Luxurious palazzos, ancient churches, dilapidated ancient streets and ancient fortress walls. Bologna strikes with its contrasts and falls in love with itself at first sight. The city is not as famous as other cities in Italy, although many consider it second in beauty only to Venice. And despite the fact that the city is not so popular among tourists, those who have visited it once always want to return to it again.
Scientists suggest that Bologna was founded in the 5th century BC. In the 4th century BC, the Celts captured it and it became known as Bonnonia. A few centuries later, the city became one of the Roman colonies. And since the Roman Empire flourished at that time, the city began to grow and develop rapidly. After the collapse of the Roman Empire, the city was ruled by many peoples until Charlemagne decided to make it a "free settlement". Since then, the inscription “libertas” flaunts on the coat of arms of the city, which serves as a reminder of those difficult times and the freedom-loving nature of all Bolognese. In the 16th century, Bologna was again annexed to the Roman possessions, and at the end of the 18th century it became part of the Italian kingdom. Until the 20th century, the city retained its medieval appearance - ancient streets and buildings, a high brick wall that served as protection in case of attack, and numerous ancient monuments - churches, palaces, palazzos.
Bologna is often called the intellectual center of Europe. And for good reason. It was here that university was founded in the 11th century and is now considered one of the oldest in Europe. Very soon after the founding of the university, its graduates began to make notable discoveries in various fields of science. This contributed to the fact that scientists from around the world flocked to the city. Today's young Bolognese believe that everyone should receive an education. That is why a third of the population of the entire city is currently studying at the University of Bologna.
Which places to visit in Bologna?
It is believed that the period from May to October is the best time to visit Bologna, and indeed the entire northern Italy in general. It can be reached by plane (Marconi Airport) or by car if you are traveling with your own or rented car. For example, the distance from Rome to Bologna is only 370 km. This distance can be overcome in 2.5-3 hours. You can rent a car on the service Bookingautos.
If you are traveling on your own and do not plan to use the services of guides, then the site of the Emilia-Romagna region (which includes Bologna) - Regione Emilia-Romagna will help you learn more about the local culture, lifestyle, the main sights of the city.
The first thing in Bologna is to see the Gates of Zaragoza. It is believed that these stone gates were built in the 17th century. They are also called the gates of pilgrims - since there are many temples in the city, and there are priceless relics in them, many believers have always been drawn here, who passed through these gates.
Another attraction is Leaning Towers, which get their name from the fact that both are slightly tilted in opposite directions from each other sides, giving the impression that they are about to fall. They were built from ordinary bricks. One of the platforms has an observation deck, which offers a wonderful view of the city.
The Church of St. Luke and the long arcade leading to it is one of must-see places in Bologna. The arcade itself consists of 666 arches and this number is no coincidence. The arcade symbolizes the fallen body of the serpent-devil, which is trampled under the foot of the Virgin Mary. The arcade was originally created so that pilgrims, forced to make a long journey to the church, did not get wet in the rain. Its length is almost 4 km.
Where to go next to Bologna?
Bologna is only an hour away from Italian cities like Venice, Verona, Florence. And each of these cities is really worth seeing. But still, there are so many interesting things in them that it is unlikely that you will be able to see them in a day or two. But there are many cities nearby, smaller in size, but no less interesting. For example, Ravenna. The city is famous for its ancient churches with mosaics of incredible beauty. The small town Modena (in its historic centre) is home to a cathedral and a square that attracts tourists with its architecture. By the way, it was in that city that Enzo Ferrari.
TOP 17 things to do in Bologna
Local cuisine and restaurants of Bologna
Bologna is the birthplace of the beloved bolognese sauce and tortellini. The Bolognese are generally considered to be those gourmets, and many call Bologna itself the gastronomic center of Italy. Locals even cook pasta in a special way - always with the addition of an egg. Therefore, when traveling around the city, be sure to pay attention to establishments that serve traditional dishes:
La Porta Restaurant (Piazza Sergio Vieira de Mello 4 La Piazza sovraelevata di via Stalingrado 37, +39 051 415 9491).
Bologna car parks
Bologna has both street and indoor car parks. At night, you can leave your car in street parking lots for free (from 20:00 to 08:00), but during the day you will have to pay for parking. Price per hour from one to three euros. Here are some cheap car parks located near the historic center of Bologna:
Parking G.T. at Via Del Porto, 5. Price per hour is 2€;
In Bologna, in the very center of the city, there is a restricted traffic zone that only local residents or residents of hotels located in this zone can drive through.
Good to know
Most Popular Agency
Avis
Most popular car class
Mini
Average price
30 € / Day
Best price
21 € / Day
Monthly price chart. Approximate prices for 7 days rental
January
€191
February
€123
March
€124
April
€136
May
€177
June
€224
July
€239
August
€240
September
€154
October
€132
November
€115
December
€143
* Prices are based on orders processed over the previous 2 years.
The best month to rent a car in Bologna is November. There are fewer tourists and a lot of available cars. You can book a compact class model at a price from €17. This is 31% cheaper than the average during the year.
The best time to rent a car in Bologna is November. During this period the cost of renting a car of a compact category starts from €17, which is approximately 32% lower compared to the average price during a year.
Convertible cars in Bologna are in high demand during the summer. This is not surprising. After all, a trip on such a car gives a feeling of freedom and independence, allows you to relax and forget about the problems of the world around you. Although you should be prepared for an increase in rental prices and possible problems with the range of available cars. If we talk about the price BMW 2 Series Cabrio - it will be from €75 per 1 day.
Average prices for 1 day rental for different car classes:
4x
2x
A/C
3x
Citroen C1
Citroen C1
€14 / Day
4x
2x
A/C
4x
Ford Fiesta
Ford Fiesta
€18 / Day
5x
3x
A/C
4x
Audi A4
Audi A4
€32 / Day
5x
4x
A/C
5x
Ford Foxus Estate
Ford Foxus Estate
€33 / Day
4x
3x
A/C
5x
BMW X1
BMW X1
€33 / Day
4x
3x
A/C
4x
BMW 5 series
BMW 5 series
€45 / Day
8x
4x
A/C
5x
Ford Tourneo
Ford Tourneo
€55 / Day
4x
2x
A/C
2x
BMW 4 Cabrio
BMW 4 Cabrio
€65 / Day
We offer a wide range of vehicles to suit every budget:
Economy cars - a great solution for everyday trips;
Premium segment - for those who love quality and comfort;
Business class is ideal for people who are used to being first.
Convertibles, SUVs and station wagons, as well as minivans and sedans are in demand among customers. The choice of car depends not only on personal tastes, preferences and its cost. Rental conditions are important, which in some cases should be taken into account in the first place.
When calculating the rental price for a car in Bologna, seasonal demand, the class of the car itself and the duration of the rental are taken into account. In winter, renting a car is the cheapest. In the summer, rent will cost more expensive. An additional discount for long-term rentals is provided by many car rental companies, which makes your trip even more profitable for the budget. For example, in the spring months, the compact Ford Focusmodel can be rented for just €17 per day. Renting the same car for a week will cost less and will be only €14. The situation is similar with other models of the budget segment. Among them are Skoda Superb, Peugeot 308 Estate, VW Tiguan, which can be rented for as little as €49-€48 per day. Approximately for €75in Bologna you can rent a convertible car. Premium segment models are more expensive, the rental will cost from €215 per day. If we talk about exclusive models, then when ordering them, you should be prepared for an amount of 450€ or more for daily use.
In recent years in Bologna the demand for electric rental cars has been growing steadily. Their popularity is due to the presence of numerous free parking lots and recharging stations. You will be able to rent BMW i3 in Bologna by selecting start and end dates of the rental in the search filter.
Documents needed to rent a car
Driving license
Credit card
Voucher
Passport
Attention!
A valid international driver's license is required!
Your guide to rent a car in Bologna
Download Google maps for offline access
All modern smartphones have a GPS function. You can save on the "Navigator" service and roaming charges for the Internet if you download maps in the Google Maps application in advance. Offline maps also support route building and navigation. To download a map - open the area you need by controlling the scale, and enter "ok maps" in the search.
Book in advance
Bologna is now in ever-increasing demand, which affects the high demand for car rental. By booking online, you can avoid any unpleasant surprises after you arrive at your destination. Both with the car itself and with its rent.
It is better to book a car at least one and a half months before the trip. As the required date approaches, the number of available offers is reduced, and the cost of the remaining models increases. If plans change and the trip is postponed, then you can cancel the rental without any sanctions 2 days before it starts.
Which car to choose
Tourists who expect to drive only around the city and its immediate surroundings prefer to rent compact cars, Citroen C1 or Ford Focus. For trips to the mountains, you need a car with increased power. You should go on such a trip with a full tank, as fuel consumption in the mountains increases one and a half to two times. An all-wheel drive crossover would be the ideal car for this. Renting Peugeot 308 Estate in Bologna will cost €36 per day.
What you need to pay attention to when receiving a car
Before picking up, you are required to carefully inspect the car and point out to the rental company manager for scratches, damage and defects, such as dirty seat upholstery. You should check the ignition and the fuel level in the tank. You need to know the conditions for returning the car - where exactly, with what amount of fuel to return the car.
The rental agreement must include a telephone number to contact the rental company. It is designed so that customers can get help in emergency situations, such as when a car breaks down or in the event of an accident. A call to the rental company should be done first, even before the arrival of the police.
Insurance recommendations
When you pick up your rental car, you need to take it seriously. This is especially true if you do not intend to purchase additional insurance. You should carefully inspect the received car and fix all scratches, dents, and other defects in the contract. It is also recommended to take a picture of the existing damage to the car, its number, write down the name of the rental company employee.
What types of insurance are available for car rental?
Third Party Liability (TPL). This is a third party liability protection. If you are the culprit of an accident, the insurance will compensate for the costs of the victims for you.
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). This is to protect your vehicle from any damage. She works with a franchise. This is the amount that you will have to pay in case of damage in any case. The company will cover anything over the limit. The insurance does not cover theft.
Theft Waiver (T.W.). This is car theft protection. Operates with a franchise.
Personal Accident Insurance (PAI). This is medical insurance for the driver and passengers.
Check out the fuel policy
When you pick up your car, you may be asked to pay for a full tank of fuel right away. This condition will suit you if you plan to travel long distances. For a couple of trips around the city, you don’t need so much fuel, and therefore it doesn’t make sense to overpay. Pay attention to the fuel policy when booking a car. If necessary, use the special filter to select the most convenient option for you.
Mileage without limits
According to the rental conditions, the mileage can be limited or unlimited. Travel lovers should choose the option without a limit. It will cost more, but in the end it will save. Check the appropriate box to filter offers with unlimited mileage.
Compare conditions of different rental companies
When choosing a rental car in Bologna, you should carefully read all the terms of the rental. This is due to the fact that different companies may differ not only in rental prices, but also in conditions for limiting mileage, the cost of additional services, and the amount of the deposit. To compare rental conditions, it is convenient to use the search and booking system on our website.
Which rental company to choose
When renting a car in Bologna, you should carefully read all the conditions offered by the rental company. Depending on the specific company, they may differ in mileage, insurance coverage, deposit amount, accompanying services and their cost. You should choose proven and reliable companies that offer new cars and stand out due to the well-thought-out organization of work with customers. Additionally, you can study the rating of distributors, which is also available on our website.
If we talk about the best companies in Bologna, then it is worth highlighting sixt with a rating 9.8 and budget, the average rating of which is 9.7 points.
Car pick-up procedure
Before signing a car rental agreement, it should be carefully checked for damage and defects. Do not be shy to point out the identified problems and problems - then you will not have to answer for them. When returning, pay attention to the fuel in the tank. Its volume must correspond to that prescribed in the agreement.
Also, do not ignore the phone number provided by the technical support representative when concluding the contract. After all, even the most experienced driver is not insured against a breakdown, accident or other force majeure event. In such a case, contact a specialist before the arrival of the police.
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Car rental reviews: Bologna - City Centre
Based on 8255 reviews
Rate 4,8/5
Based on 8255 reviews
Tony
4,8
Without a doubt, I will continue to use Bookingautos on a regular basis. Thank you very much for your assistance!
Michael
4,7
Excellent value for money. The pick-up process was a little confusing, but I would use it again!
Luna
4,5
The search was very simple to use, the price was really low, and there were no problems with the rental car company.
Jody
4,9
Everything proceeded as expected. The complete coverage compensation really worked.
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