from blueberries) as a special "digestivo" drink. Closed Sundays. Reservations advised. Major credit cards accepted. 8 Via Carbonesi (phone 051 237710). Moderate.

It says "literati" of Bologna; they looked more like business people to me, but I suppose there are literate business people...

One of the best hotels we've ever stayed in was the Grand Hotel Baglioni in Bologna.

Thanks to both of you. Eloise, that brings back memories: I used to write for that series a while back! We are booked at Hotel Roma on the advice of a poster here. Will post my dining experiences when I return. Da Cesari among them.. Thanks again!! Eloise, a special thank you for all of your tips in the last few weeks.