Useful Tips
Useful Tips
Visit the Historic Center
Piazza Maggiore: The main square is a great starting point. It is surrounded by historical buildings such as Basilica di San Petronio and Palazzo Comunale.
Torre degli Asinelli: although it is currently not possible to get to the top of the tower due to some renovation work, the Torre is still the most iconic symbol of the city and it’s one of the tallest leaning towers in the world.
Portico di San Luca: Bologna’s porticos (or portici in Italian) are one of the city’s most distinctive and iconic features. These covered walkways line many of the streets and are an essential part of the city’s architecture and charm. The San Luca one is the longest portico in the world (about 3.8 km), leading up to the sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca on a hill within the city center. In 2021, the Porticos of Bologna were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Indulge in Local Cusine and taste local wines
Bolognese Sauce: Don’t miss trying the famous ragù alla Bolognese the traditional Italian meat-based sauce. Enjoy it with tagliatelle, a long ribbon shaped handmade pasta.
Tortellini: Try the tortellini in brodo, a type of stuffed pasta served in a rich broth.
Mortadella: Bologna is the home of mortadella, a delicious Italian sausage, often served sliced and with local bread.
Crescentine: These are fried dough pockets, often served with cured meats and cheeses.
Lambrusco is a sparkling red wine from the Emilia-Romagna region that pairs perfectly with Bologna’s food.
Shopping in Bologna
Most shops are open all day long from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. They are usually closed on legal holidays but some establishments (supermarkets, shops, etc.) may still be open.
Mobile Phone
If you’re traveling from a European Union country (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) country, roaming is straightforward and you can use your mobile plan just as you would in your home country without incurring extra charges.
If you are coming from another country, outside EU, your cellular phone will work in Italy, however, to avoid potentially expensive roaming charges check with your carrier for international roaming plans.
In Bologna there are some free Wi-Fi connections in hotels, convention centre, restaurants and cafés.
Electricity
The electric current is 220 V and the plugs are primarily Type L (this is the standard Italian plug with three round pins in a straight line) or Type C (commonly known as the “Europlug,” it has two round pins and is widely compatible across Europe).
If you’re participating from a country with a different voltage or plug type (for example, the U.S. or U.K.), you may need a plug adapter to fit Italian outlets and a voltage converter in case your devices aren’t compatible with 220V.
Climate
The climate in Bologna during September is mild to warm. During daytime temperatures typically range from 24°C to 28°C (75°F to 82°F). Early in the month, it can still feel quite warm, but temperatures gradually start to cool as the month progresses. In the nighttime they lower around 14°C to 18°C (57°F to 64°F).
Tipping Rules
Tips are not obligatory but appreciated if the service is particularly friendly and professional. In Cafés and Bars tipping is not used.
For Taxi’s services rounding up to the nearest euro or adding a couple of euros for a longer journey is common.