CITY GUIDE: Welcome to Imola 2024

Williams Racing is in Imola for the first European race of the 2024 Formula 1 calendar.

The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix draws thousands of fans from around the world to watch this unmissable event.

While all the Sunday action provides a feast for the eyes, there is plenty for travelling fans to explore in the Metropolitan City of Bologna.

So, ahead of the race weekend, we have put together a list of our highlights for a trip to Imola.

Imola is best known for the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari track that was first opened in 1953 before hosting its first F1 event a decade later.

Should Formula 1 fans get an opportunity, they can also visit the Monumento ad Ayrton Senna to pay their respects to the three-time F1 World Champion.

Outside the track, the Sforza Fortress makes for special viewing, with origins dating as far back as 1261, making it a must-see for every budding historian.

There is also the San Domenico Museum, which holds exhibitions of works from the city's art collections, including paintings, sculptures, and more going back to the fourteenth century.

This includes a photographic exhibition, "Magic Ayrton Senna / 1994-2024," which is on display from 21 March to 2 June 2024.

Few cuisine options trump Italian, and the Bologna region is especially well-known for its culinary delights.

From pasta to prosciutto to Parmigiano Reggiano, Imola has plenty to offer. Be sure to head to the city centre for a range of traditional restaurants serving the freshest ingredients.

While the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari track dominates sporting interest in Imola, Bologna, just a 20-minute train ride away, has plenty for fans to watch.

Unlike most cities in Italy, basketball is the most followed sport in Bologna, hosting two rival clubs Virtus and Fortitudo, presenting the perfect chance to catch some more fast-paced action.

Still not enough? Visit the Stadio Renato Dall'Ara to watch Serie A side Bologna, one of the most decorated football clubs in Italy.

For those looking to enjoy the European spring, Imola has a couple of quiet spots to take in the local scenery ahead of the race weekend.

The Acque Minerali Park is located on the edge of the Imola circuit, and holds great botanical value with a rich collection of plants.

Fans searching for an even more isolated location can head to Tozzoni Park, which lies in the foothills of Imola and offers stunning panoramic views of the local landscape.

High-end fashionistas may want to recheck their shopping plans when visiting Imola with a limited selection in the city.

Centro Commerciale Leonardo is the chief shopping centre, while there are also a number of local street markets that sell everything from jewellery to food.

Fans travelling to and around Imola have plenty of options. The extensive public transport makes for convenient planning, depending on where you are coming from.

Trenitalia services the line between Bologna and Imola, while there are also numerous ride-hailing apps as well as taxis operating in the city.

Language: Italian Currency: Euro (EUR) Weather: This region of Italy enjoys a Mediterranean climate and is warmer than most of Europe during the spring. An average high of 23°C in May makes it one of the best times of year to visit.