based on 10 experiences from female travelers
Lois
United Kingdom
I feel like I can't do the city full justice as I was too ill to explore my first day here, but I would say it's probably better as a regional base to explore than a full destination in itself. It has impressive food, culture, history and street art, but definitely felt a bit rough around the edges. Whilst I never had any bad experience, I was warned not to go out in the dark and I didn't want to take the risk on my first trip. The area around the central station personally felt ungentrified and "gritty" rather than unsafe but everyone has a different comfort level and the warnings did stop me from exploring outside my hostel in the evenings so I'd reccomend it more for groups or couples than solo female travellers. I preferred my easy day trips to other cities overall.
Posted: February 7, 2025Experienced: January, 2025I felt very safe in Bologna, and I had a great time. Less touristic than Florence or Rome which made it way better for experiencing the local culture and just relaxing. The local food was absolutely amazing and the Gelato as well!
Posted: July 19, 2024Experienced: April, 2024I have a great splendid time in Italy, Bologna, actually I visited Bologna and cervia.it was great.and there food was top notch I had both restaurant and home cooked food pasta with some cream I'll recommend,ice cream too lol.my budget was around 800euros,I spent like almost all because of the good things around,I stay with a friend and it was nice,I visited cervia too beach around, everything about the country is grate, nice churches too, food drinks people are friendly. I can say I had a great time in Italy.
Posted: July 1, 2024Experienced: May, 2024I stayed here for one night and was amazed with the history of the city. It’s a small Italian city so you don’t need much time unless you’re using it as a base of travel. I was going to my next city via train. My platform was #19, on my way to finding it. A man approached me and said it’s my job to help people find their platforms. I was very naive and let him help me. He took me down and showed me the platform, and demanded all my money. I gave him whatever coins I had in my purse. This scam is one I never came across, not sure how common it is in Bologna or other cities in Italy/Europe
Posted: June 22, 2024I feel very safe. I walked all day but the rain hunted me. I didn't stay anywhere cause I had only one day. The food was amazing. I saw Piazza Maggiore, Two Towers, a historical library, and the Basilica of San Domenico.
Posted: March 20, 2024Experienced: January, 2024I felt quite safe in Bologna both day and night. I went to a concert and other concert goers were very approachable and kind. We ended up having a really great experience and even went on to the afterparty. The venue security (Arena Puccini) did a great job. Bologna has no shortage of good food and the transport system was easy to navigate - except at night, when we took cabs. It was my third solo trip and it was unforgettable because of the friendships made :)
Posted: December 1, 2023Experienced: May, 2023I don't recommend visiting this city at any price! People do not clean their pet pees on the street and l put my shoes on one of them... terrible! Because the Unibo accepts so many students, there is always lack of room in this city. B&B canceled my booking out of the blue and l did not know what to do. People were not kind of nice in my experience and just wanted to Rip you off as soon as they get that you are a tourist. Just don't go there...
Posted: August 24, 2023Experienced: September, 2022İlknur
Turkey
A trip I never want to return to. people are friendly and there are people interested in dancing art around every corner. one of the cities I want to go to again and I would love to live there You should add this city to your italy route
Posted: July 9, 2023Bologna is ideal city for a short city break. It is really lively thanks to many young people studying here. City centre is small and you can see it in a day or two maximum but it is really nice just to stroll around
Posted: June 18, 2023I was in Bologna last week and I absolutely fell in love with it! I recommend going up the Asinelli Tower. The climb is exhausting (~500 steps) but the view is amazing. I also went on a free walking tour, which was really nice. They have amazing food there too, especially the handmade pasta, which you can find everywhere. I visited Bari, Naples, Rome, Florence, Bologna, and Venice in the past few weeks and Bologna was my favorite, right after Bari.
Posted: November 19, 2022Based on 33 local experiences
Based on 33 local experiences
Marta
I personally feel very safe in Bologna, I've walked like every dark street, came home very late by foot and with the bus, been in places that could have seemed not safe and nothing ever happened to me. I know other people who have different opinions but I actually find it very safe. It is possible that I'm very used to Rome that is a lot less safe so I could have a bias but in these 3 years nothing ever happened to make me think otherwise.
Posted: March 21, 2025Bologna is safe in the city center but as soon as you get away from the city center, you might feel not that safe because it is not very busy. By day, I always feel good, and same for public transportation.
Posted: March 16, 2025farangis
I'm studying Astrophysics and Cosmology Master degree. I have been living in Bologna for almost a year. I love traveling. I enjoy meeting new people, showing around, and even sharing some stories of the night sky.
Marta
Hi! I'm Marta and I'm 21 yo. I love travelling and making new friends. I'll always be down to show you around the city I study in, Bologna. I live here with 3 other male students (they're adorable don't worry) in a double room, it's not a luxury hotel I'll admit but the room is big and there is place for anyone who needs a place to sleep for one night or some more :). I'm actually from Rome so if you need advices I can give you some, if you catch me there i'll be happy to give you a tour. ☀️💕
Marta
Bologna
3 days
Hi! I'm Marta and I'm 21 yo. I love travelling and making new friends. I'll always be down to show you around the city I study in, Bologna. I live here with 3 other male students (they're adorable don't worry) in a double room, it's not a luxury hotel I'll admit but the room is big and there is place for anyone who needs a place to sleep for one night or some more :). I'm actually from Rome so if you need advices I can give you some, if you catch me there i'll be happy to give you a tour. ☀️💕
farangis
Bologna
3 days
I'm studying Astrophysics and Cosmology Master degree. I have been living in Bologna for almost a year. I love traveling. I enjoy meeting new people, showing around, and even sharing some stories of the night sky.
Jada
Bologna
2 days
Hey! i am an art Student From South Italy, Currently living in Bologna to study at fine art academy with my best friend! I love to travel and I'd like to try new experiences to grow as a person and what's a better time than your twenties to try? i like nature, books, relaxing but also partying i probably am the most extrovert person in a group of introverts but, if the vibes match, i love to know more about new people and share couture and life experiences
Devika
Bologna
3 days
Cue the identity crisis. Wow okay. I’ve just come to Bologna as a student at their local university. It’s such a beautiful place. I’ve decided I’m going to begin traveling more and seeing as many skies as possible. I’m 23 (will turn 24 on Jan 2, 2025) I’m from India I’m a writer, astrologer and I read tarot cards too. I have the most amazing family history and that’s what I’m in search to uncover more of <3
Anita
Bologna
3 days
I live in Bologna, a city I absolutely love—but my passion for traveling and refreshing treks is just as strong. I'm currently pursuing a master's degree in pharmaceutical biotechnology.
Maria
Bologna
3 days
I’m the kind of person who doesn’t just sit back and watch life happen—I dive in, headfirst. Adventure fuels me, and traveling isn’t just a hobby, it’s an obsession. There’s something electrifying about stepping into the unknown, chasing new experiences, and soaking up the essence of a place beyond what the guidebooks tell you.
Arianna
Bologna
3 days
Hi!! I’m 27 from Italy, Bologna. A little city famous for cultural events and university. I’ve got a cat and I am studying cinema (filmmaker,editing) I sing and play piano and guitar!
Michela
Bologna
3 days
When exams are over, i love to spend the weekend around and meet nice people
Matilde
Bologna
3 days
Hii girls! I study anthropology in Bologna (Italy). I consider myself a sociable and empathetic person who loves connecting with others. 🌞🌞🌞 I like to cook, dance and hike. I have a strong passion for exploring new places, cultures and meeting diverse people. Nature is another big love of mine; I find peace and inspiration in the outdoors. 🌳🌱 I’d like to meet locals to feel the spirit of the city. Lots of love🫶🏼 Mati
Cécile
Hi! I’m Cécile from the Netherlands and I'm travelling through Europe! I will do workaways all over the continent, and citytripping in between. Sept - oct Germany, nov Belgium and France, dec - jan Spain, feb Portugal, march Austria, apr Italy, may France I really really love culture. Opera cities here I come! Take me to any movie (exept scary ones), theater, museum or building and I'll adore it. I always tell people to pull on my hair if I stick around too long (because that happens everytime). What are your favorites?
Laura
My name is Laura, I am 22 years old and I am from Galicia (Spain). I am a social integrator and I am currently studying psychology in A Coruña.