Renowned as Italy’s capital of gastronomy, Bologna is undoubtedly one of Italy’s best-kept secrets. Set in the picturesque Po Valley in Northern Italy, the city’s gorgeous porticoed streets are brimming with an enchanting blend of exquisite blushing-pink palaces, impressive medieval and renaissance buildings, and a slew of world-class museums and galleries. As the home of the world’s oldest university, this small city has the atmosphere of a progressive, liberal university-town, and, despite its rich history, it feels young and vibrant in a way that many other Italian cities don’t. It is also brimming with Italian locals in a way that many other Italian tourist-packed towns aren’t. With its sublime cuisine, lively spirit, and largely undiscovered counter-culture art and music scene, Bologna is a truly unforgettable off-the-tourist-trail destination.