Where To Stay In Bologna (2026): A Curated Guide for Every Budget and Travel Style
Where to stay in Bologna: the best hotels, boutique stays, apartments and hostels for every budget, plus an area-by-area guide to choosing your neighbourhood.
Last Updated June 2026
Bologna is one of Italy's most unique, beautiful, and underrated cities, although in the years since our first visit the secret has well and truly got out.
Medieval terracotta buildings give the city one of its beloved nicknames, La Rossa, while miles of UNESCO-listed porticoes paint the streets with light and shadow like moving artwork. Under those columns lie hidden galleries and boutiques, hole-in-the-wall bars and renowned Michelin-starred eateries waiting to be discovered - this is Italy’s gastronomic capital, after all!
On our first visits to the city, the options for where to stay felt a little lacking. But as Bologna's popularity has grown, so too has its accommodation scene, and alongside the city's grand old hotels, there's now a wave of design-led boutiques, charming guesthouses, and stylish apartments to choose from.
That's both good news and a little overwhelming, so deciding where to stay can still be a challenge - which is where our guide comes in.
Having stayed in the city many times over the years, we’ve been to the districts, stayed in the hotels, and waded through the listings to bring you the best hotels, boutique stays, hostels and apartments for every budget and travel style, including an area-by-area guide to help you choose the right neighbourhood for you.
In short, it’s everything you need to book the perfect stay in the Red City, so that you can spend your time planning the fun stuff - like what you’re going to do there!
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IN A HURRY? PLAN YOUR BOLOGNA TRIP HERE:
THE BEST OF BOLOGNA | Our guide to the best things to do in Bologna
BEYOND BOLOGNA | These 9 Emilia-Romagna day trips are worth leaving Bologna for
TOWERING HEIGHTS | Our guide to Bologna’s famous Asinelli Tower
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO | The things we wish we'd known before our first trip to Bologna
WHERE TO STAY IN BOLOGNA | AT A GLANCE
RECOMMENDED HOTELS IN BOLOGNA
OUR TOP PICK | Hotel Brun: intimate, design-led luxury on a quiet street near Piazza Maggiore
BEST LUXURY | Grand Hotel Majestic "già Baglioni": the city's only true five-star, a grande dame steps from Piazza Maggiore
BEST BOUTIQUE | Hotel Corona d'Oro 1890: layered architectural history by the Two Towers
BEST MID-RANGE | Casa Bertagni: quirky, art-filled guesthouse with an exceptional homemade breakfast
BEST BUDGET | 051 Room & Breakfast: small, central and brilliant value, steps from Piazza Maggiore
BEST APARTMENT | Charming Flat Righi: renovated one-bedroom with a terrace and a standout host
BEST HOSTEL | Dopa Hostel: handmade interiors and a community vibe in the buzzing university quarter
BEST AREA FOR...
FIRST-TIME VISITORS | Centro Storico: every major sight and osteria on your doorstep
COUPLES | Ghetto Ebraico: medieval laneways, wine bars and character
FOODIES | Quadrilatero & Centro Storico: steps from the markets and the best restaurants
NIGHTLIFE & APERITIVO | Ghetto Ebraico, Via del Pratello or the university district: the liveliest bars
CULTURE & HISTORY | Città Universitaria: home to Europe's oldest university, central and walkable
FAMILIES | Centro Storico for walkability, or the station area for space and value
BUDGET TRAVELLERS | Train station & Bolognina: the best-value stays, quieter nights
DAY TRIPPERS | Around Bologna Centrale: easy rail access to Modena, Parma, Dozza and beyond
WHERE SHOULD I STAY IN BOLOGNA? AN AREA-BY-AREA GUIDE
CENTRO STORICO
Best for | First-timers, short-stays, families
Centro Storico is Bologna’s historic heart and home to the lion’s share of the city’s famous cultural sights, world-class eateries, and famous landmarks.
It’s Bologna at its most 'Bologna': the Piazza Maggiore, where the City Hall, Basilica and market streets converge; the iconic leaning Le Due Torri; the UNESCO-protected porticoes; and osterias worth queueing for on every corner. It’s also mostly pedestrianised, which makes it very pleasant to wander through leisurely - especially for those travelling with kids!
Why stay here | You want a central, convenient base, with the major sights and best food right on your doorstep
Accommodation style | The widest accommodation range, from the Grand Hotel Majestic and design-led boutiques to guesthouses and apartments in centuries-old palazzi.
Potential downsides | Avoid booking a hotel directly on Piazza Maggiore or Via del Pratello if noise is a concern for you. Prices sit at the upper end for Bologna, but the choices are extensive.
GHETTO EBRAICO
Best for | Return visitors, nightlife-lovers, culture vultures
A maze of narrow, twisting lanes, tiny windows and curious corners, Ghetto Ebraico has a character set entirely apart from Centro Storico. This is also our favourite area to stay in Bologna!
Once the enclosed ghetto of the medieval Jewish community, it now brims with the city's hipster hangouts, vintage shopping, and colourful street art. By day, it's quieter than the main piazzas; by night the laneways come alive with hole-in-the-wall aperitivo spots that draw students and locals alike to catch up over a Spritz (our favourite, Camera a Sud, is where we whiled many an easy afternoon away). The best part is you’re still only a few minutes from the city centre.
Why stay here | Base yourself here if you want independent shops, street art and aperitivo bars on your doorstep rather than just the main tourist sights - although those are an easy stroll away too.
Accommodation style | Mostly boutique guesthouses and apartments set within historic buildings, fewer hotel options. Generally good value for how central it is.
Potential downsides | A little limited at the luxury end if you're after a proper five-star hotel
CITTA UNIVERSITARIA
Best for | Younger and-young-at-heart travellers, budget travellers
The name is the giveaway; Città Universitaria is home to Bologna's university district. Founded in 1088, the University of Bologna is Europe’s oldest continuously operating university, and the home of the city’s creative, progressive vibe.
Take a tour of the university if you have time, especially the intricately carved 17th-century Anatomical Theatre of the Archiginnasio.
Bologna’s highlights are all within walking distance, and the area has some of the best casual eating and drinking in Bologna, at much kinder prices than those in the main piazzas.
Why stay here | You’re a budget traveller and/or looking to stay in the thick of the city’s youthful and lively buzz.
Accommodation style | Budget-friendly guesthouses, apartments and hostels (including favourites like Dopa Hostel). Much better value than the Centro Storico area.
Potential downsides | As expected from a quarter full of student-geared pubs and bars, it's busy in the evenings - not the place for light sleepers or those seeking slower-paced stays.
FIERA DI BOLOGNA
Best for | Business travellers, longer stays, those prioritising space and value
This is Bologna’s business and exhibition district, where you’ll find the Bologna Convention Centre and FICO Eataly World - one of the world’s largest food spaces, celebrating all things Italian gastronomy from field to fork.
Accommodation here leans towards comfortable business and longer-term stays, including Airbnbs. The centre of town can be reach within about 20 minutes on foot.
Why stay here | You want more room and better rates, especially those travelling for business or a conference
Accommodation style | Comfortable business hotels and roomy apartments, generally cheaper than equivalent options in the Centro Storico. Practical and well-equipped rather than charming.
Potential downsides | During major trade fairs both prices and availability tighten sharply. You'll be walking or taking transport into the old town rather than stepping straight into it.
BOLOGNA TRAIN STATION & BOLOGNINA
Best for | budget travellers, day-trippers, longer stays, those seeking authentic local neighbourhoods.
The train station area, and further north into Bolognina, might not be the most attractive or historic parts of town - but they both do make up for it with affordability, convenience, and family-friendly options.
Full of local Bolognesi daily life, they’re home to some of the best-value accommodation in the city, and unbeatable transport links. Bologna Centrale connects you to the rest of Italy and Europe beyond, especially handy for day trips across Emilia-Romagna and onward adventures.
Bolognina has become one of the city's most multicultural pockets in recent years, and is increasingly favoured by younger Bolognesi.
Why stay here | You want good value accommodation, easy connections to and from the city, with easy walking access to the central districts.
Accommodation style | Mostly apartments and budget-to-mid range hotels, quieter and more spacious than central options. Great for travellers who want a local base.
Potential downsides | The immediate area around the station isn't the most appealing. You'll also be walking a little further to reach the main sights, though it's an easy and flat stroll.
WHERE TO STAY IN BOLOGNA | THE BEST LUXURY HOTELS
GRAND HOTEL MAJESTIC GIÀ BAGLIONI | 5-star
If you want to experience Bologna in style, the Grand Hotel Majestic is the address.
This is the city’s grande dame; the oldest (open since 1912) and most prestigious (a member of The Leading Hotels of the World) hotel in town, set inside an 18th-century palazzo mere steps from Piazza Maggiore. Originally built as a seminary by Bologna-born (and later Pope), Benedict XIV, it’s drawn an expectedly well-heeled set of royals, celebrities and politicians ever since its transformation to luxury hotel a century ago.
Its 106 rooms are beyond opulent; antique furniture, original artworks, fine marble and the plushest-of-plush furnishings all befitting the old-world charm and impeccable service you’d expect of the city’s best hotel. A rare 1pm checkout is a welcome bonus!
Even if you don't stay, book a table at the onsite I Carracci, one of the city's most elegant fine-dining restaurants, set beneath 16th-century frescoes by pupils of the Carracci school it's named for.
THE DETAILS
Where | Via dell'Indipendenza 8, Centro Storico
Cost | €€€
Amenities | Fine-dining restaurant, excellent included breakfast, ground-floor bar, drinks terraces, sauna/steam room and fitness area, spa services, 1pm checkout.
Tips | Book a table at I Carracci even if you're staying elsewhere, the frescoes alone are worth it
I PORTICI HOTEL | 4-star
If you like a little extra drama with your stay, I Portici is hard to beat, having been built around a restored 19th-century theatre.
Behind the historic façade on Via dell'Indipendenza, you’ll find a contemporary reimagining of the Liberty-era Maccaferri palazzo, with 91 rooms full of history; painted frescoes and period features set amongst understated, modern furnishings. It's a sleek, minimalist stay, rounded out by all the modern comforts, great service, a rooftop terrace made for morning coffee, and a couple of great onsite food options.
The real magic is found on the stage though: Ristorante I Portici - Bologna’s only Michelin-starred restaurant within the city limits - occupies the former Teatro Eden music hall, complete with gorgeous original Liberty frescoes. Here, Chef Nicola Annunziata pushes the boundaries of traditional Emilian home cooking to totally new limits.
You’ll need to book well ahead - this is the table in town. For special celebrations, ask for the old icehouse downstairs where the glass floor overlooks the old wine cellar.
THE DETAILS
Where | Via dell'Indipendenza 69, Centro Storico
Cost | €€€
Amenities | Four restaurants and cafés (incl. the Michelin-starred I Portici), rooftop lounge, bike rentals, concierge, 24-hour front desk
Tips | There’s no onsite spa (though treatments can be booked) or fitness centre - so if these are deal breakers you may want to look at other options.
BOOK | I Portici Hotel
HOTEL BRUN | 4-star
Bologna’s luxury newcomer, Hotel Brun’s doors opened in late 2023 - though its name is far from new. It’s a nod to the original Grand Hotel Brun, once the finest address in town until WWII damage shuttered it for good. Some eighty years on, the Monrif group has given the name a new home on a quiet street near Piazza Maggiore.
The focus here is intimate and intentional luxury. There are just 22 rooms across four floors, each with its own signature colour woven through, mid-century modern design and comfort-forward furnishings. Unusually for a hotel at this level, there are also proper deluxe single rooms, a rare but welcome thing for solo travellers tired of paying double!
The amenities are equally considered, from the seasonal restaurant menu and cosy bar worth lingering for another glass of Emilia-Romagna’s finest in, to thoughtful in-room touches like coffee machines and memory-foam beds. With Centro Storico on the doorstep, this is our pick if you’re all about contemporary and personal over opulence.
THE DETAILS
Where | Piazza Galileo Galilei, 4/3
Cost | €€
Amenities | Wine bar, à la carte breakfast, smoke-free rooms, lift,
Tips | Rooms are on the snug side, but solo travellers take note: the deluxe singles are a rare find
BOOK | Hotel Brun
SAVOIA HOTEL REGENCY | Luxury (4-star)
Short on time in Emilia-Romagna but want a taste of both city and countryside? Enter two of Bologna’s best hotel options: The Savoia Hotel Regency & the Savoia Hotel Country House.
A kind of two-for-one affair, these sister properties lie a minute’s walk from each other, set on a 10,000m2 park about 5km from Bologna’s centre in Fiera di Bologna. The Hotel Regency is set within an elegant 18th century villa, the Hotel Country House a restored and rustic farm village. Both offer a relaxed, comfortable stay amongst greenery, with shared access to the beautiful gardens, children’s playground, sunny terraces, outdoor pool, and onsite Garganelli restaurant serving up traditional Emilia-Romagna fare in a retro 1960s-styled dining room (sometimes with live music).
You’re not in the thick of it all here, so you’ll need to either be prepared to walk or take a taxi, but despite that this is a great option for families seeking a bit more space, or those with their own car (psst.. need an Italy car rental? check here).
THE DETAILS
Where | Via del Pilastro 2, east of the centre
Cost | €€
Amenities | Restaurant, garden, sun terrace, parking, shuttle options
Tips | Ideal if you're driving or pairing Bologna with day trips through Emilia-Romagna. Search for rental cars in Italy on DiscoverCars here
BOOK | Savoia Hotel Regency
WHERE TO STAY IN BOLOGNA | THE BEST BOUTIQUE HOTELS
In recent years, ‘boutique’ is where Bologna’s hotel scene has really come into its own, with small, character-filled hotels tucked into medieval palazzi and renaissance villas popping up all over.
Most are in the heart of the old town, and the list runs from a ‘bit of a (well-deserved) splurge’ down to comfortable value. Here are our top picks:
GREGORINI BINGHAM ART LUXURY SUITES | Luxury Boutique suites
This one’s for the true art buffs who’ve always wanted to feel like they’re staying inside their own private gallery.
Just a few minutes’ from Piazza Maggiore, this tiny (only 7 rooms!) but mighty stay has a fascinating history; restored in the 1820s by Adelaide Gregorini and her husband, English Count Riccardo Bingham, who employed Bologna’s finest artisans to finish everything from the frescoed ceilings and stucco work to the original flooring that remain to this day.
Today, the suites are as comfortable and well-equipped as they are beautiful - and stacked full of art and antiques they feel more like staying at your wealthy aunt’s stylish, art-filled home than a hotel.
THE DETAILS
Where | Palazzo Gregorini-Bingham, Via Barberia, 32
Cost | €€€
Amenities | Seven art suites, luggage storage, private parking (€25/day, includes city-centre access permit)
Tips | The Lampadina Café next door makes a great choice for breakfast. Note there's no lift: it's a reasonable (gorgeous, frescoed) climb to the top-floor suites
HOTEL CORONA D'ORO 1890 | Boutique (4-star)
Take a walk through architectural history without even leaving your room at the Hotel Corona d'Oro 1890, a restored 14th-century palazzo where medieval porticoes and ceiling beams, beautiful renaissance frescoes, and a Liberty-era grand hall all layer together with the comforts of a modern-day hotel.
Just a hop and a skip from the iconic Two Towers, it’s consistently one of the highest-rated boutique hotels in Bologna (9.4), with a lovely restaurant and bar, free bikes for guests, and warm, attentive staff that are always happy to help. It was included in National Geographic Traveller's European Cities Collection 2023, celebrating the best stays and dining across the continent.
Along with pet-friendly and accessible rooms, it’s also a decent choice for families, with connecting room options, cribs available on request and spacious suites
THE DETAILS
Where | Via Oberdan 12, Centro Storico (by the Two Towers)
Cost | €€€
Amenities | Restaurant, bar, free bikes, connecting rooms & cots
Tips | Ask about the building's history at check-in; the layered architecture is a story in itself
BOOK |Hotel Corona d'Oro 1890
ART HOTEL OROLOGIO | Boutique (4-star)
Clock by name, clock by location: Art Hotel Orologio takes its name from the ancient Piazza Maggiore Clock Tower it sits opposite. We’d add clock by nature too, thanks to the vintage clock collection dotted through the hotel too, and because it’s just the right stay for anyone who’d rather lose track of time in a city than simply run around ticking off a bucket list.
The 32 rooms are an elegant mix of classic period style meets contemporary comforts, and with most fitting a family of at least three quite comfortably, they’re surprisingly spacious for a stay this well-located. With babysitting services available on request too, it does make for one of the more family-friendly stays in the centre too.
Owned and run by multiple generations of the Orsi family since 1981 (they've also owned sister Art Hotel Commercianti, behind the Basilica San Petronio, since the 1960s), it has that unique kind of genuine, warm hospitality and service that only a family-run hotel can offer.
THE DETAILS
Where | Piazzetta Giorgio Guazzaloca 10 C
Cost | €€
Amenities | Breakfast, bar, family suites, babysitting on request,
Tips | For an ultimate splurge: book the Suite Piazza Maggiore which looks straight out over the main square, about as good a view as Bologna offers. If Art Hotel Orologio is booked, take a look at sister hotel Art Hotel Commercianti too
BOOK |Art Hotel Orologio
PHI HOTEL BOLOGNA | Boutique (4-star)
Few hotels can claim a history quite like Phi Hotel’s.
The tale begins in the 14th century as the Capel Rosso tavern, founded by the Bishop of Bologna as a refuge for Jewish travellers, going on to lodge the architects and craftsmen who built the Basilica of San Petronio by hand. Six centuries on, it’s still very much in the business of welcoming travellers and creatives - and celebrating all things art and the good life.
Today, each of the 33 rooms has been individually designed by a different illustrator from the city’s Bil Bol Bul art festival, and the hotel has been refreshed into a light-filled, colourful, uber-modern stay. The hospitality is genuine and warm, and the food is a great draw too: head to the in-house Atipico Osteria for contemporary takes on local classics, and watch the sfogline hand-rolling fresh egg pasta the traditional way at the Atipico Bottega just next door.
THE DETAILS
Where | Via de' Fusari 9, Centro Storico (behind Piazza Maggiore)
Cost | €€
Amenities | Restaurant & artisan pasta shop, working spaces, car rentals and transfer services, pet-friendly; self-catering apartments nearby
Tips | Rooms vary a lot in style, picking your individually designed room is half the fun!
BOOK |Phi Hotel Bologna
VILLA GOTTI CHARMING ROOMS | Boutique guesthouse
On the leafy (and affluent) San Mamolo hill, just south of Bologna’s centre, you’ll find Villa Gotti, the beautifully preserved 1930s Art Deco villa designed by Enrico de Angeli as one of his early works, and still considered a landmark of modern Bolognese architecture.
These days, the former private residence is a stylish guesthouse run by excellent, friendly hosts, with plenty of midcentury-modern details and thoughtful homely touches throughout.
It makes a peaceful, green retreat from the buzz of the old town, without being far from it at all; the historic centre is just a seven-minute gentle (downhill!) stroll aways when you’re read to rejoin it all.
THE DETAILS
Where | San Mamolo hill, just south of the centre
Cost | €€
Amenities | Air-conditioned rooms, free WiFi, garden, breakfast
Tips | It's a gentle downhill walk into town and a small climb on the way back
BOOK | Villa Gotti Charming Rooms
WHERE TO STAY IN BOLOGNA | THE BEST MID-RANGE HOTELS
CASA BERTAGNI
During our third visit to the city, we stayed at the uber-quirky, yet wonderfully comfortable Casa Bertagni.
A luxury guesthouse located in the heart of Bologna’s historical centre, just a short walking distance to all the major Bologna attractions. But it’s not the location that sets Casa Bertagni apart, it’s the homely, welcoming feeling as you step inside for the first time. Frequented by a succession of artists, writers, politicians and intellectuals through history, you can feel their presence inside the property, from the art-filled walls to the ornate furniture heirlooms and the uber-eccentric, colourful lighting.
The rooms are comfortable, too, large and with large windows facing onto the peaceful inner-city street. The breakfastis exceptional - a homemade selection of breads, cheeses, and meats, as well as fresh cereals, and eggs. Overall, this is where you come to enjoy the creative eccentricities of Bologna.
THE DETAILS
Where | Via Giovanni Battista de Rolandis, 7
Cost | €€
Amenities | Private parking, bike rental services, garden
Tips | Enjoy a homemade selection of breads, cheeses, meats, as well as fresh cereals, and eggs
BOOK |Casa Bertagni
HOTEL PORTA SAN MAMOLO
The place we stayed on our first visit to Bologna, Hotel Porta San Mamolo is tucked into a quiet spot about 10-minutes walk from Piazza Maggiore - close enough to all the major sights, but far enough that a good night’s sleep can still be had!
Recently renovated and restyled, it balances its traditional character while feeling modern, refined, and refreshed. The real heart of the hotel though, is the leafy courtyard garden, perfect for a slow morning coffee in the sun.
There’s a sunny breakfast room set amongst the greenery, very helpful staff (they also stored our bags for a week while we hiked around Emilia Romagna!), and all the modern comforts that make it an easy favourite for Bologna hotels.
THE DETAILS
Where | Vicolo del Falcone 6/8, Bologna
Cost | €€
Amenities | Rooms, apartments, facilities for disabled guests, lounge bar, courtyard, free bike rentals, room service
Tips | Head to the Mercato di Mezza nearby to sample some of Bologna’s finest fare
BOOK |Hotel Porta San Manolo
SAVHOTEL AEMILIA
About 15 minutes by foot from the historic centre (and barely five from the station) the Savhotel Aemilia is a great, comfortable choice if you want a bit more space and value than the old town tends to offer.
A rooftop terrace with a jacuzzi and winter garden overlooking the city? Check. A fitness room and a congress center? Check. A lavish interior and spacious elegant rooms? Check. A restaurant serving local cuisine? Check. A whole package, if you ask us.
THE DETAILS
Where | Via Giovanna Zaccherini Alvisi 16, ~15-minute walk from the centre / 5 from the station
Cost | €€
Amenities | Restaurant, buffet breakfast, rooftop terrace with jacuzzi, lounge bar, fitness room, private garage, room service, accessible rooms
Tips | Head up to the rooftop for sunset, the jacuzzi and winter garden are reason to book alone!
BOOK |Aemilia Hotel
WHERE TO STAY IN BOLOGNA | THE BEST BUDGET HOTELS
051 ROOM & BREAKFAST | budget
Proof that you don't have to spend big to stay central in Bologna, 051 Room & Breakfast (named for the city's dialling code) is a small, modern guesthouse right near Piazza Maggiore that punches well above its price.
Rooms are bright, spotless and comfy, the service is warm, and you're within easy walking distance of the old town's highlights. For the rate, it's very hard to beat!
THE DETAILS
Where | Via S. Vitale, 4,
Cost | €
Amenities | Breakfast, free WiFi, air-conditioning, complimentary toiletries
Tips | Books up fast given the value, so reserve early especially in shoulder season
BOOK | 051 Room & Breakfast
BIBLIO ROOMS | budget
If you're after somewhere with a bit of romance to it, Biblio Rooms delivers.
Set in a 1940s building a short walk from the major sights, this elegant little guesthouse layers vintage furniture and design pieces with painted ceilings, chandeliers and herringbone parquet. True to its name, a love of books runs through the stay, with each room themed around a book. It makes for a cosy, quirky stay where you’ll always feel like the main character.
THE DETAILS
Where | 15 Via Nazario Sauro
Cost | €
Amenities | TV satellite channels, tea/coffee maker, elevator
Tips | MAMBo, the museum of modern and experimental art is just around the corner
BOOK | Biblio Rooms
TEMPO BIANCO SUITES | budget
Just beyond the centre, by the medieval Porta San Felice, Tempo Bianco Suites makes for a quiet, contemporary base within easy reach of the highlights.
It’s not huge - just three soundproofed suites and a self-contained apartment sleeping up to four - with a communal living room and kitchen for stretching out. Breakfast is served in the common room, and there's a garage nearby if you're driving. Bonus, it also sits outside the city’s restricted-traffic zone, so easily accessible by car. The old town is a short stroll away one direction and a 10-minute bus ride from the central station the other.
THE DETAILS
Where | Via del Chiù 2, Bologna
Cost | €
Amenities | Suites, terrace, Italian breakfast
Tips | Have fun with different board games in an on-site game room
BOOK | Tempo Bianco Suites
ZANHOTEL REGINA | budget
Tucked halfway between Bologna Centrale Station and the old town, Zanhotel Regina couldn’t be better positioned, and is an ideal solution for those short on time but wanting to maximise every second.
This 54-room 3-star hotel keeps things clean, simple, and cheerful, with small touches (like comfy beds, generous buffet breakfast, and friendly staff) that make a real difference to a budget stay.
THE DETAILS
Where | Via Indipendenza 51, Bologna
Cost | €
Amenities | Family rooms, apartments, bar, room service, pet friendly
Tips | The hotel offers free upgrade if a superior room is available at check-in
BOOK | Zanhotel Regina
WHERE TO STAY IN BOLOGNA | THE BEST HOSTELS
DOPA HOSTEL
Dopa Hostel is undoubtedly the best - and most popular - hostel in town. Located in the city's hip University area (read: close to all the best things to do in Bologna), it’s surrounded by bustling streets filled with nightclubs, bars, restaurants and lively pubs.
There’s a ton of personality sprinkled through the interior, wood and iron mix with with bold patterns, soft colours and traditional icons. It's all about community here so 99% of things are handmade, and that spirit runs right through: there's a communal kitchen, arcade games and a library to hang out in. The included buffet breakfast is properly generous (think eggs, cheese, cured meats and fresh fruit, not just a sad croissant).
Rooms and dorms come with parquet floors, air-con and city views, and the dorm beds have privacy curtains, with some private rooms also equipped with an always-appreciated ensuite!
THE DETAILS
Where | Via Irnerio 41, Bologna
Cost | €
Amenities | Private rooms, family rooms, dormitories, luggage storage, bike rentals, free lockers, free breakfast + free coffee & tea during the day
Tips | It’s by far the most popular hostel in town, so book as soon as you have your flights sorted!
BOOK | Dopa Hostel
OSTELLO BELLO BOLOGNA | Hostel
Part of the much-loved Italian hostel chain, Ostello Bello is a very sociable Bologna hostel choice. Just 10-minutes walk from the station, and rated a near-perfect 9.46 on Hostelworld, you’ll find a sun terrace, bar, games room, and different events on every night (quiz nights, craft labs, beer pong and tours) to help you break the ice with other travellers.
Where it’s different to other hostels is that it actually does work for families too - there are private family rooms with ensuite available to book, and even an indoor play area to help burn off any last energy from little legs.
THE DETAILS
Where | Near Bologna Centrale station
Cost | €
Amenities | Private & family rooms, dorms, bar, games room, sun terrace, indoor play area, nightly events, free coffee & tea
Tips | Great for solo travellers and budget-conscious families alike. Book a private family room well ahead
BOOK |Ostello Bello Bologna
WHERE TO STAY IN BOLOGNA | THE BEST AIRBNBS & APARTMENTS
We already have an extensive guide to the best apartments and airbnbs in Bologna, which you can read here.
In a hurry? Here are some of our top recommendations:
CHARMING FLAT RIGHI | best all-rounder
Fully renovated one-bedroom apartment with a terrace, central and spotless — and host Pietro's welcome (fridge stocked with food and wine, maps, restaurant tips) is the clincher.
BOOK |Charming Flat Righi
BOLOGNA ALTANA DELUXE | best views
A 5th-floor apartment in a medieval building with a panoramic rooftop terrace looking straight over the Two Towers. The apartment is elegant and modern, while the panoramic roof terrace is perfect for a morning coffee while watching Bologna wake up.
BOOK |Bologna Altana Deluxe
BRIGHT APARTMENT IN HISTORIC PALAZZO | palazzo living
A beautifully restored two-bedroom apartment in a former palazzo, mixing original features (that exposed brick ceiling!) with mid-century furniture and modern fittings. Windows overlook the red rooftops, there's a sunny inner terrace for an afternoon read, and the Quadrilatero's street food and best Spritzes are only a few minutes’ away.
CASA PARISINI | great for families
A bright, design-led two-bedroom house in the heart of the old town, with a full kitchen, two bathrooms and everything you need to settle in. Piazza Maggiore and the Quadrilatero are a 10-minute walk, the station's close by, and there's secure parking nearby if you're driving.
BOOK | Casa Parisini
IL CUORE DI BOLOGNA | great value
A bright, budget one-bedroom wedged under the Two Towers, kitted out with everything from a Nespresso machine to a PlayStation, plus sunset rooftop views from the living room. One of the best value-for-money stays we've found, but just note it's a 3rd-floor walk-up with no lift.
BOOK | Il Cuore di Bologna
WHERE TO STAY IN BOLOGNA | FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHERE IS THE BEST AREA TO STAY?
For a first visit, base yourself in the Centro Storico, Bologna's historic heart, where you'll be walking distance from Piazza Maggiore, the Two Towers and the best osterias. For more character and nightlife, the Ghetto Ebraico is our favourite.
For better value, look to Bolognina or the streets around the train station.
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.
DO YOU NEED TO BOOK ACCOMMODATION IN ADVANCE?
Generally yes, especially in the warmer months and around Bologna's big trade fairs, when the city fills up and prices climb. The city’s popularity has also rapidly increased over the last few years, and Bologna has fewer high-end rooms than cities like Florence or Venice, so the best-value and best-located stays go early.
Book a few months ahead for summer and fair-season visits.
WHERE SHOULD YOU STAY IN BOLOGNA?
We recommend the historic centre to soak up the medieval atmosphere, but choose your spot carefully. As mentioned, we always recommend you avoid booking right on Piazza Maggiore or along Via del Pratello, where the bars spill onto the streets and get rowdy at night. A street or two back gives you the location without the noise.
The beauty of the city is that it’s a very walkable city (and one of the best ways to soak it up is on foot too) - so no matter where you stay, you’ll enjoy wandering from your hotel to the highlights!
IS IT BETTER TO STAY IN A HOTEL OR AIRBNB?
Bologna's hotel scene is growing fast, but apartments and airbnbs still 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!
READ | Our guide to Bologna’s best apartments here
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.
Here are our recommendations, based on 10+ years of full-time travel:
FOR TRAVELLERS | HeyMondo - COVID-19 coverage, comprehensive travel + medical insurance, an app with 24-hour medical support, and no out-of-pocket fees. *Get 5% off your policyby booking through our link here.
FOR DIGITAL NOMADS | SafetyWing - COVID-19 coverage, comprehensive travel & medical, and policies can be purchased while already abroad.
PLANNING A TRIP TO ITALY SOON?
Check out these essential posts to help you have the best trip ever:
BEST OF BOLOGNA | 12 incredibly awesome things to do in Bologna, Italy, Our guide to Bologna’s famous Asinelli Tower, Bologna Travel Tips
DOZZA | A guide to Italy’s most colourful hill town, Dozza
THE MOST BEAUTIFUL WAY TO KNOW ITALY | Hiking the Via Matildica in Italy’s Emilia Romagna
DOLOMITES | Our 7-day road trip itinerary for the Dolomites, where to stay in the Dolomites, how to get to the Dolomites, 7 of the best day hikes in the Dolomites, including the famous Tre Cime De Lavaredo loop, Lago di Sorapis, our guide to Lago di Braies
PHOTOGRAPHY | Love our photography? Wondering what gear we use to get all of our photos around the world? Click here to view our detailed photography gear guide, as well as our top travel photography tips!
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL | Responsible travel is important. REALLY IMPORTANT. Learn our top responsible travel tips to help you, your family and friends travel more consciously around the globe
ECO-FRIENDLY PACKING ESSENTIALS | Don’t leave home without our favourite eco-friendly travel essentials
EXPLORE THE BEST OF BOLOGNA WITH OUR GUIDES
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