A full guide to where to stay in Bologna, Italy (+ the best places in the city centre, near the train station, and hotels with parking).
Centrally located in northern Italy, Bologna is a fantastic base for exploring the Emilia-Romagna region. This beautiful medieval city is packed with history, charming piazzas, and let’s be honest – some of the best food in Italy. In this guide, I’m sharing the best places to stay in Bologna, whether you’re visiting by car, need easy access to the train station, or want to be right in the historic city centre. You’ll also find a few excellent options outside Bologna if you’re looking for more space or a quieter base.
Where I stayed in Bologna
Whenever I visit Tuscany or Emilia-Romagna, I always pass through Bologna. The reason is simple – it’s the most convenient Italian city to fly into for both regions. That’s why I’ve been to Bologna dozens of times. But no matter how often I return, I always stay in the city centre (centro storico), right between Piazza Maggiore and Bologna Centrale train station. This area has everything – walking distance to all the main attractions and the station, plus plenty of great restaurants for a night out.
💖 My favourite hotel in Bologna: Hotel Brun
Perfect for: exploring Bologna – just steps from Piazza Maggiore and the city’s iconic attractions
What I loved: spacious rooms with very comfy beds and a complimentary minibar
Check details & prices: Booking.com | Expedia
I discovered Hotel Brun a few years ago, and it’s been my go-to place to stay whenever I’m in Bologna. The hotel has recently been renovated, the rooms are modern, and the beds, honestly, are some of the best I’ve ever slept in. The minibar and breakfast are complimentary, and I loved the little touches, like the chocolate and personalised note on the bed. Plus, even though it’s very centrally located, just a few minutes’ walk from all the iconic sites, it’s very quiet.
Readers’ most booked hotel in Bologna
Looking for the perfect place to stay in Bologna? With over 2,000 happy guests, Art Hotel Commercianti combines a quiet stay with an unbeatable location just steps from Piazza Maggiore.
Art Hotel Commercianti – Most booked hotel
Tucked away on a quiet side street just off Piazza Maggiore, Art Hotel Commercianti is a fantastic choice for first-time visitors. Set in a historic building, the hotel is full of charm, with rooms featuring vaulted ceilings, wooden beams, and unique artwork. Some even come with balcony views of the beautiful stained-glass windows of the Basilica of San Petronio. Plus, the breakfast is excellent with a big selection of local cold cuts and cheeses.
Where to stay in Bologna (My top picks)
- Centro Storico – for first-timers (Hotel Corona d’Oro 1890 – best hotel in the historic centre)
- Bologna Centrale – for one night (Starhotels Excelsior – best hotel near the train station)
- Outside Centro Storico – if you’re travelling by car (Hotel Carlton – best hotel with parking)
- Nearest hotel to Bologna Airport – FlyOn Hotel & Conference Center
- Best place to stay near Bologna – PHI Hotel Canalgrande in Modena
Tips for booking a hotel in Bologna
Book early – while Bologna isn’t a major tourist destination, it hosts numerous conferences, trade shows, and events that can fill hotels quickly. If you’re visiting between March and May or September and October, make sure to book your accommodation as early as possible.
Visiting the city for the first time? Check out my complete Bologna itinerary, covering all the must-see sights and the best spots to try the iconic tagliatelle alla Bolognese.
Centro Storico – where to stay in Bologna for first-timers
Bologna is officially divided into six administrative districts, known as quartieri. But if you’re visiting as a tourist, the historic city centre is where you’ll spend most of your time. If you take a look at a map, you’ll see a hexagon right next to Bologna Centrale, the main train station. That’s where the historic city centre is located.
The best place to stay in Bologna is Centro Storico, the historic city centre. You’ll be steps away from top sights like the Fountain of Neptune, Basilica of San Petronio, and the medieval towers. From browsing the stores on Via Rizzoli and Via dell’Indipendenza to hanging out at the local restaurants and bars on Via Pratello, this area really has it all. Foodies will love the location too, as Mercato di Mezzo, the city’s oldest food market, is right here. For first-time visitors, it’s hard to beat, unless you’re travelling by car, but we’ll get to that later.
Piazza Maggiore is the heart of Centro Storico, and most of the city’s attractions and restaurants are just a short stroll away. I usually recommend staying somewhere between Piazza Maggiore and Bologna Centrale. This way, you’re close to all the main sights while still within easy walking distance of the train station. It’s ideal if you plan to explore beyond the city or need a quick connection to the airport.
Staying between Piazza Maggiore and Bologna Centrale is really important if you’re planning several day trips around Emilia-Romagna and travelling without a car. If you stay farther south of Piazza Maggiore, you’ll be looking at more than a 20-minute walk just to get to the train station for trips to Modena, Parma, or Ravenna. And trust me, that’s not how you want to start your day at 7 AM when you’re half-awake and rushing to catch an early train.
Why stay in Centro Storico for first-timers
- Centro Storico is the best area to stay in Bologna – everything from the Fountain of Neptune to the medieval towers is just around the corner
- plenty of restaurants right on your doorstep – try La Prosciutteria for cold cuts and cheeses, and Trattoria del Tempo Buono or Sfoglia Rina for excellent tagliatelle al ragù
- great for day trips, as Bologna Centrale is just a short 15-minute stroll away, offering direct connections to Venice, Milan, and Florence
Best hotels in Centro Storico
Hotel Corona d’Oro 1890 – Most popular 4-star
Perfectly located in a traffic-free area of the Centro Storico, the hotel sits just steps from the iconic Two Towers. It’s housed in a historic building, complete with panelled ceilings and beautifully preserved Renaissance frescoes. There’s also a great Italian restaurant on site, Casa Azzoguidi, where you can try proper Bolognese classics along with local and regional dishes.
Art Hotel Orologio – Best rated 4-star
Overlooking Piazza Maggiore and the Basilica of San Petronio, this hotel makes a fantastic base for exploring Bologna. The rooms are elegant but comfortable, with dark-wood furniture, quiet, and many offering city views. There are also a few apartments available, ideal if you’re after a bit more space.
Grand Hotel Majestic gia’ Baglioni – Best 5-star
If you’re looking to treat yourself, Grand Hotel Majestic già Baglioni is the city’s only five-star hotel – and honestly, it’s worth it. Set inside an 18th-century palace, it’s all frescoed ceilings, antique furniture, marble, mirrors, and glittering Murano chandeliers. It really does feel like staying in a royal residence. There’s also a lovely spa with a sauna and hammam, plus a historic cellar worth checking out. And make sure to book a table at I Carracci Restaurant, too – the Italian and Mediterranean dishes are amazing, and the setting is just stunning.
Hotel Cavour – Best 3-star
For a budget-friendly stay, Hotel Cavour is a great choice. Tucked on a quiet side street off Via Indipendenza and just steps from Piazza Maggiore, this hotel occupies a 16th-century palace complete with tiled floors and an inner courtyard. Plus, the breakfast is really good.
Palazzo Scappi Gardi Luxury Apartments – Best apartment
If you want a bit more space, these apartments are perfect. Located in a historic building right in the heart of Centro Storico, they’re modern, spacious, and even have a sauna on-site. Plus, self-check-in and check-out make everything super easy.
Bologna Centrale – best area to stay in Bologna for one night
Located at the northern edge of the historic centre, Bologna Centrale is the city’s main railway station. And for many visitors, it’s also their very first taste of the city. In fact, it’s Italy’s fifth-busiest station, handling tens of millions of passengers each year. The station offers direct high-speed Frecciarossa connections to cities like Milan, Venice, and Florence.
Bologna Centrale is a great area to stay if you’re in town for just one night or have an early train to catch. From here, the heart of the old town (think Piazza Maggiore and the Two Towers) is about a 15–20 minute walk. Just follow the porticoes along Via Indipendenza to Piazza Maggiore and enjoy a bit of window shopping along the way. You’ll also have easy access to Guglielmo Marconi Airport by taking the Marconi Express shuttle straight from the station.
Why stay near Bologna Centrale for one night
- the best area to stay in Bologna for a one night, thanks to easy train and airport connections
- all the main sights, including the Two Towers and Basilica of San Petronio, are within walking distance
- Guglielmo Marconi Airport is easy to reach – just take the Marconi Express shuttle from the station
Best hotels near Bologna Centrale
Starhotels Excelsior – Best 4-star
Located just across from the train station, Starhotels Excelsior is one of the most convenient options. The rooms are spacious and quiet, ideal for a comfortable overnight stay. There’s a lovely Italian restaurant, Avorio, serving classic local dishes, and a great bar, Fondente, for cocktails. Breakfast is a treat too, with plenty of options plus an à la carte menu where you can get omelettes and pancakes made just the way you like.
Mercure Centro – Second best 4-star
Located just across from the train station, Mercure Hotel is another great choice for a short stay. The rooms are spacious, and some offer lovely views of the hotel’s garden. Breakfast is decent, with plenty of options – from hot dishes to pastries and cakes.
Hotel Atlantic – Best 3-star
For a budget-friendly stay near the train station, Hotel Atlantic is the best option. The rooms are simple but clean, comfortable, and quiet. Everything is within walking distance, including the train station, the main city square, Piazza Maggiore, and plenty of affordable restaurants nearby.
Outside Centro Storico – where to stay in Bologna with a car
In Bologna, much of the beautiful historic centre falls within a Zona a Traffico Limitato (ZTL). This restricted traffic zone helps keep the city centre quieter and cleaner. Unless you live there, have a permit, or are staying at a city-registered hotel, you won’t be able to drive around freely.
The whole area is watched by cameras (called Sirio) at all the main entrances, so even if you think you’re just popping in for five minutes, you’ll probably get caught. To make things trickier, ZTL signs aren’t always obvious, especially if you’re relying on GPS instead of watching the Italian road signs.
The ZTL is split into three zones – Zona Sirio, Zona T, and Zona Universitaria. Zona Sirio is the main historic-centre area – the one most people mean when they talk about the ZTL. On a map, it’s the hexagon I mentioned earlier. Zona T is a T-shaped area in the city centre, covering Via Rizzoli, Via Indipendenza, and Via Ugo Bassi, while Zona Universitaria surrounds the university district.
You can enter Zona Sirio if you’re staying at a hotel in the area, but the hotel must register your license plate with the city office. Be careful not to drive into Zona T or Zona Universitaria, as these areas have stricter restrictions and fines apply.
With this in mind, I definitely suggest staying outside the city centre if you’re arriving by car. This way, you can avoid accidentally driving into the ZTL. Plus, you’ll still be within walking distance of the main attractions and Piazza Maggiore.
Why stay outside Centro Storico with a car
- avoid LTZ fines – the Limited Traffic Zone (Zona a Traffico Limitato, LTZ) is strictly enforced, and the signs aren’t always obvious
- easier parking – parking in the historic centre can be expensive or nearly impossible to find. Outside the centre, you’ll have more options at lower costs
- still walkable – staying just outside the Centro Storico means you’re still only a 20-minute walk from Piazza Maggiore and the main attractions
Best hotels in Bologna with parking
Royal Hotel Carlton – Most popular 4-star
Located right on the edge of the ZTL zone, Royal Hotel Carlton is ideal if you’re travelling by car. It’s super convenient – sitting between the main train station and Piazza Maggiore, so everything’s easy to get to. The underground parking is paid, but easy and convenient. The spa is a real treat, with a Finnish sauna, bio-sauna, and Turkish bath. And don’t miss the Spoon Restaurant – the all-glass wine cellar is totally worth checking out.
Savhotel Aemilia – Best rated 4-star
Savhotel Aemilia is another excellent choice if you’re travelling by car. Even though it’s just outside the LTZ, the historic centre is still really close – about a 15-minute walk, or 25 minutes to Piazza Maggiore. The hotel offers secure underground parking for a fee, with plenty of space. On top of that, there’s a rooftop terrace with amazing views over Bologna, plus a lovely Gurmè Restaurant, serving classic Italian dishes.
Best hotels in Bologna near the airport
Bologna’s Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ) is just 6 km (about 3.7 miles) from the city centre and super easy to reach. The Marconi Express shuttle will get you to Bologna Centrale, the main train station, in under 10 minutes. If you’re thinking taxi, expect to pay around €30. For two people, a taxi is almost the same price as two shuttle tickets, so it’s worth weighing your options before deciding.
Since Guglielmo Marconi Airport is so close to the city centre and taxis are fairly cheap, I don’t recommend staying nearby, even for an early flight. Actually, there isn’t a single hotel within walking distance of the airport. All the hotels require a taxi, which will cost around €20-25, hardly any cheaper than taking one from the city centre. So staying near the airport kind of defeats the purpose when you still can’t walk. It’s usually easier to grab a taxi from the city centre for just a little extra.
That said, if you’d prefer to stay nearby for peace of mind, here’s the closest hotel to Guglielmo Marconi Airport.
FlyOn Hotel & Conference Center – Nearest to the airport
Just a few minutes’ drive from the airport, this is the closest hotel. There’s a free shuttle in the mornings, but at other times, a taxi will cost you around €20. You can’t really walk there, since there’s no pedestrian path. The rooms are spacious and quiet – perfect for an overnight stay. Breakfast is decent, and the on-site restaurant, Restaurante Il Patio, serves classic Bolognese dishes.
Best places to stay near Bologna
For me, Bologna is the perfect base for exploring Emilia-Romagna. It’s not overrun with tourists, has tons of amazing restaurants, and plenty of sights to keep you entertained. Plus, getting around is super easy – trains to the rest of Italy are quick, and the airport’s nearby if you need it. However, if Bologna is booked up or a bit pricey when you’re planning to go, no worries – I’ve got you covered.
If you’re looking for a place to stay near Bologna, here are three fantastic towns I’d recommend:
- Modena – a must if you’re all about incredible Italian food (easy to reach by train or car)
- Ferrara – a charming small town with plenty of sights to explore (also convenient by train or car)
- Castel San Pietro Terme – ideal for a peaceful countryside escape, plus it’s famous for its thermal baths (best if you’re travelling by car)
Now, let’s dive into the details so you can choose the best spot for your stay. Each town has its pros and cons.
Modena and Ferrara
Both Modena and Ferrara are perfect if you’re travelling by train, as they’re on the high-speed Frecciarossa line. Modena is on the line to Milan, while Ferrara heads toward Venice. Both are small, charming towns with hardly any tourists, and you can get there in about 20–30 minutes by train or a 40-minute drive. If you’re deciding between the two, here’s the breakdown.
Pick Modena if you’re a true foodie. It’s not only the birthplace of world-famous balsamic vinegar, but also home to Michelin-starred gems like Osteria Francescana. On the flip side, sightseeing options are limited. That said, car enthusiasts will love it, as Modena is home to iconic brands like Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Maserati.
Now, about Ferrara. I have to admit, I’m a bit biased as it’s one of my favourite small Italian cities. It’s a true hidden gem, with hardly any tourists, a medieval castle, and an amazing art museum, Palazzo dei Diamanti. Stay here if you’re looking for a charming medieval town off the beaten path, packed with historic attractions.
With that in mind, here are my hotel recommendations for staying near Bologna.
PHI Hotel Canalgrande – Best hotel in Modena
Just steps from the Cathedral and a 20-minute walk from the train station, this hotel is a great base for exploring Modena and beyond. Set inside a beautiful 18th-century palace, it’s full of character, with frescoed ceilings and elegant stucco details. There’s also a lovely terrace with a garden, plus private parking if you’re driving.
Princess Art Hotel – Best hotel in Ferrara
Perfectly situated in the heart of Ferrara, just a 10-minute stroll from the Cathedral and Estense Castle. The rooms are very charming, with antique furniture and beautiful exposed wooden beams. Plus, there’s also free street parking if you’re coming by car.
Castel San Pietro Terme
Castel San Pietro Terme is the closest to Bologna, just a 30-minute drive. It’s a small, off-the-beaten-path town, best known for its thermal baths. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a peaceful countryside retreat. The downside is that there’s very little to do in terms of sightseeing. Most hotels are concentrated in Viale Terme, the spa area, rather than the historic city centre, which means a 40-minute walk to the train station. So, even though the town is only about 20 minutes from Bologna by regional train, having a car is definitely recommended to get around.
Hotel Castello – Best 4-star hotel
Located on Viale Terme, just outside Castel San Pietro Terme’s historic centre, this hotel is surrounded by rolling green hills. It has a historical connection to Ayrton Senna, the legendary Formula 1 driver, who stayed here when visiting Imola. You’ll get free parking and super easy access to the A14 highway. Also, don’t miss their restaurant’s specialities, like agnellone and friggione. And if you want some extra fun, there’s a golf club and swimming pool just a five-minute walk away.
FAQs about where to stay in Bologna
For first-time visitors, the best area to stay is Centro Storico, the historic city centre. Everything’s within walking distance, from the iconic Two Towers and Piazza Maggiore to plenty of great restaurants and bars.
Bologna is generally very safe, but it’s best to be a bit cautious around Bologna Centrale, the central railway station, late at night. During the day, it’s perfectly fine, with plenty of hotels and people around. For the best experience, stick to the Centro Storico.
If you’re visiting Bologna without a car, the best location is the Centro Storico, ideally between Piazza Maggiore and Bologna Centrale. You’ll be within walking distance of the main attractions and restaurants. Plus, it’s super easy to catch a train or the Marconi Express shuttle to the airport.
No doubt, Florence is the better choice for a first-time visitor. While Bologna has its charm, it can’t compare to a city like Florence, home to world-famous sights like the Duomo, Uffizi, and Ponte Vecchio. Plus, Bologna can be explored in a day, but Florence deserves at least a week to really experience everything it has to offer.
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