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Bologna's city centre is quite compact, with most things of interest within the main ring road. From the train station, Via dell'Indipendenza leads into the centre; it is one of Bologna's main thoroughfares, lined with cinemas and bars and always busy, finishing up at the linked central squares of Piazza Maggiore and Piazza del Nettuno . To the right of here lies the commercial district, bordered by office blocks along Via G. Marconi, and to the left the university quarter. The one thing you will notice quickly is how well preserved the central area actually is, and although this can be frustrating, too - it's not unusual to find notices on churches suggesting you return in a year's time - the reward is a city centre that is a joy to stroll around. Above all you'll notice the city's famous porticoes - ochre-coloured, vaulted colonnades lining every street into the city centre that make a vivid first impression, especially at night, and that by day provide an unofficial catwalk for Bologna's well-turned-out residents.