Petrolhead must sees in Bologna
Discussion
Eventually booked up for 4 days in Bologna in 3 weeks time. With so much auto related around us I'm looking for recommendations for what to see. Galleria Ferrari seems to be rated but the factory tour gets varied reports on tripadvisor and other sites say you have to book through the dealers (be a customer). Then what about Lambo and Pagani? Also wasn't going to bother hiring a car so what's transport to these places like
I've had dubious advice before from tripadvisor - Anyone been and done them?
I've had dubious advice before from tripadvisor - Anyone been and done them?
Wife & I went to Bologna in November 2008 for five nights. We generally have a few days somewhere different each year in Italy in the Autumn, so this was a bit late for us. This was a non motor themed break, although I know that Modena etc is quite close. Here's some thoughts on Bologna:
1. Nice town, very old, has the world's oldest university and there are loads of students, and they are no problem. Also, their presence means there's lots of cheapish cafes etc.
2. Nice that the airport is close to the town.
3. Due to it's location and excellent transportation links, Bologna is the conference capital of Italy (similar to Birmingham in the UK). The main conference/exhibition area is north of the town centre, so the centre is fine. It does make Bologna a cosmopolitan place.
4. You may not like me saying it's an excellent shopping town, but it is. Most main streets have covered pathways as the buildings are built to overhang the path, and this means walking is nearly al;ways dry or shady, and there's loads of little shops, cafes etc as a result.
5. Culturally, Bologna is pretty good but not as good as other italian towns. Lots of old buildings etc to wander through.
6. Restaurants are also very good and I could make a couple of recommendations if you wish.
7. We stayed at the Regina Hotel. It's reasonably priced, and only stroll to the main piazza, so it's central.
Hope this may help, and another PHer will answer your question!
R.
1. Nice town, very old, has the world's oldest university and there are loads of students, and they are no problem. Also, their presence means there's lots of cheapish cafes etc.
2. Nice that the airport is close to the town.
3. Due to it's location and excellent transportation links, Bologna is the conference capital of Italy (similar to Birmingham in the UK). The main conference/exhibition area is north of the town centre, so the centre is fine. It does make Bologna a cosmopolitan place.
4. You may not like me saying it's an excellent shopping town, but it is. Most main streets have covered pathways as the buildings are built to overhang the path, and this means walking is nearly al;ways dry or shady, and there's loads of little shops, cafes etc as a result.
5. Culturally, Bologna is pretty good but not as good as other italian towns. Lots of old buildings etc to wander through.
6. Restaurants are also very good and I could make a couple of recommendations if you wish.
7. We stayed at the Regina Hotel. It's reasonably priced, and only stroll to the main piazza, so it's central.
Hope this may help, and another PHer will answer your question!
R.
We stayed for 2 nights this summer. Hotel was pretty good (AC Hotel, about 20mins walk or short bus + 5mins walk from the centre) - picked for secure parking rather than convenience. Savhotel just further out was our other option.
City was...lacklustre. LOTS of graffiti, didn't seem especially clean either...and as a result we didn't feel quite as safe as elsewhere.
Car stuff:-
- Pagani is very cool but also surprisingly small. Book in advance, cost us IIRC €19 each and was a personal tour (just the two of us) for nearly an hour.
- Lamborghini factory is much more like a normal factory, albeit very clean and orderly. €36 or 38 each, so not cheap. But includes entry to their museum, which contains most important Lambos. Was also suggested to try and visit the Lamborghini family museum. Worth a nose in the shop to see what they're charging for stuff!
Avoid "motorstars" tours unless you MUST see the Ferrari factory and can't be bothered to sort it all yourself. Look very pricey for what you get...but then if you don't have a car they DO pick you up from your hotel.
Other stuff:-
- Ferrari factory & museum
- Ducati factory
City was...lacklustre. LOTS of graffiti, didn't seem especially clean either...and as a result we didn't feel quite as safe as elsewhere.
Car stuff:-
- Pagani is very cool but also surprisingly small. Book in advance, cost us IIRC €19 each and was a personal tour (just the two of us) for nearly an hour.
- Lamborghini factory is much more like a normal factory, albeit very clean and orderly. €36 or 38 each, so not cheap. But includes entry to their museum, which contains most important Lambos. Was also suggested to try and visit the Lamborghini family museum. Worth a nose in the shop to see what they're charging for stuff!
Avoid "motorstars" tours unless you MUST see the Ferrari factory and can't be bothered to sort it all yourself. Look very pricey for what you get...but then if you don't have a car they DO pick you up from your hotel.
Other stuff:-
- Ferrari factory & museum
- Ducati factory
Here's two:
Del Nello Da Montegrappa +39 (51) 23 63 31: Excellent food and a really great atmosphere especially downstairs; don't be put off by its lack of kerb appeal. We went there twice in 5 days!
Diane Ristorante +39 (51) 23 13 02: Also good, busy early evening so maybe used at that time by business people.
Recommend booking both.
R.
Del Nello Da Montegrappa +39 (51) 23 63 31: Excellent food and a really great atmosphere especially downstairs; don't be put off by its lack of kerb appeal. We went there twice in 5 days!
Diane Ristorante +39 (51) 23 13 02: Also good, busy early evening so maybe used at that time by business people.
Recommend booking both.
R.
Thanks for all the suggestions guys, keep em coming!!
I like the sound of the Galleria Ferrari and the Lambo musuem possibly slightly more than the factory tours (probably a bit more palatable for the other half too). Have also heard good things about the unofficial Maserati museum too so might look into that. Also fancy the Pagani factory though, especially if it's a bit quieter than the mainstream ones. Can't wait!!
I like the sound of the Galleria Ferrari and the Lambo musuem possibly slightly more than the factory tours (probably a bit more palatable for the other half too). Have also heard good things about the unofficial Maserati museum too so might look into that. Also fancy the Pagani factory though, especially if it's a bit quieter than the mainstream ones. Can't wait!!
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