We are planning to be in Bologna next October and would probably rent a vacation rental, open to hotels also. What area would we want for the Historic old section? Do not have a map yet of the city. Thank you for your help.
Posted by
Singapore
354 posts
The main square /heart of the historic centre is Piazza Maggiore, anywhere near there would be central. I stayed at the Hotel Touring, a family run hotel just a five minute walk from the square but quiet, and with a roof terrace with gorgeous views of the city. I'm not sure if October is a busy month for the city - when it's convention season, hotel rates skyrocket.
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
The area around Piazza Maggiore is central. I liked Hotel Metropolitan. The historic center is very compact.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32222 posts
Cathy,
I was in Bologna in September and stayed at Hotel Paradise / Hotel Holiday (it's a long story), and found that area to be very central and perfect for walking to the major sights. Piazza Maggiore and the Basilica of San Petronio are an easy walk and if you want to take one of the Red Bus tours, those depart near the Basilica. There are lots of nice restaurants in the area, including two wonderful restaurants which are literally only a minute or two walk from the hotel. The area I stayed is also not far from Bologna Centrale and although I used a Taxi to/from the station, I probably could have walked.
I spent three nights/two days there and felt that I only scratched the surface, so I'll probably be making a return visit in future.
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15602 posts
Use google maps! I stayed in a hotel about halfway between the train station and Piazza Maggiore (10 minute walk to each). That worked well for me because I spent split my time pretty evenly between seeing Bologna and day trips.
Posted by
54 posts
We stayed at Hotel Metropolitan in September. It was a great place. Very good location in the center.