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: Luggage Storage close to Stazione Centrale
Bologna Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self Guided Audio Tour
Ferruccio Lamborghini Entry Ticket in Bologna
Traditional bolognese pasta making with a meal
Bologna Walking Tour with Audio and Written Guide
Top hotels in Historic Center
Royal Hotel Carlton
Great property located near train station in the historic district. It felt quite safe. The room was spacious and clean, with functioning air conditioning which we appreciated. The breakfast buffet was extensive. We were supposed to be given a $20 credit upon check in but that did not happen, which ...
Reviewed on 10 Apr 2026
Hotel Palace Bologna Centro
I did not have breakfast on my stay
Reviewed on 10 Apr 2026
Hotel Internazionale
No air conditioning, room got very hot on sunny days
Reviewed on 13 Apr 2026
Starhotels Excelsior
Check in was a breeze and staff were extremely helpful.
Reviewed on 11 Apr 2026
Hotel Metropolitan
Great location. Room was clean and staff were friendly and helpful. We are definitely staying here again.
Reviewed on 5 Apr 2026
UNA Hotels Bologna Centro
Clean room, good location if you want opposite station
Reviewed on 11 Apr 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 Bologna Botanical Gardens and Teatro Comunale di Bologna.
Bolognina
While visiting Bolognina, you might make a stop by sights like Ippodromo Arcoveggio and Museum for the Memory of Ustica.
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 EuropAuditorium Theater and Bologna Botanical Gardens.
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
