Rome is one of the world’s most visited cities but the ancient destination can get pretty crowded during peak summer season.

It’s also one of Europe’s most expensive destinations for a holiday with hotels and Airbnbs often very pricey.

If you’re looking to experience La Vita Bella on a smaller budget, why not try a cheaper alternative?

Bologna, in northern Italy, is one of the country’s most exciting city breaks and it’s much less crowded than Rome.

The capital of the Emilia-Romagna region, Bologna is one of Italy’s best foodie destinations but you won’t find spaghetti bolognese on offer there.

In 2019, Bologna’s mayor visited London and was so incensed to see spaghetti bolognese on a restaurant menu, he tweeted a picture of it with the slogan ‘fake news’.

In Italy, the popular dish is usually served with the thicker tagliatelle style of pasta to better soak up the ragu sauce.

Outside of culinary delights, Bologna has plenty of attractions to discover. People watch in Piazza Maggiore or admire the architecture in the church of San Petronio.

The city’s historic Quadrilatero district is one of the best places to find a restaurant or get a traditional Italian aperitif.

There’s no need to worry if it rains as Bologna is famed for its porticos, or arched arcades, that run along many of the streets.

While Bologna isn’t Europe’s cheapest destination, the city’s status as a student city helps to keep prices down.

Bologna University is the oldest university of continuous operation in the world and many of its historic buildings are incredibly beautiful.

British tourists can fly direct to Bologna with a range of options including on Ryanair and British Airways. Browse deals on TravelSupermarket or Skyscanner.

Rimini, a cheap and cheerful Italian beach resort, is just an hour on the train from Bologna if you have time to spare on a break in the foodie city.