Historic Center Travel Guide

Bologna
Historic Center

Popular places to visit

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Piazza Maggiore

4.5/5(206 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
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Two Towers

4.5/5(116 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
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Basilica of San Petronio

4.5/5(182 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
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Fountain of Neptune

4.5/5(183 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
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Basilica Santo Stefano

4.5/5(168 reviews)

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

Basilica Santo Stefano
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Via Indipendenza

4/5(37 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

Top hotels in Historic Center

I Portici Hotel
I Portici Hotel
4.5 out of 5
Via Indipendenza, 69, Bologna, BO
The price is ₹10,212 per night from 2 Jun to 3 Jun
₹10,212
per night
2 Jun - 3 Jun
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Bologna. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (993 reviews)
"Comfortable, clean, convenient hotel."

Reviewed on 20 May 2024

I Portici Hotel
Starhotels Excelsior
Starhotels Excelsior
4 out of 5
Viale Pietro Pietramellara 51, Bologna, BO
The price is ₹13,426 per night from 26 May to 27 May
₹13,426
per night
26 May - 27 May
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Bologna. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
"Excellent room, kept in perfect shape, clean and spacious. Staff professional and very helpful (dining recs right on the spot!). Location in front of train station very convenient for those relying on train transport but otherwise not great (noisy, feels not too safe - perhaps undeservingly so!). ..."

Reviewed on 15 May 2024

Starhotels Excelsior
Hotel Internazionale
Hotel Internazionale
4 out of 5
Via Indipendenza 60, Bologna, BO
The price is ₹15,899 per night from 4 Jun to 5 Jun
₹15,899
per night
4 Jun - 5 Jun
Stay at this 4-star golf hotel in Bologna. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, room service and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
Pillows of pain
"AC was very noisy. Even when switched off there was a continuous rumbling. The pillows were like rocks! Staff friendly and the hotel was overall very clean and pleasant"

Reviewed on 21 May 2024

Hotel Internazionale
Royal Hotel Carlton
Royal Hotel Carlton
4 out of 5
Via Montebello 8, Bologna, BO
The price is ₹12,457 per night from 9 Jun to 10 Jun
₹12,457
per night
9 Jun - 10 Jun
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Bologna. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (803 reviews)
"Nice hotel close to train station and on edge of historic area. Old world elegant. Large hotel. Underground parking is handy if you’ve got a car. Breakfast was OK. Not the best I’ve had for included breakfasts in Italy but fine to start your day. Room very clean and comfortable. Large by Europe standards. ..."

Reviewed on 16 May 2024

Royal Hotel Carlton
Hotel Metropolitan
Hotel Metropolitan
4 out of 5
Via dell'Orso 6, Bologna, BO
The price is ₹14,735 per night from 2 Jun to 3 Jun
₹14,735
per night
2 Jun - 3 Jun
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Bologna. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (991 reviews)
"Great room with amazing bathroom! Friendly staff! Proposed nice restaurants and gelato places! Great breakfast buffet! Amazing food and gelato in Bologna! Only downside, lack of sound proofing between the rooms."

Reviewed on 22 Apr 2024

Hotel Metropolitan
Phi Hotel Bologna
Phi Hotel Bologna
4.5 out of 5
Via De' Fusari, 9, Bologna, BO
The price is ₹16,558 per night from 12 Jun to 13 Jun
₹16,558
per night
12 Jun - 13 Jun
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Bologna. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (971 reviews)
"Great location close to piazza Maggiore. Quiet street. Very friendly staff. Good breakfast."

Reviewed on 7 May 2024

Phi Hotel Bologna
See all 1,094 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 University Library of Bologna and Teatro Comunale di Bologna.

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 Bologna Botanical Gardens.

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 University Library of Bologna and EuropAuditorium Theater.

Scandellara
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Saragozza-Porto

4/5(11 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