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.
Basilica Santo Stefano
Go for a stroll through this interconnected group of religious buildings, admiring the graceful architecture and valuable artwork in each.
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.
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 and Highlights Self Guided Audio Tour
Ferruccio Lamborghini Entry Ticket in Bologna
7 days Self Guided AI Audio Tours to Bologna and all Italy
Tuscan-Emilian Apennines pasta class with local specialties
Our pick of the best Historic Center Hotel Deals
Royal Hotel Carlton
Close to central railway station and city centre. Very clean and well appointed hotel
Reviewed on 2 Mar 2026
Hotel Internazionale
The room was very clean. The staff was competent and polite. The hallways are wide. The outside building walls have a dirty look and the hotel is quite dated on the inside-worn carpeting, dated decor. There are certain amenities I appreciate that were not available to me: no iron and iron board…I ...
Reviewed on 21 Feb 2026
Hotel Palace
Staff were great. Room adequate. Location amazing.
Reviewed on 2 Mar 2026
Starhotels Excelsior
Clean, spacious room, with friendly staff throughout the hotel, with great transportation links right on the doorstep
Reviewed on 1 Mar 2026
UNA Hotels Bologna Centro
Courteous staff
Reviewed on 26 Feb 2026
NH Bologna de la Gare
Good service throughout our stay. Rooms clean and well maintained. We paid extra for breakfast and the quality and range of food was decent. Plenty bars and restaurants within walking distance feom the hotel. Piazza Maggiore only a 15min walk from the hotel. Train station less than 5min walk. Stayed ...
Reviewed on 2 Mar 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 Bologna Botanical Gardens and Teatro Comunale di Bologna.
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 looking for some top things to see and do in San Donato and surrounding area, you can visit EuropAuditorium Theater and Bologna Botanical Gardens.
Scandellara
While there might not be top attractions in Scandellara, you can explore the larger area and discover places like EuropAuditorium Theater and Bologna Botanical Gardens.
