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 of San Petronio
See one of the largest churches in the world and learn the story behind its magnificent yet unfinished marble façade.
Fountain of Neptune
This intriguing work of art is one of the most well-known symbols of Bologna and an important public gathering place.
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 Santo Stefano
Go for a stroll through this interconnected group of religious buildings, admiring the graceful architecture and valuable artwork in each.
Top hotels in Historic Center
Starhotels Excelsior
Kind welcoming and amazing room, great breakfast
Reviewed on 14 Oct 2025
Hotel Palace
It was ok
Reviewed on 19 Oct 2025
Royal Hotel Carlton
The place is very clean and located in a great spot.
Reviewed on 20 Oct 2025
UNA Hotels Bologna Centro
Located across from the train station, it's a convenient location close to the historic downtown core. Clean and efficient rooms & great breakfast.
Reviewed on 8 Oct 2025
Hotel Internazionale
The room was large and so was the bathroom. Nice kidney bath. Clean. The room was well equipped. Comfortable sofa, plus table and chair. The only negative of the room was that the air conditioning is turned off on 1st October and the room was hot, but the windows did open, but it was too warm when ...
Reviewed on 19 Oct 2025
NH Bologna de la Gare
The hotel is very close to the main train station. It was perfect for coming into and leaving Bologna and our day trip too Modena. We stayed from Friday to Monday and just downstairs outside of the doors, there were a ton of food booths and live music that played at night. When I booked the hotel ...
Reviewed on 18 Oct 2025
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 Piazza Maggiore 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 Teatro Comunale di Bologna and Via Zamboni.
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 Luigi Cattaneo Anatomical Wax Museum.
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.
