Discover Bologna’s Neighborhoods

When you vacation in Bologna, you’ll want to discover for yourself why the city is nicknamed the Learned, the Fat, and the Red. Luckily, exploring its characterful neighborhoods is one of the best ways to find out.

The capital of Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, Bologna, is home to a diverse mix of districts, each one with something different to offer. Here are six of the most popular.

Historical Center

If you want to be in the very heart of the city, Centro Storico is the neighborhood for you. It’s home to many of the city’s popular landmarks, including the two leaning towers that have become a symbol of Bologna.

The city’s only five-star hotel, the Grand Hotel Majestic, is located just off the main square, Piazza Maggiore. In the square, you’ll also see Basilica di San Petronio – the largest and most important church in the city – and Palazzo Comunale, the home of Bologna’s city council.

You’ll be spoilt for choice for places to eat and drink, too. The food district is in the city center, with an array of bars, restaurants, and cafes – many of which are built into the historical architecture. It’s also the location of the city’s main stores and medieval markets, making it the perfect place to pick up a souvenir or two. Whether you base yourself here or not, you’re likely to spend a lot of your time in Bologna’s historic center.

University District

Home to the oldest university in Europe, Bologna’s university district is one of the city’s most important neighborhoods – and the source of the nickname, the Learned.

Bordering the historic center, thousands of students live, study, and play here. They help make it one of the liveliest places to be day and night. Don’t expect to see any students in the city center’s two towers, though. Local legend dictates they’ll never graduate if they climb the 498 steps to the top of Torre degli Asinelli.

A little south of the university and east of the center is the Zeri Library – an impressive collection of around 46,000 books, 37,000 auction catalogs, and 60 journals that once belonged to renowned Italian art historian, Federico Zeri. Browse the different volumes filled with Zeri’s original annotations for a glimpse into the past.

Bologna Fiere

If you’re traveling to Bologna for work, you’ll likely end up in Fiere, the city’s business district. Close to the railway, its three exhibition centers host events ranging from art shows to trade events, with the odd festival in between.

The district is dominated by tall office blocks, including the headquarters of the regional Emilia-Romagna government. These were designed by the Pritzker Prize-winning architect Kenzo Tange in the 1970s.

Ghetto

Bologna’s Ghetto dates back to the 16th century. The city’s Jewish population was forced to live here – but was later evicted. Located close to the historic center, its narrow alleys tell the story of the city’s Jewish history.

Bologna was built on canals – most of which have been buried – but wander this area and you’ll be able to see the few remaining ancient canals. Above ground, this neighborhood’s picturesque streets are lined with beautifully colored buildings and artisan workshops to discover.

Bolognina

Also known as Little Bologna, Bolognina is the city’s most multicultural neighborhood, condensing the vibrant city atmosphere on a smaller scale. It can seem like everyone knows each other here, lending Bolognina a community spirit.

Little Bologna has changed dramatically over the years, and now has the highest number of young people in the city. While you won’t find any of the typical tourist attractions here, you can discover true local culture and history.

Highlights include the Museo per la Memoria di Ustica – the Museum for the Memory of Ustica – that houses parts from an unsolved plane crash in 1980. For architectural magnificence, head to the Chiesa del Sacro Cuore di Gesù – the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. For creative inspiration look no further than Mambo – that’s Museo d’Arte Moderna di Bologna, or Modern Art Gallery of Bologna in English. You’ll also find a number of vibrant markets nearby, too.

Colli

Exclusive and elegant, you’ll find Colli among the hills to the south of the center. When you arrive, you’ll understand why some regard it as the Beverly Hills of Bologna.

Among the nature, you can steal some breathtaking views across the city. Make sure you visit Parco Villa Ghigi, which is easily accessible from Via San Mamolo, Via Martucci, and Via Gaibola. The 28-hectare park opened in 1975 and is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, breathe the fresh air, and enjoy a picnic with some fresh delicatessen from the local vendors.

Looking for more travel tips for your trip to Bologna? Check out our three-day itinerary for exploring the city.