Historic Center Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
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.
Fountain of Neptune
This intriguing work of art is one of the most well-known symbols of Bologna and an important public gathering place.
Activities
Bologna Scavenger Hunt & Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour
Eating Bologna Food & Wine Tour
Ferruccio Lamborghini Entry Ticket in Bologna
Bologna Tortellini Cooking Class with Local Chef & Wine
7 days Self Guided AI Audio Tours to Bologna and all Italy
Our pick of the best Historic Center Hotel Deals
Royal Hotel Carlton
"Great hotel, good location, friendly staff."
Reviewed on 31 May 2026
Hotel Internazionale
"Staff was unable to fix the air conditioning despite saying it was completed multiple times."
Reviewed on 31 May 2026
Starhotels Excelsior
"Room was great and the staff were very helpful. Drinks and food were good in the dining room. Good location for train trips when they are not on strike!"
Reviewed on 29 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
"All was excellent. No complaints . Breakfast and service good . Location excellent. Roof top bar very nice. Enjoyed the stay. No issues"
Reviewed on 28 May 2026
UNA Hotels Bologna Centro
"I just want everyone to know, that Nicolo the bartender is one of the best I have ever been honored to be served by. And the hotel was beautiful and very clean."
Reviewed on 29 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 Ippodromo Arcoveggio and Museum for the Memory of Ustica.
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.
