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 38 local experiences
Based on 38 local experiences
Sara
Overall safe, especially in the centre because it's uni students territory. There are a few neighborhoods that are not particularly safe to walk in alone at night, for example: - Central Train Station - Pilastro - Barca - Bolognina
Posted: May 10, 2025Francesca
Bologna is quite a safe place. Everywhere there are group of students which will always help you. There are just some places you must evitate at nieght: pilastro, barca, near scaravilli place (the place is ok, but the streets around could be dangerous), via mascarella are some of these
Posted: May 4, 2025Sara
Hi giiiirls I am first of all a girl's girl 💜 I will always prefer the company of other women and I'll always be there to support them. I'm a 24 year old working student, living in Bologna with three other roomies (I'm now in a double room). I'll be happy to show you around, give advice based on your necessities and interests, be a language partner and walk/stay with you if you don't feel safe being alone in certain places. Hyperfixations are: - Urbex 🧭 and exploring nature in general - Aurora, the singer - live music - playing and dancing folk music - Wicked, Killing Eve, Ghibli movies And a few others that you'll discover if we happen to know each other:) I am currently about to finish my Bachelor's Degree in Foreign Languages and Literature, while working as an English Teacher and as a junior Project Manager. I volunteer for many associations that work with marginalized groups/communities (women refugees, people recovering from substance abuse, homeless, rehabilitating inmates). I'm also an activist and I participate in many demonstrations and projects regarding the instances I believe in. - transfeminist and queer♀️ - against colonization and genocide 🇵🇸 always looking for ways to decolonize myself - nature protector 🌱 for we are not into nature, we ARE nature
Camilla
Hello everyone! My name is Camilla, I am 28 years old, and for now, I live in Bologna. In this city, I completed my studies at the Academy of Fine Arts, specializing in Illustration for Publishing. From this, you can immediately tell how much I love drawing and reading, ranging from books, comics, to children's books, which I adore. Art has always been my way of expressing myself, and I find joy in bringing stories and characters to life through my illustrations. I am a very cheerful, kind, open, and friendly person; I adapt quickly and can always form wonderful connections with people. I find it easy to connect with others because I truly enjoy getting to know different perspectives and hearing others' stories. I believe that empathy and understanding are key to building meaningful relationships. I am very curious, and this drives me to travel in order to explore new landscapes, new cultures, and the lives of the people who are part of them. This curiosity also leads me to try new hobbies and challenges, as I’m always eager to learn and grow. I enjoy discovering different ways of thinking and living that enrich my experiences. I love cooking and experimenting with new dishes all the time. If you're looking for someone to cook you some delicious Italian food, I’d be more than happy to do it! In my free time, I love to spend time in nature, listening to music, or simply enjoy a cup of coffee in a cozy café while reading a good book. I also enjoy attending events or workshops that allow me to continue learning and improving my skills, especially in the fields of art and design. I hope this description has been helpful, and feel free to ask me anything! I’m always happy to meet new people and share ideas. :-)
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.
Marta
I’m Marta, and I’m 22. I am currently studying orchestra conducting and originally from Sofia! Have 3 amazing cats that I adore! I’m an Aries, I love going out and meeting foreigners, playing the piano for nearly 14 years, and am currently working as a piano teacher at home. Can’t wait to meet you all!❤️
Toral
Hey all! I am Toral JAKHARIA originally from India, currently I'm in Angers France. I love meeting people from different countries and know about their culture. I am very fond of cooking and love to share the same with others. I can show you around my city in France and give you suggestions. I have visited 18 countries, and I aim to explore 30 by the time I turn 30.