Historic Center
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.
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.
Piazza Santo Stefano
You can learn about the history of Bologna with a visit to Piazza Santo Stefano. Make time to visit the area's shops or simply enjoy its top-notch restaurants.
Things to do
Bologna Tortellini Cooking Class with Local Chef & Wine
Bologna Scavenger Hunt & Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour
Ferruccio Lamborghini Entry Ticket in Bologna
Tower and Power, Virtual tour in Medieval Bologna
Bologna: Luggage Storage close to Stazione Centrale
Top hotels in Historic Center
Royal Hotel Carlton
"Very elegant old elegance."
Reviewed on 24 May, 2026
Hotel Internazionale
"The room was clean and the staff were very helpful . The property in general seemed very run down . The walls were scuffed. The bed was very uncomfortable. So if you in town for the night and need a quick place to lay your head it’s fine . However I wouldn’t stay here for my actual vacation."
Reviewed on 24 May, 2026
Starhotels Excelsior
"Not my first stay here and as usual, staff friendly, professional and helpful. Room extremely comfortable and breakfast excellent."
Reviewed on 25 May, 2026
Hotel Palace Bologna Centro
"A very central hotel but unfortunately not great. As mentioned in other reviews, it’s very tired, the bathrooms are terrible and the shower doesn’t stay up, the bathroom light stopped working, the curtain fell off the window and you could hear the cinema next door. It was cheap for the location but ..."
Reviewed on 21 May, 2026
Hotel Metropolitan
"The room and hotel were clean. Roof top bar was nice. The images of the rooms make the room appear larger than they are. With 2 people, 2 suitcases and 2 back packs there was minimal room to get around the bed or into bathroom. The bathroom is in a glassdoored room so if you’re not comfortable on ..."
Reviewed on 15 May, 2026
UNA Hotels Bologna Centro
"The staff was wonderful and the bar tenders were incredible. The hotel need to be updated for sure. Good value. A little too close to the train station. The room cleaners could not communicate and never gave me the coffee and menu bar refills as requested. I stayed there for 5 nights and it was easy ..."
Reviewed on 22 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.
