Yes — it\u2019s directly opposite Bologna Centrale station.
Discover Authentic Bologna: A Local Travel Guide by Mercure
At Mercure, we believe you shouldn't need a guidebook to feel like you belong somewhere. That's the idea behind Discover Local: since 1973, every Mercure hotel has been built around its neighbourhood, not just dropped into it — from the décor on the walls to the flavours on the menu. Step into any Mercure and our teams are on hand with the kind of tips you won't find in a guidebook: the market stall locals queue for, the bar where nobody speaks English, the walk that skips the crowds. They live here. They know. Discover Local isn't a generic city guide — it's a short, honest list of the restaurants, markets and neighbourhoods our own hotel teams actually recommend to guests, updated as the city changes around us. Below, you'll find our picks for Bologna, an interactive map to help you find your way, and answers to the questions travellers ask us most. So — where will Discover Local take you?
Our map pins local favourites such as Piazza Maggiore, the Portico of San Luca and the Mercato di Mezzo, alongside our Mercure hotel.
Top 5 Things to Do in Bologna
Mercato delle Erbe
A produce market by morning, an aperitivo spot by evening. Vegetables, cheese and fish by day; wine bars and small plates from around 6pm, with a crowd that\u2019s mostly Bolognese.
The Quadrilatero
The old market quarter east of Piazza Maggiore, its narrow streets still carrying medieval trade names — Via Pescherie Vecchie for fish, Via Drapperie for fabric.
Fresh tortellini stalls
Several Quadrilatero stalls hand-make tortellini and tagliatelle daily. Buy in the morning if you're cooking that night — it doesn't keep long.
Piazza Maggiore
About a 12-minute walk from the hotel, this is Bologna's central square and a good orientation point for the historic centre.
Via Indipendenza
The main shopping street connecting the station area to the centre, a 5-minute walk from the hotel.
Explore Bologna's Best Local Spots with Our Interactive Map
What's on the map in Bologna
We've mapped local spots around Bologna, from medieval towers to the city's food stalls.
Historic Bologna
Bologna historic centre
Start in Piazza Maggiore with the Basilica of San Petronio and the Palazzo Comunale, look up at the Two Towers, then slip into Santo Stefano, the 'Seven Churches'.
City centre · Historic centre · Perfect for culture
Archiginnasio
Seat of the city library and the wooden Anatomical Theatre, the Archiginnasio tells the story of Bologna's ancient university.
City centre · Historic building · Ideal for history
Portico and Sanctuary of San Luca
Walk beneath the Portico of San Luca, one of the longest in the world, all the way up to the Sanctuary of the Madonna of San Luca – city and hills spread out below.
Colle della Guardia · Portico and sanctuary · Made for a walk with views
Museo di Palazzo Poggi
The university's museum of scientific and cultural collections. Curiosity rewarded.
University quarter · Museum · Great for curious minds
Le Serre dei Giardini Margherita
Old greenhouses in the Margherita gardens turned community space. See how Bologna hangs out.
Giardini Margherita · Community space · Perfect for local life
Gallegati wine tasting
Sangiovese and Albana tastings at an estate in the Faenza hills.
Faenza · Winery · Ideal for a day trip
ReMida Bologna Terre d'Acqua
A creative reuse centre full of second-hand finds.
Reuse centre · Great for bargains
Basilica of San Petronio
The vast Gothic basilica that rules Piazza Maggiore, its façade still unfinished. Inside, look down: one of the world's longest meridian lines runs across the floor.
Piazza Maggiore · Basilica · Perfect for architecture
Two Towers: Asinelli and Garisenda
Bologna's leaning medieval towers, symbol of the city. Access is currently restricted during restoration, so admire them from Piazza di Porta Ravegnana.
Porta Ravegnana · Medieval towers · Made for an iconic photo
Basilica of Santo Stefano
The 'Seven Churches': interlinked chapels and cloisters forming one of Bologna's most atmospheric corners. Step in and slow down.
Piazza Santo Stefano · Religious complex · Ideal for a quiet visit
Curiosities & food
San Michele in Bosco 'telescope'
From San Michele in Bosco, an optical trick makes the Asinelli tower seem to grow or shrink as you walk towards it or away. Try it.
San Michele in Bosco · Viewpoint · Made for curious minds
Via d'Azeglio and Lucio Dalla's house
Stroll Via d'Azeglio and visit the home of singer-songwriter Lucio Dalla, a tribute to his legacy.
City centre · Street and house museum · Perfect for music lovers
Mercato di Mezzo
In the old Quadrilatero, the Mercato di Mezzo gathers colourful stalls of Bologna's local delicacies. Graze your way through, glass of Lambrusco in hand.
Quadrilatero · Food market · Great for foodies
Mercato delle Erbe
A covered market for mortadella, handmade tortellini and other Emilian specialities.
Centre · Market · Made for food lovers
Cesarina
A historic restaurant of Emilian classics: tortellini, tagliatelle al ragù and grilled meats.
Centre · Restaurant · Perfect for traditional food
Sorbetteria Castiglione
A much-loved gelato shop using natural ingredients. One scoop or two?
Gelato · Ideal for a treat
Pasticceria Laganà
A traditional pastry shop known for its choice. Breakfast, Bologna-style.
Pastry shop · Great for breakfast
Mercato Ritrovato
A farmers' market of seasonal produce and local specialities.
Market · Perfect for a picnic
FAQ
About a 12-minute walk, roughly 900 metres.
Weekday mornings for the produce market, or from around 6pm onwards for aperitivo.
Piazza Maggiore, the Two Towers, Santo Stefano and the Archiginnasio with its Anatomical Theatre.
It is one of the longest porticoes in the world, leading up to the Sanctuary of the Madonna of San Luca.
At the Mercato di Mezzo in the old Quadrilatero district.
Where to Sleep in Bologna
This Mercure hotel appears on our map:
- Mercure Bologna Centro