Bologna is a city full of things to see and do with children: from porticos and squares to museums, it’s worth spending at least a few days. In this guide, you’ll find where to stay in Bologna with kids, with focused advice on hotels, apartments, and family-friendly B&Bs in both the city center and quieter areas outside the center.
To plan your days read also: things to do in Bologna with kids, children’s museums in Bologna, and what to do in Bologna when it rains.
Where to stay in Bologna with kids: choose the area
The first choice is the area: staying in the historic center is very convenient if you want to walk everywhere (and perfect if you arrive by train). Choosing a more outer neighborhood or the first belt may be better if you prefer peace, green spaces, and often lighter prices.
For families with young children, an apartment with a kitchenette often works well, offering freedom for meals and naps. Family hotels, however, simplify logistics with dedicated services (family rooms, hearty breakfasts, cribs on request).
In between are B&Bs and even a few agriturismos just outside the city, ideal if you want to combine Bologna with a bit of countryside.
Choosing the right area to stay in Bologna with kids depends on the type of trip: historic center for always walking, outer districts for tranquility and green spaces, or a convenient base if you arrive by train or travel by car.
Where to stay in Bologna city center
In short, for families, the best areas are Piazza Maggiore, Via Indipendenza, Viale Rizzoli, and Ugo Bassi. Quiet and very beautiful is the Ghetto Ebraico district.
Here are some hotels in these areas:
Apartments in Bologna City Center
For those who prefer hotel services, these historic center apartments are ideal for a weekend in Bologna with kids, thanks to their convenient location and family-oriented attention.
Borgonuovo Apartments
The location is central yet quiet, essential when traveling with children. The apartments are detailed and have a well-equipped kitchen; small touches like coffee capsules and herbal teas are included. The host is very helpful and ready to assist if needed.
Ugo Bassi Apartments
Just a five-minute walk from Piazza Maggiore, these apartments are convenient for visiting Bologna with kids. The spaces are modern and well-organized, and cleanliness is one of the main strengths, as frequently noted in reviews.
Indipendenza Luxury Apartments
This property offers comfortable apartments in the heart of the historic center, often with interesting deals for longer stays. Located on Via Indipendenza, one of the main city arteries, it’s perfect if you arrive by train and ideal for exploring Bologna on foot with children.
Canonica Suite
In the Ghetto Ebraico, one of the most charming and quiet central areas. The apartments have independent entrances and offer hypoallergenic rooms. Despite being central, they are on a low-traffic street, perfect for families traveling with children.
Family-Friendly Hotels in Bologna City Center
Art Hotel Orologio
A superior hotel that we particularly like. The atmosphere is elegant and welcoming, with an unbeatable location just steps from Piazza Maggiore. The services are top-notch, making it suitable for families seeking comfort without sacrificing centrality.
Hotel Internazionale
Overlooking Via Indipendenza, this hotel is convenient for exploring the city on foot. The breakfast is highly appreciated, varied and plentiful – an important plus when traveling with children.
Hotel Metropolitan
Located in the historic center, the Hotel Metropolitan offers spacious, modern family rooms. Its position allows easy walking access to main attractions, making it practical for a stay in Bologna with kids.
Art Hotel Commercianti
A boutique hotel just a few steps from Piazza Maggiore, with well-kept rooms and some overlooking the Basilica of San Petronio. It offers family services such as cots and children’s menus, perfect for a central stay with a special touch.
Where to Stay in the University Quarter
Vibrant and dynamic, the University Quarter is home to the University of Bologna, the oldest in the Western world. Nearby, you will find the Palazzo Poggi Museum and the Botanical Garden. Both are perfect educational stops for your kids. This area is suitable for families who want family accommodation in Bologna that is well-connected to the historic center and surrounded by culture and green spaces.
Aemilia Hotel
The Aemilia Hotel is a convenient solution for staying in Bologna with kids. It offers modern family rooms, an on-site restaurant with a kids’ menu, and a rooftop terrace with city views. The location is practical for exploring both the University Quarter and the historic center.
The Fiera District in Bologna
The Fiera district is ideal if you are looking for peace, larger spaces, and modern facilities. Nearby, you can visit Parco Nord and the Museum for the Memory of Ustica. Families might also enjoy Grand Tour Italia or Lunafarm, the “farm-themed” amusement park. The area is well-connected to the center by public transport. It is a good choice for families traveling by car who want a comfortable base outside the tourist heart.
San Donato Neighborhood
San Donato is a quiet residential neighborhood with parks and green areas. It is a comfortable choice for families looking for a relaxed environment. Nearby, you will find Parco San Donnino and the Meraville Shopping Center, which are useful for practical breaks during your trip. It is especially recommended if you need outdoor space and city-resort style amenities.
Savoia Hotel Regency
The Savoia Hotel Regency is housed in a historic villa. It offers elegant family rooms, a large garden, and an outdoor pool—perfect for the warmer seasons. The restaurant serves traditional Emilian cuisine with kid-friendly options. It is an excellent choice if you want comfort and room for the kids to play.
Navile District
Navile is a growing, practical, and well-served neighborhood. It is convenient if you arrive by train or want to stay near the station near green spaces. Nearby, you can visit the Museum of Industrial Patrimony and relax at Parco Navile. The area is well-connected to the center and major travel routes.
It is a functional choice for families seeking a simple logistical base (train, public transport, quick transfers) and modern accommodation.
AC Hotel Bologna by Marriott
Modern and comfortable, suitable for families: it offers spacious rooms, a gym, and an on-site restaurant with children’s options. Breakfast is included (a plus when traveling with little ones). The location is convenient for train arrivals: about 10 minutes’ walk from the station and allows easy access to the center either by a 25-minute walk or public transport.
Santo Stefano District
Santo Stefano is one of Bologna’s most elegant districts, with cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and a more relaxed atmosphere than the busier central streets. It is convenient for visiting Basilica di Santo Stefano and reaching Giardini Margherita, the city’s largest park – ideal for an outdoor break with children.
This is the perfect area for families who want to stay near the center but in a quieter, greener context.
Hotel Porta San Mamolo
Central but not too much: a small oasis for families. This boutique hotel offers cozy family rooms, an internal garden, and breakfast served in a bright veranda. Staff are attentive to families’ needs, and the location is ideal for exploring the district and easily reaching the historic center.
Staying in the Lame District
The Lame district develops along the Canale Navile and is an interesting area if you travel with children and seek green spaces and activities alternative to the historic center. Here you’ll find the Industrial Heritage Museum, which tells Bologna’s industrial history from the Middle Ages to the 20th century through interactive exhibits and historical collections.
Another highlight for families is Parco del Dopolavoro Ferroviario, a large green space with playgrounds, sports fields, and relaxation areas, ideal for spending time outdoors.
It is a good choice for families seeking practical, well-connected accommodation away from crowded central areas.
Combo in Bologna
Combo is located in Lame, about 800 meters from the station, and is an affordable, informal option. Proximity to a park is a plus when traveling with children. The facility has a bar and 24-hour reception, useful for those arriving on late trains or leaving early in the morning.
Kid-Friendly Hotel Chains in Bologna
If you prefer a hotel chain, especially for predictable service standards and spacious rooms, Bologna has several structures suitable for families, well connected to the center and convenient for car travelers.
UNAHOTELS Bologna Fiera
UNAHOTELS Bologna Fiera offers spacious rooms and family-friendly services such as common areas and a restaurant with children’s menu. Some properties also have an outdoor pool. It is a practical choice if you want peace, parking, and quick connections to the center.
Where to Stay in Bologna Outside the Center
Choosing accommodation outside the historic center is a good option if you travel by car or prefer slower rhythms, green spaces, and structures immersed in nature. Areas just outside Bologna allow combining the city visit with relaxation, often with larger accommodations and included parking.
Agriturismo Ben Ti Voglio
Located in Bentivoglio, in the Bolognese countryside. It is ideal for families seeking peace: breakfast with homemade cakes, rustic-style rooms, and a garden to relax. The center of Bologna is reachable in about 15 minutes by car.
Room & Breakfast La Gramadora
If you want to feel at home even while traveling, Room & Breakfast La Gramadora is a cozy and authentic choice. Located in Castel San Pietro Terme, in a farmhouse surrounded by greenery with only four rooms, ideal for a quiet family stay.
Family-run, perfect for those who want to visit Bologna without giving up relaxation and an intimate atmosphere.
- Dove: La Gramadora is 10 minutes from the highway exit and 15 minutes by train from Bologna station
Boutique Hotel Calzavecchio in Casalecchio
Boutique Hotel Calzavecchio, in Casalecchio di Reno, is a convenient and quiet solution for families. It offers spacious rooms, parking, and a small garden. The center of Bologna is easily reachable by public transport.
Now that you’ve chosen where to stay in Bologna with kids, start planning your trip and make new family memories.
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