Love Florence? Meet Verona and Bologna: Two Gems Hiding in Plain Sight

Verona: Elegance meets intimacy

As refined as Florence but with a more relaxed, small-town ambiance, Verona is a dream for travelers seeking beauty and sophistication without the bustle. This picturesque city is a feast for the senses: imagine winding cobblestone streets, iconic bridges arching over the river, and churches that rival any in Tuscany, complete with stunning frescoed ceilings and centuries-old art.

Scenes from Verona’s city center

Where to stay?

Stay in timeless style at Hotel Due Torri, Verona’s classic grand dame furnished in an ornate, classical style and in an extremely location. Or opt for sleek sophistication at Vista Verona, a contemporary gem with panoramic views and modern luxury.

Basilica di Santa Anastasia in Verona

Don’t miss:

• The Arena di Verona, one of Europe’s oldest and best-preserved Roman amphitheaters, still hosting concerts and operas under the stars.

• Giardino Giusti, an enchanting garden oasis that rivals Florence’s Boboli in both beauty and serenity.

• Basilica di Santa Anastasia, home to breathtaking frescoes and arguably one of the most magnificent church ceilings in Italy.

• Food and wine scene: Verona’s culinary scene may just outshine Florence’s for fans of risotto. The dish is a local specialty here, crafted in elegant and inventive ways throughout the city’s diverse and vibrant dining spots. The surrounding Amarone and Valpolicella wine regions are also a serious draw, producing rich, bold reds that often outclass their Tuscan counterparts in both complexity and scarcity.

• For an unforgettable experience, embark on a bike or e-bike wine tour that begins right in Verona’s historic center. You’ll glide past vineyards, rolling hills, and family-run wineries offering intimate tastings far from the crowds of Chianti.

Love notes at Juliette’s house, Verona’s most famous heroine

Location perks:

Verona is ideally situated in northern Italy, making it a perfect base or mid-itinerary stop. From here, you’re just a quick ride away from Venice, Lake Garda, and the underrated Lake Iseo.

Bologna: The culinary capital of Italy

If Florence is Italy’s artistic soul, Bologna is its beating culinary heart. Located in the region of Emilia-Romagna (a place dear to my heart,(my husband’s family is from here!), Bologna is the pinnacle of Italian gastronomy.

Mid-sized, walkable, and wonderfully authentic, Bologna offers all the perks of a larger city (nightlife, restaurants, museums, churches) without feeling overwhelming. It’s a place where history, culture, and food are seamlessly intertwined.

Views on churches in Bologna

Portici in Bologna

Where to stay?

• Grand Hotel Majestic: A 5-star stunner with Roman ruins beneath the lobby, celebrity clientele, and elegantly furnished rooms in the heart of the city.

• Hotel Corona d’Oro: Warm service, refined classic design, and ideally located within walking distance to all the major sights.

• Aemilia Hotel Bologna: Modern, minimalist rooms just outside the city center. A fantastic choice for business travelers or those seeking value without sacrificing comfort.

Bologna’s skyline from Aemilia Hotel Bologna

Culinary highlights:

Bologna isn’t called La Grassa (“The Fat One”) for nothing. The city is the birthplace of ragù alla Bolognese, lasagna verde, and a treasure trove of cured meats and regional cheeses. From casual trattorias to fine dining, Bologna’s food scene is both deeply traditional and refreshingly innovative.

Tagliatelle al ragù bolognese

Things to do (besides eating):

• Stroll through the city’s UNESCO-listed portici (covered walkways) during your post-dinner passeggiata (stroll).

• Take the iconic walk to San Luca, a light uphill hike under the world’s longest arcade leading to a hilltop basilica. The panoramic views of Bologna and the surrounding countryside are worth every step.

• Explore beyond the city: Thanks to Bologna’s large train station, it’s a perfect hub for day trips to Ferrara, Ravenna, Modena, or even the Adriatic coast in Rimini. Prefer a slower pace? The Emilia-Romagna countryside is full of rolling hills, scenic cycling routes, and charming rural escapes, just minutes from the heart of Bologna’s city center. Consider staying at Elizabeth Country House, a stylish new property (opened summer 2024) nestled in the hills or Palazzo di Varignana, a luxurious spa retreat offering wellness and relaxation, ideal for those with rental cars looking for a peaceful escape just outside the city.

Street scenes in Bologna

Where to eat in these incredible cities

Bologna:

• L’Archimboldo: My favorite restaurant in Bologna. Requires a reservation and is a bit more of a refined dining experience (white table cloths) vs. the trattorias Bologna is known for. My favorite item on the menu is the lasagna, followed by the fried tortellini… not a light meal

• Osteria della Laterna: Typical Bologna trattoria on a quiet block a few minutes’ walk from the center. Fantastic ragu.

• Da Cesari: Very famous in Bologna, and rightfully so. Family run since it opened, with a very friendly staff. Excellent primo, but a place that also serves incredible meat (secondo), if you need a break from all the heavy pasta.

• Trattoria del Rosso: Simple, low-maintenance trattoria with excellent ragu, meats, and cheeses.

• Mortadella: Sandwich shop across the street from the train station. I stop here when I am (often) waiting for a connecting train. Great sandwiches with mortadella and any other savory meat you can imagine.

• Vecchia Malga: Fantastic apertivo steps from Piazza Maggiore.

• Cremeria Santo Stefano: Bologna’s favorite gelato shop!

• Va mo La: Agriturismo outside of Bologna near Minerbio, serving great steaks, meat, and vegetables.

Verona:

• Il Pompiere: Old-school trattoria; meat-heavy, reservations are a must.

• Antica Torretta: Elevated fine dining, with creative plates. Worth it for a celebratory meal, with a beautiful location near one of the city’s most iconic bridges.

• Maffei: Classic cuisine done extremely well, in an intimate setting

Why choose Verona or Bologna?

While Florence will always be one of Italy’s most sought after destinations, Verona and Bologna offer experiences that are just as rich—with fewer crowds, lower prices, and deep authenticity. Whether you’re drawn to Verona’s romantic atmosphere and world-class wines, or Bologna’s culinary delights, both cities offer an intimate, soulful side of Italy.

Go beyond the well-trodden paths, and Verona and Bologna will be ready to surprise you.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Verona and Bologna pages.