Hotels in Bologna: Where to Stay in 2025
Updated 9 August 2026 · 254 real hotels
Bologna's historic centre, with its medieval porticoes and market squares, is the most convenient base for first-time visitors. Those seeking modern comfort at a lower price point will find good value in Bolognina, the neighbourhood just north of the station. The city is compact enough that any central area works well.
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| Hotel | Area | Rating | Price / night |
|---|---|---|---|
| B&B Accorsi | Bologne | ★ 3.7 | 57 €/nuit |
| NH Bologna Villanova ★★★★ | Bologne | ★ 4.3 | 104 €/nuit |
| Appartamento il salotto | Appartement entier | — | 117 €/nuit |
| Living Place Hotel ★★★★ | Bologne | ★ 4.1 | 120 €/nuit |
| Bologna Rooms & Art | Bologne | ★ 4.8 | 121 €/nuit |
| Hotel Bologna Airport ★★★★ | Bologne | ★ 4.3 | 122 €/nuit |
| Grand Central Room | Santo Stefano | ★ 4.1 | 122 €/nuit |
| Saragozza 114 | Saragozza-Porto | ★ 5 | 124 €/nuit |
| Camplus Bononia - Casa per Ferie | San Donato-San Vitale | ★ 4.4 | 126 €/nuit |
Bologna rewards visitors who stay close to its core. The historic centre is one of the best-preserved medieval city centres in Europe: 40 kilometres of covered porticoes connect palaces, food markets, university courtyards and trattorias, all within comfortable walking distance. Unlike Rome or Florence, the city rarely feels overwhelmed by tourists, which means restaurants serve locals and hotels compete on quality rather than just location.
The city also works as a practical base for wider Emilia-Romagna travel. High-speed trains reach Florence in 35 minutes and Milan in about one hour. Motorway access is excellent for day trips to Modena, Parma or the Apennine hills. Staying in Bologna means eating extraordinarily well (this is the birthplace of ragù, mortadella and fresh egg pasta) while using a genuinely useful transport hub.
Which area to stay in Bologne?
- Historic Centre (Centro Storico): The default choice for most visitors. Piazza Maggiore, the Two Towers, the university district and the Quadrilatero food market are all on foot. Hotels here include the Royal Hotel Carlton (165 €/night, 4.6/5), Starhotels Excelsior (208 €/night, 4.6/5), Hotel Internazionale (203 €/night, 4.5/5), UNA Hotels Bologna Centro (191 €/night, 4.4/5) and Hotel Metropolitan (299 €/night, 4.5/5). Best for: first-timers, food lovers, business travellers wanting walkability.
- Bolognina: Immediately north of Bologna Centrale station, this neighbourhood is undergoing steady regeneration and has a genuine, mixed-population feel. The Elizabeth Lifestyle Hotel (186 €/night, 4.5/5) and The Social Hub Bologna (149 €/night, 4.5/5) are both here. Best for: younger travellers, longer stays, those arriving late or leaving early by train.
- San Donato-San Vitale: East of the centre along the old Roman road (Via Emilia), this residential and partly commercial zone offers easy tram and bus links into the historic core. The Best Western Plus Tower Hotel Bologna (119 €/night, 4.4/5) is located here. Best for: budget-conscious travellers, trade fair visitors, drivers who prefer to avoid ZTL restricted zones.
- University Quarter (around Via Zamboni): Technically part of the historic centre but with its own younger, livelier atmosphere. Dense with bars, bookshops and cycle traffic. Good for travellers who want nightlife and cultural venues on their doorstep.
- Fiera District (near the exhibition centre): Practical rather than atmospheric, suited to trade fair (Fiera di Bologna) visitors. Frequent buses connect it to the centre, and hotels here tend to have more availability during major events.
- Mazzini-Murri: A quiet, leafy residential neighbourhood south-east of the centre, popular with academics and professionals. Peaceful at night, good restaurant options, reachable by bus. Suits repeat visitors who know the city well.
Good to know
- Navigate the ZTL carefully: Bologna's historic centre has a restricted traffic zone (ZTL) active most of the day. If you arrive by car, confirm in advance whether your hotel can register your plate for authorised access, or park in one of the peripheral car parks (Staveco, Tanari) and use public transport for the last stretch.
- Use the Aerobus BLQ: Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport is about 6 kilometres from the centre. The dedicated Aerobus runs every 11 minutes to Bologna Centrale station and costs around 6 euros, making it the simplest option for most travellers. Taxis are metered and fixed-rate to the centre.
- Book early around trade fairs: The Fiera di Bologna hosts major international events (LINEAPELLE, Cersaie, COSMOPROF, SANA) that fill the city and push rates up sharply. Check the fair calendar before you search for dates.
- Travel in spring or autumn for the best balance: April-May and September-October offer mild temperatures, lighter crowds and full restaurant and museum schedules. July and August can be hot and some local trattorias close for summer holidays.
- Walk or cycle the porticoes: Bologna's public transport (buses and the new tram line) is reliable, but the historic centre is small enough to cover on foot. Many hotels offer or can arrange bicycle hire, which is practical on the mostly flat streets inside the old walls.
What to know about hotels in Bologne?
What is the best area to stay in Bologna for a first visit?+
The historic centre is the most practical choice: you wake up inside the porticoed streets, within walking distance of the main sights, markets and restaurants. Hotels like the Royal Hotel Carlton or Starhotels Excelsior place you steps from Piazza Maggiore, which is the natural starting point for exploring the city.
When is the best time to visit Bologna?+
Spring (April and May) and early autumn (September and October) offer the most comfortable conditions: temperatures between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius, manageable crowds and full cultural programming. Summer is warm to hot and some neighbourhood restaurants close in August. Winter is cold and sometimes foggy, but the city stays lively thanks to its large student population.
How do I get from Bologna Airport to the city centre?+
The Aerobus BLQ shuttle runs frequently between the airport and Bologna Centrale railway station, taking roughly 30 minutes. Taxis operate on a fixed fare to the historic centre. The airport is small and well organised, so connections are straightforward even with luggage.
What is the average price for a 4-star hotel in Bologna?+
Based on current availability, 4-star hotels in Bologna range from around 119 euros per night in areas like San Donato-San Vitale up to 299 euros per night in the historic centre. Most options in the central neighbourhoods fall between 150 and 210 euros, offering solid value compared to Rome or Florence for equivalent quality.
Is Bologna easy to explore without a car?+
Yes. The historic centre is compact and almost entirely walkable, and bicycles are widely used. For trips to the Fiera district or the airport, buses are frequent and affordable. High-speed trains make Bologna an excellent base for day trips to Florence, Milan, Modena and Parma without needing a car at all.
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