Piazza Maggiore, the beating heart of Bologna! More than a shopping zone, it’s where city life unfolds—morning coffee, street musicians, elderly chess players under the sun. Each scene pulses with the effortless rhythm of Italian living.













Everything you need to know about Piazza Maggiore
Hotel Patrizi is a top choice, located just a 3-minute walk from Piazza Maggiore, blending Renaissance architecture with modern comforts. Some rooms offer views of the historic façades and fountains within the square. The hotel provides free Wi-Fi and 24-hour front desk service, ideal for immersing in the authentic Bolognese urban atmosphere.
Another excellent option is Bologna City Hotel, only a 5-minute stroll away, featuring a charming on-site restaurant serving traditional ragù alla Bolognese. Both properties are near the Piazza Maggiore Metro Station, ensuring easy access to nearby landmarks like San Domenico Church and the University of Bologna.
Piazza Maggiore is centrally located in Bologna, surrounded by pedestrian-friendly streets and public transit options. On foot, you can reach San Domenico Church and the University of Bologna's main building in just 10 minutes. Take Metro Line A or buses 11 and 15 to visit the Leonardo da Vinci Museum or Parco del Monte di Bologna within 15 minutes.
The nearby Bologna Centrale Railway Station offers regional trains to Florence, Milan, and Venice. For a scenic way to explore, use the City Bike bike-sharing system to glide through historic alleys and enjoy the rhythm of this vibrant Italian city.
Every afternoon at 5 PM, Piazza Maggiore transforms into an open-air market showcasing local crafts, leather goods, and traditional treats like Gozzi and Tortellini. On weekends, the square becomes a stage for live street art and music performances by local artists.
Nearby, the Archiginnasio Library—once the historic seat of the University of Bologna—offers guided tours revealing the academic heritage of the Renaissance era. For a deeper immersion, join a hands-on family-style Italian cooking class led by local chefs, where you’ll learn to prepare authentic tortellini and ragù alla Bolognese.
Hotel delle Rose is a great value option, located just a 5-minute walk from Piazza Maggiore, with rooms starting at €90 per night. It offers clean, comfortable accommodations, free breakfast, and high-speed Wi-Fi. The small balconies provide views of narrow alleys and old rooftops.
Another affordable choice is B&B La Corte dei Venti, decorated in rustic Italian style with shared kitchen and living area—perfect for travelers seeking a homely experience. Both hotels are close to the main bus station, making them convenient hubs for visiting key sites across Bologna’s historic center.
See what other travelers say about Piazza Maggiore

Staying at Savhotel Fiera Bologna was a fantastic experience. The room was spacious, comfortable, and impeccably clean—everything you'd want from a good night's rest. The front desk staff were incredibly friendly and helpful, going the extra mile to ensure everything was perfect. Breakfast was a highlight—well-rounded buffet with a nice variety of options, including both Western and Asian choices. The location is quiet and peaceful, away from city noise, yet still close to several Chinese restaurants and easy access to public transit. It’s a great spot for travelers who want convenience without the hassle. Highly recommend this hotel for its excellent value and welcoming atmosphere.

This was my second stay at Hotel Internazionale, and honestly, I’d never consider anywhere else if I’m back in Bologna. The location is unbeatable—whether arriving from the airport or departing from Bologna Centrale, everything is within walking distance or just a short ride away. Public transport access is seamless, and the convenience of being steps from major transit hubs made planning our trip so much easier. Breakfast was exceptional—wide variety, fresh ingredients, and delicious flavors. It starts at 6:30 AM, which was perfect for catching an early train. The concierge’s car service was prompt and reliable, making trips to nearby attractions hassle-free. Everything about this hotel—from the welcoming staff to the thoughtful amenities—exceeded expectations. If I ever return to Bologna, this will be my first choice without hesitation.

Staying at the Design Club Collection was an absolute delight! The apartment was charming, spotlessly clean, and well-equipped with everything we needed. Its proximity to the city center made exploring so convenient—just a short metro ride away. What really stood out was the exceptional customer service. Through the app, we received all the essential details, and the chat feature remained open for any questions or requests. Every inquiry was answered promptly and professionally. While the price isn’t budget-friendly, we scored a last-minute discount that made it feel like a real value. Overall, a fantastic stay and highly recommended for travelers looking for style, comfort, and seamless support.

This is our fourth stay at Villa Gotti, and each time we visit, it feels like coming home to something truly special. The building is a stunning example of 1930s rationalist architecture, perfectly preserved—not just in structure, but in every detail of its interior design. So many historic buildings lose their original character through modernization, but here, everything remains authentic and intact. It’s a real privilege to stay in such a well-maintained piece of history, and I deeply appreciate the dedication required to care for a property of this caliber. José always greets us with warmth and genuine hospitality, making the experience even more memorable. This isn’t just a hotel—it’s an immersive journey into architectural heritage. We’ll definitely be back.

The hosts were incredibly warm and attentive from the moment we arrived. The stay was wonderfully relaxing, and the convenience of being just a short walk from the city center is truly priceless—especially since parking is completely free. I loved how peaceful and natural the atmosphere felt, yet everything was so close to the heart of Bologna. The room was clean, comfortable, and well-appointed, making it the perfect retreat after a day exploring. It’s rare to find such a peaceful setting with such great access to the city and free parking—this place really delivers on comfort and value. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a calm, authentic experience in Bologna.

The Affittacamere Rizzoli is perfectly located—just a short walk from the historic center, so you’re close to all major attractions and public transport options. My room was spacious and comfortable, though I did experience some water leakage during a heavy rainstorm. The staff responded quickly and promptly arranged a room change, which, while slightly lower in category, still felt well-maintained and welcoming—definitely earned them an extra half-point. The bathroom is on the smaller side, but functional. The small interior garden is charming and adds a quiet, peaceful touch. One major plus: they offer a paid parking garage, which is incredibly convenient for travelers driving in. Overall, it was a delightful stay with great value for money. I’d happily return and recommend this hidden gem to others.

Perfect location—right in the heart of Bologna and just a 10-minute walk from the train station. The room was spacious, bright, and incredibly comfortable. I loved how easy it was to explore the city without worrying about parking. Being central made every outing effortless, and the quiet, well-designed space felt like a home away from home. I’ll definitely be back—highly recommend for anyone wanting to experience authentic Bologna living.

Our stay at B&B Monte Donato was absolutely wonderful. The hosts, Hampus and Janne Carlsson from Sweden, were incredibly warm and helpful throughout our visit. We arrived by car and found street parking nearby—no hassle at all. But what made it even better was discovering that the local bus stops right at the foot of the hill, just outside the property. It’s a peaceful, quiet spot nestled in the hills, yet still close enough to explore Bologna easily. The charm of the place, combined with the hospitality, made this trip unforgettable. I’d highly recommend this hidden gem to anyone looking for a relaxing, authentic Italian countryside experience.

Stayed one night at this charming property and was thoroughly impressed. For just €70 per night, two people enjoyed a quiet, well-insulated room with excellent value for money. The bathroom is located outside the room but is private and secure—perfect for storing personal items. The mattress was comfortable, and the room was already warm upon arrival, which made a big difference in the chilly evening. The TV was modern with access to Netflix and YouTube (requires login), though I didn’t get around to using it—don’t know if there were any setup issues. In the morning, I brewed coffee and herbal tea using a high-quality kettle, and appreciated the small kitchenette with fridge—ideal for light meals or snacks. The overall atmosphere was peaceful, clean, and welcoming. The bathroom was spacious and beautifully designed, with a generous shower area. I was genuinely happy with the entire experience. Bonus: just a short walk away is a fantastic little restaurant where we had a romantic dinner—elegant dishes, reasonable prices, and great ambiance. Highly recommend both the hotel and the nearby dining spot. Would definitely stay here again.

This was the only hotel I’ve stayed at where the linens and towels actually had a fresh, pleasant scent—something I didn’t even expect to notice but absolutely appreciated. Check-in and check-out were seamless, and communication with the host was clear and friendly. No complaints whatsoever. The property is located just steps from the train station, and it’s a quick 15 to 20-minute walk to the city center—perfect for exploring on foot. The apartment itself is well-equipped with everything you need, from kitchen essentials to comfortable bedding. It’s in a quiet, safe neighborhood, making it ideal for both solo travelers and couples. If you’re looking for a clean, welcoming space with great location and attention to detail, this place delivers. Definitely a standout stay.

Staying at The Social Hub Bologna was a great experience overall. The room was clean and functional, with a particularly comfortable bed that made for a restful night’s sleep. Noise insulation is average—nothing to complain about, especially considering the hotel’s central location. What really stood out was the proximity to the train station; it’s just a short walk away, which proved incredibly convenient during strikes when taxis were scarce or unavailable. Having a 24-hour front desk was a huge plus—it gave peace of mind no matter what time I arrived or needed assistance. For travelers who value location, convenience, and good value, this place hits all the right notes. I’d definitely stay here again on my next visit to Bologna.

The apartment is absolutely beautiful and in excellent condition—clearly recently renovated with thoughtful details that really stand out. It was spotlessly clean, and we felt right at home from the moment we arrived. The location is super convenient for getting to the city center, and we appreciated how close everything was without needing to travel far. The staff were incredibly helpful, always ready to assist with any request, and their friendly, professional attitude made a big difference. Everything about our stay was perfect—we’d definitely return in the future. Highly recommended!
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