Bologna Guidebook
Sightseeing
Beautiful monastery with a wonderful walk up the hills. The path is through the famous portici of Bologna.
366 locals recommend
Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca
36 Via di San LucaBeautiful monastery with a wonderful walk up the hills. The path is through the famous portici of Bologna.
Legend says that two men fighting for one woman’s love built these towers. One of the most popular places to sightsee in Bologna. Students beware! Rumor has it that students who climb up the towers never graduate.
306 locals recommend
Two Towers
Piazza di Porta RavegnanaLegend says that two men fighting for one woman’s love built these towers. One of the most popular places to sightsee in Bologna. Students beware! Rumor has it that students who climb up the towers never graduate.
A main square of Bologna with a beautiful historical church and a nearby market.
499 locals recommend
Piazza Maggiore
Piazza MaggioreA main square of Bologna with a beautiful historical church and a nearby market.
Part of the hills of Bologna. Excellent place to take a nature break with a bottle of wine, some sandwiches, and a frisbee. Check bus times to make sure you can return with public transport.
62 locals recommend
Villa Ghigi Park
105 Via San MamoloPart of the hills of Bologna. Excellent place to take a nature break with a bottle of wine, some sandwiches, and a frisbee. Check bus times to make sure you can return with public transport.
Nearby market full of fresh, authentic, and delicious Italian produce. Contains anything from parmesan from Parma and organic oranges to balsamic vinegar from Modena and fresh cumin.
300 locals recommend
Mercato delle Erbe
25 Via Ugo BassiNearby market full of fresh, authentic, and delicious Italian produce. Contains anything from parmesan from Parma and organic oranges to balsamic vinegar from Modena and fresh cumin.
I love Piazza Santo Stefano for the beautiful architecture, wonderful energy, and amazing ice cream. One of my favorite spots to meet friends!
122 locals recommend
Piazza Santo Stefano
I love Piazza Santo Stefano for the beautiful architecture, wonderful energy, and amazing ice cream. One of my favorite spots to meet friends!
Night-out
Amazing opera with fantastic plays! Would recommend for a classy evening. Check for student and senior discounts when booking tickets.
76 locals recommend
Bologna Municipal Theater
1 Largo RespighiAmazing opera with fantastic plays! Would recommend for a classy evening. Check for student and senior discounts when booking tickets.
Cortile Cafè
24a Via Nazario SauroOften has live Italian music.
Beautiful, cozy pub with nice food and eye-catching decorations.
15 locals recommend
Cluricaune Irish Pub
18b Via ZamboniBeautiful, cozy pub with nice food and eye-catching decorations.
Millenium
77/a Via Riva di RenoNearby club. Check online for events and tickets so you can get a pre-sale discount.
Food scene
One of the best ice cream places in Bologna! Close to many central squares where students like to hang-out.
Cremeria la Vecchia Stalla
14a Via Santo StefanoOne of the best ice cream places in Bologna! Close to many central squares where students like to hang-out.
Authentic Bolognese restaurant. This place is so popular, it requires booking in advance! My personal favorite is the beef tartar. Also, it’s 2 minutes from the apartment.
67 locals recommend
Trattoria da Me
50a Via S. FeliceAuthentic Bolognese restaurant. This place is so popular, it requires booking in advance! My personal favorite is the beef tartar. Also, it’s 2 minutes from the apartment.
I’d recommend the tagliatelle ragù (pasta bolognese) from here.
148 locals recommend
Osteria dell'Orsa
1f Via MentanaI’d recommend the tagliatelle ragù (pasta bolognese) from here.
Trattoria Nonna Rosa
31/b Via PiaveWonderful Italian cuisine!
Trattoria Valerio
10 Via AvesellaI recommend the lasagna or tagliatelle ragù (pasta bolognese).
Lasuite cafè
28 Via San FeliceDelicious cream-filled pastries paired with great coffee, very close to the apartment.
Caffè Terzi
10d Via Guglielmo OberdanBest coffee I’ve ever had. Divine sweets.
If you love gelato but don’t like it too sweet, this is the place for you. My personal favorite.
Venchi Cioccolato e Gelato, Bologna Via degli Orefici, Piazza Maggiore
23b Via degli OreficiIf you love gelato but don’t like it too sweet, this is the place for you. My personal favorite.
Regina Sofia
9 Via ClavatureGreat pizza!
BURŌ Cafè
57d Via Sant'IsaiaNearby co-working coffee shop with excellent wifi.
Fratelli La Bufala
7b Via Riva di RenoExcellent pizza close to the apartment.
Sfoglia Rina
5/b Via CastiglioneFresh, homemade pasta to eat or bring home as a gift!
Cremeria Cavour
1d Piazza CavourBest ice cream place in Bologna, in my opinion.
Traveler advice
Getting around
Safety in Certain Areas
Luckily, my apartment is in a safe area of Bologna. However, if you plan on going out to the center or near the train station at night, I would recommend always traveling in groups and on main streets, especially after midnight.
Customs and culture
How to Choose a Restaurant
Every great restaurant in Italy has a specialty that they make incredibly tasty. The rest of their food is not on the same level. So, I recommend going to the restaurant which specializes in whatever you’re craving that day, and sticking to that dish.