Planning a trip to Bologna, and wondering where to lodge? We’ve got some good news for you. We’ve been to Bologna multiple times over the past several years – including just shy of a week on our latest trip, and we’re here to help you choose the best place to stay in Bologna for your particular travel style and budget.
If you`ve spent any time browsing our Italian travel guides in this online space we`ve cultivated, you may have noticed there`s an Italian city we`ve become entirely enamored with.
That city is Bologna.
We do our best to ensure that everyone going to Italy – whether it’s their first or fifteenth trip – at least considers adding a day or two in Bologna (to basically spend the entire time eating, drinking, and walking).
In this guide, we’re going to do our best to explain all the information that may help figure out where to stay in Bologna depending on one`s style, budget, and preferences.
We’ll examine four great locations to stay in Bologna, providing the advantages and disadvantages of each as we see them. Then we’ll mention a few hotel, hostel, and apartment options that we came across and believe would make a good base for exploring the city.
Our aim is that, by the end of this guide, you possess everything necessary to select the right place to stay in Bologna for you and your travel companions.
Sound good to you? Let’s get into it.
Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post, like hotel links, are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we make a little bit of money if you click through and book. That being said, we would never recommend something to you that we don’t stand behind 100%.
Where to Stay in Bologna: The 4 Best Areas for First Timers
We’ll dive straight into the guide here. Sometimes, for larger cities, we include a brief geography lesson to help orient you to the areas we’re about to discuss.
But Bologna is a relatively compact city, and that’s not truly necessary here.
For each neighborhood examined below, we`ve implemented a structured approach to assist in determining suitability, with coverage of the following:
- An overview of each neighborhood and our personal experience with it. We`ve been to and explored (more than once) all the areas on this list, so we`ll try to provide a bit of our perspective on what makes each location special.
- Advantages and disadvantages of staying in this area. The factors you must consider to make your decision.
- A collection of a few places to lodge that stood out to us. Sometimes it’ll be because they have rooms with great panoramas, sometimes it’s that the hotel offers a great value given the location.
In the guide underneath, we’ve composed a comprehensive little travel manual for each of the neighborhoods we’re covering, but we’re well aware that a few of you are currently wanting to toss your left shoe at the screen, declaring “I don’t have time to read all of that, JUST TELL ME THE BEST PLACE TO STAY!”
Here is a brief overview of the guide, though reading the full section for your area of interest is advised for some favorite dining and drinking spots in the neighborhood!
- For visitors spending limited time in Bologna, around 1-2 days, opting to stay in close proximity to Piazza Maggiore is wise. This central square serves as the vibrant heart of the city, where locals and travelers alike find themselves throughout each day for various reasons. Selecting lodging near Piazza Maggiore offers maximum convenience given its situation at the core, while appreciating its lively atmosphere. When here, we stayed at Bibliò Rooms, a pleasant small guesthouse located five minutes west of the Piazza, and were satisfied with our choice.
- If you’re only staying overnight or planning a few daily excursions, lodging near Bologna Centrale station is recommended. It’s less suitable for exploring the city itself and has less charm, but it is convenient for arriving and departing, and is undoubtedly cheaper than other areas. We stayed at the Social Hub, which is somewhat of a hybrid hostel/hotel with fantastic shared amenities and a youthful atmosphere located just a three minute walk to Bologna Centrale.
- If your preference is to reside in a more peaceful, residential locale that’s still near to the core sightseeing destinations, remain close to Porta Saragozza. This was where we stayed last, and it truly offers a more familial atmosphere that is somewhat calmer than other areas on this list. However, it’s at the southwest edge of downtown and is still just 5-10 minutes from Piazza Maggiore. Additionally, it’s notably cheaper (albeit there are admittedly fewer lodging selections).
Where We’ve Stayed in Bologna
As is customary, we like to initiate these guides by discussing our own encounters in Bologna, specifically locations where we`ve stayed.
I, Matt, individually spent a few nights on our last trip, where I lodged at Bibliò Rooms, a guesthouse occupying a whole floor in a building a few blocks from Piazza Maggiore in Bologna`s center.
I really enjoyed it – though there was a musical establishment directly outside the window on the street that was playing loud melodies well into the night on Saturday (not on Sunday or Monday, though). It was a very comfortable and convenient place to spend a few nights before other people arrived to join me.
I also stayed one evening at the Social Hub Bologna, which has a good spot for day trips as it’s a three minute walk to Bologna Centrale, the main train station in town. However, it’s rather far from Piazza Maggiore and the center of Bologna, and I would likely choose somewhere else for longer visits.
We relocated to an apartment closer to Porta Saragozza, which was a particularly convenient location for our purposes because it was near the stadium (we went to see Bologna FC play) and close to the starting point for the climb up to the Santuario Madonna di San Luca (a must-visit for your Bologna itinerary).
If we were going to return to Bologna (we’re already making tentative plans for a summer 2025 trip back), we’d stay at Canonica Suites, which has a superb location just east of Piazza Maggiore and includes flats with cooking areas (Matt has Celiac Disease, and we regularly need access to a kitchen for certain meals).
Piazza Maggiore: The Beating Heart of Bologna (Our Top Recommendation)
Located in the heart of Bologna`s historic center, Piazza Maggiore is the city`s main public square and cultural and social hub. The area around the square is one of the best places to stay in Bologna if you want to be near everything the city has to offer.
The lively plaza is home to some of the city’s most magnificent structures and famous cultural sites, which includes the imposing Palazzo d’Accursio (City Hall) and the unfinished facade of Basilica di San Petronio.
The constant buzz of street performers on the square attracts crowds, infusing the area with a lively atmosphere regardless of the time of day.
The remainder of Bologna`s historic center is a maze of 16th century architecture connected by the UNESCO-protected porticoes that lend the city its unique charm. Most of Bologna`s major landmarks sit within a brief 10 minute walk of Piazza Maggiore, such as the Cathedral, Neptune`s Fountain, and Asinelli Tower.
Via dell’Indipendenza, just off of Piazza Maggiore, is Bologna’s main shopping street, while Via Pratello to the west is a major nightlife hub.
The biggest advantage of lodging in the Centro Storico is being within an easy walk (5-10 minutes) of all of the above sights and attractions.
The city`s renowned gourmet food region Quadrilatero is situated just one street to the east of Piazza Maggiore, so there are also many superb restaurants and markets in the area, meaning you won`t have to travel far to obtain something delicious to eat.
The Centro Storico likewise offers an optimum area to lodge in Bologna for those wishing to fully immerse themselves in the city’s historic charm and culture. Bologna’s historic center maintains a more authentic atmosphere than numerous other Italian cities with less focus on tourism.
Roaming the ancient arcaded roadways, you’ll notice locals going about their daily routines, rather than large tourist groups clogging the narrow paths.
However, being the most central area of Bologna, you will be paying a premium to stay around Piazza Maggiore. You won’t find many low-cost lodging options in this locale.
Pros and Cons of Staying near Piazza Maggiore
The following are the advantages and disadvantages of staying near Piazza Maggiore as we have analyzed them.
Benefits of Staying near Piazza Maggiore:
- It’s central. Remaining in the heart of Bologna means being within walking distance of the city’s premier landmarks, attractions, restaurants, and bars. Residents will have everything needed nearby (like public transportation linking to farther places explored).
- It retains authenticity. Unlike various other significant city centers in Europe, Bologna’s historical district has maintained a genuine feeling with its beautifully historic architecture and locals going about daily routines. In Italy’s larger cities like Rome, Florence, and Milan, being in the main square is overwhelmed with massive tour groups. That isn`t the case in Bologna!
- There are abundant hotel possibilities. Lodging options surround Piazza Maggiore in abundance, with a favorable assortment of accommodation alternatives.
- Travel to and from the airport is quite convenient. The journey from the airport to the city center can take as little as a quarter of an hour. The Marconi Express monorail transports travelers from the airport to Bologna Centrale station in just seven minutes. Bologna Centrale is a 20 minute stroll or a five to ten minute bus ride from Piazza Maggiore.
Drawbacks of Staying near Piazza Maggiore:
- It’s relatively costly (at least for Bologna). The central location makes the area around Piazza Maggiore one of the more expensive areas to stay in Bologna. You can get better value elsewhere in the city, but it won’t be as convenient.
- It can be boisterous. Depending on where you lodge, the Centro Storico can become fairly lively at night. Bars spill onto the streets, while students and tourists congregate around Piazza Maggiore into the early hours. If you’re staying on a main street, you may want to bring earplugs to mask out the noise.
- It’s in a limited traffic area (ZTL). Bologna’s Centro Storico is a ZTL (restricted traffic area), meaning only locals with permits can operate motor vehicles inside the old city walls between 7am and 8pm. You could end up with a sizable penalty if you enter this region without a permit. We think it’s likely best to avoid driving within the city center at all.
- Finding a place to park is challenging. Even if you do drive into Bologna’s city center outside of restricted times, parking spots are limited and costly. Most hotels don’t provide free parking for guests. You’ll need to look for private parking or the blue lines on the street where you’ll pay an hourly fee for parking.
Modern with Mountain Views (RiNo)
Stunning 2BR loft on the border of RiNo, within walking distance to Union Station, the best of RiNo, and the Lower Highlands. Lots of natural light too!
The Best Places to Stay near Piazza Maggiore
Here are a few choices for excellent places to stay near Piazza Maggiore in Bologna’s historic city center.
Art Hotel Orologio
Situated directly on the corner of Piazza Maggiore, overlooking the clock tower of the grand City Hall, Art Hotel Orologio is a tasteful and traditional family-run boutique hotel in a beautifully preserved 19th century structure.
The centrally placed hotel deposits you right in the heart of everything, with many of Bologna`s prime attractions literally at the doorstep. However, noise from the square at night merits keeping windows shut for optimal rest.
The rooms are cozy and sophisticated, embellished with traditional dark wood furniture, stuccos, wall tapestries, and antique aspects. Despite its traditional ambiance, it still has all the contemporary amenities you could need, like air conditioning, a smart TV, a safe, and a minibar.
Standard rooms and suites can be arranged with double or twin beds. Breakfast is included in the room price and served buffet style in the communal living space, while the on-site bar opens to guests each afternoon and evening.
The property also includes several more spacious apartments in a separate building located just a short distance away. These come equipped with a compact kitchen, living and dining area, and a balcony. The largest unit can sleep 5 adults, making it well-suited for groups or families seeking lodging.
Residence Le Porte
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Being located just one block away from the iconic le Due Torri buildings, the apartments provide an easy commute to many of Bologna`s top attractions like Piazza Maggiore and Quadrilatero, both within a five minute walk. Some apartments even offer views of le Due Torri towers.
There are six living quarters altogether – four one bedroom apartments (with sofabeds to suit up to four people) and two apartments with two bedrooms – all of which have full kitchen facilities and in-unit washers/dryers.
It’s worth remembering that if you have a vehicle, you won’t be able to drive here because the building is in a no-vehicle zone. They have a couple of garages 5-8 minutes away on foot that they suggest that are relatively close to the location.
Art Hotel Commercianti
Sibling hotel to Orologio earlier mentioned, Art Hotel Commercianti sits simply to the south of Piazza Maggiore, with nearby perspectives of the iconic Basilica di San Petronio.
Originally a 13th-century guild hall, the elegant 4* hotel had kept much of the architecture`s medieval charm, with vaulted ceilings, wooden beams, historic frescoes, and Gothic stained glass windows.
Accommodations are cozy and refined, with bold colors and traditional decoration. Standard rooms can sleep two, while the more spacious suites can hold two additional visitors on a sofa bed.
The hotel also provides three modern apartments in the building’s annex, with a more stylish and contemporary design than the rest of the hotel. The trendy apartments have their own kitchenette and a spacious living and dining area.
A fantastic international buffet breakfast is included in the room rate, while free bicycle rental is also offered to guests.
Art Hotel Commercianti is among the few hotels in the city center with its own private parking garage, which can be utilized for an extra fee, and is even equipped with an electric vehicle charging station.
Porta Saragozza: A Convenient (More Residential) Alternative
Porta Saragozza is a charming neighborhood surrounding one of Bologna’s ancient city gates. The area is located to the southwest of the Centro Storico.
We stayed in Porta Saragozza for a couple nights during our last trip to Bologna and found it to be the ideal balance between being reasonably central but in a slightly quieter and relaxed part of town.
The neighborhood contains historic villas situated along tree-lined streets and picturesque cafes tucked beneath ancient covered walkways. While not as busy as the historic center, it still maintains a pleasant and lively atmosphere, with locals savoring coffee and wine on restaurant terraces and children playing in the area’s abundant green spaces.
Despite its more tranquil atmosphere, Porta Saragozza sits but a brief 15-20 minute trek to Piazza Maggiore, placing you easily within reach of the many highlights of the Centro Storico.
It is also the starting point of the famous climb up to Santuario Madonna di San Luca, the grand baroque church that sits on a hilltop above the city. From the historic city gate, one can stroll down Via Saragozza and through 666 porticoes (it is the longest covered walkway worldwide) up towards the iconic church.
So what’s the downside? Well, the neighborhood sits on the opposite side of the city from Bologna Centrale. You’ll need to either take a bus or walk at least 40 minutes to reach the train station. So the location isn’t ideal if you arrive early or late or plan to take a few day trips by train.
Porta Saragozza is also a residential neighborhood, meaning lodging selections are somewhat more restricted than in the city center. It is for this reason we`re stretching the meaning here to incorporate the region a little farther east too.
Pros and Cons of Staying near Porta Saragozza
The following are the advantages and disadvantages of staying near Porta Saragozza as we have analyzed them.
Benefits of Staying near Porta Saragozza:
- It’s situated near Piazza Maggiore. The neighbourhood is just a 15-20 minute walk away from the main piazza and many of Bologna’s primary sites and attractions.
- It’s more relaxed and calm. If an uninterrupted night`s sleep is what you`re looking for, Porta Saragozza is quieter than the busy Centro Storico.
- It`s aesthetically pleasing. Porta Saragozza has no shortage of picturesque streets and cozy cafes and restaurants nestled within the porticoes.
Disadvantages of Remaining near Porta Saragozza:
- There are fewer accommodation options. Being a residential district, Porta Saragozza has limited places to stay – making the region to the east also worthwhile to consider.
- The location is quite distant from the central rail terminal. The neighborhood is situated on the opposite edge of the city from the main train station. It takes roughly 40 minutes to walk between the two places. Nonetheless, several local buses do run throughout the day.
The Best Places to Stay Near Porta Saragozza
Here are a few of our recommendations for excellent places to stay near Porta Saragozza.
Hostel Il Nosadillo – Bologna
As evening approaches, catch the splendid sunset at, or should we say “in,” the Hole in the Rock. It’s a rock formation at Papago Park that provides an unforgettable sunset view of Downtown Phoenix with a desert oasis below. For any aspiring photographer, it presents an incredible opportunity for a cool shot.
Set on a quiet street to the east of Porta Saragozza, just a 10-minute walk to Piazza Maggiore, the straightforward hostel doesn’t have any extravagant features, but does offer tremendous value for money in an excellent location.
You can decide on 4, 5, or 8 bed combined dorm rooms, while solitary feminine travelers may favor the 5 bed feminine dorm. There are no seclusion drapes, but lights and outlets by every bed and a significant locker for each guest.
Other amenities include a cozy communal living area with sofas, a fully equipped kitchen, and a laundry machine (extra fee). A small free breakfast is provided for all guests. The hostel also offers bike rental and can help book activities and excursions.
I 4 Gatti
The 4 Cats (signifying “The 4 Cats”) is a hospitable local household in a historic kin villa proximal to Porta Saragozza.
Surrounded by a lovely private garden, the guesthouse offers a warm and authentic Bolognese experience, with its traditional decor and original antique furnishings. The gracious hospitality of owner Filippo also helps establish a welcoming and cozy atmosphere.
Six rooms are spread across the property’s three levels. Most are doubles, while one room also contains a bunk bed for an affordable family stay. None of the rooms are ensuite, but there are three large bathrooms for all rooms to share.
The property also features spacious communal areas that are well-equipped, like a fully stocked kitchen, dining room, and living room furnished with a piano, television, and PlayStation 3 game console. During warmer weather, you can enjoy the expansive garden outdoors, with ample seating, a hammock, and a table tennis table available. It`s easy to feel right at home here.
Attico di Via d’Azeglio
Attico di Via d’Azeglio is situated in a peaceful residential area east of Porta Saragozza, a short distance south of the Centro Storico. Piazza Maggiore is less than a 10 minute walk away.
The contemporary bed and breakfast has a handful of lavish double and family rooms with bold colorful schemes and quirky characteristics. The spacious family rooms can sleep up to four people in a double bed and sofa bed.
Each room has a coffee maker and kettle, while the premium rooms also feature a small kitchen equipped with a stove, refrigerator, and dishwasher. Ideal for preparing meals at home using ingredients from the local market.
While there’s an option to add breakfast to your stay, it is not served on the property itself. Instead, you’ll receive a €5 voucher for a coffee and pastry at the local cafe just 100 meters down the street.
Hotel Porta San Mamolo
Additionally situated south of the Centro Storico, Hotel Porta San Mamolo lies nearer to Porta Castiglione than Porta Saragozza. However, the charming surrounding neighborhood is quite similar so we’ve incorporated it regardless. Moreover, this lodging provides a comfortable and lavish stay at a relatively reasonable cost.
This boutique hotel blends modern style with traditional charm to create an elegant base in southern Bologna. The rooms are warm, welcoming, and tastefully decorated, with spacious doubles, triples, and quadruples available.
Breakfast is included each morning in the small breakfast room or out in the hotel’s peaceful central courtyard and garden. A private on-site parking garage is also available for an extra nightly fee.
Bologna Centrale: A Convenient Spot for Short Trips & Day Trips
Located to the north of the Centro Storico, Bologna Centrale is the city’s primary train station and a major transportation hub within Italy.
The main reason to stay near Bologna Centrale is purely practical considerations.
The central station area is best for staying in Bologna if planning to use the city as a base for exploring the wider region on day trips without needing to frequently travel back and forth to the station.
Bologna Centrale train station connects conveniently to many other cities and towns in the Emilia-Romagna region through local trains. Fast trains also reach numerous Italian cities in under 90 minutes such as Florence, Milan, Verona, and Venice.
- Starting point of the trail: Snow Lake Trailhead
Besides its convenient location, Bologna Centrale lacks other advantages. It`s not the most attractive neighborhood and has a deficiency of good restaurants and bars (though some exist northeast in Bolognina).
However, accommodations do tend to be a little more affordable in this location.
If lodging near the train station, you’ll need to travel into the historic center to experience the city’s iconic attractions and renowned cuisine scene. Luckily, Piazza Maggiore is only a 15-20 minute walk and local buses are affordable and abundant. Local buses are also cheap and plentiful.
Staying near Bologna Centrale train station provides a budget-friendly option compared to the city center, with easy transportation access and a calmer environment while still being close to top attractions.
Pros and Cons of Staying near Bologna Centrale
Below are the positives and drawbacks of staying near Bologna Centrale as we analyze them.
Benefits of Staying near Bologna Centrale:
- It’s Conveniently Located. Near the main train station for taking day trips from Bologna. There are also plenty of buses to move around the city.
- Staying close to public transportation provides financial benefits. Lodging near the station is more affordable and value-oriented. Good for those watching expenses.
- It’s located in close proximity to the Centro Storico. From the station, you can easily walk to Piazza Maggiore in around 15-20 minutes (or take a crowded 5-10 minute bus ride).
Disadvantages of Staying near Bologna Centrale:
- It’s not the nicest neighborhood. Compared to the Centro Storico, the station area is not the most charming or historic part of town. Our walking tour guide pointed out a couple of buildings that were outfitted with an added facade to make them look more attractive as you step out of the train station, which is kind of funny to us.
- There aren`t too many high-quality dining options. Amenities here have more constraints than closer to Piazza Maggiore, though Bolognina is known for its well established culinary scene.
The Best Places to Stay near Bologna Centrale
Here are a few highly recommended places to lodge near Bologna Centrale.
UNAHOTELS Bologna Centro
UNAHOTELS Bologna Centro is a stylish and contemporary hotel located across from Bologna Centrale. It’s among the nearest hotels to the station, making it extremely expedient and simple to hop a train whenever needed.
Accommodations are spacious and stylish, with bold colors and straightforward yet contemporary design features. Most rooms include doubles or twins, while a small bed can be added to some rooms to accommodate an extra child.
A breakfast buffet is offered each morning in the main dining room, with pastries, cakes, fruit, and a selection of hot foods. You can also enjoy an afternoon drink at the hotel bar or outside on the summer terrace.
Starhotels Excelsior
Right next to UNAHOTELS, Starhotels Excelsior is another sizable hotel, but with a slightly more classic and refined atmosphere than its neighbor.
It’s also one of the best lodging alternatives in Bologna for families.
Most of these rentals have full kitchens. Most have internet access (free wifi) and either a washing machine/dryer or private pool or hot tub. Book very in advance as the best places fill over 6 months ahead.
Families with older children and teenagers can make the most of interconnected rooms, allowing a little extra space and privacy.
While the rooms have a classical and elegant design, the rest of the hotel has been newly renovated with a modern and stylish style.
The fashionable restaurant serves a daily breakfast buffet, as well as a menu of regional delicacies throughout the day. The hotel also has a casual cocktail bar and an on-site fitness center.
NH Bologna De La Gare
NH Bologna De La Gare is located just outside the central station, along Via dell’Indipendenza, Bologna’s main shopping road, and overlooking Parco della Montagnola, the city’s oldest public park.
The large hotel provides modern rooms with a clean and minimal design as well as numerous essential amenities such as a flat-screen television, minibar, hairdryer, and safe.
While the regular rooms are a bit confined, the deluxe and superior rooms are just a small amount extra and offer ample space, like a small sitting area and desk. A handful of spacious suites sit on the top floor and have extensive terraces with amazing perspectives over the city.
The on-site Amarcord Restaurant offers stylish all-day dining featuring abundant colorful modern art and bold furnishings.
During the morning you can benefit from a varied breakfast buffet (additional fee). Then for lunch and dinner, the restaurant offers a fantastic menu of conventional specialties like homemade pasta, alongside many international dishes.
There is also an elegant lobby bar for beverages and light snacks.
The Social Hub (Where We’ve Stayed)
The Social Hub (formerly The Student Hotel) is a cool, modern hotel to the north of Bologna Centrale. It’s an affordable and social choice for young persons, remote workers who are doing a work/travel hybrid, or those considering an extended stay in Bologna.
Despite being more remote from the main attractions of the Centro Storico, the hotel remains worth considering for its novel design, young and energetic atmosphere, and innovative array of facilities.
The hotel rooms are styled like college dorms, with vibrant and colorful decor, banners overhead the bed, and a bulletin board filled with quotes above the desk.
The basic rooms are surprisingly budget-friendly given their spaciousness. Unique and more affordable suites are also available compared to most standard accommodations in the Centro Storico district.
One thing we love most is that The Social Hub isn’t just a hotel. Known as a “hub for the creative and bold,” the welcoming community space attracts locals, tourists, students, and entrepreneurs to enjoy its many public areas and events.
You can get some work done in the coworking space, go for a soak in the large rooftop pool, hang out at one of the restaurants and bars, or enjoy the weekly schedule of events and workshops.
Additional hotel amenities include a large modern gym, games area, laundry room, communal kitchens, and bike rental for guests.
The hotel attracts many local university students and long-term guests, creating a great place to meet others during an extended stay.
The University District: A Lively, Young Area
As the name implies, the University District is home to Bologna’s historic institute of higher education. Established in 1088, Bologna’s University is the world’s oldest continuously active place of scholarship.
Today, the neighborhood still serves as where you’ll find much of the city’s sizable student populace, giving it a youthful and lively atmosphere.
The university district is ideal for younger budget-minded travelers searching for an affordable and lively place to stay still reasonably close to downtown attractions.
During the day, you can explore the numerous libraries and museums (don`t miss Museo di Palazzo Poggi). Then by night, fully immerse yourself in the area`s lively nightlife scene, with many pubs and bars frequented by students and travelers alike.
Many of the bars remained open late into the night, with groups drinking on the terraces and streets into the early morning hours. Do not expect an early bedtime if staying in the area – or make sure to bring some earplugs for noise blocking.
Located to the east of the Centro Storico, the neighborhood offers budget-friendly lodging within easy reach of the city’s main attractions and amenities. Piazza Maggiore sits just a 15 minute walk away, while Bologna Centrale station is approximately a 15-20 minute walk.
The only major Bologna attraction that’s not as accessible from the university district is the climb up to Santuario Madonna di San Luca. The famous covered walkway begins on the opposing edge of the city, adding an extra 30 minute walk each way onto the iconic pilgrimage.
Pros and Cons of Staying Near the University
Here are the pros and cons of staying near the university as we see them.
Advantages of Lodging Near the University:
- It’s less expensive than other parts of Bologna. The district offers more affordable lodging options than other sections of the city center.
- It’s vibrant. With a large student population, the neighborhood is one of the busiest and most energetic in all of Bologna, particularly at night.
- Good selection of food and drink options. There are many restaurant and bar choices, particularly inexpensive ones.
Disadvantages of Lodging Near the University:
- It’s busy and lively. If it’s a peaceful and low-key stay you’re looking for, this probably isn’t the area for you. The university district can be pretty active throughout the day and night.
- The neighborhood is located farther from some significant attractions within the historic center, placing them at a more distant point from major sites such as the columned passageway leading to the Sanctuary of San Luca.
The Best Places to Stay Near the University
Here are a few of our selections for the best places to stay near Bologna University.
Good Morning Bologna
The Good Morning Bologna is a small, locally possessed guesthouse (they contact it “Space and Breakfast” or “R&B,” which we got a kick out of) with a area on Via Marsala neighbouring the University.
The location here is excellent as it`s on the border between the University and main city center around Piazza Maggiore, so you can experience the lively student vibe and convenience of staying in central Bologna at a comparatively lower price than locations within a few blocks of the main square.
This location has a mix of hotel-style rooms in different configurations, and they also have an annex with apartments that include kitchens, if that’s what you’re looking for.
The rooms are stylish and compact, and the rate includes a breakfast buffet with sweet and savory options, along with light snacks and tea and coffee throughout the day.
It`s worth noting that all of their rooms do include some form of secondary seating (other than the bed), which we always appreciate.
Almarossa
For a more private stay in Bologna’s university precinct, Almarossa offers a variety of affordable rooms and apartments just 500 meters from Bologna’s University.
All situated within the same building, Almarossa has cozy double rooms, as well as modern studios and spacious one-bedroom apartments.
Each rental provides a well-supplied kitchenette, dining table, and seating region. While nothing too flashy, the rentals offer exceptional value for the money for those who take pleasure in having some extra space to make themselves comfortable.
Some rooms have a private balcony. But even without your own balcony, you can still enjoy sunshine in the building’s shared garden and terrace.
Aemilia Hotel
Aemilia Hotel sits across the main perimeter roadway (the road that surrounds Bologna’s city center) from the university vicinity, a little further away from the Centro Storico. But despite being more remote, the hotel is highly ranked and worth considering if a quieter local region appeals to you.
The 4* hotel is contemporary and sophisticated, with a refined and elegant design that underwent extensive recent renovations.
In addition to its spacious and stylish rooms, the property boasts an upscale Italian restaurant, a welcoming lounge bar, and two terraces – one offering spectacular perspectives over the city’s rooftops.
The hotel is found just outside the ZTL (limited traffic zone), making it a great pick if you’re traveling with a vehicle. A private underground car park is available below the hotel for an extra payment.
From the hotel, you can easily walk to Piazza Maggiore in around 20-25 minutes.
Dopa Hostel
For the most affordable lodging, you can get a bed in a dormitory of 4, 6, or 8 beds for mixed genders or a 6 bed dormitory for females. The bunk beds are spacious and offer a good level of privacy, with a high wooden separator and full-length curtain. Each guest gets a locker and a private cabinet with hangers.
Some double and triple rooms are also available for a little more solitude. Only the doubles have an en-suite bathroom.
The hostel`s warm common area helps guests feel right at home, with board games, literature, and musical instruments available for enjoyment. Visitors can prepare their own meals in the shared kitchen, while the hostel regularly organizes group dinners to aid in connecting with other travelers.
An Italian-style breakfast is offered for free to all guests (think pastries, fruit, yogurt, and things like that), while tea and coffee are available throughout the day.
