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
Ferruccio Lamborghini Entry Ticket in Bologna
Bologna: Audio-Guided Archiginnasio Visit with Food Tasting
Bologna: Open Bus City Tour and Local Food Tasting
Bologna Scavenger Hunt & Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour
Lamborghini and Ferruccio Lamborghini Museums Entry Tickets
Bologna Grand Tour Italy: sfoglini for a day
Top hotels in Historic Center
Royal Hotel Carlton
Great breakfast. Location is about 10-15 mins walk to restaurants and main square. Bed was really comfy. Clean room.
Reviewed on 11 May 2026
Hotel Internazionale
Comfirtable and spacious room. Staff was friendly and excellent service provided. Dissapointed in breakfast buffet- very "average" quality food- not the same quality we received in other hotels in Italy, especially a bummer in the "food capitol" of Italy
Reviewed on 9 May 2026
Starhotels Excelsior
À côté de la gare
Reviewed on 8 May 2026
Hotel Palace Bologna Centro
Good location and good breakfast
Reviewed on 29 Apr 2026
Hotel Metropolitan
Great location. Rooms are nice. Staff is amazing. Very friendly and helpful.
Reviewed on 27 Apr 2026
UNA Hotels Bologna Centro
A good location next to the train station. 20 mins walk to the central tourist area.
Reviewed on 2 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.
