Hi Tilly,
On one of my previous trips to Italy (back in 2006!), I had a week in Verona and did day trips on the train to Bologna, Milan and Venice. The Italian train system is pretty good. I’ve not been to Rome, although it’s on the list (as is everywhere!). I liked the quirkiness of Bologna, and the anatomy museum at the university is a must do. It also had a lot of leaning towers
I disagree with both Luca and Mike: Rome is about 147 times more interesting than Bologna. And good for Thomas for clarifying about foodic reputations. You can eat really, really well in Rome, especially if you do your homework. Rome has a number of neighbourhoods, that despite being in more touristy areas, are full of special atmosphere. The variety of attractions is impressive: historical, architectural, artistic, religious, gastronomic, fashion, sporting, design, urban culture and much more.
It'd take an especially stiff-necked, traveler-than-thou type to not experience at least some thrill at being in Rome. Some daytrip possibilities as well. Bologna will be there for next time.
I am done. The Lazio.
Bologna seems to be more food and church filled than anything
Food, yes. Churches, not so much.
And certainly not compared to Rome.
I think Bologna gets its reputation as a foodie haven because it's still more of a business destination and so good food is easy to find even close to its few "sights."
Good thing that day trip opportunities from Bologna have been mentioned.
After two days, you'll want to look into them.
Personally, I'd stay in Ravenna (smaller, cheaper, more things to see, comparable high quality of food and atmosphere) and day-trip into Bologna.
the anatomy museum at the university is a must do
I wonder where that would fall on the list of "must-do's" if it were in Rome.
Mind you, I don't dislike Bologna.
But you may be hard-pressed to keep yourself occupied in the evenings.
It's not a terrible place.
Of the ten biggest cities in Italy,I'd say its about the 8th most interesting for tourists;-)
Rome would be in the top 2 certainly,and top 10 in the world.
I love Bologna. Great food, laid-back feeling and it's a safe, genuine place where you can mingle with the locals. However, if it's your first time in Italy, you should definitely choose Rome. There's so much to see and do and I think that every first-time Italy visitor should see Rome before heading to the smaller towns in future trips.
Perfect thank you.
I've been to Italy a lot but mainly as a child - Pisa, Florence, Venice etc. Then a few years ago I stayed in Sorrento and went to Capri, Pompeii, Naples.
I've been in love with Italy since I was a little girl so want to revisit lots of places now I'm older.
I'm utterly in love with Italy myself. I love seeing new places in Italy as well as revisiting my favourite ones. So, whether you choose Rome or Bologna, you can't go wrong with either. After all, we're "doomed" to keep going back to Italy, aren't we? :-)
Perfect thank you
When nine people respond to an opinion-based question, it's rather impolite to thank only one of them, regardless of how imperfect those other opinions might be.
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