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.
Basilica Santo Stefano
Go for a stroll through this interconnected group of religious buildings, admiring the graceful architecture and valuable artwork in each.
Basilica of San Petronio
See one of the largest churches in the world and learn the story behind its magnificent yet unfinished marble façade.
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.
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 and Highlights Self-Guided Tour
Bologna: Audio-Guided Archiginnasio Visit with Food Tasting
Lamborghini and Ferruccio Lamborghini Museums Entry Tickets
Bologna Secrets Quest: Self-Guided Hidden Gems Adventure
Tower and Power, Virtual tour in Medieval Bologna
Tuscan-Emilian Apennines pasta class with local specialties
Top hotels in Historic Center
Royal Hotel Carlton
Beautiful, elegant hotel in a great location between Bologna Centrale station (about 10 minutes on foot) and Piazza Maggiore (around 15 minutes). Ideal for exploring the city. Staff were friendly, courteous, and helpful, with easy communication in English. We were pleasantly surprised with an early ...
Reviewed on 25 Jan 2026
Hotel Internazionale
Courteous staff and easy check in. Perfectly located for exploring the city.
Reviewed on 1 Feb 2026
Hotel Palace
El hotel es un wdificio muy antiguo y el lobby esta muy bien, las habitaciones necesitan un poco de mantenimiento, por ejemplo la mia cuando caminabas el piso crujia constantemente, las alfombras esta descoloridas y manchadas, las ventanas se filtraba el aire frio de afuera, los muebles estan muy ...
Reviewed on 30 Jan 2026
Starhotels Excelsior
Great location, clean and comfortable room, excellent value
Reviewed on 1 Feb 2026
UNA Hotels Bologna Centro
Very nice new place with very helpful staff
Reviewed on 28 Jan 2026
Art Hotel Commercianti
Beautiful hotel lovely art and great location. Helpful staff
Reviewed on 26 Jan 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 Palazzo Poggi Museum and Bologna Botanical Gardens.
Bolognina
While visiting Bolognina, you might make a stop by sights like Ippodromo Arcoveggio and Teatro Testoni Ragazzi.
San Donato
If you're looking for some top things to see and do in San Donato and surrounding area, you can visit EuropAuditorium Theater and Bologna Botanical Gardens.
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.
