Bologna Essentials

Bologna Essentials & Tourist Information

Currency	Euro
Flight Time	UK 2H approx
Time Zone	GMT = +1 hour
Language	Italian
Voltage	220 V AC (two-pin plugs)

Bologna Tourist Attractions
The 12th century Towers of the Asinelli are the most iconic landmarks in Bologna and like its counterpart in Pisa, continue to defy the laws of gravity with its leaning. Over 500 steps later you will be rewarded with fabulous views of the city skyline. Entrance is €3 per person. From here stroll down nearby Via Strada Maggiore - arguably one of the most elegant streets in Italy with tremendously ornate collonades and mansion houses. Art lovers will love a visit to the National Picture Gallery which houses one of the world's finest collections of medievel and baroque art. Masterpieces by Raphael, Reni and Francesco Francia are on display and entry is €5.

Italian Phrases For Tourists  

Good morning	Buon giorno		I'm sorry	Scusi
Good evening	Buona sera		Does anyone here speak English?	C'è qualcuno che parla inglese?
Good-bye	Arrivederci		Where is...?	Dov'è ...?
Yes	Sì		Train Station	la stazione
No	No		Airport	l'aeroporto
Please	Per favore		Currency exchange	l'ufficio del cambio
Thank you very much	Molte grazie		The bill, please	Il conto per favore

Bologna Opening Hours
Banking hours of business are quite variable in Bolognia but are in general are from 9am to 4pm with a two hour lunch break at midday from Monday-Friday. Shopping hours are Monday-Saturday from 9am until 7.30pm again with a long lunchtime break. Many smaller independent stores do not open until mid morning on Mondays and close on Wednesday afternoons. City centre shops are also open in the afternoon of the first Sunday of each month. 

Bologna Food & Drink
Bologna is world renowned for its culinary standards and the city has the credit of inventing bolognese sauce. It is a dish that is often copied but never bettered than in the authetic eateries of the city. Situated in the fertile Po River Valley, the cuisine is heavily dependent on meats and cheeses and its cured pork such as prosciutto, mortadella and salame are world renowned. The local pasta specialities include Tagliatelle al ragù, lasagne and tortellini served in broth and mortadella. There has been a rich heritage of wine production for centuries and Lambrusco di Modena and Sangiovese di Romagna are among its most famous wine exports. 

Tipping & Etiquette
In Bologna, it is customary to give a tip of around 10% for a satisfactory meal in restaurants and cafes where a service charge is not already included on the bill. Of course the amount of any tip should be a reflection of your enjoyment and level of service. It is normal practice to also reward porters, hotel maids and taxi drivers for services rendered of a high standard.  
 
Bologna Useful Numbers
• Calling the UK from Venice – 0044 + area code minus zero + number
• Police – 112
• Ambulance – 112
• Fire - 112

Disabled Access in Bologna
Such is the city's compact size, virtually everywhere is accessible on foot in Bologna and it is equally as easy for wheelchair users. There are some streets of cobblestones and uneven surfaces, yet much is pedestrian only and wide enough to be free of crowding. Many of the museums offer free entry for the registerd disabled and a limited number have audio loops to help with orientation. Both the airport and train station have ramp access and a sufficient number of disabled toilets. Overall Bolognia is one of the less challenging cities in Italy for wheelchair users and almost all monuments and museums have some form of access for the disabled.  

Italian Embassies
• British Consulate Lungarno Corsini 2 50123 Firenze FI Tephone: 055 284133
• Italy Embassy - 14 Three Kings Yard, London W1K 4EH, Telephone: 020 7312 2200

Bologna City Breaks  Getting Around Bologna

Things To Do In Bologna  Bologna Weather