Things to do at night in Bologna to experience the city like a local

Even for its size, Bologna is one of Italy’s more multifaceted cities. This oft-overlooked town in the Po Valley has all the cultural credentials of its historic counterparts, with world-class operas, scenic views from the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca, and a marvelous basilica. But there’s an edge to Bologna that might surprise visitors who only stick to the cobbled alleys around Piazza Maggiore. It’s a major university city. And with the students, comes the cutting-edge culture along with lively bars and restaurants to keep them occupied on nights and weekends. 

The narrow streets of the vibrant city center might be the main reason you visit Bologna. Or, you might be visiting Bologna on a tip from your in-the-know friend. Really, there’s no bad time to visit Bologna as it’s perfectly comfortable to visit any time of year, but the spring and autumn are by far the best as the students will be in town, and the hordes of tourists won’t. This creates the trendy high-energy atmosphere that’s become a main draw for the city. 

One thing that's ideal when working your way through the things to do at night in Bologna is extra luggage. Backpacks, shopping bags, and suitcases will all get in the way of the fun and instantly mark you as a tourist. So, drop by a Bounce bag storage in Bologna before you head out for the night and experience the city like a local.

What to do in Bologna at night if you’re looking for… 

However you want to experience Bologna's nightlife, there's an option for you. Take a food tour to sample delicious cuisine like homemade pasta, or opt for the lively atmosphere of the club and bar scene - the choice is yours.

A lively night out

You don’t necessarily need to read some Bologna nightlife guide to put together an unforgettable night. The historic center of this Italian city is home to plenty of important jazz clubs and local bars that book live music, so you should be able to patch together a worthy pub crawl just by feeling out the vibe at each place along Via Zamboni or Via Pratello. Here are a few ideas for when you want to plan ahead: 

See what’s happening at Serre dei Giardini Margherita

This trendy space (housed in an abandoned zoo) is great for an evening hang out, especially when an exhibition or DJ set is scheduled. Undoubtedly the epicenter for Bologna’s cool kids, this extensive event space features an onsite bar, gardens, and a massive greenhouse where events occur. There's an eco-friendly element to the space with a small carbon footprint and sustainable operations. It's situated south of the city center, so you'll want to leave your bags with a centrally located Bounce luggage storage location on your way to the event.

Bar hop til you drop

Given the relatively small size of the city, Bologna’s nightlife scene is truly impressive. There are dozens of nightclubs and cocktail bars offering a wide variety of experiences. Matis is one of the best for clubbing, with huge crowds of university students and travelers. Head to Bar Wolf and Freakout Club for edgy live music. Kinki is the university district’s go-to nightclub for blown-out dance parties and sets from international DJs. Obviously, clubbing is best done without your luggage in tow. Drop the bags off with Bounce!

Pro tip: If you want more of an elevated night, the glamorous Numa Club is where you should head for disco beats and a retro vibe.

Hit the University District to party

If you want to party, but don't have a specific plan in mind (or an infinite budget), then simply head to the University District. You'll find bars with cheap drinks and an unfussy atmosphere. Via Zamboni and delle Belle Arti are where you should head first as most bars and nightclubs are lining these lively stretches.

Pro tip: Via Pratello and Via dell’Indipendenza or other hotspots where you'll find the largest and busiest nightclubs along with street food and boutiques. 

Hit one of the city’s markets

If you prefer to put together a picnic with your own food instead of hitting a high-end Trattoria, you can head to a number of farmers' markets that operate later than you'd expect. Pick from spectacular cheeses and cured meats along with freshly baked bread and wine to make a charcuterie board to bring to your sunset lookout.

Pro tip: The top markets are Mercato delle Erbe and Mercato di Mezzo. Both are located in the city center and are an easy stop. 

An intimate and cozy atmosphere

Despite the unavoidable element of the university, it’s more than possible to put together a romantic evening or low-key night with a small group. There are plenty of excellent wine bars and cafes to settle into, and many of the best landmarks are preferable to view under the night sky. 

Start at the Basilica of San Petronio

This architectural marvel is absolutely stunning at sunset, and its location on the Piazza Maggiore makes it the perfect stop on the way to or from dinner. You can linger in the dimming light admiring the facade of this UNESCO World Heritage Site and its fabulous Fountain of Neptune.

Pro tip: You can also follow the porticoes along the city walls for an extended stroll.

Have a quiet drink

If you’re wary of rowdy crowds, you’ll want to stray a bit from the University District’s clubs. Luckily, Bologna has more than a few cozy wine bars or cocktail lounges geared towards romantic getaways. Drogheria Della Rosa is a charming little taverna serving up authentic Italian cuisine and a superb wine list. Osteria del Sole might be the only place in Italy to adopt the ‘BYOF’ concept where you provide the bites and they provide the booze. It’s situated in a historic inn and has plenty of nooks and crannies to cozy up in.

Pro tip: Want to take your date somewhere special? Hotel Touring’s rooftop bar is one of the most romantic establishments in Bologna, with impeccable views and a sleek ambiance for special occasions. 

Take in the sunset

The Madonna di San Luca should be your top spot for bidding farewell to the sun. With a vantage point stretching past rooftops and towers to the horizon, you’ll have a panorama's worth of Instagram pics, with the beautiful Asinelli Tower in sight. The temple itself should be on your list as this arched temple boasts magnificent architecture from its perch. Drop by a Bounce location on your way up to the temple to store the bags while you poke around and enjoy the sunset. 

Catch a show at Teatro Duse

This architectural delight dates back to the 16th century and is home to Bologna's ballet and opera performances along with select concerts.

Pro tip: You’ll want to head over a little early (and of course, drop your bags off) so you can admire the handsome decor and incredible 20th-century frieze and crystalline chandelier. 

Bologna, with its youthful energy and stately elegance, provides one of Italy’s most unique travel experiences. Heading to other Italian cities? Bounce has locations throughout the country’s top travel destinations, including Rome, Venice, Florence, and more!