Bologna Hostels

Bologna, the oldest university town in Europe, is a fitting place for travelers, and especially backpackers. The intact architecture of the historic town center is dotted with iconic towers, from a time where the local elite showed off by building these competing residences. There are local cultural sights and museums, but the university steals the show. Or maybe you're more interested in the food and eating your way through town in search of the best dining spots. If you want to learn the local tricks of the good life, find a cafe, sit back, and take in the world rushing by.

Bologna's center isn't huge the city is sprawling, so things certainly do get busy around town at peak times. Yet despite the city having so much going for it, there aren't many visitors here compared to the rest of the Tuscan north and not-so-distance Venice.

The hostels in Bologna are a bit disappointing. If you're hoping to stay in town for a quick night, as those touring the region might desire, you'll have a hard time. Currently, the Bologna hostels are all located well outside of the center. Although bus service during the day is fast and frequent it's not always available in the evening or later at night. This also means you'll have to pony-up the cash for a cab or miss out on the late-night enjoyment of public squares, cafés, and bars.

The Bologna hostels are all spacious and have plentiful outdoor space thanks to their suburban or even small-town settings. They are popular with Italian scouting and school groups, but also attract independent travelers.