19 JUL 2019: With summer in mind – and glass in hand – we at Travel Industry Today, continue our seasonal series on some of the planet’s best bars, patios and rooftop venues to enjoy during the (hopefully good) weather.

The only thing better than sipping suds or vino on a patio is doing it on a rooftop patio. And when those elements come together in Italy, it’s fantastico! With this in mind, visitors to Bologna will find a must stop spot for a drop at the Hotel Touring, which offers a top-of-the-town gem you won’t find in any guidebook.

Located at 1/2 Via De’ Mattuiana, Piazza Tribunale (just the address is enough to recommend the place), the four-story property is situated in a quiet location in the old town, just a short walk from Piazza Maggiore and Church of San Domenico. A veritable hole-in-the-wall establishment – as its postal mark would suggest – the hotel dates to the turn of the 20th Century but has been family run for 50 years.

The best feature, however, is clearly the 5th floor Terrazza Mattuiani Lounge Bar, which overlooks a sea of red-tile roofs and the Church, and the scenic hills beyond. Open from June to September it’s a secluded spot to enjoy an Italian aperitivo (beer, wine and other spirits available), ordered upon arrival in the hotel lobby. There is a one-drink minimum for visitors, starting at 15 euros (10 euros for guests).

There’s also a Jacuzzi up there, but more useful perhaps is the WiFi for those with an urge to Instagram. Better still, put the phone away, sit, sip, and enjoy.

It doesn’t get much better. Meraviglisio!