The Best Bars in Bologna: Cocktails, Wine, Music & More

Bologna is home to some gorgeous bars that encapsulate the city’s laid-back yet buzzing atmosphere. Of course, the food in Bologna tends to be the focus for most visitors, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some bar-hopping during your stay.

Because the city is a melting pot of traditions with a diverse population of creatives and students, the nightlife scene has a blend of traditional taverns, cocktail bars, and live music venues. 

After one of my Bologna food tours, wrap up your evening with one of these can’t-miss bars in Bologna!

Where to Go Bar Hopping in Bologna

If you plan to check out a few spots in one night and do some bar-hopping, it’s best to choose a corner of the city with bars in close proximity to one another. Some must-visit areas include:

• Via del Pratello – A lively street in a historic area that’s especially popular with students.
• University District – This pocket of Bologna combines budget-friendly bars with vibrant surroundings.
• Piazza Santo Stefano – Look no further than this picturesque square for upscale aperitivo spots and chic cocktail bars.
• Hidden alleyways in the historic center – Move a street or two away from the center to find locally loved but lesser-known haunts.

Best Bars in Bologna for Aperitivo & Wine

Enoteca Bar Des Arts

Right around the corner from Mercato delle Erbe is one of the finest wine bars in Bologna, Enoteca Bar Des Arts. This cozy, rustic tavern is an ideal aperitivo spot, and I came here two nights in a row to tuck into some fiery salami, fruity parmigiano reggiano, and acidic prosecco.

Enoteca Bar Des Arts – 40122 Bologna – Open every Monday to Saturday from 5:00 pm to 2:00 am, closed every Sunday.

Osteria del Sole

Photo credit: Osteria del Sole

Osteria del Sole is regularly ranked among the best bars in Bologna for several reasons. Not only does it boast a central location and centuries-old interior, but they have a hefty selection of local wines and a bring-your-own-food policy! My wine of choice was the Rosso Bologna, which had sweet berry notes and a lingering finish.

Osteria del Sole – 40124 Bologna – Open every Monday to Saturday from 11:00 am to 9:30 pm, closed every Sunday.

Marsalino

Photo credit: Marsalino

On a sunny Italian evening, there are few places better for an aperitivo than Marsalino in the city center. I just about snagged a seat in the lively patio area and ordered myself a Hugo spritz. When the waiter arrived with my oh-so-zesty cocktail, he also presented me with some salty potato chips and cheesy mini pizzas.

Marsalino – 40126 Bologna – Open every day from 12:00 pm to 1:00 am.

Top Cocktail Bars in Bologna

Il Mistico

Photo credit: Il Mistico

Il Mistico has been dubbed one of the best bars in Bologna for cocktails, but it took me a few visits to the city to finally make it here. Nevertheless, it was worth the wait, with dark, contemporary decor and expert mixologists. If nothing is tickling your fancy on the menu, the bartenders will create a drink for you, but I kept it classic with a bittersweet negroni.

Il Mistico – 40121 Bologna – Closed every Monday, open Tuesday to Thursday from 6:00 pm to 1:00 am, Friday and Saturday from 6:00 pm to 2:00 am, and every Sunday from 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm.

Aurum

Photo credit: Aurum

For chilled-out vibes and quality cocktails, you have to check out Aurum near Piazza Maggiore. Before I even arrived, I had my sights set on their pistachio sour, which a few friends had recommended I try. I loved the blend of buttery pistachio notes, crisp gin, and frothy egg whites.

Aurum – 40123 Bologna – Open every day from 8:00 am to 9:30 pm.

Guero

Photo credit: Guero

I happened upon Guero after visiting the nearby Cathedral of San Pietro and was lured inside by the vintage decor and jam-packed seating area. The cocktails here were unlike any I’d tried anywhere else in the city, and my personal favorite was the punchy ‘Catalina,’ which fused sour lime and grapefruit with tequila and spicy tabasco.

Guero – 40126 Bologna – Open every Monday to Thursday from 6:00 pm to 1:00 am, Friday from 6:00 pm to 2:00 am, Saturday from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm and from 6:00 pm to 2:00 pm, and every Sunday from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm and from 6:00 pm to 1:00 pm.

Best Bars in Bologna with Live Music

Black Cat 

Photo credit: Black Cat

Black Cat is among the most famous bars in Bologna, and it’s situated steps from the Porta Saragozza. This wooden-clad Argentine bar is always bustling, and the live music had everyone on their feet when I visited! In between singalong sessions, I sipped on some refreshing bottles of Moretti.

Black Cat – 40134 Bologna – Closed every Monday, open Tuesday to Thursday and Sunday from 6:00 pm to 10:30 pm, and every Friday and Saturday from 6:00 pm to 1:00 am.

Camera Jazz Club

Photo credit: Camera Jazz Club

Camera Jazz Club is a sleek and stylish bar with nightly jazz performances not far from Piazza Santo Stefano. Of course, the music is the focus here, but they also have a great cocktail menu. I opted for an americano, which had the perfect balance of citrusy and bitter flavors.

Camera Jazz Club – 40125 Bologna – Open every Monday to Saturday from 8:00 pm to 2:00 am, closed every Sunday.

Unique & Quirky Bars Worth Visiting

Photo credit: NU Lounge

Those who are fans of quirky and eclectic spots will have their pick of bars in Bologna. Some favorites of mine include 1960s-inspired hideaways like Bar Volare and tiki bars like Nu Lounge. 

If you’re looking for something extra special, stop by Le Stanze, a former chapel that’s been converted into a glamorous restaurant and cocktail bar.

Final Thoughts & Recommendations

The bars in Bologna have something for every kind of night out, with storied institutions and swanky cocktail lounges nestled steps from casual joints offering live music and local wines. It may not be famed for its nightlife, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a seriously fun evening in Bologna!

Sources:

Eating Europe. (n.d.). A guide to Bologna food. Retrieved April 24, 2025, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/blog/bologna-food/

Eating Europe. (n.d.). Bologna food & wine tours. Retrieved April 24, 2025, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/bologna/

TripAdvisor. (n.d.). Enoteca Des Arts. Retrieved April 24, 2025, from https://www.tripadvisor.ie/Restaurant_Review-g187801-d2099216-Reviews-Enoteca_Des_Arts-Bologna_Province_of_Bologna_Emilia_Romagna.html

Osteria del Sole. (n.d.). Osteria del Sole. Retrieved April 24, 2025, from https://www.osteriadelsole.it/en/

Marsalino. (n.d.). Marsalino. Retrieved April 24, 2025, from https://marsalino.com/

Il Mistico. (n.d.). Il Mistico. Retrieved April 24, 2025, from https://www.ilmistico.it/

Aurum Bologna. (n.d.). Aurum Bologna on Instagram. Retrieved April 24, 2025, from https://www.instagram.com/aurum_bologna/

Guero. (n.d.). Guero. Retrieved April 24, 2025, from https://guero.it/

TripAdvisor. (n.d.). Black Cat Pub. Retrieved April 24, 2025, from https://www.tripadvisor.ie/Attraction_Review-g187801-d6486094-Reviews-Black_Cat_Pub-Bologna_Province_of_Bologna_Emilia_Romagna.html

Camera Jazz Club. (n.d.). Camera Jazz Club. Retrieved April 24, 2025, from https://camerajazzclub.com/en/

Macondo Bologna. (n.d.). Macondo Bologna. Retrieved April 24, 2025, from https://macondobologna.com/

TripAdvisor. (n.d.). Bar Volare. Retrieved April 24, 2025, from https://www.tripadvisor.ie/Attraction_Review-g187801-d26430772-Reviews-Bar_Volare-Bologna_Province_of_Bologna_Emilia_Romagna.html

Nu Lounge Bar. (n.d.). Nu Lounge Bar. Retrieved April 24, 2025, from http://www.nuloungebar.com/en/

Le Stanze Café. (n.d.). Le Stanze Café. Retrieved April 24, 2025, from http://www.lestanzecafe.it/