Are you thinking of spending a few days in Bologna to enjoy its beauty but don't know where to stay? Don't worry, fortunately Bologna has a circumscribed centre and is rich in accommodation solutions.
The historical centre, formerly enclosed by the Circla Walls, today has several areas recommended for young people and families! Let's discover together the best neighbourhoods and streets where to stay according to your needs.
SEE ALSO: What to see in Bologna
Useful tips: the best neighbourhoods to stay in
The ancient Circla walls (corresponding to the Viali di Circonvallazione) enclose the historical centre. This in turn is divided into several areas. The oldest area (circumscribed by the first circle of walls known as the Cerchia di Selenite) delimits the area between Piazza Maggiore and the intersection of Via Rizzoli, Via Ugo Bassi and Via Indipendenza, and is recommended for those who do not have budget problems. Just outside the old area are the areas of Via Pratello and Via San Vitale, both lively and a little cheaper, so recommended for young people. Other notable areas are the Jewish Ghetto and the university town. The latter (especially Via Zamboni) is lively and cheap, perfect for young people.
The only area outside the ring road that makes sense to evaluate is the fiera area (in the San Donato district), suitable for business people or for those visiting Bologna for events and fairs. Outside the city, the Colli Bolognesi are worth a mention, perfect for families looking for agritourism in nature.
Suggested areas tosave money: Via Pratello, Via San Vitale, Città Universitaria, San Donato
Recommended areas forfamilies with children: Zona Antica (Piazza Maggiore, Via Rizzoli, Via Ugo Bassi and Via dell'Indipendenza), Jewish Ghetto. Nearby we also recommend the Colli Bolognesi (towns outside the city but about 15 min from the centre).
Recommended areas for young people: University city (especially Via Zamboni), Via Pratello, San Vitale
Bestaccommodation: we have selected the best hotels, b&bs and hostels in Bologna. Discover our recommendations and book on Booking
Guide to areas of Bologna
Bologna is divided into 6 main districts: Borgo Panigale, Savena, Navile, Porto-Saragozza, Santo Stefano, San Donato-San Vitale. The city centre is delineated by the viali di Circonvallazione and lies at the intersection of the last 4 districts listed. Within it is the historic centre, which consists of Piazza Maggiore and the streets that intersect with it. There are further districts that are improperly called neighbourhoods, some examples are Bolognina (a multicultural area known for its large graffiti and ethnic food shops) and Borgo Panigale (where the Ducati museum is located).
As already mentioned, the most interesting areas are located in the city centre. Here there is a wide choice of accommodation, excellent connections to the historic centre and no shortage of entertainment.
Areas to avoid: within the city centre, the only areas not recommendable late at night are the Montagnola Gardens and, to a lesser extent, Piazza Verdi (both drug dens). Outside the centre, it is best not to wander alone at night in the Bolognina and Borgo Panigale districts, and in the Navile and Savena districts.
Zona Antica
The historic centre is the best area to sleep in Bologna, both for the amount of accommodation and for ease of getting around. Small and compact, it is here that the city's major attractions are concentrated, such as Piazza Maggiore, the Neptune Fountain, the Church of San Petronio and much more.
Here the proposals are certainly not cheap and compared to other areas are more expensive, but ideal for those who want to experience the city and for first-time visitors. Via dell'indipendenza is the main artery and the place to be for shopping, while several medieval alleys with small restaurants and bars branch off from Piazza Maggiore.
Staying in the centre will also allow you to move completely on foot through the streets and arcades of Bologna. Piazza Maggiore is less than a 20-minute walk from the central railway station.
Average prices in the district range from around €50.00 for low-cost accommodation to €580.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
Historic 4-star hotel dating back to 1890, located in a pedestrian area 350 m from Piazza Maggiore. Parking, free use of bicycles, large rooms with all facilities, ideal for families and couples | |
Right in the historic centre, flats with all amenities suitable for families, couples and business travellers. A garage, bicycle rental service and daily breakfast are available | |
In the heart of Bologna's historic centre and a 5-minute walk from Piazza Maggiore, it has suites with panoramic terraces and a private guarded car park | |
Free WIFI connection, shared lounge, and garden this B&B offers comfortable rooms and breakfast |
Via Pratello
Just outside the historical centre, Via Pratello is one of the city's most famous streets, an arcaded street stretching for about 600 m! Here is a succession of clubs, restaurants and shops. It is called the bohemian area of Bologna, alternative and full of life.
Via Pratello, and especially the Piazza San Francesco at its end, is an area full of places to have an aperitif and pubs open until late at night, so it is recommended for young people.
Staying here means being within walking distance of the main attractions: in fact, in just 10 minutes you will be in Piazza Maggiore, or a 20-minute walk from Bologna Centrale railway station.
Average prices in the district range from around €50.00 for low-cost accommodation to €130.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
Hotel 2 min walk from Via Pratello. Rooms with WiFi, LCD TV and private or shared bathroom. Ideal for couples | |
Flats available for up to 5 people. Equipped with kitchen, parking, garden and pets allowed. Ideal for groups of friends | |
B&B with rooms with shared bathroom, WiFi connection and luggage storage service. Ideal for couples | |
Elegant and luxurious 54 sqm flat, max 4 persons. Equipped with a fully equipped kitchen, washing machine, city view and private parking. Ideal for couples and small groups of friends |
University City
Bologna has one of the oldest universities in Europe and still attracts students from all over Italy and abroad. The university district is located in the city centre, and the main artery is Via Zamboni. This part of Bologna is very characteristic, full of activity and is home to some charming corners as well as late Renaissance buildings, the Basilica of San Giacomo Maggiore and the Pinacoteca Nazionale.
This area is more suitable for young people looking for nightlife, thanks to the presence of pubs, restaurants and clubs, than for couples and families who prefer something else. Here you can in fact frequent the clubs frequented by university students and mingle among them.
The area is very central and allows you to get around easily on foot! The University is only a 15 min walk from Piazza Maggiore (1.2 km) and 23 min from the Central Station (1.8 km). The Bologna Zanolini station is also within walking distance.
Average prices in the district range from around €40.00 for low-cost accommodation to €450.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
Small 35 sqm flat with one bedroom, a fully equipped kitchen and a bathroom. Ideal for families or couples | |
55 sqm flat for max 4 people, with one bedroom, living room, equipped kitchen and bathroom. Ideal for small groups of friends and young people | |
B&B with rooms with terrace. Common room, dining area, parking and pets allowed. Ideal for couples and families | |
4-star hotel with modern, air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi and LCD TV. Parking, restaurant and pets allowed. Ideal for couples and families |
San Vitale
Source: wikimedia commons. Close to the San Donato district and the university, not far from the historical centre, this area takes its name from the street of the same name that connected Bologna to Ravenna and Ferrara. The most central part is characterised by arcades and old buildings, where today there are clubs and restaurants. It is also home to the International Museum and Music Library, the Basilica Santa Maria dei Servi and the Teatro Comunale di Bologna. Moving towards the periphery, the buildings are more modern and there are several businesses.
San Vitale is a suitable area for those looking for simple, inexpensive accommodation and therefore for a young clientele. From here, getting to the centre is very easy, as Via Vitale leads to Bologna's two famous towers, Garisenda and Asinelli.
Average prices in the district range from around €43.00 for low-cost accommodation to €190.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
Fully equipped flat with a view and pets allowed. Ideal for families and couples, but also for small groups | |
Entire 120 sqm flat, ideal for families or groups, max. 5 persons. Equipped with two bedrooms, flat screen TV, fully equipped kitchen and bathroom | |
Structure with accommodation of different sizes equipped with kitchenette, air conditioning and private parking. Ideal for couples, families and groups of friends. | |
Elegant and refined historical house offers various accommodation options (double, triple and quadruple rooms) and serves an excellent breakfast |
Jewish Ghetto
Just a few steps away from the Two Towers, Garisenda and Asinelli, is the characteristic Jewish Ghetto, one of the city's most picturesque neighbourhoods! It is an almost quiet area, located between the historical centre (Piazza Maggiore) and the university area. The district is, of course, home to the Jewish Museum of Bologna.
Given its characteristics, it is an ideal area for families, as there are many flats and B&Bs, in addition to the fact that it is a quiet area even at night. It is therefore ideal for anyone seeking tranquillity and a romantic atmosphere, and recommended for couples looking for an authentic experience.
Another advantage of the Jewish Ghetto is its wonderful location: just a few steps away from the Towers and only a 5-minute walk from Piazza Maggiore!
Average prices in the district range from around €50.00 for low-cost accommodation to €150.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
Guesthouse with air-conditioned rooms and terrace, shared kitchen and lounge. Family rooms available. Ideal for couples and families | |
B&B with bar, communal lounge and air-conditioned rooms with balcony, children's play area also available. Ideal for couples and families | |
Small air-conditioned flat with one bedroom, a living room, a kitchen and a bathroom. Ideal for couples | |
Elegant 4-star hotel with spacious, classically designed rooms. Bar with terrace on the top floor overlooking the city towers. Ideal for couples and families |
Bologna Fairgrounds (San Donato district)
Just outside the Circla walls, not far from the railway station, the San Donato district is , which encloses the Bologna Fiere area. It is developed where the pavilions hosting exhibitions and events are located and is a place rich in accommodation. Also nearby is the famous FICO Eataly World, the gastronomy-themed space with restaurants, shops and many activities.
Although this area is not attractive from an artistic point of view, it is nonetheless equipped with city parks and is suitable for business travellers. It is also a recommended area for those who do not want to spend too much but want excellent services.
And it is also a suitable area for those who do not want to use a car: it is in fact well connected to the centre whether one travels by public transport or on foot. To reach the centre it takes about 30 minutes on foot or 20 minutes by public bus. The area is also served by the Bologna Fiere railway station.
Average prices in the district range from around €50.00 for low-cost accommodation to €200.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
A 5-minute drive from the trade fair, this beautiful hotel in an old villa features a park, outdoor swimming pool and in-house restaurant | |
A 40 square metre, fully equipped flat with free WiFi connection, garden, terrace and a free private car park ideal for those who want the comforts of home | |
Hotel with every comfort: city view, 24-hour fitness centre, garden, bathroom with bathtub and abundant, high-quality breakfast | |
B&B with free parking, spacious rooms with every comfort. Good breakfast |
Places to stay near Bologna: Colli Bolognesi
This area is especially suitable for those who want to alternate historical visits with relaxation in rural landscapes and for families with children who need space and fresh air.
The geographical area of the Colli Bolognesi is quite large, including some of Bologna's districts, such as Saragozza (in which the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca is located) and Santo Stefano (which also includes the former'Colli' district), but it also extends to many municipalities and small villages. The best hill towns include Casalecchio di Reno (9 km), Monte San Pietro (20 km), Sasso Marconi (20 km) and Valsamoggia (24 km). These locations represent an excellent compromise for their close proximity!
The hills are especially recommended if you travel during the warm season and if you travel with your own vehicle, which you can then park outside the Bologna ZTL. The agritourisms, inns and hotels you can find offer several alternatives, with different services and prices depending on your needs.
Average prices range from around €45.00 for low-cost accommodation to €190.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
If you are in Bologna for business or as a one-day stopover to other destinations, consider sleeping near the airport. Find the best solutions and selected hotels on Booking.com
