Where to Stay in Bologna: Top 7 Areas & Hotels!

The many excellent places for where to stay in Bologna are sure to make your trip to the city a truly unique experience. From fabulous vacation rentals, pretty guesthouses, cheap backpacker hostels, chic boutique hotels to first-class luxury hotels, you will find a variety of excellent accommodation options. You can be sure of finding something for every taste and budget. However, since the city is made up of 6 districts, which in turn are divided into numerous smaller neighborhoods, the question arises as to where exactly to stay when you visit Bologna. After all, staying in a central location is, apart from finding the perfect accommodation, half the battle for a successful holiday! But what are the best hotels in Bologna? What are the special accommodations, and what are the ideal areas for a stay in Bologna?

In this guide, we show you the most amazing places for where to stay in Bologna. In addition, you’ll find numerous insider tips that are guaranteed to help you plan your trip.

Centro Storico (Historic Center)

The Centro Storico district, or the historic center of the city, is definitely one of the best places to stay in Bologna. Especially visitors who are visiting Bologna for the first time will enjoy this area. The central location is definitely one of the main reasons why the Centro Storico is a great choice. From here you can easily walk to many of the most beautiful attractions in Bologna, such as Piazza Maggiore, the Basilica of San Petronio, and the Towers of Bologna. This saves you time, which is ideal if you are only planning to spend a day in Bologna. In addition, the sophisticated atmosphere of the city center is wonderful, with well-preserved medieval buildings, narrow streets, long arcades and impressive squares forming an incredible backdrop.

There is a wide range of upscale accommodation in the historic center, and some of Bologna’s best hotels are located in this area. It’s also ideal if you’re planning a couple’s getaway or honeymoon. From luxurious boutique hotels and chic city hotels to charming guesthouses and well-appointed apartments, there’s something for everyone.

Best Hotels and Accommodation:

• 5-Star Luxury Hotel: The Grand Hotel Majestic gia’ Baglioni is one of the best 5-star hotels in Bologna and is definitely a good choice for that special kind of vacation.
• Charming 4-Star Hotel: The Art Hotel Commercianti is a stylish hotel with a fantastic location in the old town. The breakfast is also excellent!
• B&B on the main square: The small Casa Isolani is located right in the world-famous Piazza Maggiore. From some rooms, you can even enjoy a beautiful view!

Centro Storico (Historic Center Bologna)

Bolognia & Central Station

Charming Bolognia, which means “little Bologna,” is a trendy neighborhood just north of the city center and near the main train station. It has an alternative and artistic charm and is a great choice to experience the unique atmosphere of Bologna away from the busy center. Here you can find hip street art and graffiti, as well as vintage shops and small boutiques for shopping. In addition, Bolognia offers a variety of good and cheap cafés, traditional restaurants and cool bars for going out. Also, if you appreciate a lively nightlife, then this area is a practical option to stay in Bologna. Also, some of the trendiest hotels in the city are located here, and there are some really nice guesthouses and apartments.

Another advantage is the proximity to the main train station, especially for those who come to Bologna by train and want to stay close to the station. Depending on where you stay in Bologna, you can reach the city center in about 15 minutes on foot or by bus. Some accommodations even offer free parking!

Best Hotels and Accommodation:

• Hip Hotel with Pool: The Social Hub Bologna is one of the coolest hotels in Bologna. There is a co-working space, gym, pool, bar and the rooms are great too!
• Nice 4-Star Hotel: The 4 Star Bologna Train Station is a very nice hotel, not far from the train station and the city center. The cheap parking is also a plus.
• Great B&B: The Casa Tulù B&B is a real insider tip for staying in Bologna! It has a lot of attention to detail, a quiet atmosphere and a fantastic breakfast.

Bolognia & Central Station (Bologna)

Ghetto Ebraico (Jewish Ghetto)

A recommended neighborhood in Bologna is the 16th century Ghetto Ebraico, also called the Jewish Ghetto. It is located in the eastern part of the city center, between Via Zamboni and Via Oberdan, just a few minutes walk from the historic center. Perfect if you want to stay close to the best attractions of the old town and not be in the middle of the hustle and bustle. A highlight just around the corner are the two towers of Bologna, which are the landmarks of the city and from which you can probably enjoy the best view. A walk in this area is like going back in time, and you can enjoy the historical ambience of the Italian metropolis to the fullest. The narrow streets are also charming, with excellent traditional restaurants and cafés that give the Ghetto Ebraico an exceptional atmosphere.

The Ghetto Ebraico district also offers a wide range of excellent accommodation in Bologna. In addition to small hotels, there are some really fabulous apartments that are perfect for self-catering. Absolutely brilliant is also the good location, making the neighborhood a perfect starting point for sightseeing, going out and shopping.

Best Hotels and Accommodation:

• Fabulous 4-Star Hotel: The Hotel Corona d’Oro is located on the edge of the Ghetto Ebraico and will delight you with its beautiful rooms and fabulous breakfast.
• Fabulous Apartments: The stylish Canonica Suites are a great choice for a vacation. They are wonderfully centrally located, and the amenities are phenomenal.
• Beautiful Holiday Flats: The charming Residence le Porte offers beautiful apartments of various sizes in an excellent location next to Bologna’s famous towers.

Ghetto Ebraico (Bologna)

Citta Universitaria

(University District)

The Città Universitaria is the vibrant university district in the northeastern part of the city. It is home to many students who study at the University of Bologna, one of the oldest universities in the world. But now, thanks to its central location and many good places to stay, some tourists are also drawn to this young, hip neighborhood. The atmosphere in Città Universitaria is absolutely trendy, and it is the perfect place to experience Bologna’s student nightlife. There is a real abundance of trendy bars, cafés and restaurants that are almost exclusively frequented by students and therefore offer affordable prices. Also recommended and one of the main attractions is a visit to the Pinacoteca Nazionale, a real insider tip for art lovers and art enthusiasts.

In the university district of Bologna there are many good and especially cheap accommodation options, such as backpacker hostels, guest houses and apartments. It’s best to stay a little further south towards the historic center, as you’ll be able to get there quickly by walking.

Best Hotels and Accommodation:

• Cool Backpacker Hostel: The Dopa Hostel is a really cool backpacker hostel in Bologna. Guests love the casual atmosphere, the common areas and the rooms.
• Cute Hotel: The Albergo Rossini 1936 – Small & Charming scores with a perfect location, right in the university district. The breakfast and the pretty rooms are also top-notch.
• Charming Guesthouse: The Casa Bertagni is a mix between a guesthouse and a boutique hotel. The combination of old and new is also unique, creating a special flair.

Citta Unverstitaria (Bologna)

Saragozza & Porto

The quiet residential neighborhood of Saragozza, together with Porto, is one of the largest districts in all of Bologna. This area is well-known for the Santuario della Madonna di San Luca, located on a hill, to which a 4-kilometer-long arcade, the “Portico di San Luca”, leads along the street. From the top you can enjoy a splendid view of the city. You can also find good accommodation in this area, but you will be living outside the old town and will have to use public transport to get there. A better choice is Porto, on the northern side, which is already bordering the center again. From there, it is a 20-minute walk or a short bus ride to the old town.

Accommodation in this area is often cheap and, for the most part, has a considerable value for money. In addition, there are plenty of inexpensive or even free places for parking, and getting to and from downtown is easy as well. Furthermore, you really get off the typical tourist paths and have the opportunity to get to know the life of the locals.

Best Hotels and Accommodation:

• Fabulous Guesthouse: La Magnolia B&B is a little gem of a place in the neighborhood. Guests love the warm hospitality, cozy atmosphere, and delicious breakfast!
• Hip Vacation Rentals: The House of Alchemy is a stylish vacation rental in Bologna. It is clean, cozy, spacious and well-equipped with everything you need.
• Small B&B with garden: The Il Giardino Nel Parco R&B is a small B&B with a garden. It is located in a green residential area, 20 minutes by bus from the city center.

Saragozza & Porto (Bologna)

Santa Stefano

The charming Santo Stefano is a centrally located neighborhood perfect for an unforgettable vacation in Bologna. Accommodation in this area is suitable for both connoisseurs and first-time visitors to Bologna. It is within walking distance of the best sights, yet you stay in a pleasant environment away from the hustle and bustle of the center. There is an absolutely authentic atmosphere in this fascinating neighborhood! You will be amazed by the beautiful buildings, long arcades, narrow streets and picturesque hidden squares. There are also many delicious restaurants where you can taste the culinary highlights of the city. Not to be missed is the magnificent Piazza Santo Stefano, a magnificent town square with the Basilica of Santo Stefano of the same name.

In this charming area, you will find many unique accommodations, including small, lovely guesthouses, family-run hotels and privately owned vacation rentals. The location of Santo Stefano is ideal, a little off the beaten track, yet close enough to walk to the main attractions. Here you still have the opportunity to discover the authentic Bologna and soak up the atmosphere of times gone by.

Best Hotels and Accommodation:

• Small and Charming Hotel: The Hotel Porta San Mamolo is located on the outskirts of Santo Stefan, in a quiet area in an old town house with a beautiful green courtyard.
• Enchanting Apartments: The CASA PETRONIO APARTMENTS offer truly charming, beautifully furnished apartments in a very central location.
• Wonderful Guesthouse: The D’AZEGLIO 62 LUXURY ROOMS delights its guests with stylish, spacious rooms and a wonderful location right in the center of Bologna!

Santa Stefano (Bologna)

More Places to Stay in Italy:

• Where to Stay in Florence: 7 Best Areas & Hotels

• Where to Stay in Verona: Top 6 Areas & Hotels

• Where to Stay in Rome: Top 7 Areas & Hotels

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