Europe
Italy
Emilia-Romagna
Province of Bologna
Bologna
Things to Do in Bologna
Piazza Maggiore
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Piazza Maggiore

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Piazza Maggiore
4.5
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Santo Stefano
Best nearby
Restaurants
1,659 within 3 miles
Mò Mortadella Lab
931
0.2 mi$ • Italian • Fast Food • Mediterranean
The Gallery Pizzart Food & Drink
253
0.1 mi$$ - $$$
Ristorante San Pietro
1,384
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Pizza • Seafood
Botanica Lab Cucina
727
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • European • Healthy
Trattoria del Tempo Buono
1,909
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Mediterranean • Emilian • Vegetarian Friendly
Salumeria Simoni
2,065
292 ft$$ - $$$ • Specialty Food Market • Italian • Deli
Da Cesari
1,297
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Mediterranean • European
PAN8
589
354 ft$ • Italian • Street Food • Emilian
Cremeria Cavour
1,148
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Dessert • Cafe • Vegetarian Friendly
Sushi Corner Bologna
111
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Japanese • Seafood • Sushi
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Attractions
505 within 6 miles
Bologna Tourism Office
135
68 ftVisitor Centers
Chiesa Del Santo Sepolcro
1
83 ftChurches & Cathedrals
Palazzo del Podestà
241
122 ftPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Basilica di San Petronio
4,238
141 ftHistoric Sites • Churches & Cathedrals
Palazzo Comunale
515
141 ftArchitectural Buildings • Government Buildings
Portico di San Luca
497
177 ftHistoric Walking Areas • Architectural Buildings
Statua di Vittorio Emanuele II
5
179 ftMonuments & Statues
Torre dell'Orologio
39
179 ftObservation Decks & Towers
Ex Palazzo Comunale
1
191 ftArchitectural Buildings
Palazzo Re Enzo
247
194 ftHistoric Sites • Architectural Buildings
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See what other travelers are saying
  • Stephen O'C
    Vienna, Austria12 contributions
    An unavoidably lovely crossroads in the heart of the city...
    We stopped here for spot of lunch and absorbed the atmosphere of Bologna. This is a really nice example of what a piazza should be. We saw people of all ages, locals and tourists, all gathering together in bars, cafes, shops or just lounging and sunning themselves in the wide expanse of the square. There was an outdoor music event in progress that Sunday afternoon, lots of different singer/songwriters entertaining people in the square. There was a security presence from the Carbinieri, but very unobtrusive. The piazza has a good selection of dining and shopping, mixed with historic buildings, beautiful architecture and the Neptune fountain. Kudos to the people of Bologna for creating an open and welcoming space for both locals and travellers.
    Written April 16, 2022
  • julieton
    High Wycombe, United Kingdom41 contributions
    Climb up San Pietro Dome steps worth a visit.
    We enjoyed wandering around this square and it's worth noting that Bus number 20 stops here if you visit the Basilica San Luca. The good news is there are splendid views which can be seen for €5 pp climbing up the mere 266 steps behind St Peters ( San Pietro) cathedral. You have to walk behind and outside to the right towards dome where there is an external staircase and Staff on attendance. We didn't go up the towers because Getting up the two towers at weekends was difficult it was very busy. Buying tickets are impossible from any retailers and have to be bought using the almost impossible app to download (rubbish) and we also found the staff there unhelpful.
    Written June 10, 2022
  • Catherine P
    Seattle, Washington43 contributions
    Heart of Bologna
    My airbnb apt looked out on Piazza Maggiore, a place for people and street performers' music from early morning till after midnight. I loved sitting in the window, watching the world go by. I was there on the week-end and Friday and Saturday nights the music went on till late. I'm a light sleeper so I always sleep with earplugs - and the room was quiet soon as they went in. Small side streets radiate away from the Piazza Maggiore and they're full of small charming restaurants, bars, clothes stores, coffee shops, gorgeous fresh fruit and vegetable stands and throng with people. On my next visit I'll make a point of staying in the same neighborhood and can't wait to go back to Bologna. Ciao!
    Written March 2, 2020
These reviews are the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor checks reviews for fraud.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
9,945 reviews
Excellent
6,284
Very good
3,067
Average
489
Poor
66
Terrible
39
Travelaround59
London, UK1,741 contributions
Asymmetric Beauty!!!
Jan 2023 • Solo
This square is a wonder!
Strangely the asymmetrical layout and the contrasting style of the buildings give the place a a very calming effect…as I m very fond of symmetry I am surprised of how much i liked this square!
The beautiful Giambologna statue on one of “entrances” is just a fitting tribute.
Written January 31, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
StotheN
Stockholm, Sweden453 contributions
A good traditional square
Jan 2023
It has got everything that a good city square should have and with centuries of history to boot. Do visit and have some pasta bolognese at the nearest restaurant.
Written January 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Haslantas
Istanbul, Türkiye52 contributions
Bologna at its best
Jan 2023 • Couples
İt is the place to go first. Everything is around that bustling piazza. Walking around the piazza is like walking in History incredible monuments all around not to mention all great shopping is around as well as restaurants and bars
Written January 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Wow_Triper07
Paris, France264 contributions
A must!
Nov 2022
A beautiful square! A must in a visit to Bologna. With an excellent museum of the city on one of its sides..
Written December 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Francisco Jose Fernandez Sanchez
Las Rozas, Spain501 contributions
To sit in one of its cafeterias and let time go by watching the people and the monuments that surround it
Dec 2022
This square is the heart of the city of Bologna, presided over by its phenomenal statue of Neptune
It is surrounded by impressive monuments such as the Palacio d'Accursio and the Basilica of San Petronio, both of which deserve a detailed visit.
It is the place from where the guided tours of the city depart, we chose two, one for a visit to the city through GetYourGuide and another to the Palacio d'Accursio with Civitatis
The square is always a hive of people coming and going, it is a good idea to sit in one of the cafeterias to take the pulse of the city, among them the one in front of the Basilica of San Petronio stands out, which offers a great selection of Italian wines to buy
And just below the square, there is an excellent cafeteria that offers great breakfasts at reasonable prices, just behind the other one, it has a good terrace but the views are not so spectacular
Written December 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Amelia O
114 contributions
Great Plazza in Bologne
Nov 2022
This is a great place to visit, You have the fountains where the water is coming out iof the ladies boobs. BUt make sure you also visit the visitors center which is right behind the fountain.also, this is the area where the tour buses will pick you up, like the hop on hop off bus. This is a lively area, and from this piazza you can walk to other great atttractions, such as the Anatomical Theater.
Written November 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ilias_t_t
Athens, Greece188 contributions
Like many Piazze in Italy
Oct 2022
It reminds me of many other similar places. Just don't sit there to drink coffee. There are better places.
Written November 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
MarcelaMangu1974
Tulcea, Romania2 contributions
Wonderfful city
Oct 2022
I had an unforgettable experience in this city, and my recommendation for other visitors is to allocate at least 4 days to visit this wonderful city.
Written October 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sam
Nuremberg, Germany11,624 contributions
Piazza
Oct 2022 • Solo
Beautiful square in the city center. Feels like the heart of Bologna. Beautiful palaces and church surrounds it. Many tourists and locals at all times
Written October 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
terrybensusan
Berkhamsted, UK123 contributions
Really pretty.
Oct 2022
Lots to see and plenty of places to eat and drink. Very busy as popular but always managed to get a table to eat. Be patient.
Written October 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Piazza Maggiore (Bologna) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Frequently Asked Questions about Piazza Maggiore
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