Bologna

🚼Pram

Bologna is one of Italy's most stroller-friendly historic cities thanks to its famous porticoes, covered arcaded walkways that shield prams (and people) from both sun and rain across most of the centre. Streets are flatter than in Florence or Rome, making this an easy city to explore on foot.

🍽️Food & Eating

As Italy's food capital, Bologna's trattorias serving tagliatelle al ragu and tortellini are plentiful, casual and genuinely welcoming to children. High chairs are common. Supermarkets and the historic Mercato di Mezzo food market are good for stocking up on kid-friendly snacks.

🛡️Safety

Bologna is a safe, relatively low-key university city with low crime rates. Tap water is safe to drink. It's a manageable, walkable size compared to Rome or Milan, which makes it less overwhelming for family days out.

🏥Hospitals

Ospedale Sant'Orsola-Malpighi includes a well-regarded pediatric unit and is one of the major teaching hospitals in northern Italy. Pharmacies are widespread across the centre. English proficiency among medical staff is generally good given the university's international ties.