These are Bologna’s Best Airbnbs [2026 Guide]
The best Bologna apartments and Airbnbs in 2026: from frescoed palazzos and medieval towers to private terraces and budget-friendly picks, plus everything you need to know before you book.
Updated July 2026
Long term readers of this site will know our introduction to Bologna came by way of a local’s throwaway comment: that it’s a city you come to feel like a local, not a tourist.
Of course, in the name of dedicated research, we’ve had no choice but to return many times since to test this theory. And after years of visiting and writing about Bologna, we can confirm: it does indeed hold up.
It’s our firm belief that Bologna is one of Italy's most compelling and underrated cities. The medieval buildings and UNESCO porticoes are a given; its food lives up to every bit of its gastronomic reputation; the life on its streets is vibrant, welcoming, and creative.
What's changed considerably since our first visit is undoubtedly the accommodation. What was once a city of pretty modest, mostly affordable stays has, in recent years, seen an explosion in the quality, variety, and (unfortunately) price.
We've previously shared our guide to where to stay in Bologna, covering hotels, boutique stays and hostels across every neighbourhood. But sometimes you need more than a hotel room: a kitchen for cooking fresh produce from the Quadrilatero, or some extra space for a young family or group of friends.
In this city made for locals and those wishing to feel like them, booking an apartment really comes into its own. What makes many of Bologna’s so wonderful is that they’re housed within the very buildings that the city’s history unfolded: 18th-century frescoed palazzos, renovated medieval towers and stables, homes still adorned with important works by master artists.
You might leave each day to explore Bologna’s history on its streets, but you’re also returning home to live within its walls each night.
This is our curated guide to the best Bologna airbnbs and apartments, from luxury stays to budget finds, plus everything you need to know before you book.
WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU BOOK
PRICES HAVE INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY
When we first visited Bologna, a decent central apartment could be found for ~£50–100 a night (in fact, it’s something we wrote about in this very guide at the time!). Sadly, that’s no longer really achievable for most seasons nor stays these days.
Between 2014 and 2024, visitor arrivals grew by more than 50%, overnight stays by 74%. The tourist accommodation market well and truly moved with them, and in recent years the boutique offering across both hotels and apartments has exploded, quality has dramatically improved, and, as is always the case, the prices have followed suit.
Budget travellers haven't been squeezed out options entirely, but the days of finding a good central apartment for under $100 are largely gone (we’ve rounded up some good options below!).
THE TOURIST TAX (TASSA DI SOGGIORNO)
Bologna charges a city tourist tax on all accommodation, apartments included, to maintain tourist infrastructure in the city. It’s generally paid on departure, and some platforms will collect it at checkout on the property’s behalf.
The rate is a flat fee per person per night, based on the nightly room cost:
€4 for stays under €31/night
€5.80 for €31–€71
€6.50 for €71–€121
and €7 for €121 and above.
For most apartments in this guide, expect to pay €6.50–€7 per person per night.
Note: Children under 14 are exempt.
Rates are valid through December 2026, check Bologna Welcome for any updates.
WHICH AREA OF BOLOGNA SHOULD YOU STAY?
For most visitors, the centro storico is the right answer; you're within walking distance of Piazza Maggiore, the Two Towers, the Quadrilatero, and the best osterias. The university district (Via Marsala, Via San Vitale) is our second pick: slightly more local in feel, excellent bars and restaurants, and five minutes from the centre on foot.
Almost all the Airbnbs in this guide sit in one of these two areas. If you're still weighing up neighbourhoods, our Where to Stay in Bologna guide covers every area in detail.
READ MORE |Where to Stay in Bologna
BOOK YOUR APARTMENT IN ADVANCE
Accommodation fills up very quickly in the summer months and around Bologna’s major trade fairs, when the city heaves and prices skyrocket - and, like anywhere, the best apartments go early. For peak-season visits, plan a couple of months ahead to avoid missing out.
DRIVING & THE ZTL
Bologna's centro storico is within the ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato): a camera-enforced restricted traffic zone. Driving in without a valid permit results in a fine, so be aware of this when booking accommodation if mobility is a concern or you’re travelling with lots of luggage, as drivers will not enter the zone.
We’ve noted a property below that sits outside this zone for those travelling by car, but otherwise the most convenient parking generally is at Staveco, around €12 per day.
THE BEST UNIQUE + LUXURY APARTMENTS
These are the best of the best when it comes to Bologna’s luxury Airbnb and apartment stays.
A handful are truly extraordinary not just by quality but overall experience; former aristocratic homes, 15th-century palazzos where Mozart once performed, a medieval tower you can sleep inside. The rest? The most luxurious, well-appointed and best located apartments the city has to offer.
HISTORIC FRESCOED NOBLE FLOOR IN CENTRAL BOLOGNA
It's the 1780s: Count Pietro Paolo Bianchetti has acquired a grand palazzo on prestigious Strada Maggiore, and is splashing big cash on it. Felice Giani, among the most celebrated painters of the time, is commissioned to fresco the entire Piano Nobile - the grandest floor of any palazzo, built for the family who owned it.
Those very frescoes have remained largely untouched ever since, and today all 320sqm of Bianchetti’s frescoed apartment is available to book: four double bedrooms sleeping eight, elegant antique furniture, private inner courtyard, two bathrooms and fully equipped kitchen - and the opportunity to experience what it meant to live aristocratically in an Italian city at the height of its power.
This Airbnb Luxe stay is categorically unlike any other in this guide, and it certainly tips into once-in-a-lifetime splurge territory, although split between eight (especially for a special occasion), the maths works out better than you'd expect.
THE DETAILS
Where | Strada Maggiore, 5 min from Piazza Maggiore
Cost | €€€€
Sleeps | Up to eight, 4 bedrooms
Amenities | Four bedrooms, two bathrooms, full kitchen, private courtyard, original 17th-century frescoes, antique furniture, lift access, central location, A/C, free WiFi
Tips | This is one stay where it actually pays to book in peak season, as prices and minimum nights increase in shoulder season
PALAZZO SCAPPI GARDI LUXURY APARTMENTS
In this city devoted to eating well, it’s fitting that one of Bologna’s best apartments is set within the Middle Ages-era palazzo of the family that arguably invented fine dining.
Bartolomeo Scappi, Renaissance chef to Popes and Cardinals and author of the 1570 cookbook, Opera, came from the prominent Scappi family, whose 13th-century tower still crowns the palazzo on the corner of Via Indipendenza and Via Rizzoli.
Today, Palazzo Scappi Gardi has been converted into seven modern, private suites, accommodating between two and four guests each, with all the creature comforts you’d expect: 100% Italian-made luxury furniture, lift access, fully equipped kitchen, and rooftop terrace looking out over the old city. There’s also a Sauna suite (books quickly!).
THE DETAILS
Where | Centro Storico
Cost | €€€
Sleeps | Between 2-4 depending on apartment
Amenities | Rooftop terrace, lift access, private sauna suite option, fully equipped kitchen, 100% Italian-made furniture, private keycode entry, A/C, free WiFi
Tips | One of Bologna's 'Secret Seven' can be found right here - we won’t spoil it, so read more here. For the foodies: a private home chef can be booked too (rather fitting, given the palazzo’s history).
LUXURY HOUSE IN BOLOGNA - MARCHESANA 100SQM
From outside, Via Marchesana 12 looks like any other 14th-century building in the Quadrilatero with its red brick facade and heavy iron doors. But step inside the 3-bed apartment on the first floor, and you’ll be transported centuries away.
Luxury House Marchesana is as sleek as a renovation can get, with custom-made fittings, modern furnishings, and every mod-con. It’s also a rare spacious find in the centre, with 3 bedrooms (one a mezzanine, two looking over an internal courtyard), and perfect for families (cot and high chairs are available) or groups travelling together.
Bonus? There’s a reason host Alessandra is a Superhost: the fridge comes stocked with local beer and wine, and she makes the whole stay feel like visiting a local friend who knows which grocer to use, which Osteria table to ask for, and when to leave you to your downtime.
THE DETAILS
Where | Via Marchesana, Quadrilatero
Cost | €€€
Sleeps | 4-6
Amenities | 3BR, 100sqm, full kitchen, washing machine and dryer, A/C, free WiFi, cot & high chair available, fridge stocked with drinks on arrival. Airport transfers can be arranged.
Tips | One bedroom faces an archway above two restaurants, so there may be outdoor dining noise in the evenings.
BOOK | LUXURY HOUSE MARCHESANA
[LUXURY] CARRACCI FRESCOES • PIAZZA MAGGIORE
Art buffs will know that one of Bologna's great gifts to the art world was the Carracci. More specifically Annibale, who, with his brother Agostino and cousin Ludovico, founded the celebrated Carracci school before departing for Rome, painting the Farnese Gallery ceiling, and setting the wheels of the Baroque era properly in motion.
Normally, you queue to see work by masters like these.
Here, you simply… sleep beneath it. The ceiling of this luxury 2-bed apartment are frescoed by the Carracci themselves, soaring overhead as you drink your morning coffee. Beyond the art, it's bright and airy: living-room windows over Piazza Roosevelt, a full kitchen and laundry, 1.5 bathrooms, and a walk-in robe in the master. And the location, just back from Piazza Maggiore, is unbeatable.
THE DETAILS:
Where | Piazza Roosevelt
Cost | €€€
Sleeps | Up to 4
Amenities | Two bedrooms, 1.5 bathroom with washing machine, fully equipped kitchen, Piazza Roosevelt views, original frescoed ceilings, Lift access, A/C, free WiFi, TV, central location
Tips | Once you've slept here, complete your Carracci pilgrimage: the frescoes at Palazzo Fava and Palazzo Sampieri Talon, the Annunciation in the Cattedrale di San Pietro, and the Carracci canvases in the Pinacoteca Nazionale are all a short stroll away.
THE PENTHOUSE BY ASTRA COLLECTION
Bologna does historic so well you could easily forget that not every stay needs a Renaissance backstory. The Penthouse by Astra Collection is the best example of this: an uber-modern designer penthouse that's all about clean lines and contemporary comforts.
Tucked into the Galleria Falcone Borsellino, just close enough to the action but removed from the crowds, it’s perfect for a group or family who need a bit more space: three bedrooms and two bathrooms (with waterfall showers), a bright open living area (with a proper home cinema for slower evenings), a high-end kitchen. The two real drawcards though, are view-related: a private terrace overlooking the Basilica of San Petronio, and a separate bathtub with views to the city’s terracotta rooftops.
It also comes with something almost impossible to find in the centre: a private garage. Just send the host your plate ahead so they can sort ZTL permit access before you arrive.
THE DETAILS
Where | Centro storico (Galleria Falcone Borsellino)
Cost | €€€
Sleeps | Up to 7; an adjoining studio can add 2–3 more
Amenities | 3 bedrooms, two full bathrooms (waterfall showers), bathtub with rooftop view, private terrace overlooking San Petronio, living area with home cinema, high-end kitchen, private garage, free WiFi, central location
Tips | Onsite parking in the ZTL is an extremely rare find. An adjoining studio can also be booked for 2–3 guests.
CASAPOESIA A PALAZZO PALLAVINCI
More unique than outright luxury, CasaPoesia a Palazzo Pallavinci occupies the former stables of 15th-century Palazzo Pallavicini, whose music room once rang out with notes played by a fourteen year old Mozart.
Today, the palazzo houses a contemporary art museum with rotating exhibitions, entirely fitting given the stables have also been transformed into living art: poems on the walls, houseplants trailing from every shelf, murals above the bed, and most surprisingly: a peace and quiet that feels impossible given Via del Pratello is on your doorstep.
All the essentials for a good stay are there, but it’s host Isabella, a former fashion copywriter who left it all behind for Bologna’s tourism scene, who really makes the stay, meeting guests in person, providing restaurant tips, and taking care of every detail.
THE DETAILS
Where | Via San Felice 22, Saragozza
Cost | €€€
Sleeps | 2
Amenities | 1 bedroom (sleeps 1-2), private terrace, A/C, free WiFi, kitchenette with coffee machine, dishwasher, microwave, washing machine, streaming services
Tips | This is an adults only stay. The portico walk to San Luca starts nearby.
TOWER OF LOVERS - ANCIENT ALTANA
At its medieval height, Bologna boasted a skyline of soaring towers, built by rival noble families as symbols of power and wealth. They numbered about 100 at their peak, though most have since been dismantled or absorbed into later building over the centuries that follows.
The Tower of Lovers is one of the few survivors, and rarer, it’s one you can actually sleep in. It’s been renovated into a comfortable modern stay without losing its unique medieval feel: original wooden beam ceilings, terracotta floors, marble bathrooms and a fully equipped kitchen. The altana (rooftop terrace) provides 360° views across the whole of Bologna, the perfect vantage point to watch the city rise or go to sleep.
Best suited to two, it can stretch to a third guest via the sofa bed, and sits right in the heart of centro storico.
THE DETAILS
Where | Centro Storico
Cost | €€€
Sleeps | 2-3 (one bedroom, one sofa bed)
Amenities | One bedroom, 2 bathrooms, rooftop altana with 360° views, original wooden ceilings, terracotta floors, fully equipped kitchen, A/C, free WiFi
Tips | Medieval towers mean medieval stairs (narrow and steep) - factor that into your planning.
MID-RANGE APARTMENTS
The mid-range is where Bologna’s airbnbs and apartments perform particularly well. These apartments are well maintained, comfortable, and run by attentive and friendly hosts at more affordable prices.
CLAVATURE LUXURY APARTMENT
Taking its name from the ciavadur, the locksmiths whose medieval workshops once lined this narrow laneway between Piazza Maggiore and the Quadrilatero, today the Clavature Luxury Apartment is one of Bologna’s best-located apartment stays.
You'll find it on the first floor of a 1300s palazzo, where recent renovations have transformed the 100sqm space into a modern, design-forward stay while celebrating its heritage in the original 1380 ceiling beams, vaulted ceilings, and heavy medieval door.
Great for families or travelling groups, Clavature has two double bedrooms, a reading room where a sofa bed offers a third sleeping space, a fully-equipped kitchen, spacious living room and all your modern comforts (including AC - a must in summer!). The double-glazed windows shut out the street noise completely - no small feat when you're just a few steps from one of Italy’s buzziest market areas and piazzas
THE DETAILS
Where | Via Clavature, Quadrilatero
Cost | €€€
Sleeps | Up to 5
Amenities | Two bedrooms plus reading room (sleeps up to 5), soundproofing, fully equipped kitchen and living space, central location, attentive hosts.
Tips | The Quadrilatero market is literally on your doorstep. Get there early, stalls often close by noon and the best produce goes with them
BOOK | CLAVATURE LUXURY APARTMENT
ASINELLI SUITE
The twin towers of Bologna, or le Due Torri, are one of the city’s most iconic sights - and if you stay at Asinelli Suite, you can enjoy your very own private view of them with your cup of coffee every morning.
The apartment sits on the second floor (with lift access!) of Galleria Acquaderni, a grand early-20th-century arcade built on the site of an ancient church, the cute balcony positioned just high enough to feel part of the buzz of the street while still enjoying your own calm, private space too.
It’s cosy and best suited to two (though a living room sofa bed can stretch it to four), with a double bedroom, well equipped and stocked kitchen, hotel-quality linens, and a location truly in the heart of it all. Friendly host, Eleonora, leaves a city food guide too, full of local recommendations for Italy’s culinary capital.
THE DETAILS
Where | Galleria Acquaderni, near Le Due Torri
Cost | €€€
Sleeps | 2-4
Amenities | One bedroom, sofa bed in living room, balcony with Two Towers views, equipped kitchen, lift access.
Tips | If you're arriving on a weekend, note that the street becomes a pedestrian-only zone and taxis can only drop you just outside the zone - a nice to know if you’re visiting with heavy bags.
BOOK | ASINELLI SUITE
BOLOGNA ALTANA DELUXE
Fancy a contemporary 5th floor loft, with a side of an afternoon wine on your own sunny terrace with Le Due Torri and the skyline of the city before you? Altana Deluxe is your pick.
Recent renovations have updated it with an elegant and functional living area and kitchenette, living area, full bathroom, and loft bedroom with windows on all sides, while anti-noise windows and electric shutters mean you can be amongst all the very best of the city without sacrificing rest and relaxation too.
This one suits two best, though a sofa bed in the living room can extend the occupancy to four and cots are available on request — although we’d potentially skip this one if you have really little kids as the stairs to the loft are extremely steep and tricky to navigate (same goes for those with mobility concerns).
THE DETAILS
Where | Centro Storico
Cost | €€
Sleeps | 2-4
Amenities | Rooftop terrace with Two Towers view, anti-noise windows, A/C, coffee machine
Tips | The loft steps are extremely steep and tricky to navigate, not great for kids or those with mobility issues.
BOOK | BOLOGNA ALTANA DELUXE
BRIGHT APARTMENT IN HISTORIC PALAZZO
Enjoy life as the local nobility did, without sacrificing a working oven or speedy wifi in this well-equipped two-bedroom apartment in a former palazzo.
Recently architect-restored, it keeps the best of the original character (like that exposed brick ceiling!), while incorporating mid-century modern furniture and contemporary fittings. The windows look out over Bologna’s famous terracotta rooftops, there’s a sunny inner terrace for slow afternoons with a wine or a book (or both), and the huge bath in the en suite is a wonderful addition for relaxation (or those with kids!). You’ll also find plenty of crockery, cutlery, towels, very comfortable bedding, quality heating & A/C, plus high-speed net and multiple streaming services for a comfy stay.
Quite unusually for a building this old and this central in Bologna, there’s also a doorman and lift access, which will make a world of difference when you’re lugging bags of delicious fare back from the Quadrilatero just a few blocks away!
THE DETAILS
Where | Centro Storico
Cost | €€
Sleeps | 5 (2 bedrooms, 3 beds)
Amenities | Doorman, lift, heating, A/C, bathtub, full kitchen, Disney+ and Netflix, central location
Tips | One of the few central Bologna apartments with a lift, genuinely useful for families with prams or anyone arriving with luggage.
INTIMATE & PLEASANT LOFT AT BEATING HEART OF HISTORIC CENTRE
There’s a reason this beautiful loft is a guest fave on airbnb, and it mostly has to do with what’s on the tin: an intimate, aesthetically pleasing oasis in the vibrant heart of Bologna’s university district
Thoughtfully furnished with a modern mid-century vibe and plenty of artistic touches (including the sideboard of our dreams!), it's a bright, airy space with a mezzanine bedroom, and small, generous touches like phone adapters and well-stocked coffee that tell you someone actually thought about their guest’s experience. Best suited to a couple on a city break, the living room sofa bed provides options for four total too.
Host Mirko is a local writer who ensures you’re armed with good local recommendations before you’ve arrived, and is always responsive if needed. The best of the uni district is right on your doorstep, most of the city’s highlights within a 10-minute stroll, and plenty of good bars, restaurants, and aperitivo spots considerably closer.
THE DETAILS
Where | University district
Cost | €€
Sleeps | 2 (up to 4)
Amenities | Smeg appliances, A/C, heating, tea/coffee, full kitchen, full bathroom
Tips | Light sleepers: bring earplugs. The university quarter can be lively of an evening, and the sound can carry
PETRONI TERRACE + SMARTWORKING HOME
A great option for holidaymakers, business travellers, and digital nomads alike, the one-bed Petroni Terrace combines a great location with a comfortable, connected base for those needing to get work done too.
Conveniently located in the university district, this recently-renovated first-floor apartment is well equipped and fuss-free, offering a double bedroom, living room (with sofa bed), open plan kitchenette with stovetop and oven, coffee machine and a full bathroom. Host Annalisa ensures you’re stocked with thoughtful essentials: breakfast items, pastries, and local pasta to get you started, plus super speedy WiFi for those on a deadline.
The real drawcard is the spacious private terrace, which both the bedroom and living room open onto: somewhere to enjoy coffee in the morning, work from in the afternoon, and then sit with an Aperol as the city winds down below you. The privacy and space is a rare find at this price point in central Bologna, and with Le Due Torri a few steps away and the bars of Piazza Aldrovandi right around the corner, it’s an excellent value choice.
THE DETAILS
Where | University district
Cost | €€
Sleeps | 2 (up to 4 using sofa bed)
Amenities | private terrace, complimentary breakfast and pastry, fast WiFI, AC
Tips | This is one of the best options for remote workers or business travellers without trading that holiday feeling.
GRANDE MODERNO APPARTAMENTO IN EDIFICIO STORICO
Finding a central Bologna apartment that sleeps eight, has two bathrooms, welcomes pets, and has parking nearby is a near-impossible task, which makes the ‘Grand, Modern Apartment’ a rare and very welcome exception.
At 110sqm, it boasts three king bedrooms and a sofa bed in the living room, washing machines in each full bathroom, fully-equipped kitchen, and plenty of space to hang out without feeling cramped. All recently renovated, and with high quality comfort in mind.
The apartment is on Viale Panzacchi, along the old city walls; Porta d’Azeglio (one of the medieval gates) is right on the corner. This is great for two reasons: the history, and a location just outside the ZTL zone that makes life easier for guests who are driving. Parking is available at Staveco nearby for around~€12 a day, though with Piazza Maggiore just a short walk away, those without won't even miss having a car anyway.
THE DETAILS
Where | Viale Panzacchi
Cost | €€
Sleeps | Up to 8
Amenities | 3 king bedrooms + sofa bed, 2 bathrooms with washing machines, fully equipped kitchen, A/C, free WiFi, pets welcome, travel cot & baby amenities available on request
Tips | Stroll into town via the partially pedestrianised, always trendy Via d’Azeglio, where some of the best boutiques and aperitivo bars can be found.
THE BEST BUDGET APARTMENTS + AIRBNBS
When we first visited Bologna, budget apartments were a dime a dozen, partly because the hotel scene hadn't quite caught up with demand yet. As the city's popularity has grown and its boutique hotel and apartment offering has followed, it’s left budget options in the centro storico pretty thin on the ground.
Most apartments now command a premium, and that's unlikely to change. For an entire apartment in good condition, you’re unlikely to find anything for less than about $100 per night. These are our top picks, all three hold up on comfort location and value.
IL CUORE DI BOLOGNA (HEART OF BOLOGNA)
Bright, welcoming, and very budget-friendly: Il Cuore di Bologna is perfect for couples or a small young family seeking a stylish but affordable stay.
This one bed flat has been thoughtfully kitted out with all the essentials and then some: equipped kitchen with Nespresso machine, washing machine, bath, Netflix and playstation, plus dedicated kids crockery, toys and books, bed rails, and more. Between that and the location, wedged between Strada Maggiore and Via San Vitale, two of the main roads of the historic centre, with the best of Bologna’s highlights all within a stone’s throw from your door, it’s one of the best value for money and location finds in this entire guide
Note: The flat is on the 3rd floor of a building without a lift, so those with mobility issues will need to factor this in.
THE DETAILS
Where | Centro Storico
Cost | €
Sleeps | 2-4 (1 bedroom; 1 bed and 1 sofa bed)
Amenities | full kitchen, essentials, workspace, Nespresso machine, Netflix and Playstation, kids toys and crockery, bathtub
Tips | Three flights of stairs with no lift - though the location and value make up for it
BOOK | IL CUORE DI BOLOGNA
RESIDENZA ARIOSTO BY STUDIO VITA
Starting life in the 60s as a school, Residenza Ariosto is now a collection of renovated, modern studio and one-to-two bedroom apartments hosting travellers to the city rather than classrooms of students.
The conversion has been done well and with comfort in mind: proper kitchens, washing machines, speedy wifi, and host Andrea, who came to Bologna to help his son find some student digs and fell in love with the city, always on hand across the street.
A great option for families (children under two stay free, and cots, high chairs, etc can be arranged on request) or those looking to stay more than a few days, the location also plonks you right in the mix with Via Marsala’s independent bars and osteries on your doorstep, Piazza Maggiore five min away by foot, and Bologna Centrale station an easy 10-min stroll away.
THE DETAILS
Where | Centro Storico
Cost | €-€€
Sleeps | 2-4 depending on apartment
Amenities | Studio and 1-2BR options, in-unit washing machine, full kitchen, fast WiFi, A/C
Tips | Kids under 2 stay free, baby amenities available on request
BOOK | RESIDENZA ARIOSTO
THE ARCH BOLOGNA
Via San Vitale runs from Due Torri into the university district and the popular eateries and street life that make Bologna such a great city to visit. At number 41, through a private courtyard, is The Arch: two bedrooms, one bathroom, a full kitchen, and windows that face inward onto the courtyard. It is, despite everything on the doorstep, refreshingly quiet.
Host Kashmira is an architect who spent five years living in London, Tokyo, and New York before following her husband, a Bolognese local, back to his city. They now renovate Bologna apartments together, and the care that goes into that is evident throughout.
Piazza Aldrovandi, with its Sunday market and some of the best food streets in the city, is steps away. Piazza Maggiore is five minutes on foot.
THE DETAILS
Where | Via San Vitale 41, centro storico
Cost | €
Sleeps | 2-4 (2 bedrooms)
Amenities | 2 bedrooms, full kitchen, washing machine, A/C, free WiFi, courtyard-facing windows
Tips | If The Arch is booked on your date, Kashmira also hosts a second apartment in the same building, The Brick Wall Bologna.
BOOK | THE ARCH BOLOGNA
BOLOGNA APARTMENTS | FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHEN’S THE BEST TIME TO VISIT BOLOGNA?
April to June and September to October are the sweet spots: good weather, manageable crowds, and apartment prices that haven't hit peak-summer levels. July and August are busy and hot, with prices to match. March and November are quieter and noticeably cheaper, though some of the terrace-heavy apartments lose a little of their appeal in cooler weather.
CAN I DRIVE TO MY BOLOGNA APARTMENT?
Likely, no. Bologna's centro storico is a ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato): a camera-enforced restricted traffic zone. Driving in without a permit results in a fine, so if you're arriving by car, coordinate with your host before you travel. Most will advise on the nearest parking; Staveco is the most convenient option at around €12 per day.
We've also flagged the a property this guide that sits just outside the ZTL zone.
ARE BOLOGNA APARTMENTS GOOD FOR FAMILIES?
Several in this guide are well set up for families. Luxury House Marchesana (three bedrooms, 100sqm, cot and high chair available) and Bright Apartment in Historic Palazzo (sleeps five, lift access — rare in Bologna's old palazzi) are our top city picks. For families who want outdoor space, G&P Luxury Villa has a private pool and garden twenty minutes from the city. Lifts are not common in Bologna's historic buildings — we've flagged where they exist in each listing.
IS BOLOGNA SAFE?
Bologna is one of Italy's more straightforward cities to navigate and generally very safe. Basic common sense applies around the station area after dark, as with most Italian cities. One practical note for apartment guests: confirm check-in arrangements with your host in advance as most Bologna airbnbs use key lockboxes or self-check-in.
IS BOLOGNA EXPENSIVE?
Food and drink in Bologna are very reasonable, but accommodation runs a little higher than you'd maybe expect.
In peak season, expect most hotel rooms to start north of £100 / $140 a night, with mid-range stays often climbing well beyond that. Apartments and private rooms are usually better value. Staying near the station or in Bolognina, or visiting in shoulder season, brings costs down noticeably.
IS IT BETTER TO STAY IN A HOTEL OR AIRBNB?
Bologna's hotel scene is growing fast, but apartments and airbnbs often remain the better-value choice, especially for groups or families who want a kitchen and a bit more space. They’re also a great way to get a feel for local life!
BOLOGNA TRIP PLANNING ESSENTIALS
OUR BOLOGNA POCKET GUIDE
Our Bologna City Guide is a curated travel guide, designed to be downloaded to your phone and used as your trusty companion when exploring the city.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll find our personal recommendations on the best things to see, eat and drink, places to stay,and things to know, gathered over many trips to Bologna.
BUY NOW | Bologna City Guide
WHAT TO DO IN BOLOGNA
We’ve put together a guide to everything you need to know before visiting Bologna, which you can read here.
If you’re looking for what to do while you’re in Italy’s red city, we’ve also got guides to the best things to do in Bologna, and Le Due Torri, plus a Bologna photography diary to inspire your travels there.
BOLOGNA WELCOME CARD
We recommend purchasing the Bologna Welcome card, a tourist card that helps you discover the best things to do in Bologna easily and cost-effectively.
The Bologna Welcome card can be purchased online or at tourist info points in town.
THE DETAILS
WHAT |Bologna Welcome card
COST | € 25
TRAVEL INSURANCE | STAY SAFE IN ITALY
If you can't afford travel insurance, you really can't afford to travel. As the current global situation has taught many people, things can go wrong anywhere in the world - and insurance is often the only way of mitigating any issues with minimal expense or stress for you.
After 10+ years of full-time travel, here's what we use:
WORLD NOMADS | World Nomads offers travel insurance for independent travellers and intrepid families. Their policies offer coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.
Get a quote from World Nomads →
PLANNING A TRIP TO ITALY SOON?
Check out these essential posts to help you plan the best Italy trip ever:
BEST OF BOLOGNA | 12 incredibly awesome things to do in Bologna, Italy, plus our guide to Bologna’s famous Asinelli Tower, and what to know before you travel to Bologna
THE MOST BEAUTIFUL WAY TO KNOW ITALY | Hiking the Via Matildica in Italy’s Emilia Romagna
SLOW TRAVEL IN SORRENTO |The joy of missing out: our week on a limoncello farm in Sorrento, Italy
DOLOMITES ADVENTURES |7 of the best day hikes in the Dolomites, including the famous Tre Cime De Lavaredo loop, a guide to Lago di Sorapis, and the Vajolet Towers, our 7-day road trip itinerary for the Dolomites, our Lago di Braies guide, and the best things to do in the Dolomites
SOUTH TYROL | 19 amazing things to do in South Tyrol during Summer, plus everything we love about the beautiful South Tyrol region, and where to stay in the Dolomites: the best hotels and guesthouses
PLAN YOUR BOLOGNA TRIP WITH OUR USEFUL GUIDES
![These are Bologna’s Best Airbnbs [2026 Guide]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a3bb03b4c326d76de73ddaa/1611746564754-PVYN1P1QGYZWXT2XZS6G/The_Common_Wanderer_-6.jpg)
Some of the links on this guide to the best Bologna airbnbs and apartments are affiliate links.
If you choose to purchase using these links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please know that by using these affiliate links, you're directly supporting The Common Wanderer to stay wandering, the running costs of the site, and our ability to provide you with free content to help you on your travels.
That, and you're officially a legend.
