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 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.
Fountain of Neptune
This intriguing work of art is one of the most well-known symbols of Bologna and an important public gathering place.
Historic Center Hotel Deals
Royal Hotel Carlton
"Excellent hotel. Great location. Close to the train station and the downtown. The hotel is very clean. Recommend 100%."
Reviewed on May 28, 2026
Hotel Internazionale
"This hotel is perfectly located to walk to all the attractions, galleries, shopping, restaurants in Bologna. A really beautiful city to visit! The hotel was charming and offered great service. The rooms were spotless. I would definitely stay here again."
Reviewed on May 27, 2026
Starhotels Excelsior
"Not my first stay here and as usual, staff friendly, professional and helpful. Room extremely comfortable and breakfast excellent."
Reviewed on May 25, 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 May 21, 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 May 15, 2026
UNA Hotels Bologna Centro
"Excellent location close to the train station. Only had one afternoon/evening to explore Bologna so wanted to stay close to the train station as we had to be on train next day. Also great location to walk into main area of Bologna. Front desk staff was very helpful. Our room wasn't ready when we ..."
Reviewed on May 27, 2026
Other neighborhoods 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
If you're spending some time in Bolognina, Museum for the Memory of Ustica and Ippodromo Arcoveggio are top sights worth seeing.
San Donato
While visiting San Donato, you might make a stop by sights like EuropAuditorium Theater and Virtus Arena.
Scandellara
While Scandellara isn't home to many top sights, University Library of Bologna and EuropAuditorium Theater are some notable places to visit nearby.
