Historic Center Travel Guide
Bologna
Visit Historic Center
Popular places to visit
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.
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.
Via Indipendenza
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.
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 Santo Stefano
Go for a stroll through this interconnected group of religious buildings, admiring the graceful architecture and valuable artwork in each.
Fountain of Neptune
This intriguing work of art is one of the most well-known symbols of Bologna and an important public gathering place.
Things to do
Bologna Scavenger Hunt & Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour
Eating Bologna Food & Wine Tour
Bologna: Luggage Storage close to Stazione Centrale
Ferruccio Lamborghini Entry Ticket in Bologna
Bologna Walking Tour with Audio and Written Guide
Top hotels in Historic Center
Royal Hotel Carlton
"It is so difficult to get the front seat by phone. The line 9 is no one there to answer the phone"
Reviewed on 27 May 2026
Hotel Internazionale
"This hotel is perfectly located to walk to all the attractions, galleries, shopping, restaurants in Bologna. A really beautiful city to visit! The hotel was charming and offered great service. The rooms were spotless. I would definitely stay here again."
Reviewed on 27 May 2026
Starhotels Excelsior
"Not my first stay here and as usual, staff friendly, professional and helpful. Room extremely comfortable and breakfast excellent."
Reviewed on 25 May 2026
Hotel Palace Bologna Centro
"A very central hotel but unfortunately not great. As mentioned in other reviews, it’s very tired, the bathrooms are terrible and the shower doesn’t stay up, the bathroom light stopped working, the curtain fell off the window and you could hear the cinema next door. It was cheap for the location but ..."
Reviewed on 21 May 2026
Hotel Metropolitan
"The room and hotel were clean. Roof top bar was nice. The images of the rooms make the room appear larger than they are. With 2 people, 2 suitcases and 2 back packs there was minimal room to get around the bed or into bathroom. The bathroom is in a glassdoored room so if you’re not comfortable on ..."
Reviewed on 15 May 2026
UNA Hotels Bologna Centro
"Excellent location close to the train station. Only had one afternoon/evening to explore Bologna so wanted to stay close to the train station as we had to be on train next day. Also great location to walk into main area of Bologna. Front desk staff was very helpful. Our room wasn't ready when we ..."
Reviewed on 27 May 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Historic Center
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.
Quadrilatero
If you're spending some time in Quadrilatero, Galleria Cavour Shopping Center and Archaeological Museum are top sights worth seeing.
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 Bologna Botanical Gardens.
Bolognina
While visiting Bolognina, you might make a stop by sights like Museum for the Memory of Ustica and Ippodromo Arcoveggio.
San Donato
If you're spending some time in San Donato, EuropAuditorium Theater and Virtus Arena are top sights worth seeing.
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.
Historic Center Travel Guide
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- Visit Badolo
- Visit Bentivoglio
- Visit Bologna Fiere District
- Visit Borgo Panigale
- Visit L'antico Ghetto Ebraico
- Visit San Donato-San Vitale
- Visit Santo Stefano
- Visit Saragozza-Porto
- Visit Scandellara
- Bologna Holidays
- Visit Bologna
- Visit Borgonuovo
- Visit Calcara
- Visit Calderara di Reno
- Visit Calderino
- Visit Casalecchio di Reno
- Visit Castel Maggiore
- Visit Castenaso
- Visit Centergross
- Church of Saints Bartholomew and Gaetano
- Fountain of Neptune
- Visit Idice di San Lazzaro
- Visit Lavino Di Mezzo
- Visit Lippo
- Visit Longara
- Visit Monte San Pietro
- Visit Pianoro
- Piazza Maggiore
- Province of Bologna Holidays
- Visit Province of Bologna
- Visit Rastignano
- Visit San Lazzaro di Savena
- Santa Cecilia Oratory
- Visit Sasso Marconi
- Teatro Comunale di Bologna
- Two Towers
- Via Indipendenza
- Via Zamboni
- Visit Volta Casaralta
- Visit Zola Predosa
