Historic Center Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Historic Center

Popular places to visit

Image for Piazza Maggiore

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
Image for Two Towers

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
Image for Basilica of San Petronio

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
Image for Fountain of Neptune

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
Image for Via Indipendenza

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
Image for Basilica Santo Stefano

Basilica Santo Stefano

4.5/5(20 reviews)

Go for a stroll through this interconnected group of religious buildings, admiring the graceful architecture and valuable artwork in each.

Basilica Santo Stefano

Activities

Image for Day Tour Parmigiano, Ferrari Museum, Balsamic, Lambrusco, Lunch with Transfer

Day Tour Parmigiano, Ferrari Museum, Balsamic, Lambrusco, Lunch with Transfer

NZ$717
Per adult
Day Tour Parmigiano, Ferrari Museum, Balsamic, Lambrusco, Lunch with Transfer
Image for Bologna: Parmesan, Vinegar, Lambrusco, Lunch +Transfer

Bologna: Parmesan, Vinegar, Lambrusco, Lunch +Transfer

NZ$251
Per adult
Bologna: Parmesan, Vinegar, Lambrusco, Lunch +Transfer
Image for From Bologna: Parma Cheese & Ham Factory Tours and Tastings

From Bologna: Parma Cheese & Ham Factory Tours and Tastings

NZ$283
Per adult
From Bologna: Parma Cheese & Ham Factory Tours and Tastings
Image for Exclusive Bologna Cooking Class - Pasta Tagliatelle Ragu & Spritz

Exclusive Bologna Cooking Class - Pasta Tagliatelle Ragu & Spritz

NZ$124
Per adult
Exclusive Bologna Cooking Class - Pasta Tagliatelle Ragu & Spritz
Image for Private Tour Ferrari Lamborghini Pagani Factories from Bologna

Private Tour Ferrari Lamborghini Pagani Factories from Bologna

NZ$435
Per adult
Private Tour Ferrari Lamborghini Pagani Factories from Bologna
Image for Bologna: Hands on Home Cooking Class

Bologna: Hands on Home Cooking Class

NZ$124
Per adult
Bologna: Hands on Home Cooking Class
See all activities in Bologna

Our pick of the best Historic Center Hotel Deals

Royal Hotel Carlton
Royal Hotel Carlton
4 out of 5
Via Montebello 8, Bologna, BO
The price is NZ$272 per night from 20 Oct to 21 Oct
NZ$272
per night
20 Oct - 21 Oct
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! (955 reviews)
Fabulous Hotel
"Arriving at this hotel you are immediately greeted by the happy bellman. Check in was a breeze. Our room was A+++. High quality bed linens, immaculately cleaned and well appointed. Restaurant on premises was superb and beautiful. Short walk from train and downtown. If you come to Bologna this is ..."

Reviewed on 19 Sep. 2024

Royal Hotel Carlton
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$322 per night from 29 Sep to 30 Sep
NZ$322
per night
29 Sep - 30 Sep
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! (1,000 reviews)
"First class"

Reviewed on 16 Sep. 2024

Starhotels Excelsior
Hotel Internazionale
Hotel Internazionale
4 out of 5
Via Indipendenza 60, Bologna, BO
The price is NZ$279 per night from 7 Oct to 8 Oct
NZ$279
per night
7 Oct - 8 Oct
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! (999 reviews)
"Great location, 15 minute walk from the central train station and 10 walk to Piazza Maggoria."

Reviewed on 16 Sep. 2024

Hotel Internazionale
NH Bologna de la Gare
NH Bologna de la Gare
4 out of 5
Piazza XX Settembre, 2, Bologna, BO
The price is NZ$302 per night from 6 Oct to 7 Oct
NZ$302
per night
6 Oct - 7 Oct
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 helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (736 reviews)
"Great hotel and great location!"

Reviewed on 19 Sep. 2024

NH Bologna de la Gare
I Portici Hotel
I Portici Hotel
4.5 out of 5
Via Indipendenza, 69, Bologna, BO
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$353 per night from 29 Sep to 30 Sep
NZ$353
per night
29 Sep - 30 Sep
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Bologna. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (989 reviews)
"The staff is so friendly and helpful and patient."

Reviewed on 10 Sep. 2024

I Portici Hotel
UNAHOTELS Bologna Centro
UNAHOTELS Bologna Centro
4 out of 5
Via Pietramellara 41/43, Bologna, BO
The price is NZ$304 per night from 20 Oct to 21 Oct
NZ$304
per night
20 Oct - 21 Oct
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Bologna. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (986 reviews)
"All in all the property was very clean, but the tub has scum around the brim of the tub."

Reviewed on 10 Sep. 2024

UNAHOTELS Bologna Centro
See all 1,150 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

Default Image

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
Default Image

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
Default Image
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
Default Image

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 University Library of Bologna.

San Donato
Default Image

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
Default Image

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

Search flights