Laura Craik stays cool in the heat of beautiful Bologna

When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life, according to Samuel Johnson (no relation of Boris) in 1777, when there was far less to do in London than there is now. I wouldn’t say I’m tired of London, but I am tired of not being able to do in London all the things I want to do. Like go to the theatre, swim in the pond or – be still, my beating heart! – stay out way past my bedtime throwing shapes to

Donna Summer at a club. To be fair, I could swim in the pond: just not spontaneously. Enjoying a dip at my local swimming spot – the Hampstead Ladies’ Pond – requires a degree of forethought I don’t possess. Maybe I’ll be luckier in December, when the water is thick with ice, as opposed to thick with highly organised individuals with better life management skills.

I realise I sound jaded. I love my city, but I have grown overfamiliar with it over lockdown, while also growing divorced from it. What an oxymoron. Happily, I know the cure: to take myself off to another city, and return to my own with fresh eyes. Which is why I’m off to Bologna; hypothetically, at least.

For anyone who feels anxious about holidaying anywhere that involves a crowded beach resort, a city break may be the answer. Undoubtedly, there will be fewer tourists than usual, meaning that all the big attractions should be blissfully uncrowded, the bars and restaurants unsullied by large queues. Even during a “normal” summer, there is an undiscovered feeling about Bologna, one of Italy’s most progressive cities: it feels wonderfully authentic. And while it will be hot, it’s also full of shade and shadow, thanks to its beautiful Unesco-listed porticoes. Hidden underneath are galleries, boutiques and fantastic restaurants with some of the best and most authentic cuisine in Italy.

First into the suitcase: comfy footwear that’s light and airy. New for late summer is this “Gator Gleam Copper” iteration of Birkenstock’s classic twostrap Arizona sandal (£70; birkenstock.com), a shoe that’s had more makeovers than Madonna and is still looking good. With its anatomically shaped cork latex foot bed, it’s unassailable in the comfort stakes for hot city breaks. Now your feet are seen to, it’s time to turn attention to your head. This pale pink trilby by Next (£14; next.co.uk) will tone with your sandals, plus the pink hue will cast a forgiving light on your face. It’s also quite squishy, meaning it should pack into your suitcase with ease, and not be destroyed as can happen to a more brittle straw boater.

Let’s also pack a roomy dress, one that will be light and airy enough to wear during the day and special enough for dinner. I love the laid-back feel of Radish, a small Brightonbased label: this Layla dress in lilac (£180; thisisradish.com) comes in the softest crinkle cotton, with a pretty velvet trim.

A bag would be handy but needs, first and foremost, to be secure in order to qualify as suitable for a city break. Banish all thoughts of summery wicker baskets from your mind – too open to pickpockets – and instead opt for this more structured shape by AlbaATN (£42.40; etsy.com) available from Etsy.

Finally, let’s pack some night attire, because it’s nice to arrive at your hotel with some new pyjamas. These classic blue stripy ones by Rails (£165; selfridges.com) come in a rayon and linen blend, which means they’ll travel well and keep you cool on those hot Italian nights.