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If you live in Suffolk, Norfolk, or Cambridgeshire and you’re craving a foodie break packed with flavour, flair, and a bit of sunshine, Bologna might just be the ideal destination. Known as the gastronomic capital of Italy, Bologna is the gateway to the rich culinary region of Emilia-Romagna. From Parmigiano Reggiano to balsamic vinegar and the world-famous ragù, this city is a dream for anyone who travels with their stomach.
The good news? Getting to Bologna from East Anglia is easier than you might think. Whether you’re in Bury St Edmunds, Norwich, or Cambridge, a delicious long weekend in Italy is well within reach.
The Best Way to Fly: Stansted and Luton
While regional airports like Norwich and Cambridge offer limited options, the best way to get to Bologna from East Anglia is via London Stansted Airport (STN) or London Luton Airport (LTN).
Stansted Airport, located about 1.5 hours from Cambridge, is an especially convenient option. Budget airlines like Ryanair offer direct flights to Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport multiple times a week. Early morning departures make it possible to land in Italy before lunchtime—just in time for your first plate of tagliatelle al ragù.
Luton Airport is another great choice, particularly for those based closer to Norwich or west Suffolk. It’s around a two-hour drive, and also offers direct flights to Bologna. Prices are typically competitive, and you’ll often find deals for under £60 return if you book in advance.
Tip: Set alerts with flight comparison sites like Skyscanner or Google Flights to grab the best prices.
Arrival in Bologna: First Impressions
Touching down in Bologna is a treat in itself. The airport is small and efficient, and you can be in the city centre within 20 minutes by taxi or the convenient Marconi Express monorail. Once in the heart of the city, you’ll be greeted by medieval towers, red-brick porticoes, and an endless supply of eateries and food markets.
Base yourself in or near the Quadrilatero district if you want to be steps away from vibrant markets and traditional trattorie. Hotels and Airbnbs are plentiful and often more affordable than other major Italian cities.
Where to Stay in Bologna
For a comfortable and central experience, consider Hotel Corona d’Oro, a refined 4-star hotel just a short stroll from Piazza Maggiore. If you prefer something with local charm, Albergo delle Drapperie is nestled in the heart of the Quadrilatero food district and surrounded by delis and restaurants. Travelling on a budget? Combo Bologna is a popular, modern hostel with private rooms and great communal spaces. For something sleek and business-friendly, Portici Hotel Bologna offers stylish rooms on Via Indipendenza, close to shopping and the train station.
Tasting Bologna: Why You Need a Food Tour
To really understand what makes Bologna and the wider Emilia-Romagna region so special, a guided food tour is a must. Companies like Emilia Delizia offer immersive day tours that take you beyond the city to visit local producers of cheese, balsamic vinegar, and cured meats.
You’ll witness Parmigiano Reggiano being made fresh that morning, walk through cellars where balsamic vinegar has aged for decades, and see how prosciutto is expertly prepared and cured. These experiences don’t just fill your stomach—they give you insight into centuries of culinary heritage that define this region.
What and Where to Eat in Bologna
Bologna is packed with culinary gems that go beyond the clichés. The city is the birthplace of ragù—don’t expect “spaghetti bolognese” here, but instead the richer, more traditional tagliatelle al ragù, served on silky fresh egg pasta. Another staple is tortellini in brodo, delicate parcels of pasta filled with pork and cheese, served in hot broth, especially beloved in winter.
For something heartier, lasagne alla Bolognese layers meat sauce with béchamel on green spinach pasta sheets. And of course, mortadella—a local favourite—is best enjoyed thinly sliced with warm bread and perhaps a glass of Lambrusco.
Head to Trattoria Anna Maria for a classic Bolognese meal, or explore the buzzing Mercato di Mezzo, where you can sample small plates from different vendors in a casual atmosphere.
Here is a very condensed list of things to do in Bologna if you do not have much time.
Beyond the Food: What to See in Bologna
Bologna’s historic centre is perfect for exploring on foot. Climb the medieval Asinelli Tower for a bird’s-eye view of the city, then wander over to Piazza Maggiore, the city’s grand square, home to the vast Basilica di San Petronio. Just around the corner is the Archiginnasio of Bologna, once the main building of the university and now home to an incredible 17th-century anatomical theatre.
Another highlight is walking beneath Bologna’s endless porticoes—covered arcades that stretch for miles and have recently been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Seaside Escape: A Day Trip to Ravenna
Want to swap city sights for sea breezes? Ravenna is just over an hour away by train and makes an ideal day trip. Famous for its dazzling mosaics and peaceful streets, the city is also close to the Adriatic coast.
Start your day visiting sites like Basilica di San Vitale and Mausoleo di Galla Placidia, both adorned with centuries-old mosaics that shimmer in natural light. After a hearty lunch in one of Ravenna’s osterie, head to the coast. Marina di Ravenna and Punta Marina offer easy access to the sea, perfect for an afternoon walk or a relaxed espresso by the beach.
More Flavours of Emilia-Romagna: Modena and Parma
If you have a little more time, two more destinations await within easy reach of Bologna.
Modena, just 25 minutes away by train, is the capital of traditional balsamic vinegar. It’s also home to one of the world’s most acclaimed restaurants—Osteria Francescana, helmed by Massimo Bottura. But you don’t need to dine there to enjoy the city. Visit the Mercato Albinelli, a gorgeous covered market, or book a tasting tour at an acetaia (balsamic vinegar producer) where you’ll learn how the thick, syrupy vinegar is aged for decades.
Parma, about an hour by train, is quieter and refined. The city is internationally famous for Parmigiano Reggiano and Prosciutto di Parma. A walk through its elegant streets reveals charming piazzas, a stunning pink marble cathedral, and inviting cafes. Many food tours include Parma in their itineraries, offering visits to dairies and ham producers nestled in the surrounding countryside.
Tips for a Smooth Trip
Pack light to avoid budget airline baggage fees, and try to book flights and tours in advance, especially in peak seasons like spring and autumn. Bologna itself is compact and walkable, and trains make day trips to places like Modena, Parma, and Ravenna seamless and stress-free. If you want a bit more freedom, consider renting a bike for a local’s view of the city.
From East Anglia to Emilia-Romagna: Worth the Trip?
Absolutely. A weekend in Bologna offers a refreshing change of pace from the Suffolk coast, Norfolk countryside, or Cambridge spires. It’s affordable, accessible, and packed with experiences you’ll be talking about long after the parmesan has run out.
So next time you’re scrolling through weekend break ideas, skip the usual suspects and book yourself a direct flight to Italy’s tastiest city. Bologna is waiting—and it’s hungry to impress.
Buon viaggio and buon appetito!