Piazza Maggiore

Best Hotels with Children's Playground Near Piazza Maggiore

Piazza Maggiore is Bologna’s beating heart—the pulsing center where life unfolds in every shade of daylight. Whether it’s the quiet morning hum of espresso being poured or the evening laughter echoing around the fountain, stories are always in motion. At its core lies the Crypt of San Domenico, a Baroque masterpiece carved from marble, where grandeur meets devotion. Sit on a bench, watch sunlight dance across ancient columns, and listen to distant church bells—this is when you realize: Bologna isn’t just a city. It breathes.

Featured
Best Price
Top Reviewed
Star Rating
#HotelStarsRatingReviewsDistance
1Villa Savioli Room & Breakfast★★★★4.5-1.86 km
2Savoia Hotel Country House Bologna★★★★3.6-3.77 km
34 Star Family & Friends Apt - Self Check-IN★★★★4.3-1.23 km
4Indipendenza Mansion City Centre★★★★4.2-0.91 km
5Casa Fluò Relais★★★4.2-5.81 km
6B&B Selvarossa★★4.314.35 km
7All' Ombra del Portico★★4.3-2.74 km

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about Piazza Maggiore

Hotel Morandi is a top choice, located just a 2-minute walk from Piazza Maggiore, offering stylish rooms blending Renaissance architecture with modern comfort. Many rooms feature views of the square’s medieval fountain and the iconic Two Towers. The hotel provides free Wi-Fi, breakfast, and personalized local travel tips, making it ideal for exploring Bologna’s historic center.

Another excellent option is Hotel de' Ferrari, situated on the southern side of the piazza, close to bustling food streets and the university district. Both hotels offer easy access to nearby churches, museums, and Renaissance landmarks, along with curated walking tour guides for cultural and culinary discovery.

It takes about 15 minutes to walk (1.2 km) from Piazza Maggiore to Bologna Central Station via Via dell’Indipendenza, passing landmarks like Caffè Pedrocchi and the Museo Civico. The route is flat and pedestrian-friendly, perfect for sightseeing. For travelers with heavy luggage, take bus lines 3 or 7 from the "Piazza Maggiore" stop—just a 5-minute ride. The station also features a taxi stand and bike rental stations, offering convenient alternatives for efficient transit.

The area around Piazza Maggiore is a culinary hub in Bologna. Try Tortellini al Ragù at Trattoria da Gianni, a centuries-old restaurant known for its rich, handmade filling. Don’t miss Bologna’s Mortadella, available fresh at Mercato di Mezzo, best enjoyed with bread and olive oil. For a quick bite, visit Caffè L'Orso, serving authentic espresso and creamy tiramisu.

After dark, join a Guided Food Tour led by local experts, exploring hidden alleyway eateries and learning about traditional family recipes. These immersive experiences offer an authentic taste of Emilia-Romagna’s gastronomic heritage.

Piazza Maggiore itself is a living museum of architectural history. The Basilica di San Domenico stands out, housing the relics of Saint Dominic and featuring Michelangelo’s famous Madonna statue. On the eastern side, Palazzo d'Accursio—formerly the city hall—is now the Bologna City Museum, showcasing medieval and Renaissance art and archives.

At the square’s center lies the Fontana del Nettuno, a stunning 16th-century Neptune fountain, popular among photographers. Weekends often host street performances and markets, bringing vibrant life to this historic space. Consider joining a guided tour to uncover the political, religious, and artistic stories behind each landmark.

Traveler Reviews

See what other travelers say about Piazza Maggiore

HG*訪‍客
HG*訪‍客

Villa Savioli Room & Breakfast

We stayed at Villa Savioli for three nights and absolutely loved it. The room was beautifully furnished with a spacious, well-equipped bathroom—everything you'd need for a comfortable stay. The beds were incredibly cozy, and the room temperature was just right, making for a restful night's sleep. The host was welcoming and attentive, and the breakfast was exceptional—fresh, delicious, and thoughtfully prepared. Every detail felt cared for. This place offers outstanding value and genuine hospitality. I can't recommend it highly enough—and yes, we’ll definitely be back.

HG*訪‍客
HG*訪‍客

Savoia Hotel Country House Bologna

The Savoia Hotel Country House in Bologna offers a charming, intimate atmosphere with its collection of small, well-designed units scattered across the property. It’s perfectly located just a short distance from the Bologna Fiere exhibition center, making it ideal for business travelers or event attendees. The hotel sits right next to a peaceful park, so the surrounding area is quiet and serene—perfect for unwinding after a busy day. Rooms are comfortable, tastefully decorated, and impeccably clean. Breakfast is served at the main building, which is about 200–300 meters away from the guest accommodations. While you’ll need to walk through an open-air internal driveway to get there, the path is pleasant and safe, and the breakfast itself is excellent—fresh, varied, and well-prepared. Despite the slight walk, the experience is worth it. Overall, this is a hidden gem with great value, especially for those seeking a relaxing yet convenient stay near the city’s key venues.

HG*訪‍客
HG*訪‍客

4 Star Family & Friends Apt - Self Check-IN

We arrived late at 10:30 PM after missing our train, and the staff were incredibly helpful and responsive—immediately available to secure us a room. The apartment was spacious for two people, with a well-equipped kitchen and spotless cleanliness throughout. What really stood out was their thoughtful gesture of helping us carry our luggage when checking out. Located right in the heart of Bologna, it’s perfect for exploring the city on foot. Clean, convenient, and warm hospitality make this a top choice. Highly recommended—definitely a place you’ll enjoy staying at!

HG*訪‍客
HG*訪‍客

Casa Fluò Relais

Staying at Casa Fluò Relais was an absolute delight—seriously one of the most peaceful and beautiful escapes I’ve ever experienced. Nestled right in the heart of nature, the property feels like a hidden gem surrounded by lush greenery and fresh air. It’s quiet and serene, yet just a short commute from downtown Bologna if you need to explore the city. The staff were incredibly welcoming, the rooms were spotless, and the overall atmosphere felt truly special. I loved how natural and authentic everything was—perfect for anyone looking to unwind in a tranquil setting. Highly recommend this gem for a relaxing getaway!

HG*訪‍客
HG*訪‍客

B&B Selvarossa

Staying at B&B Selvarossa was an absolute delight! The location is incredibly convenient—just a 10-15 minute ride on the train from San Ruffillo station to Bologna Centrale, with no transfers needed. The apartment has a small kitchenette, perfect for preparing meals and storing leftovers in the fridge, which made our self-catering experience stress-free. There’s a large supermarket nearby, so grocery shopping was super easy. The area is quiet and surrounded by greenery—ideal for those who love peace, nature, and exploring Italy’s rich art, architecture, and history. The place felt clean, welcoming, and well-maintained. Our host was warm and hospitable, making us feel right at home. We even took day trips to Ravenna and Ferrara by train—both were easy and enjoyable. Huge thanks to the host for such a wonderful stay. Wishing you a joyful Easter season! (As we say in Russia: Christ is risen!) April 21, 2025. Natalia & Vladimir.

HG*訪‍客
HG*訪‍客

All' Ombra del Portico

We stayed at All' Ombra del Portico the night before hiking the Via degli Dei, and it couldn’t have been a better choice. The location is perfect—right along the iconic porticoes of San Luca, making it super convenient for exploring on foot. Even though the weather was quite warm that night, the underground rooms kept things cool and comfortable, so we slept like babies. The host was incredibly kind and helpful—always ready to assist with any request. Breakfast was generously provided and available whenever we needed it, which made our early morning departure smooth and stress-free. This little gem offers more than just a place to rest—it’s a welcoming home away from home with excellent value. I’d definitely return and recommend it to anyone visiting Bologna.

HG*訪‍客
HG*訪‍客

Grand Hotel Majestic Gia' Baglioni

Staying at Grand Hotel Majestic Gia' Baglioni was an absolute delight. The location couldn’t be better—just a short walk from Bologna’s most iconic landmarks, making it super convenient for exploring the city on foot. The staff were incredibly warm and attentive, always ready to help with a smile. The room was immaculate, beautifully decorated with elegant touches that made it feel luxurious yet cozy. The bed was incredibly comfortable, perfect for a good night’s sleep after a day of sightseeing. Whether you're here for leisure or business, this hotel offers outstanding value and a memorable experience. I’ll definitely be returning.

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HG*匿‍名‍用‍戶

NH Bologna de la Gare

Located just steps from the train station, this hotel offers unbeatable convenience for travelers arriving by rail. The staff was incredibly welcoming and even allowed me to check in at 12:30 PM—earlier than the official check-in time of 3:00 PM. That was a pleasant surprise! My room came with a kettle, which made morning coffee or tea super easy. The single bed was generously sized and very comfortable, perfect for a good night’s rest. Clean, well-maintained, and thoughtfully equipped, this place delivers great value. I’d definitely stay here again when visiting Bologna.

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Mitico Hotel & Natural Spa

The value for money here is outstanding—definitely worth booking in advance to secure a room. The overall experience was excellent: the hotel is clean, the breakfast is delicious with great variety, and the staff go above and beyond to make you feel welcome. While the immediate neighborhood isn’t the most polished, it’s super convenient for getting into the city center—just a short walk to the bus stop where Line 25 runs directly downtown. There’s also a small but functional gym on-site, perfect for a quick workout. Despite a few minor drawbacks, the positives far outweigh them. This place offers comfort, convenience, and charm at an unbeatable price. I’d definitely stay again.

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HG*А‍л‍е‍к‍с‍а‍н‍д‍р‍а‍ ‍Ш

Royal Hotel Carlton

This isn’t my first stay at this hotel, and I can confidently say I absolutely love it. Yes, the property shows a bit of age, but that only adds to its charm—warm, welcoming, and full of character. The location is perfect: just a 5-minute walk from the train station, making it incredibly convenient for exploring Bologna. The breakfast is outstanding—fresh, delicious, and well-organized with a great variety. The staff are genuinely kind and attentive, always going the extra mile to make your stay comfortable. It’s clear they take pride in what they do. I’ll definitely be back.

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Holiday Inn Bologna - Fiera

Staying at Holiday Inn Bologna - Fiera was an absolute delight! The breakfast buffet was incredibly generous—fresh milk, a wide variety of breads, hot and cold dishes, all well-prepared and delicious. I especially loved the warm croissants straight from the oven. The room was spotlessly clean every day, with fresh linens and a tidy space that made it feel like home. Location-wise, it's super convenient—right next to a bus stop, making it easy to get around town or head to the exhibition center without hassle. The staff were friendly, the amenities were top-notch, and overall, this hotel exceeded my expectations. A perfect 10/10 experience—definitely planning to return on my next visit to Bologna!

HG*訪‍客
HG*訪‍客

Savoia Hotel Regency

Staying at Savoia Hotel Regency was an absolutely delightful experience. The room was elegant and cozy, with impeccable cleanliness throughout. While a few small bathroom amenities were missing, the staff’s warmth and attentiveness more than made up for it—always ready to help, with genuine care. Breakfast was exceptional, and the in-room dining service was a highlight: meals arrived hot and fast, exactly when we needed them. Traveling with my daughter, we felt truly welcomed and well taken care of every step of the way. From check-in to checkout, everything was seamless and thoughtful. This hotel offers such a special atmosphere—refined yet personal. I’d definitely return and highly recommend it to anyone looking for comfort, charm, and excellent service in Bologna.