Bologna

Piazza Maggiore

It had to be the largest church in the world and in the shape of a huge Latin cross, but was only completed the long arm and with the unfinished façade.

Piazza Nettuno, 3

A compact basement-level field of ruins from Bologna's past, from 2nd-century BCE Roman roads and buildings, to a 16th-century CE cistern. Metal walkways take you on a 100-m course over and around the ruins.

Piazza Maggiore 6· Free

Bologna's city hall, with a very rich collection of Renaissance paintings, sculptures and antique furniture, is a 14th-century palace. Don't miss its enormous main staircase, which was designed to be used by horse drawn carriages.

A fountain built in 1563 by Tommaso Laureti of Palermo, later embellished by Jean de Boulogne (called Giambologna). It is considered to be one of Bologna’s symbols, and renovated in 2017.

Piazza del Nettuno 1/c

The palace was built between 1244-1246 as an extension of the nearby Palazzo del Podestà. It takes its name from Enzio of Sardinia, Frederick II's son, who was prisoner here from 1249 until his death in 1272.

The last palace to be built in Piazza Maggiore. Its current Renaissance-style palace façade dates to the 16th century.

Via Fioravanti 24

An occupied ex-agricultural market where Punk-hc, rock and electronic concerts are often featured. A very cheap place, great if you don't mind the punk atmosphere. Every Thursday from 17:30, it is an organic market.

Via Paolo Fabbri, 110

An historical occupied location that host a wide variety of activities. Every Tuesday from the late afternoon there's an organic market.

Via della Fiera, 20

An Exhibition Centre near Bologna, that among other things has an International Automobile Exhibition every year.

Via Camillo Casarini, 17/5

Another occupied location that mostly features experimental music festivals and rock concerts.

Parco Nord

A big ex-industrial hangar, features dj-sets and concerts by international rock bands almost every night.

just under the bridge of Via Stalingrado

Now only seldom open. It mainly features raves and techno gigs in an industrial, darkish atmosphere.

Vicolo Ranocchi, 1/d

If you feel like picnicking on some of the cold cuts (salumi), cheeses and other fresh foods on display in the delicatessens and market stalls off Piazza Maggiore, then Osteria del Sole at a tiny street could be a perfect venue.

Via del Pratello, 11

With its checkered red and white table clothes and scribbled menus, Fantoni is much frequented by students. It serves fantastic fish secondi and an excellent ragù. The bread is homemade.

Via degli Albari, 4a

Excellent lunches with the self-service mode, fast and practical, but also beautiful dinners on Friday and Saturday with table service. Vegetarian, organic, good food with large portions, relaxing environment and kind staff.

Via Caprarie, 3a

Historic recipe, for over 40 years the same unmistakable flavor. You can enjoy pizza and aperol spritz with a beautiful view of the tower. The pizza is delicious, great variety, always fresh.

Via Calzolerie, 1d

Excellent tigelleria. Good ingredients and excellent bread. Characteristic, all kinds of menus including vegetarian. Each tigellini

Via Fossalta, 3a

A small vegetarian restaurant, choose between prepared dishes. Good healthy bowls and burgers.

Via Stalingrado 82· Pricey

A very nice hotel in the Merchant district with 99 rooms. If you are lucky enough to get a room with a balcony, you will be rewarded with an outstanding view of the Apennines in the distance.

Via San Domenico, 1· Moderate

A part of San Tommaso's college but available for booking to everyone. Good location, cheap, free and high-speed Wi-Fi. Reception is not 24 hours!

Via Indipendenza 56· Expensive

Three rooms each with a private bathroom. B&B is in an elegant apartment attic with elevator in the centre of Bologna, next to the railway station, university, and all bus lines. A rich breakfast is served by friendly owners.

Via Marco Lepido 39

The Amadeus Hotel is near the Bologna airport, in the city's nearest suburban area. 99 rooms. About 15 minutes by car or bus from the central station.

Via Cesare Battisti 29· Expensive

Two bedrooms and two studios. An intimate and stylish bed & breakfast located in an ancient building in the historic center of Bologna.

via Nosadella 19· Pricey

Beds in shared rooms with a private locker for each guest, access to kitchen & public computer, breakfast, free WiFi and map of the city. Has 1 mixed 4 bed dorm and 1 mixed 5 bed dorm. Two bathrooms. In the heart of historical city center.