It saw off competition from destinations across Spain including Cantabria which came second, the UK, France and Greeceto top Lonely Planet's Best in Europe list for 2018.
And a surprising entry on the list is Scottish city of Dundee, which was lauded for its growing cultural scene and exciting transformation of its historic waterfront.
An aerial view of the historic centre of Bologna, which is in the Italian region of Emilia-Romagna. It has been named as the best place to visit in Europe for 2018 by Lonely Planet
Lonely Planet's Best in Europe is compiled annually by the travel company's European experts to reveal their pick of the most exciting and underrated destinations to visit across the continent.
The experts say that this year's list directly tackles the hot topic of 'overtourism', 'aiming to inspire travellers to discover some of the best lesser-visited regions, alternative city breaks and hidden gems, beyond Europe's busiest tourist hotspots
Emilia-Romagna came out on top despite often being overlooked in favour of Italian favourites Tuscany, Campania and The Veneto.
Judges said the area - which includes the city of Bologna, Ferrara and Rimini - is increasingly carving out a reputation as the nation's number one destination for food lovers.
Second on the list is Cantabria, an autonomous region, pictured, on Spain's northern coast that's home to the city of Santander
Friesland in the Netherlands, pictured, is third, with Lonely Planet describing it as 'a region of beguiling landscapes and a lively capital city'
A surprise entry on to the list in fourth place is the newly created state of Kosovo. Experts say it boasts dramatic hiking trails, Ottoman-era history and a growing cultural scene
Rounding off the top five is the Provence region of France, which is best known for its olive groves and lavender fields. Pictured is the Port of Pin in Cassis in France
It is the birthplace of Ragu, prosciutto di Parma, balsamic vinegar and Parmesan cheese.
The experts noted that the area's foodie legacy can be explored at Bologna's newly opened FICO, the world's largest culinary theme park, while new cultural openings in Ferrara and Rimini provide more for visitors to get their teeth into.
Coming in second is Cantabria, an autonomous region on Spain's northern coast that's home to the city of Santander.
The area was praised for its 'land of wild, sandy beaches, mist-shrouded mountains and enchanting villages'.
Friesland in the Netherlands is third, with Lonely Planet describing it as 'a region of beguiling landscapes and a lively capital city that is this year's European Capital of Culture'.
Dundee, pictured, entered the list in sixth with Scotland's fourth largest city being praised for its 'head turning' urban redevelopment
Dundee is set to open the newest branch of the V&A museum, pictured, in September on the banks of the River Tay
Coming in fourth is the tiny state of Kosovo, a young nation that Lonely Planet's experts say boasts dramatic hiking trails, Ottoman-era history and a growing cultural scene.
Rounding off the top five is the Provence region of France, which is best known for its olive groves and lavender fields.
Meanwhile Dundee entered the list in sixth with Scotland's fourth largest city being praised for its 'head turning' urban redevelopment, which is being spearheaded by the opening of the newest branch of the V&A museum in September.
Describing the city, Lonely Planet's writers praised a creative scene in Dundee that 'increasingly attracts some of the UK's most visionary talent', building on its selection by Unesco as the UK's first City of Design in 2014.
The Small Cyclades islands in Greece have also made the list of Lonely Planet's best places to visit in Europe in 2018
The colourful buildings and the narrow cobbled streets of the Lithuanian capital, Vilnius, which came eighth on Lonely Planet's list
Lonely Planet's editorial director, Tom Hall, said: 'While visitors have always been assured of a friendly welcome, Dundee has often been overlooked by travellers to Scotland, but that should be set to change.
'The opening of V&A Dundee is a really exciting moment that marks the city out as well worth a visit, but throw in nationally important museums and attractions, and its dynamic, creative spirit, and travellers will find a city boasting plenty to discover.'
Rounding off the top ten is the Small Cyclades islands in Greece, which includes Mykonos and Santorini, Lithuania's capital Vilnius, the Vipava Valley in Slovenia and the capital of Albania, Tirana.
The rural landscape in the win-producing region of the Vipava Valley in Slovenia
Rounding off Lonely Planet's list in 10th spot is Tirana, the capital of Albania known for its colourful Ottoman and Soviet-era architecture
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