Staying in the Quadrilatero in Bologna
An address on Via Pescherie Vecchie or Via Drapperie puts your doorway among working food shops. Expect deliveries and shop preparations earlier than you might hear them on a residential street. The lanes are short, but tables and shoppers can slow a walk with a suitcase. Check whether your room faces the street and whether the property's entrance is separate from a shop or restaurant.
At a glance
- Best for
- Food and lunch
- At night
- Lively until late
- Getting around
- Walk
- Price level
- €€€
Narrow medieval lanes of delis, fishmongers and market stalls, a few steps from the square.
Good for
- Food shops, market stalls and lunch on your doorstep
- Walking to the Two Towers and the square
- A short stay
Think twice if
- You sleep lightly and the room faces the lane
- You want a large hotel with a lift
- You want cheap rooms
What is near The Quadrilatero
Santa Maria della Vita
About two minutes from Via Drapperie, this church contains Niccolò dell'Arca's terracotta mourning figures. Check access arrangements for the sculpture group.
Piazza della Mercanzia
Walk about three minutes east to a small square with a Gothic merchants' palace and routes toward Santo Stefano.
Archiginnasio
Around five minutes on foot brings you to the old university building, where decorated corridors offer a change from the market lanes.
Eating in The Quadrilatero
Tamburini is useful for exploring local cured meats and prepared food. Elsewhere, distinguish between a shop selling ingredients, a counter serving lunch and a restaurant offering table service. Check menus before sitting down, and book dinner if you have a particular place in mind.
Getting around from The Quadrilatero
Walk out to Piazza Maggiore or Piazza della Mercanzia before orienting yourself for a longer journey. The market lanes are easiest on foot, and rolling luggage can be awkward when tables are out. Bologna Centrale is roughly 25 minutes away on foot via Via Indipendenza.
Hotels in The Quadrilatero
Search the area on the booking sites, where the prices are. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you.
Other areas of Bologna
Staying in the Quadrilatero in Bologna
Will food shops be open late?
Do not assume shop counters follow restaurant hours. Buy picnic supplies earlier in the day and check each shop's closing time.
Is it easy to arrive with a large suitcase?
The lanes can be crowded and vehicle access is restricted. Ask your accommodation for a drop-off point and the simplest walking approach.
What should I check before booking a room?
Ask about early deliveries, restaurant noise below the windows and lift access. A room facing a courtyard may have a different noise level.