Where to Eat and Stay in Bologna

Among the city’s warren of amber-tinted porticoes, palazzos, and piazzas, you’ll find hotels steeped in history and layered in luxury. Follow our guide for just a taste of what this characterful and lively city has to offer – and where you can go to get some well-earned rest.

Where to Eat in Bologna

Trattoria Meloncello

If one of your first destinations in Bologna is the top of the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca – and its spectacular viewpoint – you’ll soon need some appetite-satisfying local fare. Head straight to Trattoria Meloncello, which dates back to 1918. This restaurant has won plaudits across the world, thanks to its menu of mouthwatering local cuisine. The stand out dish has to be the tortellini en brodo – stuffed pasta parcels bobbing in a rich broth.

Le Stanze

You’ll find Le Stanze in the heart of the student quarter. Walk inside to discover what was once the 16th-century private chapel of the Palazzo Bentivoglio. Look up at the high ceilings to admire the pastel frescoes. The aperitivo buffet is the perfect way to round off your day, with plates of pasta, grilled vegetables, prosciutto, cheeses, and other wonderful delights on offer.

Nicola’s

The queue to get into Nicola’s pizzeria, situated in Piazza San Martino, is testament to the incredible food on offer. A huge range of pizzas are available straight from the wood-fired oven. You might like to try one of the more unusual combinations, such as tonno e cipolla – tuna and onion - or zucchini and egg. All pizzas are thin and crusty.

Bologna’s Best Gelato

If you haven’t filled up on pizza and have space for dessert, there are plenty of gelato restaurants across the city. Il Gelatauro was one of the first to offer organic ingredients in both seasonal and classical flavors. Alternatively, La Sorbetteria Castiglione is slightly further out of town but well worth a visit for its Michelangelo - an almond gelato with almond praline bites.

Where to Stay in Bologna

Grand Hotel Majestic già Baglioni

For the ultimate in Bolognese luxury, look no further than the Grand Hotel Majestic. The city’s only five-star hotel dates back to 1912. It has welcomed celebrities, royals, and heads of state in its classically opulent rooms.

Situated in front of the city’s cathedral, not only is the hotel luxurious, but the service is faultless and the location ideal. From here, you can easily walk to Bologna’s top attractions, including the two towers – Torre degli Asinelli and Torre Garisenda – and Piazza Maggiore, the city’s main square. Make sure to book a table at the hotel’s gourmet restaurant where you can admire the 16th-century frescoes on the ceiling as you sample delicious cuisine.

Art Hotel Commercianti

Walk in the footsteps of the city’s elite at the four-star Art Hotel Commercianti. It’s housed in an 11th-century building once used by the Bologna Municipality. The location couldn’t be better, either. This family-run hotel is situated in the city center next to Piazza Maggiore. Among the vaulted ceilings and wooden beams, you’ll find furnishings and antiques that tell the story of local historical events. Step out on the balconies for stunning views of Basilica di San Petronio.

Hotel Touring

Nestled on a quiet street in the historic center, the four-star Hotel Touring is close to Archiginnasio – one of Bologna’s most iconic buildings. The family-run hotel’s second floor has been remodeled with city-themed rooms, while the third and fourth floors boast gorgeous balconies and terraces.

For panoramic views across the city, head to the roof terrace to admire the likes of Torre degli Asinelli and San Luca. You’ll also find a hot tub on the fifth floor, which is open from June to September. The hotel’s Lounge Lucio is dedicated to the city’s most beloved singer, Lucio Dalla.

Art Hotel Novecento

Opened in 2003, this is a recent addition to the Bologna Art Hotels’ family. Novecento’s decor is 1930s glam, inspired by the Viennese Secession movement, with each suite individually designed. Its location, close to Piazza Maggiore, means you’re surrounded by some of the city’s best restaurants. Situated on Piazza Galileo, the 25-room hotel blends into the historical surrounding and offers beautiful views.

I Portici Hotel

The modern, simple and calm rooms of I Portici are ideal for escaping the busy Bologna center. The hotel is located close to the top attractions, but it’s conveniently outside the limited traffic zone (ZTL – the area of Bologna where only authorized vehicles are permitted for use between 7am and 8pm). It features a minimalist style that is finished off with work by Italian and international designers.

The hotel is also home to one of the best restaurants in the city - I Portici Restaurant – and the only Michelin-starred one in Bologna. You’ll find it in a renovated 19th-century theater. Take your seat and prepare to be delighted as you’re served up meals that look almost too good to eat.

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