Historic Center Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Historic Center

Popular places to visit

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Piazza Maggiore

4.5/5(25 reviews)

Not only has this been the epicenter of Bologna since the 13th century, but it is also one of the largest and oldest squares in all of Italy.

Piazza Maggiore
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Two Towers

4/5(15 reviews)

A magnificent view over the medieval rooftops of Bologna’s city center is just reward for the arduous climb to the top of one of these ancient towers.

Two Towers
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Basilica of San Petronio

4.5/5(21 reviews)

See one of the largest churches in the world and learn the story behind its magnificent yet unfinished marble façade.

Basilica of San Petronio
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Fountain of Neptune

4.5/5(21 reviews)

This intriguing work of art is one of the most well-known symbols of Bologna and an important public gathering place.

Fountain of Neptune
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Basilica of San Domenico

4/5(7 reviews)

Gaze up in wonder at the intricate detailing and admire centuries of works by iconic Italian artists in this vast and magnificent church.

Basilica of San Domenico
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Via Indipendenza

4/5(3 reviews)

Find out about the history of Bologna when you take a trip to Via Indipendenza. Visit the shops and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.

Via Indipendenza

Activities

Image for Local Market visit and Dining at a local's home in Bologna

Local Market visit and Dining at a local's home in Bologna

NZ$244
Per adult
Local Market visit and Dining at a local's home in Bologna
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Bologna: Guided Architecture Walking Tour

NZ$255
Per adult
Bologna: Guided Architecture Walking Tour
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From Bologna: Roundtrip San Luca Train Ticket & Food Tasting

NZ$49
Per adult
From Bologna: Roundtrip San Luca Train Ticket & Food Tasting
Image for Private VIDEO/PHOTOshoot for Couples

Private VIDEO/PHOTOshoot for Couples

NZ$176
Per adult
Private VIDEO/PHOTOshoot for Couples
Image for Bolognese Cooking Class in a Unique Grocery Store

Bolognese Cooking Class in a Unique Grocery Store

NZ$208
Per adult
Bolognese Cooking Class in a Unique Grocery Store
Image for Food and Wine Tasting Tour in Bologna with a local guide

Food and Wine Tasting Tour in Bologna with a local guide

NZ$222
Per adult
Food and Wine Tasting Tour in Bologna with a local guide
See all activities in Bologna

Our pick of the best Historic Center Hotel Deals

NH Bologna de la Gare
NH Bologna de la Gare
4 out of 5
Piazza XX Settembre, 2, Bologna, BO
The price is NZ$272 per night from 2 Jun to 3 Jun
NZ$272
per night
2 Jun - 3 Jun
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Bologna. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (677 reviews)
"It was wonderful!"

Reviewed on 14 May 2024

NH Bologna de la Gare
Starhotels Excelsior
Starhotels Excelsior
4 out of 5
Viale Pietro Pietramellara 51, Bologna, BO
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$300 per night from 20 May to 21 May
NZ$300
per night
20 May - 21 May
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Bologna. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
"Excellent room, kept in perfect shape, clean and spacious. Staff professional and very helpful (dining recs right on the spot!). Location in front of train station very convenient for those relying on train transport but otherwise not great (noisy, feels not too safe - perhaps undeservingly so!). ..."

Reviewed on 15 May 2024

Starhotels Excelsior
Royal Hotel Carlton
Royal Hotel Carlton
4 out of 5
Via Montebello 8, Bologna, BO
The price is NZ$302 per night from 2 Jun to 3 Jun
NZ$302
per night
2 Jun - 3 Jun
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Bologna. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (796 reviews)
Excellent weekend in Bologna
"Excellent hotel and superb, friendly staff. Could not fault anything about our stay"

Reviewed on 13 May 2024

Royal Hotel Carlton
Hotel Internazionale
Hotel Internazionale
4 out of 5
Via Indipendenza 60, Bologna, BO
The price is NZ$345 per night from 27 May to 28 May
NZ$345
per night
27 May - 28 May
Stay at this 4-star golf hotel in Bologna. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,005 reviews)
"Good location, comfortable hotel. Would book again"

Reviewed on 9 May 2024

Hotel Internazionale
Art Hotel Orologio
Art Hotel Orologio
4 out of 5
Piazzetta Giorgio Guazzaloca 10 C, Bologna, BO
The price is NZ$352 per night from 5 Jun to 6 Jun
NZ$352
per night
5 Jun - 6 Jun
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Bologna. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (492 reviews)
"Great location and a lovely boutique hotel with excellent service. We would stay here again."

Reviewed on 11 May 2024

Art Hotel Orologio
Hotel Metropolitan
Hotel Metropolitan
4 out of 5
Via dell'Orso 6, Bologna, BO
The price is NZ$453 per night from 26 May to 27 May
NZ$453
per night
26 May - 27 May
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Bologna. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (992 reviews)
"Great room with amazing bathroom! Friendly staff! Proposed nice restaurants and gelato places! Great breakfast buffet! Amazing food and gelato in Bologna! Only downside, lack of sound proofing between the rooms."

Reviewed on 22 Apr. 2024

Hotel Metropolitan
See all 1,095 properties in Historic Center
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Historic Center

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L'antico Ghetto Ebraico

You'll enjoy the museums and shopping in L'antico Ghetto Ebraico. You might want to make time for a stop at Via Zamboni or Jewish Museum.

L'antico Ghetto Ebraico
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Cirenaica

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Cirenaica and surrounding area, you can visit University Library of Bologna and Teatro Comunale di Bologna.

Cirenaica
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Photo by Fabio difra (page does not exist) (CC BY-SA)

Bolognina

While visiting Bolognina, you might make a stop by sights like Ippodromo Arcoveggio and Museum for the Memory of Ustica.

Bolognina
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San Donato

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in San Donato and surrounding area, you can visit EuropAuditorium Theater and Bologna Botanical Gardens.

San Donato
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Scandellara

While there might not be top attractions in Scandellara, you can explore the larger area and discover places like University Library of Bologna and EuropAuditorium Theater.

Scandellara
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Saragozza-Porto

4/5(3 area reviews)

Saragozza-Porto is popular for its lively bars, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Portico of San Luca or Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca.

Saragozza-Porto

Historic Center Travel Guide

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