Nicoletta was an incredible, thoughtful host who honestly made my trip so much better than I expected. She's quick to respond through Airbnb, had great recommendations for sights and eats around the city, and, when our English/Spanish failed to serve, she used Google Translate on her tablet to have conversations. She definitely went the extra mile and staying with her felt like visiting family.
Nicoletta's place is also extremely well situated:
- 20 min walk from the central train station
- 20 min taxi ride from the airport (cost me about 18 euros)
- Bus stops all around
- 10-15 min walk to the historical center
- Corner stores, grocery stores, and shopping nearby
As a traveler, the apartment is brilliant in that it's on the margin of the main historical center without being part of it; that 10-15 min walk separates you from overpriced tourist traps, which means as you walk Via Ugo Bassi or Via del Pratello, you encounter restaurants and cafes frequented by the locals with fairly decent prices. Check out Trattoria Baraldi or Fantoni for a good pasta dinner, Babilonia Kebab for drunk eats, or Il Bar Della Trattoria for morning cappuccino. Sunsets overlooking the Basilica di San Francesco were breathtaking, as well as afternoons spent on the balcony.
Overall, Nicoletta was lovely. Miro was absolutely adorable. And I can't wait to come back to Bologna because of them.