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.
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 spend time at Via Indipendenza. Check out 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.
Historic Center Hotel Deals
Royal Hotel Carlton
The staff was excellent, the stay was very enjoyable, it was a perfect location-very close to the shopping and the historical centre but it also had underground parking. This is a rare find. We found the king bed much too hard for our comfort but it was otherwise a perfect stay.
Reviewed on 2026/2/21
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 2026/2/21
Hotel Palace
Good location, reasonable price, good breakfast, the room is not fancy, but is relatively big, and let me had good night sleep,
Reviewed on 2026/2/23
Starhotels Excelsior
The room was very clean and well appointed. The front desk staff were very polite and helpful along with everyone else I came in contact with from housekeeping to security. Location of the property couldn’t be more convenient. Directly across the street from the train station and an easy 10-15 minute ...
Reviewed on 2026/2/23
UNA Hotels Bologna Centro
Very central, good breakfast
Reviewed on 2026/2/10
Almarossa
Great location, close to train station and convenient for old town. Room was clean and comfortable.
Reviewed on 2026/2/11
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 Bologna Botanical Gardens and Teatro Comunale di Bologna.
Bolognina
If you're spending some time in Bolognina, Teatro Testoni Ragazzi and Ippodromo Arcoveggio are top sights worth seeing.
San Donato
When in San Donato, you can plan a visit to EuropAuditorium Theater and Bologna Botanical Gardens, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.
Scandellara
While Scandellara isn't home to many top sights, EuropAuditorium Theater and Bologna Botanical Gardens are some notable places to visit nearby.
