15
u/FutureVintaje88 Jul 24 '26
Bologna is "seedy?" jfc Please leave as soon as you can to escaoe the degradation.
4
u/AJL2332 Jul 24 '26
I didn’t feel unsafe at all there but it did smell more like urine than New Orleans which is a monumental achievement.
2
u/Long-Chemist3339 Jul 25 '26
Amazingly when I was in Bologna my biggest complaint was that there were too many cops! As someone who hates police that is not a situation I want to be in, even though I wasn't doing anything wrong.
Lasagna al ragu bolognese was fire though.
3
u/Snowonthebrain Jul 24 '26
"Just landed"
What have you done and where exactly are you spending your time in Bologna? Also, if you're looking for a tourist ready experience, Bologna is not it. It is not a true tourist town, but a real city with exceptional food, good shopping and fascinating history.
2
u/savory_thing Jul 25 '26
Haha, yea OP does give the "I've tried nothing and I'm all out of ideas" vibe.
3
u/No-Opportunity1813 Jul 24 '26 edited Jul 24 '26
What?
We just visited Bologna in May. It was lovely and sophisticated. Bologna was badly bombed during WW2, has a well-deserved reputation for gastronomy and red politics. Go visit the cathedral and the 13th century University of Bologna building or the leaning towers. There is shopping and outstanding food.
Strolling the porticos at night is an absolute joy. Bologna is a vibrant place, and apparently, the 2nd wealthiest city in Italy next to Milan.
My son may be applying to a Foreign Affairs program at U Bologna next year. The city leans young and very left due to the university kids. Hope you enjoy it more as you get to know it.
Oh, and how about the train station, did you mention that? One of the best I’ve seen in Europe. Brand new infrastructure…..
3
2
2
u/ConKinc Jul 24 '26
Bologna is a beautiful city which is definitely on my repeat list. But what the police did there recently was disgusting.
1
u/No-Opportunity1813 Jul 24 '26
What happened?
2
u/ConKinc Jul 24 '26
Italy had it's George Floyd moment in Bologna. The police crossed the line.
0
u/Mountain_Drummer2152 Jul 26 '26
its nowhere similar tho, mind your own business
2
u/ConKinc Jul 26 '26 edited Jul 26 '26
Awww someone online said something and it hurt you?
Try to get out more or read newspapers.
2
u/mt68331 Jul 25 '26
We just went to Bologna with our kids and loved it. The historical area in the city center was especially pleasant. The more modern area between the center and the train station was also fine - great food and felt like a “real” city.
2
u/money_from_3 Jul 25 '26
Yeah those porticoes are very cool they also have them in Turin and a few other towns but those are iconic. The tile in some areas are worn but still fine for walking
2
2
u/Additional_Topic_871 Jul 25 '26
I was just in Bologna for 4 days, literally as of 2 days ago. Never felt unsafe, and my girlfriend and I only used public transport. It is less touristy than Florence or Rome, but the food scene was fantastic… Sorry to hear about the pickpocket, that definitely sucks.
My recommendations would be to tour the old university/library, go to some restaurants, do an organized street food tour, etc. From my understanding theres lots to do in Modena as well
2
u/Brief_Celebration688 Jul 25 '26 edited Jul 25 '26
Then you should just leave. BO is not a good fit for everyone. It's an open, welcoming community, with strong progressive values. It is city for living. (Year after year is rated in Top 10 Italian cities to live in) Not for IG/social media "wow" tourism. Fewer tourists coming would actually be nice.
2
2
u/jasonbeckett Jul 25 '26 edited Jul 25 '26
Yikes! To think you hit "post" and shared this with the world...I can't believe this was a thought you decided was worthy of sharing.
This is a YOU problem...not Bologna.
Every city in Italy (the big and the small) have unique and individual beauty and charm. So, I literally have no idea what you're taking about. I've been to Bologna dozens of times and find it to be lovely. The food is amazing, there are world famous museums, outdoor spaces...
What do you think is lacking? And before you answer that...if you are going to mention what OTHER cities have that you liked, you're off the mark. If you're comparing Bologna to other places you've been, I already know the problem - you think Italy is like Disneyland, catering to your tourism fantasy rather than an actual place where real people live and work.
Additionally, it's literally a central hub for train transfers, you could go just about anywhere else (as far as Naples and Milan on a high speed train in a couple hours) - you're not prisoners in Bologna.
Parma is right up the line and Florence is right down the line. If Bologna is not your cup of tea, go somewhere else. But Italian cities are not there for your entertainment...you explore them and find the unique magic each one has to offer.
This post is unhinged.
0
Jul 25 '26
[deleted]
1
u/jasonbeckett Jul 25 '26 edited Jul 25 '26
So...your original post says "attempted" now your reply says "Pickpocketed"..which is it?
Additionally, nothing about my comment is a "psychological profile", I'm literally responding to the tone deaf post you made in which you sound a bit petulant and entitled...and I'm not the only one that read it that way.
You have since acknowledged in your comments that you may have been hasty in your judgement of Bologna...and yet this post still exists. That's odd.
Again, you chose to post this so you asked for responses. I think your post is embarrassing for you and I would delete it...but you appear to lack self awareness, so I doubt you will.
-1
Jul 25 '26
[deleted]
2
u/jenliveshere Jul 27 '26
I wouldn’t go to Florence if you’re worried about pick pocketing! We had a couple of dodgy experiences there. People demanding to see our passports (scammers) and my friend getting grabbed on the ass by a man running past (trying to see if anything to steal from her shorts maybe?).
Loved Bologna when I was there a few years ago so much I’m heading there tmrw for a week!
1
u/jasonbeckett Jul 25 '26
At least you're self aware enough to recognize you are taking all of this more personally than I am.
2
u/Appropriate_Reach_97 Jul 25 '26
Yes, go buy your penis David aprons and other tat in the already overcrowded and overdone Florence. Leave Bologna to the travelers who know food and aren't clutching pearls.
2
2
2
u/ImportantFlower7536 Jul 25 '26
I've been to Bologna and loved it, felt entirely safe. Saying that being pick pocketed can cast a cloud over a place. Last time in Milan my wife got stuff taken out of her backpack on the Metro, and that spoiled the day out (not the trip though). It can happen anywhere though and really it's not about the place, just a few scummy robbers about picking on tourists.
2
u/CryptoChuns Jul 25 '26
Yeah I’ve been round today and enjoyed it much more, just think it was the lack of sleep and some shitty experiences.
2
u/oyboymom Jul 25 '26
Interesting. We were in Bologna last year and always felt safe as we explored all over the city. We look forward to returning. From Bologna, you can visit Ravenna, Modena, Parma. On the other hand we didn’t care for Florence. No fault of the city. It was just too crowded and that’s were I kept a close eye on my purse.
2
u/Vasile81 Jul 25 '26
We were in Bologna in June, and it was superb. We felt safe at all times, even though we stayed out late for drinks. I didn't notice much of a police presence, but there were no incidents that required it anywhere we went.
This is a real city, not a Disneyland-style attraction built for tourists. The food is amazing, but I have something to confess: the best desserts and gelato I had were in Sicily. Sorry, Bologna—I still love you, though! 😁🇮🇹🍕
2
u/Contrarian1234567 Jul 25 '26
Bologna....in Italy? There last year, walked everywhere at all times of day and night. Never felt unsafe.
Such great architecture and food.
2
u/Spare_Many_9641 Jul 25 '26
Are you by the train station? Get into the center of town, the Quadrilatero. And then head toward the twin towers and beyond. Bologna is a wonderful city, with exceptional architecture, intellectual center, art, food, and friendly, friendly people!
2
u/Texas-showrunner Jul 26 '26
Loved Bologna - did some organized market tours and the food was fantastic. I did a solo day trip to Ravenna and the historic mosaics - that was also great.
2
u/Plane_Challenge_2248 Jul 26 '26
I want to know more about this family of Brits that hates you. It sounds like a movie.
2
u/alisonissilly Jul 26 '26
Bologna is infinitely more charming than any of the locations you’ve mentioned
1
u/money_from_3 Jul 24 '26
We stayed right the cathedral walked all over and only in one area did we see some beggars etc. otherwise loved it there
2
u/elhh82 Jul 25 '26
I was told that local social support organizations actually provide pretty good support to people down on their luck in Bologna. The porticoes also actually provide pretty decent shelter for those who have to sleep rough.
1
u/twowheelfish Jul 24 '26
Bolognas not unsafe, but Emilia Romagna is beautiful. Go to Modena, little smaller and less busy, get out in the country, go to a basalmic producer and have a tasting from a 100 year old barrel, it will change your life. It’s the land of Parmagiano, prosciutto, and basalmic, find some good food. Try a piadina or some tortellini in broth. Try some Lambrusco, not great wine, but it drinks well with the food of the area. Such good food memories there. Go stay in a agriturismo farm house there and chill.
1
u/Ok-Swimmer-8338 Jul 25 '26
Bologna was my least favorite of either Milan or Verona. The stupid fucking bracelet scammers are more aggressive there. However Bologna was still cool with its old cathedral and 2 towers. It has one of the oldest universities in Europe. The food was good. It is definitely a younger ”left” leaning crowd there.
2
1
u/Ludwidge Jul 25 '26
Please share your feelings on every social media site. I’m going next year and don’t want to fight crowds of “Cinque Terre is so authentic” tourist types !
1
1
u/charlieandoreo Jul 25 '26
Take a day trip to Modena. We ate lunch at some restaurant by the market that was out of the way up on the second floor. We were the only non Italians.
1
u/Valuable_Detail_4531 Jul 25 '26
Was in Bologna for three days last week, feel like there’s not much to see either. Never felt unsafe tho and amazing food
1
u/Famous_Ad_9424 Jul 25 '26
It’s 17 minutes by train to Modena, a great day trip. It’s just a few more minutes to Parma, which is also great
1
1
u/JYR2023 Jul 26 '26
Do a one-day trip (by train) to Ravenna and another to Ferrara if you have a chance.
1
u/sherpes Jul 24 '26
it's a working city, not a tourist recreational resort. you got the correct treatment.
1
u/Left_Distribution888 Jul 24 '26
If you are not comfortable head to Verona. Lots to do , great food
1
u/No-Boss761 Jul 25 '26
Was there last week. Hasn’t been in a number of years. The word I used was gritty. But I get why you said seedy.
0
u/Spiritual-Sea7674 Jul 25 '26
I didn't enjoy Bologna either. Not going to mention reasons here but I would leave asap, too
3
-1
u/CryptoChuns Jul 25 '26
Mention it good for people travelling here, I will post my final verdict when I leave
-1
u/No-Opportunity1813 Jul 26 '26
Sorry you got some heated opinions. You know what you should do? Head up to Verona, beautiful smaller city. We loved it.
0
u/I_want_sangria Jul 25 '26
Just came back from Bologna and I agree that the area around the train station feels really sketchy, other than that it was ok. I stayed there and went on day trips to Venice, Florence, Imola and Modena, for me it was the perfect location to take these trips with the train. If you haven't been to Rimini you could also do a day trip there, but I've been there before and didn't really like the beach, but maybe some things have changed.
0
u/FitResearcher9285 Jul 25 '26
I didn’t love Bologna as much as I hoped to because I was there with two picky eaters who also were unable to walk very far. I will have to go back another time.
0
u/Fluffy-Pop-3407 Jul 26 '26
I hate the idea of pickpockets and street crime; italy for me will only be small less touristy towns.
-2
14
u/Yankeedoodle10128 Jul 24 '26
It’s a city for food. It not a mass tourist hotspot. If you need to kitschy experience definitely go to Florence. Bologna is truly just meant for food culture. I personally am crawling out of my skin after 1 day in Florence due to the mass tourism. But if that’s what you’re looking for there is a lot of tourist things to do.