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.
Fountain of Neptune
This intriguing work of art is one of the most well-known symbols of Bologna and an important public gathering place.
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 spend time at Via Indipendenza. Check out 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.
Things to do
Bologna Food Experience: Factory tours & Family-Style Lunch
Bologna: Audio-Guided Archiginnasio Visit with Food Tasting
Bologna: Pasta and Tiramisu Cooking Class with Wine
Bologna: Lamborghini Museum Guided Tour and Entry Ticket
Bologna: Luggage Storage close to Stazione Centrale
Lamborghini and Ferruccio Lamborghini Museums Entry Tickets
Top hotels in Historic Center
Starhotels Excelsior
Very comfortable, clean, modern hotel. Also very quiet in the night. Also, the staff are very nice. Easy to walk into the hotel, simply across the train station and then it’s enjoyable to walk and explore downtown. .
Reviewed on Dec 10, 2025
Hotel Internazionale
Clean room. Great location.
Reviewed on Dec 10, 2025
Royal Hotel Carlton
Excellent staff in the bar, attentive but not overly so. Excellent cocktails
Reviewed on Dec 16, 2025
Hotel Palace
Front-Desk staff helpful and friendly. Breakfast good, plenty, service good. Location is city center, easy to get around…
Reviewed on Dec 16, 2025
Art Hotel Orologio
This hotel is a great value, right on the corner of Piazza Maggiore, the center of the universe that is Bologna.
Reviewed on Dec 16, 2025
Millennhotel
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Reviewed on Dec 3, 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 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 Teatro Comunale di Bologna.
Bolognina
If you're spending some time in Bolognina, Ippodromo Arcoveggio and Museum for the Memory of Ustica are top sights worth seeing.
San Donato
When in San Donato, you can plan a visit to EuropAuditorium Theater and University Library of Bologna, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.
Scandellara
While Scandellara isn't home to many top sights, University Library of Bologna and EuropAuditorium Theater are some notable places to visit nearby.
