Wondering where to stay in Bologna first time? We’ve got you covered.
We visited Bologna in October 2025, and honestly, it’s the perfect time to go.
The summer crowds are gone, the weather is comfortably warm, and the whole city feels made for wandering on foot.
Bologna doesn’t have the endless checklist of attractions that cities like Rome or Florence do: and that’s exactly what makes it so enjoyable.
Instead of rushing from sight to sight, you spend your time strolling through its endless porticoes, stopping for espresso, and letting the smell of simmering ragù pull you into a trattoria.
The old city center is compact, full of life, and ideal for a weekend trip that revolves around food.
Tortellini, mortadella, tagliatelle al ragù, lasagna, Lambrusco: Bologna is the kind of place where every meal feels like an event.
In this guide, I’ll help you figure out where to stay so you can soak up the city’s best flavors and atmosphere without missing a beat.
So, let’s dive in and answer your question on where to stay in Bologna first time!
The best areas to stay in Bologna first time are Centro Storico (Historic Center), Santo Stefano, Bolognina, and Fiera di Bologna.
Stay in Centro Storico if it’s your first time in Bologna: you’ll be surrounded by porticoes, medieval towers, and endless trattorias right in the heart of the city.
Choose Santo Stefano if you prefer a slightly quieter, elegant vibe with boutique hotels and easy access to both the center and local life.
Bolognina, just across the train station, is a more modern and budget-friendly choice, with international food spots and a growing creative scene.
And if you’re visiting for an event or traveling by car, Fiera di Bologna is the most practical option: close to the exhibition center and highways, but still a quick bus ride from the historic core.
| Area | Best For |
|---|---|
| Centro Storico | First-time visitors, food, history, and nightlife |
| Santo Stefano | Quiet charm, boutique stays, and local feel |
| Bolognina | Budget travelers, street food, and creative atmosphere |
| Fiera di Bologna | Events, business trips, and easy parking |
If it’s your first time in Bologna, Centro Storico is hands down where you’ll want to stay.
This is the beating heart of the city: the kind of place where every turn surprises you with a centuries-old church, a cozy café tucked under the porticoes, or the irresistible smell of freshly made tortellini.
You can walk pretty much everywhere: Piazza Maggiore, the Two Towers, the Mercato di Mezzo, and some of the best restaurants in town are all within a few minutes of each other.
It’s the perfect base for soaking up the city’s rhythm, whether you’re wandering through the medieval streets in the afternoon or grabbing a glass of Lambrusco at a lively osteria in the evening.
Foodies will especially love Centro Storico.
This area is packed with traditional trattorias, pasta workshops, and local markets like the Quadrilatero, where you can nibble on mortadella or aged Parmigiano straight from the source.
It’s one of those neighborhoods that stays effortlessly vibrant without feeling like a tourist trap, at least most of the time.
That said, Centro Storico isn’t for everyone.
It can get busy, especially around weekends and holidays, and accommodation prices are higher compared to other parts of Bologna.
Parking is also a bit of a nightmare since the area falls inside a ZTL (limited traffic zone), so if you’re traveling by car, you’ll need to plan ahead or stay on the outskirts.
Nights can be lively too: great if you’re up for a bit of buzz, less so if you’re craving peace and quiet.
Still, for most travelers, the charm of staying amid Bologna’s timeless architecture and irresistible food scene outweighs any small inconveniences.
Centro Storico is Bologna at its most authentic and atmospheric, exactly where you want to be.
The old centre of Bologna is stunning. And like many Italian cities, most of the attractions are located here. Staying close to the old centre is therefore the most convenient option to fully enjoy Bologna!
The old centre of Bologna is stunning. And like many Italian cities, most of the attractions are located here. Staying close to the old centre is therefore the most convenient option to fully enjoy Bologna!
If you love history and atmosphere but prefer a slightly calmer base, Santo Stefano might be your sweet spot.
This charming district borders the eastern side of the old center, offering the same gorgeous porticoes and medieval vibe, just without the constant bustle.
The highlight here is Piazza Santo Stefano, one of Bologna’s most beautiful squares, surrounded by cozy wine bars and small artisan shops.
From here, you can walk to the Two Towers or Piazza Maggiore in about 10 minutes, so you’re still right in the action, just far enough to unwind when the day’s done.
What makes Santo Stefano special is its elegance.
The streets are wider, the architecture a bit grander, and the whole area feels more local.
You’ll find plenty of small trattorias, cute boutiques, and gelato shops that locals actually go to. It’s ideal for travelers who want authenticity and style rolled into one.
Downsides? Well, accommodation can be pricey due to its prime location and charm.
Nightlife is quieter than in Centro Storico or the university area, so if you’re looking to party, this might not be your scene.
But for those after a blend of beauty, calm, and convenience: Santo Stefano nails it.
Food is at the heart of Bologna’s charm. You can’t leave without trying tortellini with ragù, but the city also serves up plenty of tasty dishes from other parts of Italy.
Food is at the heart of Bologna’s charm. You can’t leave without trying tortellini with ragù, but the city also serves up plenty of tasty dishes from other parts of Italy.
Just north of the train station lies Bolognina, one of Bologna’s most up-and-coming districts.
Historically a working-class area, it’s now evolving fast, attracting younger locals, artists, and foodies looking for something more modern (and affordable).
It’s not as picture-perfect as the historic center, but that’s part of its charm, it feels lived-in, diverse, and full of character.
Here, you’ll find creative eateries, multicultural markets, and street art around every corner.
Some of Bologna’s most exciting new restaurants are popping up in this area, alongside craft beer bars and trendy cafés.
Plus, it’s super convenient if you’re traveling by train, the Bologna Centrale station is just a short walk away, and the city center is an easy 15–20 minutes on foot.
The biggest draw? Value for money.
You can find much cheaper accommodation here, often with bigger rooms or apartments.
The main downside is that it lacks the postcard beauty of the old town: don’t expect medieval towers or endless porticoes.
But if you’re after a local vibe and easy access to everything, Bolognina delivers.
As the sun sets, Bologna takes on a whole new vibe. Students from the city’s historic university pour into the center to hang out and enjoy the evening. If you’re up for a lively night, make sure you’re in the old town when it all begins.
As the sun sets, Bologna takes on a whole new vibe. Students from the city’s historic university pour into the center to hang out and enjoy the evening. If you’re up for a lively night, make sure you’re in the old town when it all begins.
If you’re visiting for business or want quick access to the highway or airport, Fiera di Bologna is a smart and practical choice.
This modern district, located northeast of the city center, revolves around the city’s large exhibition and convention center.
It’s clean, efficient, and full of newer hotels, perfect for those who prioritize comfort and convenience over historic charm.
Staying here means you’re well-connected: buses take you into the city center in about 15 minutes, and if you’re driving, parking is much easier than in the old town.
The area also has a few great local restaurants and shopping centers, so you won’t feel isolated.
That said, this is not the area to stay in if you want to soak up Bologna’s medieval atmosphere or nightlife: it’s quiet in the evenings, and you’ll need to head downtown for most attractions.
But if you prefer a calm base with modern amenities (or you’re visiting during one of Bologna’s many trade fairs), Fiera di Bologna is ideal.