Historic Center Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Historic Center
Historic Center
Basilica Santo Stefano which includes a square or plaza, heritage architecture and a small town or village
Historic Center
Historic Center

Popular places to visit

Bologna featuring heritage architecture, a square or plaza and a city

Piazza Maggiore

4.5/5(25 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.

Piazza Maggiore
Two Towers

Two Towers

4/5(15 reviews)

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.

Two Towers
Basilica of San Petronio showing religious elements, heritage elements and a church or cathedral

Basilica of San Petronio

4.5/5(21 reviews)

See one of the largest churches in the world and learn the story behind its magnificent yet unfinished marble façade.

Basilica of San Petronio
Fountain of Neptune showing a statue or sculpture and a fountain

Fountain of Neptune

4.5/5(21 reviews)

This intriguing work of art is one of the most well-known symbols of Bologna and an important public gathering place.

Fountain of Neptune
Bologna

Via Indipendenza

4/5(3 reviews)

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.

Via Indipendenza
Basilica Santo Stefano which includes a square or plaza, heritage architecture and a small town or village

Basilica Santo Stefano

4.5/5(20 reviews)

Go for a stroll through this interconnected group of religious buildings, admiring the graceful architecture and valuable artwork in each.

Basilica Santo Stefano

Activities

Day Tour Parmigiano, Ferrari Museum, Balsamic, Lambrusco, Lunch with Transfer

Day Tour Parmigiano, Ferrari Museum, Balsamic, Lambrusco, Lunch with Transfer

AU$301
per adult
Day Tour Parmigiano, Ferrari Museum, Balsamic, Lambrusco, Lunch with Transfer
Bologna: Panoramic Bike Tour

Bologna: Panoramic Bike Tour

AU$77
per adult
Bologna: Panoramic Bike Tour
From Bologna: Parma Cheese & Ham Factory Tours and Tastings

From Bologna: Parma Cheese & Ham Factory Tours and Tastings

AU$272
per adult
From Bologna: Parma Cheese & Ham Factory Tours and Tastings
Bologna: Traditional Bolognese Cooking Class with a Meal

Bologna: Traditional Bolognese Cooking Class with a Meal

AU$103
per adult
Bologna: Traditional Bolognese Cooking Class with a Meal
Bologna: Italian Red Wine and Food Tasting

Bologna: Italian Red Wine and Food Tasting

AU$232
per adult
Bologna: Italian Red Wine and Food Tasting
Bologna Food Tour from a local perspective

Bologna Food Tour from a local perspective

AU$189
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Bologna Food Tour from a local perspective
See all activities in Bologna

Our pick of the best Historic Center Hotel Deals

Starhotels Excelsior
Starhotels Excelsior
4 out of 5
Viale Pietro Pietramellara 51, Bologna, BO
The price is AU$319 per night from 20 Apr to 21 Apr
AU$319
includes taxes & fees
20 Apr - 21 Apr
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Bologna. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,002 reviews)
Very nice rooms & staff.
"Everything about the hotel and staff was wonderful except we had no hot water for about 15 hours of our 2 day stay. Location was ideal for us. Near train station, restaurants and our tour meeting point."

Reviewed on 26 Mar. 2025

Starhotels Excelsior
UNA HOTELS Bologna Centro
UNA HOTELS Bologna Centro
4 out of 5
Via Pietramellara 41/43, Bologna, BO
The price is AU$320 per night from 6 Apr to 7 Apr
AU$320
includes taxes & fees
6 Apr - 7 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Bologna. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (988 reviews)
"Easy in easy out. No surprises."

Reviewed on 2 Feb. 2025

UNA HOTELS Bologna Centro
Art Hotel Orologio
Art Hotel Orologio
4 out of 5
Piazzetta Giorgio Guazzaloca 10 C, Bologna, BO
The price is AU$416 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
AU$416
includes taxes & fees
21 Apr - 22 Apr
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Bologna. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (580 reviews)
"Great stay"

Reviewed on 19 Mar. 2025

Art Hotel Orologio
Royal Hotel Carlton
Royal Hotel Carlton
4 out of 5
Via Montebello 8, Bologna, BO
The price is AU$260 per night from 27 Apr to 28 Apr
AU$260
includes taxes & fees
27 Apr - 28 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Bologna. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (999 reviews)
"I stayed here as a single female traveller for 2 nights whilst I visited family. It’s very convenient to reach being only 5 minutes walk from Bologna centrale station. You can reach the main square on foot in about 15 minutes and window shop on route! The room was clean and comfortable. Good waster ..."

Reviewed on 29 Mar. 2025

Royal Hotel Carlton
Hotel Metropolitan
Hotel Metropolitan
4 out of 5
Via dell'Orso 6, Bologna, BO
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$319 per night from 15 Apr to 16 Apr
AU$319
includes taxes & fees
15 Apr - 16 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Bologna. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the bar and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (992 reviews)
"Cute rooms with a little private terrace! Loved the modern lobby decor and the restaurant / breakfast was so beautifully displayed and very tasty. Very helpful and friendly staff. Neat little gem."

Reviewed on 18 Mar. 2025

Hotel Metropolitan
I Portici Hotel
I Portici Hotel
4.5 out of 5
Via Indipendenza, 69, Bologna, BO
The price is AU$252 per night from 13 Apr to 14 Apr
AU$252
includes taxes & fees
13 Apr - 14 Apr
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Bologna. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 restaurants, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (989 reviews)
"A charming hotel in the heart of Bologna, perfect for a short stay. The location is excellent, making it easy to explore the city. While the room and bed were on the smaller side, they were comfortable enough for a one-night stay. However, the bathroom could use some improvements— the shower didn’t ..."

Reviewed on 11 Mar. 2025

I Portici Hotel
See all 1,109 properties in Historic Center
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Historic Center

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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.

L'antico Ghetto Ebraico
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Cirenaica

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Cirenaica and surrounding area, you can visit Teatro Comunale di Bologna and Via Zamboni.

Cirenaica
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Photo by Fabio difra (page does not exist) (CC BY-SA)

Bolognina

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

Bolognina
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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 Luigi Cattaneo Anatomical Wax Museum.

San Donato
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Scandellara

While there might not be top attractions in Scandellara, you can explore the larger area and discover places like EuropAuditorium Theater and Teatro Comunale di Bologna.

Scandellara
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Saragozza-Porto

4/5(3 area reviews)

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 Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca.

Saragozza-Porto

Historic Center Travel Guide

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