Rooftop Bars in Bologna: 10 Places to Drink with a View

As the capital of the Emilia Romagna section of Italy, this old university city is known for its excellent cuisine, ancient architecture, and its exciting nightlife. Some of the most popular attractions in Bologna are the Two Towers, the Fountain of Neptune, Maggiore Plaza, and the Accursio Palace from the 14th century.

The city also has a plethora of parks, theaters, and art galleries. Besides all that, you can find numerous great shopping malls and boutiques. You can spend months here without getting bored. But the best way to see the city is from a tall building with a cold beer or tasty cocktail in your hand. In other words, you need to know where the best rooftop bars in Bologna are.

You can get thirsty while you are out shopping in Bologna or just wandering the streets sightseeing. Why not grab a drink at one of the best rooftop bars in the city where you can see panoramic views of the absolutely stunning countryside? Hotels almost always seem to have a rooftop bar or restaurant so they are numerous in this fantastic city.

There are many restaurants in Bologna within walking distance of Bologna Guglielmo Marconi airport and many of them have a roof garden or rooftop bar to enjoy aperitifs or cocktails. In the spring and summer, Bologna is the perfect location to enjoy the outdoor spaces on the roof because the weather is always warm and pleasant.

Before you make your reservations to hit the rooftop club for a cocktail, find a nearby Bounce location where you can drop off your luggage for safekeeping. You do not want to have to worry about your property while indulging in a brew while you look at the view.

Hotel Metropolitan Roof Garden

What's it like:

At Hotel Metropolitan, this rooftop terrace features a sensational garden with stunning views like the Bolognesi Hills dominated by the Basilica of San Luca. Located in the middle of the University District, the Roof Garden is on the fifth floor and has stunning views of Piazza Maggiore, the Basilica of San Domenico, and the city skyline.

Our recommendation:

Open from March until October, the Roof Garden is the perfect spot for a romantic evening with your sweetheart or a night out with friends. Of all the rooftop bars in Bologna, the Hotel Metropolitan is one of the most popular with young folks. Besides wine, beer, and cocktails, they also serve mocktails, smoothies, coffee, and food from meat and cheese platters to smoked salmon.

Location:

Via dell'Orso, 6, 40121 Bologna BO, Italy

Hotel Touring Bologna

What's it like:

The Hotel Touring is within walking distance of the Cavour Gallery, as well as the Due Torri, Enzo Palace, and Maggiore Plaza. The main attraction of this rooftop bar for visitors as well as locals is the hot tub, open from June through September. And the panoramic views are perfect for drinking a glass of champagne while watching the sunset.

Our recommendation:

You will notice right away that the staff is incredibly friendly whether you are a guest or just there for the drinks on the rooftop terrace. If you do decide to stay here, you will enjoy fabulous rooms equipped with air conditioning, free wifi, a flat-screen tv, and parquet floors. It also has a cafe, coffee shop, garden, and buffet breakfast.

Location:

Via dè Mattuiani, 1/2, 40124 Bologna BO, Italy

Continentale Hotel Rooftop Bar

What's it like:

Also known as La Terrazza, the beautiful terrace on top of the Continentale Hotel is within walking distance of the Piazza della Signoria, the Cathedral of the Image, and Palazzo Vecchio. The covered rooftop bar also has comfy lounge chairs, covered Alongside the River Arno, you can also get a splendid view of the Ponte Vecchio.

Our recommendation:

Guests can eat dinner or just enjoy small dishes. But we recommend the passatelli pasta with white sea sauce and spring veggies. Served right at your table by superb staff while you take in the view of the town. Try some Italian cuisine with your drinks or just a cocktail or two.

Location:

Vicolo dell'Oro, 4, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy

Neaera Lounge Bar

What's it like:

Both casual and classy, the Neaera Lounge Bar is popular with the locals so you know it has to be great. The wine list is extensive, the cocktail menu amazing, and the beer is always ice cold. Located between the Reno Canal and Delle Moline Canal, this relaxed spot is the perfect site for visitors to get some awesome selfies.

Our recommendation:

You will not have to search too hard to find the best deals here because the menu always has specials on the first page. The drink menu is about six pages and you can enjoy a buffet with recipes from all over the world. You can book a space in advance, which is what we recommend for this venue.

Location:

Via Guglielmo Oberdan, 37b, 40126 Bologna BO, Italy

Le Stanze

What's it like:

This historic building has a story. In May 1713, Count Bentivoglio transformed part of his palace into a lake to let boats cross to serve entrees of rich foods to diners. Today, the restored place still has frescoes, mythological figures, and paintings along the walls behind and around the bar. The indoor area is just as popular as the outdoor terrace as you are surrounded by history and beauty.

Our recommendation:

Take a walk out on the upper deck where guests can enjoy the view from the roof. To the north, Montagnola Park with its 14th-century castle, to the west, the Finestrella Middle-Age canal, the Basilica of San Giacomo Maggiore to the south, and the Porta San Donato to the east. But try to reserve a spot or you may not be able to find a seat.

Location:

Via del Borgo di S. Pietro, 1a, 40126 Bologna BO, Italy

Hotel San Donato

What's it like:

Located in central Bologna, the Hotel San Donato is just five minutes from everything including the central square of Maggiore Plaza and the Fountain of Neptune. The rooftop here may not be as tall as most, but on the second floor, you get a clear view of the Towers and many of the other attractions. This is a casual place with a nice vibe but the drinks are a bit on the pricey side.

Our recommendation:

No matter where you sit at this rooftop bar, you will have the best seat in the place because it has an unimpeded 360-degree view of the city. However, it can get really crowded with guests and locals. The bar opens around noon so get there early if you want to get a seat. If you do decide to stay, this is a great choice with services like concierge courtesies, a dry cleaning service, housekeeping, and laundry facilities.

Location:

Via Luigi Zamboni, 16, 40126 Bologna BO, Italy

Aemilia Hotel

What's it like:

The Aemilia Hotel has two terraces to choose from so you can be sure to find a seat or a place to stand and have a cocktail. Located in the University District, you are minutes from the National Art Gallery of Bologna, the Palazzo Poggi Museum, and the Santo Stefano Plaza. The modern and spacious terrace bar on the 6th floor serves a variety of drinks and food in a stylish and comfortable atmosphere. They even have a rooftop hot tub and sun loungers. It's the ideal place to relax after a day trip.

Our recommendation:

We recommend the Italian wines they serve. Most of them come from the local wineries and vineyards (see our guide on wine tasting in Bologna here). The long list of modern cocktails includes classics as well as new unique drinks. If you are hungry, try the beef tartare with horseradish mousse, lemon gelatin, and green sauce. For a sweet treat, we recommend the trifle with chocolate sauce.

Location:

Via Zaccherini Alvisi, 16, 40138 Bologna BO, Italy

Loggia Roof Bar

What's it like:

On top of the Hotel Palazzo Guadagni with amazing views of Santo Spirito Square, the Pitti Palace, and the Boboli Gardens, Loggia Roof Bar is the perfect spot for enjoying a cocktail, glass of Italian wine, or a mug of icy cold beer. The laid-back terrace has comfortable seating and great service whether you are dining or just having drinks.

Our recommendation:

We recommend getting a room here since it is an hour train ride back to Bologna. The rooms are exceptional with satellite TV, WiFi, and minibars. Some even have fireplaces, balconies, and sitting rooms. The building was built in 1505 and is a work of art as well. We also recommend the Chiantishire cocktail with bourbon, lemon, and sugar or one of their four vodka tonics.

Location:

Piazza Santo Spirito, 9, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy

Signorvino

What's it like:

This is a quaint wine bar with some of the best views in Bologna even if it isn't on the top floor. Instead, the outdoor terrace looks out over the Maggiore Plaza where you can do some people-watching. Right in the center of the city, this place is casual and cozy on the inside and relaxed on the outside.

Our recommendation:

If you like wine, you have to visit Signorvino while you are in Bologna. They serve 23 different kinds of 100% Italian wines. Not only that but it is also known as one of the better restaurants in the area. The food is paired perfectly with the wine with dishes like beef tartare and eggplant parmigiana. We recommend the Pinot Grigio 2021 Hofstatter if you like white wine or the Amarone 2018 Masegne if you want red.

Location:

Piazza Maggiore, 1c, 40124 Bologna BO, Italy

The Piazzetta at SavHotel Via Ferruccio

What's it like:

Across the street from Zucca Park and the Museum for the Memory of Ustica, SavHotel is a modern hotel with a trendy outside bar called the Piazzetta. Recently built, this is an oasis of greenery with comfy lounge chairs and a vast amount of space for everyone to be comfortable. Whether you are a returning guest or this is your first time staying at SavHotel, you will love this new space. The accommodation list is packed with a variety of important amenities like WiFi, restaurants, and spacious rooms.

Our recommendation:

Guests of the hotel can enjoy aperitifs and cocktails with a variety of snacks and sandwiches. Try the vermouth or sherry with the cheese and cold cuts platter or the amazing bao mini sandwiches with sour pepper jam. The pina colada cake with coconut and bananas goes great with a glass of pastis or amaro. You should get there early because it gets packed quickly.

Location:

Via Ferruccio Parri, 9, 40128 Bologna BO, Italy

Bologna Rooftop Bars

No matter whether you are in Bologna to see the sights or for business, knowing where the best rooftop bars are is always nice. If you are pondering about where to stay in Bologna, read our guide. Many of the local hotels have rooftop areas to enjoy a drink with views of the main attractions like the Two Towers, Maggiore Plaza, Giardini Margherita Park, and the dome of the Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Vita. Be sure to bring your camera.