Three Italian cities to visit at least once in your life 

World Tourism Day is an event established in 1970 to promote the many social, cultural and economic values linked to tourism and sustainability. It’s celebrated on 27th September to commemorate the adoption of the Statutes of the World Tourism Organisation. 

Over time, this day has become an opportunity both to reflect on the tourism industry and to celebrate it by taking a trip. If you’re thinking of spending a weekend away – whether for World Tourism Day 2024 or at any other time of the year – but haven’t yet decided where to go, we have come up with three evergreen destinations for you.  

Bologna: The Learned, The Red, The Fat

Bologna is one of the most popular cities in Italy, ideal for both a weekend getaway or a longer stay; where numerous attractions are mixed with a unique food and wine tradition.

What to see in Bologna? An itinerary in the city also known as La dotta, la rossa, la grassa (The learned, The red, The fat) can only start from Piazza Maggiore, home to several important monuments and buildings such as the Palazzo Comunale, the Neptune Fountain, the Palazzo dei Bianchi and the Basilica of San Petronio.

Take a stroll along the famous Portico di San Luca, which at almost 3,800 metres long holds the title of the longest portico in the world, linking the centre of Bologna with the Sanctuary of San Luca. Here too, once you reach the basilica, you can admire a spectacular panorama.

Culture lovers will find many places of interest in Bologna: from the Pinacoteca Nazionale to the Museo d’Arte Moderna, passing by the Museo Civico Medievale, Palazzo Poggi and the Teatro Anatomico dell’Archiginnasio, a fascinating hall located inside the Alma Mater Studiorum once used for human anatomy lessons.

If you have chosen Bologna as your destination and are looking for a hotel for your stay, we recommend the UNAHOTELS Bologna Centro. The 4-star hotel is located in the heart of the city, in a privileged position near the station, and is the best choice for exploring the city.

Feeling at home in Florence

At any time of year, Florence is a captivating destination that deserves a visit.   

We’re talking about a city known worldwide for the beauty of its districts and monuments: from Brunelleschi’s Dome to the Basilica of Santa Croce, from Piazzale Michelangelo to Ponte Vecchio. We can also mention Cappella Brancacci, Palazzo Strozzi and the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella.

Nature lovers will find many gardens and parks to explore: from the Boboli Garden to the Bardini Garden, the Stibbert Museum Park, the Rose Garden and many others. 

Imagine booking a stay in a luxurious apartment in the city centre, equipped with all the necessary comforts to make you feel at home. Choose between a one, two or three-bedroom apartment available for short or long stays, with a hot tub and a fully equipped kitchen. 

This, and much more, awaits you at Ricasoli Firenze Luxury Apartments | UNA Esperienze, just a few steps from the Accademia Gallery and Florence Cathedral.

Characterised by a 17th-century style that echoes the splendour of Florentine culture, Palazzo Ricasoli offers a range of options, all combining the luxury of a prestigious establishment with the intimacy of a home. 

Bari: The Charm of an Ancient Apulian Village

Bari, with historical monuments and the Adriatic Sea, is another destination to discover over a weekend break. Start with the world-famous Basilica of San Nicola and then venture into Bari Vecchia, the city’s old town. Here, it feels as though time has stood still, and local traditions are more alive than ever.

In Bari, you’ll find one of Italy’s most famous promenades, inaugurated in 1927 and home to many Art Nouveau buildings worth admiring. The most famous section includes Via Imperatore Augusto, Via Nazario Sauro and Via Araldo di Crollalanza. 

Art and culture enthusiasts cannot miss a visit to the Corrado Giaquinto Art Gallery, located inside the Palazzo della Provincia, featuring an extensive collection of paintings, clothing and artefacts from the year 1000 onwards. 

UNAHOTELS Regina Bari, architecturally inspired by ancient Apulian villages, is the ideal starting point for exploring Bari and experiencing the full charm of this land. 

Among the many services offered by the hotel are the renowned Noha Restaurant, where you can enjoy the best traditional dishes, and the REGINA SPA wellness centre, which features massages, body treatments, an indoor pool, a hot tub, sensory showers, a Turkish bath, and much more.

World Tourism Day is yet another opportunity to rediscover the value of travel, as well as to find inspiration and plan a few days away in Italy’s most beautiful cities.