With a city centre encased within the remnants of its medieval walls, Bologna is perfect for wandering around on foot. A good way for new arrivals to get orientated with the city is to ascend the Torre degli Asinelli, one of the two towers that lean drunkenly at the foot of Via Rizzoli, just south of the old Jewish Ghetto, offering a sweeping view of the city's red rooftops.

On ground level, Piazza Maggiore and the connecting Piazza Nettuno form the city's vibrant heart. This is where people-watching is as much of an attraction as the rusticated palaces and the unfinished facade of the Basilica di San Petronio, with the piazza just as active in winter as in summer.

The city's famous porticoes line Bologna's streets like sentinel guards and provide handy shade from the summer sun. It's fun to wander and lose your way in the hotchpotch of medieval streets that radiate from Piazza Maggiore in a maze of cafes, fruit markets, bars and restaurants.

The university area (the world's first such institution) is northeast of the two towers. Energetic visitors can also walk the 666 arches to the hilltop Santuario de Madonna di San Luca and breathe in the fresh air from the Apennines. To the east are the Adriatic beaches, a perfect escape during the steamy summer months.

Informazioni e Assistenza Turistica
Centro di Informazione Comunale, Palazzo d'Accursio at Piazza Maggiore 1
Tel: 0512 39660 or 251 947 or 647 2113.
Website: www.comune.bologna.it/bolognaturismo

Other branches are located at the train station and at the airport.