Bologna Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Bologna showing heritage architecture, outdoor eating and a square or plaza
Bologna
Bologna showing markets and food
Basilica of San Petronio featuring interior views, a church or cathedral and religious elements
Bologna

Where to stay in Bologna

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Historic Center

4/5(38 area reviews)

Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Via Indipendenza to Piazza VIII Agosto – discover Historic Center, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Historic Center
Palazzo Comunale featuring heritage architecture and a square or plaza

Santo Stefano

5/5(1 area review)

Travellers come to Santo Stefano for its cosy coffee shops, and you can see top attractions like Basilica of San Domenico and Teatro Duse while you're in town.

Santo Stefano
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Bologna Fiere District

Museums, historical sites and gardens are some highlights of Bologna Fiere District. Make a stop by Parco Nord Arena or Caserme Rosse while you're exploring.

Bologna Fiere District
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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
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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 Teatro Testoni Ragazzi.

Bolognina
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San Donato-San Vitale

2/5(1 area review)

San Donato-San Vitale is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Centro Agroalimentare di Bologna and FICO Eataly World while in the area.

San Donato-San Vitale
The Social Hub Bologna

The Social Hub Bologna

4 out of 5
Via Aristotile Fioravanti 27, Bologna, BO
The price is NZ$194 per night from 27 Aug to 28 Aug
NZ$194
27 Aug - 28 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star property in Bologna. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (548 reviews)
"Excellent modern property which has large modern rooms, air-con and a pool. Really good breakfast. While it’s outside of the city centre proper, it’s in a quiet area that still has a lot of amentities and is close to the station"

Reviewed on 5 Aug. 2025

The Social Hub Bologna
Royal Hotel Carlton

Royal Hotel Carlton

4 out of 5
Via Montebello 8, Bologna, BO
The price is NZ$243 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
NZ$243
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Bologna. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
"Nice but older fashioned hotel. 15 minutes from train station. Another 15 minute walk to centre. Good location."

Reviewed on 7 Aug. 2025

Royal Hotel Carlton
Starhotels Excelsior

Starhotels Excelsior

4 out of 5
Viale Pietro Pietramellara 51, Bologna, BO
The price is NZ$219 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
NZ$219
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,004 reviews)
"Excellent location, directly opposite the train station. Staff exceptionally friendly and helpful. Would definitely visit a Starhotels again."

Reviewed on 11 Aug. 2025

Starhotels Excelsior
See all 1,705 properties in Bologna
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.
Club del Sole Bologna Easy Camping Village

Club del Sole Bologna Easy Camping Village

3 out of 5
Via Romita 12, Bologna, BO
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly campground in Bologna. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the property condition ...
8/10 Very Good! (201 reviews)
"Reasonable location for Bologna centre. Reception really helpful with buses etc. Pool cold but otherwise ok."

Reviewed on 4 Aug. 2025

Club del Sole Bologna Easy Camping Village
Residenza Ariosto

Residenza Ariosto

2 out of 5
Via Marsala, 11, Bologna, BO
Stay at this apartment in Bologna. Enjoy free WiFi, an in-room coffeemaker, and housekeeping. Popular attractions Piazza Maggiore and Ducati Museum are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (165 reviews)
"Convenient location close to centre. Large rooms. Basic decor but clean and functional"

Reviewed on 29 Jul. 2025

Residenza Ariosto
Design Club Collection

Design Club Collection

Via Nazario Sauro 25, Bologna, BO
Stay at this apartment in Bologna. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and dry cleaning or laundry services. Popular attractions Piazza Maggiore and Ducati Museum are ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (21 reviews)
"Well managed, lovely staff, good location"

Reviewed on 25 Jul. 2025

Design Club Collection
See all properties in Bologna
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.

Popular places to visit

BolognaFiere

BolognaFiere

Attend a conference or exhibition in the heart of historic Bologna at a sleek, modern and multipurpose center that hosts events throughout the year.

BolognaFiere
Bologna featuring heritage architecture, a square or plaza and a city

Piazza Maggiore

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
Ducati Museum featuring interior views

Ducati Museum

Get an insider perspective and discover the history and prestige of the iconic Ducati motorcycle at this museum and factory.

Ducati Museum
Two Towers

Two Towers

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
Basilica of San Petronio showing religious elements, heritage elements and a church or cathedral

Basilica of San Petronio

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

Basilica of San Petronio
Fountain of Neptune showing a statue or sculpture and a fountain

Fountain of Neptune

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

Fountain of Neptune

Activities

Bologna: Traditional Bolognese Cooking Class with a Meal

Bologna: Traditional Bolognese Pasta Making with Meal

NZ$117
per adult
Bologna: Traditional Bolognese Pasta Making with Meal
Italian Motor Valley

Motor Valley from Florence: Ducati,Lambo,Pagani&Ferrari+Food&Wine

NZ$915
per adult
Motor Valley from Florence: Ducati,Lambo,Pagani&Ferrari+Food&Wine
From Bologna: Parma Cheese & Ham Factory Tours and Tastings

From Bologna: Parma Cheese & Ham Factory Tours and Tastings

NZ$308
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
From Bologna: Parma Cheese & Ham Factory Tours and Tastings
Day Tour Parmigiano, Ferrari Museum, Balsamic, Lambrusco, Lunch with Transfer

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

NZ$341
per adult
Day Tour Parmigiano, Ferrari Museum, Balsamic, Lambrusco, Lunch with Transfer
Bologna Small Group Walking Tour

Tales & Tastes of Bologna: A City Adventure by That's All Local

NZ$127
per adult
Tales & Tastes of Bologna: A City Adventure by That's All Local
Bologna: Hands on Home Cooking Class

Bologna: Pasta Tagliatelle Ragu Cooking Class with Wine

NZ$115
per adult
Bologna: Pasta Tagliatelle Ragu Cooking Class with Wine
See all activities in Bologna

Cities near Bologna

San Lazzaro di Savena

San Lazzaro di Savena