Where to Stay in Bologna

Bologna’s historic center is a great place to stay for first-time visitors and sightseers as it’s centrally located and will put you within walking distance of many of the city’s top attractions, including Piazza Maggiore. There are a number of important buildings and monuments that you’ll be within easy reach of too, such as Neptune’s Fountain, the City Hall, and the Due Torri or Two Towers, a symbol of the city and a must-visit. You’ll have access to many outstanding restaurants for sampling the local cuisine and countless shops for giving your wallet a workout, including the stores of top Italian designers and the main shopping street of Via dell’Indipendenza. Plus, there is a wide range of accommodation options to choose from, including budget hotels within a short walk of Piazza Maggiore, apartment and Airbnb rentals, and luxurious boutique hotels, where you might even score a rooftop Jacuzzi for soaking with an enchanting view.

The Porta Saragozza/Manifattura delle Arti area includes the Marconi quarter of the historic center and the western suburb of Saffi. This vibrant neighborhood is known for its artistic style and welcoming LGBTQ community, home to the Cassero LGBTI+ Centre. It’s ideal for experiencing the local art and culture with many art galleries, theaters, and museums. The Museum of Modern Art of Bologna is located here and is a must-visit for art lovers, while the Cineteca di Bologna headquarters is a great place to see a film. The University of Bologna’s Cinema Lumiere and the Department of Philosophy and Communications are also located in the area, making it a great place to learn about the city’s history and culture. If you are visiting during the summertime, you can enjoy the many festivals and celebrations that take place in the Manifattura delle Arti, while the Cavaticcio public gardens are the perfect place to relax and enjoy the warm weather.

Bolognina, which means “little Bologna,” is a multicultural neighborhood located just north of Bologna’s main train station. It’s a great place to stay for families and solo travelers who want a quieter setting as it’s tucked away from the main bustle of the city, better for anyone who wants to enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep. At the same time, it’s close to the city center for sightseeing and exploring the top attractions. Plus, it’s well-served by public transportation and there are a number of hotels, hostels, apartment rentals, and Airbnbs in the area. It’s home to a variety of bars, clubs, and restaurants serving everything from international cuisine to traditional Italian fare, along with quite a few ethnic eateries. You can explore several cultural and historical attractions right here too, including the Museo per la Memoria di Ustica, a museum dedicated to the victims of a plane crash that took place off the coast of Sicily.

The historic center (centro storico) contains many of Bologna’s attractions making it ideal for first-time visitors. It’s a compact area with narrow, winding streets jam-packed with medieval buildings. The city’s main square, Piazza Maggiore, is here along with the famous Fountain of Neptune, and this is one of the best areas for shopping too. You’ll find many small shops selling everything from souvenirs to antiques, food stalls, and markets. The streets that run north from Piazza Maggiore are known for their high-end items and stylish fashions. As the historic center is well-connected to other parts of the city by bus and the train station can be reached in about 20 minutes on foot, it’s easy to take day trips from here too. Plus, there are some charming B&Bs here and a wide range of hotels ideal for everyone from families to romance-seeking couples, including affordable three-star properties and value-priced four-star accommodations.

This area is focused around the Porta Saragozza, one of the gates in the city’s medieval walls which dates back to the 13th century. Locals often refer to it as Manifattura delle Arti, or the Factory of the Arts. The city’s port between the Renaissance and the 19th century, together with its protoindustrial hinterland of canals, it was also the city’s manufacturing and mercantile heart until at least the late 1800s. Today, it’s the heart of the local LGBTQ community, a welcoming, friendly neighborhood, and a great place to experience local art and culture. You’ll find many art galleries, theaters, and museums, along with the vibrant nightlife. The Museum of Modern Art is easily reached from here and if you’re visiting in the summertime, you’ll be perfectly situated for many festivals, concerts, and other events that are hosted in Giardino del Cavaticcio, or Cavaticcio gardens. There are good, reasonably priced hotels and various apartment rental options too.

The Fiera di Bologna district is located in the northern part of the city and serves as the main business district. While there aren’t many tourist attractions here, it is home to FICO World Italy, the world’s largest food park, with nearly four dozen restaurants, ideal for sampling a wide range of Italian dishes. Plus, you’ll find opportunities to join food and wine tasting tours too. Many outstanding eateries can be found throughout the neighborhood and it’s also very well-connected to the rest of the city by public transport, making it easy to reach other districts and Bologna’s top attractions. It’s a good pick for an affordable place to stay with a variety of apartment rentals and hotels, including many budget options as it’s further from the center of the city which tends to be much pricier. If you’re looking for higher-end accommodation, including romantic boutique hotels, you’ll find that here too.