Bologna Travel Guide, Hotels & Things to Do

Where to stay

Hotels in Bologna

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UR-NEST Montegrappa

3 Via Monte Grappa | Bologna, 40121, IT

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UR-NEST Borgo B

74 Via Del Borgo Di San Pietro | Bologna, 40126, IT

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Appartamento San Vitale

24 Via San Vitale Secondo Piano | Bologna, 40125, IT

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Dolce Casa Villa Laura

131 Via Emilia Levante | Bologna, 40139, IT

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B&B Villa Meraville

176 Via San Donato | Bologna, 40127, IT

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Casa Parisini by Studio Vita

Via Delle Lame 75 1 | Bologna, 40122, IT

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Casa Garbo by Wonderful Italy

Via Giovan Battista Morgagni 8 | Bologna, 40122, IT

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Parri Bologna by Short Holidays

Via Ferruccio Parri 27 | Bologna, 40128, IT

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At a glance

Climate

Temperate

Languages

Italian and English

Local currency

EUR (EUR)

Local time

02:58 (GMT+2)

Ideal trip length

2–4 days

Cost level

3 of 5 · our research

Suggested area to stay

Centro Storico

Tap water

Generally described as safe to drink

Tipping

Not mandatory, rounding up or small tip appreciated.

What this place is for

History

95 · Outstanding

Culture

90 · Outstanding

Food

90 · Outstanding

Family 70 · Good

Our own 0–100 ratings for this one destination. They describe a city; they are not a league table of cities.

Food to try

Tagliatelle al Ragù Tortellini Mortadella Lasagne Verde

When to visit Bologna

How good each month is here, on this destination's own scale. It compares months within this city, never one city against another.

Best months: May, September Busiest: May-Sep

Jan

40

Cold, damp
Feb

45

Cold, damp
Mar

60

Cool, spring begins
Apr

75

Mild, pleasant
May

90

Warm, ideal
Jun

85

Hot, sunny
Jul

80

Very hot
Aug

75

Hot, quieter
Sept

90

Warm, harvest
Oct

80

Mild, autumn
Nov

60

Cool, rainy
Dec

65

Cold, festive

40

Jan Cold, damp

45

Feb Cold, damp

60

Mar Cool, spring begins

75

Apr Mild, pleasant

90

May Warm, ideal

85

Jun Hot, sunny

80

Jul Very hot

75

Aug Hot, quieter

90

Sept Warm, harvest

80

Oct Mild, autumn

60

Nov Cool, rainy

65

Dec Cold, festive

Things to do in Bologna

7 places worth your time, grouped by when they are at their best.

Best in the morning

3 places

Climb the Two Towers

Centro Storico 1.5 hrs

Ascend Bologna's iconic medieval towers for breathtaking city views.

Outdoors Good for children

Explore Quadrilatero Market

Centro Storico 2 hrs

Wander through Bologna's ancient food market, sampling local delicacies.

Outdoors Good for children

Walk to Sanctuary of San Luca

Hills West of Center 3 hrs

Follow the world's longest portico to a hilltop sanctuary with panoramic views.

Outdoors Good for children

Best in the afternoon

3 places

Visit Archiginnasio of Bologna

Centro Storico 1.5 hrs

Discover the historic seat of the University of Bologna and its stunning Anatomical Theatre.

Indoors

Indulge in a Food Tour

Centro Storico 3.5 hrs

Experience Bologna's culinary heritage with guided tastings of local specialties.

Indoors Good for children

Visit the Ducati Museum

Borgo Panigale 2 hrs

Discover the history and iconic motorcycles of the legendary Italian brand.

Indoors Good for children

Any time of day

1 place

Relax in Piazza Maggiore

Centro Storico 1 hr

Soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Bologna's main square, surrounded by historic buildings.

Outdoors Good for children

Bologna itineraries

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First-timer highlights

3 Days in Bologna — First-Timer Highlights

Discover the culinary heart of Italy, from historic squares to hidden food markets.

This 3-day itinerary is designed for first-time visitors eager to experience the essential sights, sounds, and flavors of Bologna. It balances iconic landmarks with authentic culinary experiences, providing a comprehensive introduction to this vibrant Italian city.

3 Days 14 Stops

See the full plan