How Much Does Bologna Cost? 2026 Budget Guide | Prices & Tips
Bologna offers a moderate cost of living for travelers, sitting comfortably between the high prices of Venice and the relative affordability of southern Italy. Visitors should expect a daily budget starting around $102 / €87 for budget travelers, ~$238 / €202 for mid-range comfort, and $471+ / €400+ for luxury. As a major trade-fair hub, accommodation prices can spike sharply around BolognaFiere dates. City tourist tax and restaurant coperto add small but consistent extras, while Bologna's walkability keeps transport costs low if you stay central.
Is Bologna expensive to visit?
Bologna is a moderately priced Italian city, with typical daily costs around $102 / €87 (budget), $238 / €202 (mid-range) and $487+ / €414+ (luxury) per person.
On This Page
Daily Budget
How much to budget per person per day in Bologna
$102
per person /day
$238
per person /day
$487
per person /day
Trip Costs by Duration
Total estimated costs per person, excluding flights
| Trip Costs by Duration | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Day Trip | $307 | $713 | $1,462 |
| 5-Day Trip | $512 | $1,189 | $2,436 |
| 7-Day Trip | $717 | $1,664 | $3,411 |
per person — Excludes international flights
Budget Buffer
Recommended contingency for unexpected expenses
A daily buffer of 15% is advisable to cover the city tourist tax (roughly $3.3–$8.24 / €2.8–€7 per person/night, depending on room rate) and the mandatory restaurant 'coperto'. This also provides a safety net against steep $112 / €95 fines for accidentally driving into the ZTL (Limited Traffic Zone) cameras.
How Does It Compare?
See how Bologna stacks up against other popular destinations
What Things Cost
Real prices for common tourist expenses in Bologna
Food & Drink (2)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant Typical for a quick lunch of pasta or a piadina with a drink. | $24 €20 |
| Cappuccino (Regular) Drinking at the counter (al banco) is standard; table service adds ~$1.18–$2.35 / €1–€2. | $2.24 €1.9 |
Transport (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Marconi Express (Airport Monorail) - One Way The fastest way from the airport to Bologna Centrale (7 mins). Round trip costs ~$27 / €23. | $15 €13 |
| Bologna Urban Single Ticket (75 mins) Valid for 75 mins. Buying on board with coins costs ~$2.94 / €2.5. | $2.71 €2.3 |
| Bologna Urban Daily Pass (24 hours) Best for those planning at least 4 trips in one day. | $11 €9 |
| Taxi Initial Charge (Weekday) Standard weekday meter drop. Sunday/Holiday starts at ~$6.36 / €5.4; Night starts at ~$7.53 / €6.4. | $4 €3.4 |
Accommodation (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Dorm Bed in High-Rated Hostel (e.g., Dopa Hostel) Price for a bed in a highly-rated central hostel like Dopa or Ostello Bello. Expect ~$65 / €55 during weekends. | $56 €48 |
| Mid-range 4-star Hotel (e.g., Savhotel) Standard 4-star business/leisure hotel. Note that prices can double during major trade fairs (fiere). | $153 €130 |
| Luxury 5-star Hotel (Grand Hotel Majestic) The most prestigious hotel in Bologna, located in the heart of the historic center. | $846 €719 |
Activities (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Asinelli Tower Climb (Two Towers) Ticket Currently closed (Due Torri area works). When it reopens: mandatory online booking; 498 steps and classic city views. | $5.89 €5 |
| San Luca Express Tourist Train (Round Trip) Round-trip ticket (same day) with audioguide. Departs from Piazza Maggiore to the Sanctuary of San Luca. | $15 €13 |
| Archiginnasio Anatomical Theatre Admission Standard entry is $12 / €10 with audioguide (guided tour $14 / €12). Includes access to the Stabat Mater Hall when available. | $12 €10 |
| Bologna Welcome Card PLUS Includes guided walking tour, Torre dell'Orologio, City Red Bus, San Luca Express, and civic museums (note: Asinelli Tower currently closed). | $65 €55 |
Connectivity (1)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Italy eSIM (10GB / 30 Days) Reliable data-only option for international tourists. | $21 €18 |
Food & Dining
What to eat and what it costs
Dining in Bologna is centered around high-quality ingredients, with inexpensive restaurant meals averaging $24 / €20 for a substantial pasta dish and a drink. A regular cappuccino at the counter costs approximately $2.24 / €1.9, though sitting at a table often incurs a service surcharge of $1.18–$2.35 / €1–€2. Budget-conscious diners often gravitate toward the University Quarter for student-friendly pricing or grab a piadina from street stalls in the Quadrilatero.
Cheap Eats
Where locals eat — real places, real prices
Mo' Mortadella Lab
$7.06–$12 / €6–€10Centro Storico (Via de' Monari) / University Quarter (Via San Vitale) · Street-food sandwich shop
Legendary mortadella sandwiches; expect a line, but it moves fast. Perfect for a budget lunch.
Osteria dell'Orsa
$12–$18 / €10–€15University Quarter · Osteria (no reservations)
The go-to spot for affordable pasta. Communal tables and a lively student vibe.
Pasta Fresca Naldi
$9.42–$14 / €8–€12Via del Pratello · Bakery
Authentic takeaway pasta shop. Buy your meal and eat it at the bar across the street (Barazzo).
Sfoglia Rina
$13–$21 / €11–€18City Center · Street food area
A pasta workshop where you can eat in. The menu changes weekly and features incredibly fresh ingredients.
Mercato di Mezzo
$9.42–$24 / €8–€20Quadrilatero · Food court
Indoor food court with various stalls. Great for groups who want different things (~$14 / €12 for a meal).
Getting Around
Transport costs and the smartest ways to move
The historic center is highly walkable, but the local bus system offers single 75-minute tickets for $2.71 / €2.3 or 24-hour passes for $11 / €9. Reaching the city from the airport is most efficient via the Marconi Express monorail, which costs $15 / €13 one way. For those arriving by train, the Bologna Centrale area is a manageable 1.5km walk from the central Piazza Maggiore.
Accommodation Overview
Lodging options range from high-rated hostels like Dopa Hostel at $56 / €48 for a dorm bed to luxury stays at the Grand Hotel Majestic for $846 / €719 per night. Mid-range travelers will find 4-star hotels like Savhotel around $153 / €130, though these prices frequently double during major trade fairs. Selecting a hotel slightly outside the city walls can often yield better value without sacrificing accessibility.
Accommodation Budget in Bologna
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Money-Saving Tips
Insider tricks to stretch your budget further
- 1 Eat breakfast 'al banco' (at the counter) to pay the standard $2.24 / €1.9 for a cappuccino and avoid the table service fee.
- 2 Visit Osteria dell'Orsa in the University Quarter for large, affordable portions of traditional ragù and pasta.
- 3 Purchase the Bologna Welcome Card PLUS for $65 / €55 to cover civic museums + Torre dell'Orologio + Discover Bologna walking tour + City Red Bus + San Luca Express (note: Asinelli Tower is currently closed).
- 4 Walk the 3.8km Portico di San Luca instead of paying $15 / €13 for the San Luca Express round-trip ticket to reach the sanctuary.
- 5 Buy bus tickets at 'Tabacchi' shops for $2.71 / €2.3 rather than paying the $2.94 / €2.5 surcharge for purchasing from the driver.
- 6 Refill water bottles at the 'fontanelle' (public drinking fountains) located throughout the Centro Storico.
- 7 Grab lunch at Pasta Fresca Naldi or Mo' Mortadella Lab for high-quality, authentic meals under $18 / €15.
- 8 Check the BolognaFiere calendar before booking, as staying during non-fair dates can save over $235 / €200 per night.
- 9 Utilize the city's public library, Sala Borsa, for free Wi-Fi and climate control in a historic setting.
- 10 Opt for 'vino della casa' (house wine) in carafes rather than bottled wine to save significantly on dinner bills.
Seasonal Pricing
When prices rise and fall throughout the year
Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct
+30-50%
Jan, Feb, Jul, Aug
-20-30%
Mar, Nov
Bologna is a major trade fair hub. Always check the 'BolognaFiere' calendar as a single event can cause hotels to jump from ~$141 / €120 to ~$471 / €400 per night.
Events to Watch
- ● Cosmoprof (Late March): +100% hotel rates
- ● EIMA International (November): Extreme hotel scarcity
- ● Cersaie (September): Significant price spikes
Free Things to Do
The best experiences that cost absolutely nothing
- 1 Enter the Basilica of San Petronio on Piazza Maggiore to see the world's longest indoor sundial.
- 2 Admire the Neptune Fountain (Fontana del Nettuno), a 16th-century Renaissance masterpiece in the city center.
- 3 Walk under the 666 arches of the Portico di San Luca, the longest covered walkway in the world.
- 4 Visit the Basilica of Santo Stefano, a complex of interconnected religious edifices known as the 'Seven Churches'.
- 5 View the 'Little Venice' canal through the hidden Finestrella di Via Piella window.
- 6 Explore the Sala Borsa library and look through the glass floor at the ancient Roman ruins beneath the building.
- 7 Wander the University of Bologna botanical gardens (Orto Botanico) during their 09:00–15:00 opening hours.
- 8 Stroll through the Certosa di Bologna, a monumental cemetery filled with elaborate 19th-century sculptures.
- 9 Visit the University Quarter along Via Zamboni to see vibrant street art and historic college facades.
- 10 Relax in the Parco della Montagnola, which hosts a popular local market on Fridays and Saturdays.
- 11 Explore the historic Quadrilatero market district to soak in the atmosphere of medieval food stalls and narrow alleys.
- 12 Visit the Church of San Giacomo Maggiore to view its Renaissance portico and public interior areas.
Worth the Splurge
Premium experiences that justify the price tag
Michelin Star Dining at I Portici
Located in a stunning former theater, it offers the city's most refined modern take on Emilian cuisine.
Private Food Walking Tour
The best way to navigate the Quadrilatero markets and taste DOP-certified balsamic vinegar and parmesan.
Full Day Ferrari & Lamborghini Tour
Includes museum entries and transport to Maranello and Sant'Agata—a dream for car enthusiasts.
Popular Activities
Top-rated tours and experiences in Bologna
Day Trip Costs
Popular day trips from Bologna and what they cost
Modena
$10 / €8.6 by train
$18 / €15
$71 / €60
Parma
$20 / €17 by train
$14 / €12
$94 / €80
Payment & Money
How to pay and what to know about money
Euro (EUR)
1 € ≈ 1.18 $
Yes
High in shops and restaurants, but many small cafes and 'osterie' still prefer cash for totals under ~$12 / €10.
Not mandatory. Rounding up to the nearest Euro at bars or leaving ~$2.35–$5.89 / €2–€5 for excellent dinner service is appreciated.
Use bank-affiliated ATMs (Unicredit, Intesa Sanpaolo) for the best rates. Avoid 'Euronet' machines which charge high withdrawal fees (~$4.71–$7.06 / €4–€6).
Connectivity
eSIM: $21 for 10GB (30 days) (opens in new tab)
Local SIM: $29–$35 / €25–€30 for 100GB+
WiFi: Excellent in cafes, hotels, and public libraries like Sala Borsa.
Use an Airalo eSIM for convenience, or get a Iliad/WindTre local SIM at the airport for more data (~$29 / €25).
Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- All neighborhoods verified by walking them
- Curated locations based on walkability & safety
- Real-time availability via live partner maps
- Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages
Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for Bologna.
Updated: February 16, 2026
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