Historic Center Travel Guide

Bologna

A cobblestone street lined with historic buildings, a prominent tower in the distance, and outdoor seating areas with umbrellas.
A historic building with arched windows and a central tower, surrounded by modern buildings and outdoor seating areas.
A historic square with a prominent church featuring arched windows and a bell tower.
A grand church interior with a large central statue, ornate gold decorations, and a detailed ceiling fresco.
A narrow cobblestone street lined with historic buildings, bicycles parked along the side, and a few pedestrians walking.

Stay near popular Historic Center attractions

A historic square with a large brick wall, a fountain, and classical architecture.

Piazza Maggiore

9.4/10 (2,525 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.
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Things to do

Picture 1 for Activity Bologna: Audio-Guided Archiginnasio Visit with Food Tasting

Bologna: Audio-Guided Archiginnasio Visit with Food Tasting

฿1,032
per adult
Bologna: Audio-Guided Archiginnasio Visit with Food Tasting
Bologna Grand Tour Italy: sfoglini for a day

Bologna Grand Tour Italy: Pasta Makers for a Day

฿688
per adult
Bologna Grand Tour Italy: Pasta Makers for a Day
Eating Bologna Food & Wine Tour

Eating Bologna Food & Wine Tour

฿3,249
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Eating Bologna Food & Wine Tour
Tower and Power, Virtual tour in Medieval Bologna

Tower and Power, Virtual tour in Medieval Bologna

฿688
per adult
Tower and Power, Virtual tour in Medieval Bologna
Bologna City Highlights & Hidden Gems: Private & Custom Walking Tour

Bologna City Highlights & Hidden Gems: Private & Custom Walking Tour

฿4,303
per traveller
Bologna City Highlights & Hidden Gems: Private & Custom Walking Tour
Lamborghini

Lamborghini and Ferruccio Lamborghini Museums Entry Tickets

฿1,433
per adult
Lamborghini and Ferruccio Lamborghini Museums Entry Tickets
See all activities in Bologna

Where to stay in Historic Center

Find the best Historic Center areas for the activities you enjoy most.
A statue of a man with a trident, surrounded by smaller statues, in front of a historic building with arched windows and a brick facade.
Photo by BARBARA ZOLI (page does not exist)
Open Photo by BARBARA ZOLI (page does not exist)

Santo Stefano

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

A large, historic building with a prominent dome and multiple towers.

Saragozza-Porto

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 Villa delle Rose.

A modern glass building with a unique geometric structure.
Photo by Iacopobastia (page does not exist)
Open Photo by Iacopobastia (page does not exist)

Bolognina

While visiting Bolognina, you might make a stop by sights like Museum for the Memory of Ustica and Teatro Testoni Ragazzi.

A modern glass building with a unique metal framework structure.
Photo by Revolweb
Open Photo by Revolweb

Bologna Fiere District

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

A panoramic view of a city with dense urban architecture, surrounded by greenery and hills.

San Donato-San Vitale

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.

Historic Center Travel Guide