Are you thinking of spending a few days in Bologna to enjoy its beauties but you don’t know where to stay
. Don’t worry, fortunately Bologna has a limited center and is full of accommodation solutions .
The Historic Center, formerly enclosed by the Circla Walls, today has several areas recommended for young people and families! Let’s find out together the best neighborhoods and streets where to stay according to your needs.
SEE ALSO : What to see in Bologna
Useful tips: the best neighborhoods to stay
The ancient walls of the Circla (corresponding to the Viali di Circonvallazione) enclose the historic center. This in turn is divided into several areas. The oldest area (circumscribed by the first city wall known as the Cerchia di Selenite) delimits the area between Piazza Maggiore and the intersection of via Rizzoli, Ugo Bassi and Indipendenza and is recommended for those with no budget problems. Just outside the ancient area are the areas of Via Pratello and Via San Vitale, both lively and a little cheaper, therefore recommended for young people. Other important areas are the Jewish Ghetto and the university city . The latter (especially Via Zamboni) is lively and economical, perfect for young people.
The only area outside the ring road that makes sense is the fairground(in the San Donato district), suitable for business customers or for those who go to Bologna for events and fairs. Outside the city, the Colli Bolognesi deserve a mention , perfect for families looking for agritourisms in nature.
- Recommended areas to save : Via Pratello, Via San Vitale, Citta Universitaria, San Donato
- Recommended areas for families with children : Ancient area (Piazza Maggiore, Via Rizzoli, Via Ugo Bassi and Via dell’Indipendenza), Bologna hills (located outside the city but only 15 minutes from the center of Bologna), Jewish Ghetto
- Recommended areas for young people : university town (especially Via Zamboni), Via Pratello, San Vitale
- Best accommodations : we have selected the best hotels, b & bs and hostels in Bologna. Discover our advice and book on Booking
Bologna area guide
Bologna is divided into 6 main districts : Borgo Panigale, Savena, Navile, Porto-Saragozza, Santo Stefano, San Donato-San Vitale. The city center is outlined by the avenues of the Circonvallazione and is located at the intersection of the last 4 districts listed. Inside is the historic center, which consists of Piazza Maggiore and the streets that intersect with it. There are also other districts that are improperly called districts, some examples are Bolognina (multicultural area known for its large graffiti and ethnic food shops) and Borgo Panigale (where the Ducati museum is located).
As already mentioned, the areas of greatest interest are located in the city center. Here you will find a wide choice of accommodation, excellent connections to the historic center are guaranteed and there is no shortage of entertainment.
Areas to avoid : inside the city center, the only areas that are not recommended in the late night are the Montagnola Gardens and to a lesser extent Piazza Verdi (both dealing areas). Outside the center, it would be better not to wander alone at night in the Bolognina and Borgo Panigale districts, and in the Navile and Savena districts.
Zona Antica
The historic center is the best area to sleep in Bologna , both for the quantity of accommodation and for ease of travel. Small and compact, this is where the city’s major attractions are concentrated, such as Piazza Maggiore, the Fountain of Neptune, the Church of San Petronio and much more.
Here certainly the proposals are not cheap and compared to other areas they are more expensive, but ideal for those who want to experience the city and for those who visit it for the first time . Via dell’ipendenza is the main artery and place to be for shopping, while several medieval alleys with restaurants and clubs branch off from Piazza Maggiore.
Staying in the center will also allow you to move completely at your feet through the streets and arcades of Bologna. Piazza Maggiore is less than 20 minutes’ walk from the central railway station.
The average prices in the neighborhoodrange from about € 50.00 for low cost accommodations to € 580.00 for high budget solutions – compare the selection of the best accommodations on booking
Recommended
accommodations Accommodation Description
Hotel Corona D’Oro Historic 4-star hotel dating back to 1890, located in a pedestrian area 350 m from Piazza Maggiore. Parking, free bicycles, large rooms equipped with all services, ideal for families and couples
Astoria Suite Apartments In the historic center, apartments equipped with all comforts suitable for families, couples and people traveling for work. You can use a garage, a bicycle rental service and a daily breakfast
Hotel Palace Bologna In the heart of the historic center of Bologna and a 5-minute walk from Piazza Maggiore, it has suites with panoramic terraces and has a private secure parking
B&B Gran Suite Piazza Maggiore Free WIFI connection, shared lounge, and garden this B&B has comfortable rooms and breakfast
Via Pratello
Just outside the historic center, Via Pratello is one of the most famous streets in the city , an arcaded road that stretches for about 600 m! Here is a whole series of clubs, restaurants and shops. It is defined as the bohemian area of ​​Bologna , alternative and full of life.
Via Pratello, and especially the Piazza San Francesco at its end, andan area full of places to have an aperitif and pubs open until late at night , therefore recommended for young people.
Staying here means being one step away from the main attractions : in fact in just 10 minutes on foot you will be in Piazza Maggiore, or 20 minutes on foot from the Bologna Centrale train station.
The average prices in the neighborhood range from around € 50.00 for low cost accommodations to € 130.00 for high budget solutions – compare the selection of the best accommodations on booking
Recommended
accommodations Accommodation Description
Albergo Panorama Bologna Hotel 2 min walk from Via Pratello. These rooms feature WiFi, an LCD TV and a private or shared bathroom. Ideal for couples
La Corte del Pratello Apartments available for up to 5 people. Equipped with kitchen, parking, garden and pets allowed. Ideal for groups of friends
B&B Pratello B&B with rooms equipped with shared bathroom, WiFi connection and luggage storage service. Ideal for couples
San Francesco Luxury Suite Elegant and luxurious 54 sqm apartment, max 4 people. Equipped with equipped kitchen, washing machine, city view and private parking. Ideal for couples and small groups of friends.
Citta Universitaria
Bologna has one of the oldest universities in Europe and still today attracts students from all over Italy and also from abroad. The university district is located in the center of the city, and the main artery and Via Zamboni. This part of Bologna is very characteristic, full of activity and hosts some suggestive corners as well as late Renaissance palaces, the Basilica of San Giacomo Maggiore, the National Picture Gallery.
An area with several accommodations more suitable for young people also looking for nightlife , thanks to the presence of pubs, restaurants and clubs, compared to couples and families who prefer something else. Here you can in fact go to the places that university students frequent and mingle with each other.
The area is very central and will allow you to move easily on foot! The University is in fact only a 15-minute walk from Piazza Maggiore (1.2 km) and 23 minutes from the Central Station (1.8 km). A few steps away is also the Bologna Zanolini station.
The average prices in the neighborhood range from around € 40.00 for low cost accommodations to € 450.00 for high budget solutions – compare the selection of the best accommodations on booking
Recommended
accommodations Accommodation Description
San Leonardo House Bologna Small apartment of 35 square meters, with a bedroom, equipped kitchen and a bathroom. Ideal for families or couples
. Casa Marsili 55 sqm apartment for max 4 people, with one bedroom, living room, equipped kitchen and bathroom. Ideal for small groups of friends and young people
Skyline 1/7 B&B B&B with rooms with terrace. Common room, dining area, parking and pets allowed. Ideal for couples and families
Aemilia Hotel 4-star hotel with modern, air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi and LCD TV. Parking service, 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 historic center, this area takes its name from the street of the same name that connected Bologna to Ravenna and Ferrara. The most central part is characterized by arcades and ancient buildings, where today there are clubs and restaurants. Here you can also find the International Museum and Library of Music, the Basilica of Santa Maria dei Servi and the Teatro Comunale of Bologna. Moving away towards the outskirts, the buildings are more modern and there are several commercial activities.
San Vitale is an area suitable for those looking for simple, inexpensive accommodation and therefore for a young clientele. From here, getting to the center is very simple, as via Vitale reaches the two famous Towers of Bologna, Garisenda and degli Asinelli.
Average prices in the neighborhood range from around € 43.00 for low cost accommodations to € 190.00 for high budget solutions – compare the selection of the best accommodations on booking
Recommended
accommodations Accommodation Description
Cantarana apartment Apartment equipped and complete with all comforts, with view and pets allowed. Ideal for families and couples, but also small groups
Garisenda Lodge Entire apartment of 120 square meters, ideal for families or groups, max 5 people. Equipped with two bedrooms, flat screen TV, equipped kitchen and bathroom
Opera Residence Bologna Structure with accommodation of different sizes equipped with kitchenette, air conditioning and private parking. Ideal for couples, families and groups of friends. Room & Breakfast H & Ercolani Elegant and refined historic house offers various accommodation options (double, triple and quadruple rooms) and serves an excellent Jewish Ghetto
breakfast
A few steps from the Two Towers, Garisenda and Asinelli, is the characteristic Jewish Ghetto, one of the most picturesque districts of the city ! It is an almost quiet area, located between the historic center (Piazza Maggiore) and the university area. In the district there is, of course, the Jewish Museum of Bologna.
Given its characteristics, it is an ideal area for families , as there are many apartments and B & Bs, as well as being a quiet area even in the evening. Therefore ideal for anyone looking for tranquility and a romantic atmosphere , therefore recommended for couples looking for an authentic experience.
Another advantage of the Jewish Ghetto isits wonderful location : a few steps from the Towers and only 5 minutes walk from Piazza Maggiore!
The average prices in the neighborhood range from around € 50.00 for low cost accommodations to € 150.00 for high budget solutions – compare the selection of the best accommodations on booking
Recommended
accommodations Accommodation Description
Acquaderni Rooms Guest house with air-conditioned rooms and terrace, kitchen and shared lounge. Availability of family rooms. Ideal for couples and families
B&B SpeakEasy – Due Torri B&B with bar, shared lounge and air-conditioned rooms with balcony, there is also a children’s play area. Ideal for couples and families
Oberdan Apartment Small air-conditioned apartment with a bedroom, a living room, a kitchen and a bathroom. Ideal for couples
Best Western Hotel San Donato Elegant 4-star hotel with large and elegant rooms with a classic design. Rooftop terrace bar overlooking the city towers. Ideal for couples and families
. Bologna Fair Area (San Donato District)
Just outside the walls of the Circla, not far from the train station, is the San Donato district and, which includes the Bologna Fiere area. It develops where the pavilions that host exhibitions and events are locatedand it’s a place full of accommodations. Not far away is the famous FICO Eataly World, the food-themed space with restaurants, shops and many activities.
Although this area is not attractive from an artistic point of view, it is still equipped with city parks and is suitable for those who travel mainly for work . It is also an area recommended for those who do not want to spend excessively , but want excellent services.
It is an area also suitable for those who do not want to use the car: it is in fact well connected to the center whether you travel by public transport or on foot. To reach the center 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 neighborhood range from around € 50.00 for low cost accommodations to € 200.00 for high budget solutions – compare the selection of the best accommodations on booking
Recommended
accommodations Accommodation Description
Savoia Hotel Regency A 5-minute drive from the fair, this beautiful hotel in an ancient villa has a park, outdoor swimming pool and internal restaurant
Beva Fiera Bologna 40 sqm apartment, equipped with all comforts with free WiFi, garden, terrace and free private parking ideal for those who want the comforts of home
Novotel Bologna Fiera Hotel equipped with all comforts, modern rooms, parking, restaurant. Pets Allowed. A few steps from FICO, ideal if you are in the city for some event
AB Suite Innovative Design B&B B&B with breakfast just a few minutes from the fair, offers comfortable rooms, free parking and wi-fi connection Towns
near Bologna where to stay: Colli Bolognesi
Just outside the city, just 15 minutes by car from the historic center, the Bolognese hills are a valid alternative for those who want to visit Bologna but stay out of the chaos . 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 open air.
The Colli area is very extensive and surrounds a large part of Bologna. To stay as close as possible to the city, the municipalities of the best hills to stay in are Casalecchio di Reno (9 km), Monte San Pietro (20 km), Sasso Marconi (20 km) and the surroundings of Valsamoggia (24 km). . These locations are a great compromise for their close range!
The hills are especially recommended if you travel during the summer and if you travel with your own vehicle, which you can then park outside the ZTL of Bologna. The farmhouses, inns and hotels that you can find offer different alternatives , with different services and prices according to your needs.
Average pricesrange from around € 45.00 for low cost accommodations to € 190.00 for high budget solutions – compare the selection of the best accommodations on booking
If you are in Bologna for work or as a one-day stopover to other destinations, consider the opportunity to sleep near the airport. Find the best solutions and selected hotels on Booking.com
Bologna accommodation price map
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