Bolidist XVII

This bold spot sits in total contrast to its surroundings. In the heart of Bologna’s medieval old town, it’s surrounded by rose-hued ancient buildings with terracotta roofs. A seven-minute stroll sees you at Piazza Maggiore, the city’s main square flanked by 13th-century palazzos. In the streets around the apartment, you’ll find endless family-run trattoria serving tagliatelle al ragu (the original spaghetti bolognese), wine bars serving local charcuterie boards and fresh food markets galore.

Load up on produce and head back to your bold city bolthole. There’s a compact kitchen for cooking and a breakfast bar for dining. But it’s the decor that really caught our attention. Canary-yellow and navy-blue patterns reminiscent of 1980s kids' TV programs adorn the wall behind the big bed, and lamps and light fittings have been curated to match this quirky touch.

Home truths:
*The kitchen area has a microwave and four-ring hob but not a full oven
*There is no parking with this apartment but you're in the centre of Bologna where traffic is controlled and everything is walkable
*This is one of several holiday apartments in the same building
*Two additional guests can be accommodated on the pull-out sofa bed but as this is a studio it would be a squeeze