“Bologna is a city you come to be a local, not a tourist,“ This was the advice given to us - by a Bologna local, no less - before our trip to Italy’s famed red city (after our hike through the incredible Emilia Romagna region), and our curiosity had instantly been piqued. In a time when many Italy’s most popular destinations are calling for help as they struggle with record-breaking tourist numbers (again) and move toward implementing tourism taxes, it seemed almost impossible that there could still be a place left in the country where an authentic experience was possible.

Yet Bologna is very much that place. In our opinion, this is one of Italy’s most unique, beautiful, and underrated cities. Medieval terracotta buildings give the city its nickname, La Rossa, while miles of UNESCO heritage-listed porticoes paint the streets with lights, shadows, and deep architectural perspectives like a moving artwork (perfect for street photography!). Under these columns lie hidden galleries and hipster boutiques, hole in the wall bars and groups of students sharing a laugh between classes.