City in Emilia-Romagna, Italy
Bologna
Italy's food capital, with 40 km of porticoes, a big university and fast trains to everywhere. Good value for a month or two and a lively scene; summers are hot and the center lacks dramatic sights.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$2,360–3,380Comfortable, one person · €2,100–3,000Details
- Value for money23/100Better value than 22% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goApr–Jun, Sep–OctWarmest: Jul, 34°CDetails
- Air quality15 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2021) · ModerateDetails
- Internet109 MbpsFixed broadband, Italy medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableSafe and good; public fountains and Hera refill points offer free chilled water.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$90–146Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting arounditTaxiVery walkableDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards and contactless work almost everywhere.Details
Where to stay in Bologna
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Centro Storico (Quadrilatero) | First-timers: food markets, porticoes, everything on foot |
| Università and Via Zamboni | Students, bars, cheap eats and nightlife |
| Santo Stefano | Quieter, upscale and residential, near the city gates |
| Bolognina | Trendy and cheaper, near the train station |
| Pratello | Bars, live music and a social evening scene |
Apps that work in Bologna
Ride-hailing
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| itTaxi | Books licensed taxis in Bologna |
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Trenitalia: National rail tickets, delays and strike notices
- Italo: Private high-speed trains, often cheaper
- Taxis: Only licensed white taxis operate; book by phone or app. Street hailing is rare, but ranks exist at the station and Piazza Maggiore.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Italy.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards and contactless work almost everywhere. Carry small cash for market stalls, some osterie and cheap bars.
- Currency: Euro (EUR). US$1 ≈ €0.89 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Use bank ATMs (Bancomat), not Euronet machines; always decline the ATM's currency conversion.
- Tipping: Not expected. Bills often include coperto (€1–4 per person) or a service charge; round up or leave a few euros for great service.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay widely accepted; tap a bank card at metro gates in Rome and Milan.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Schengen member: non-EU visitors are registered in the EU Entry/Exit System (fingerprints and photo) instead of passport stamps.
- ETIAS is not running yet; the EU will announce its start date months in advance.
- Hotels and rentals must register every guest with police, so expect to show your passport at check-in.
Emergency numbers
Police 113 · Ambulance 118 · Fire 115 · All emergencies 112
Plugs
Type C, F, L · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
TIM, Vodafone and WindTre sell prepaid tourist SIMs at airports and phone shops; passport needed. EU SIMs roam at home rates. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Italy
Going to Bologna solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Bologna meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.