Underrated European Cities That Are Cheaper and Less Crowded Than Paris

27. Bologna, Italy: The Learned, the Red, the Fat City

While tourists flock to Florence and Venice, savvy travelers head to Bologna, Italy’s gastronomic heart and home to the world's oldest university. Nicknamed "La Dotta, La Rossa, La Grassa" (The Learned, The Red, The Fat), it boasts miles of stunning terracotta-hued porticoes, medieval towers, and a palpable intellectual buzz. Indulge in authentic tagliatelle al ragù, explore ancient libraries, and enjoy the vibrant, unpretentious local life. Bologna offers a rich, historically profound, and deliciously satisfying Italian experience without the overwhelming crowds.