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Bologna Nightlife: A Guide to the City’s Top 8 Hotspots

Lively, charming, and fun, Bologna’s nightlife is undoubtedly one of the most vibrant in all of Italy. The red-hued city comes alive at night, and many of the best things to do are during the evening hours. The nightlife in Bologna is as important as its cultural heritage. And, as one of the Italian university cities par excellence, its atmosphere is very youthful. 

The best thing about Bologna’s nightlife is that there is something for everyone, no matter if you prefer a quiet night in a bar with live music or want to dance the night away in a pulsating dance club. Check out our recommendations for the best hotspots and events to make the most of your nightlife experience in Bologna.

From easy-going late night dinners to bar hopping at three in the morning, Bologna’s nightlife is always fun. Photo credit: Caroline Roose

Best bars and nightclubs

Celtic Druid Irish Pub

With an inviting atmosphere, Celtic Druid Irish offers an authentic Irish experience in the heart of Bologna. It is a pub with live music and a wide variety of beers and cocktails to enjoy the night. The pub is perfect to go after dinner, but they also offer some finger food and burgers if you want something with your drink.

Locomotiv Club

Locomotiv Club is one of the most popular night spots in Bologna. From indie rock concerts to hip-hop and electronic music, this concert venue has it all. In addition to a packed concert calendar, Locomotiv also functions as a recording studio and video laboratory. 

To enjoy the concerts at Locomotiv, it is necessary to buy tickets in advance through their website or purchase an annual admission card. This second option is perfect if you live in Bologna or the surrounding cities.

If you are going to see a concert in Bologna, Locomotiv Club is the place to do it. Photo credit: Emanuele Rosso

Bizarre Cocktail Boutique

If you are looking for a relaxed evening, our recommendation is to go to Bizarre Cocktail Boutique for a delicious drink. The intimate and cozy atmosphere of this stylish bar is perfect for a romantic date or a night out with friends. From classic Italian cocktails to modern concoctions, the Bizarre Cocktail Bar has something for everyone.

bartender making cocktail drinks
Make the most out of the Bologna nightlife by sipping beautiful cocktails. Photo credit: Stanislav Ivanitskiy

Bar Senza Nome (Bar Without a Name)

Bar Senza Nome is a place where words don’t count. Located a few steps from the Mercato delle Erbe, this is one of the most unique bars in Bologna. What makes it so special? Bar Senza Nome was created and is staffed by deaf people. This is an inclusive bar where the integration and dialogue of deaf people are favored.

In addition to its bar and kitchen, this place hosts art exhibitions, concerts, and courses. In other words, Bar Senza Nome doubles as an art center!

Numa Club

If you are looking for fun with friends and live an unforgettable night in Bologna, Numa Club is the perfect place to be. Numa is a combination of music, drink, entertainment, and dance. The venue features a wide selection of live music and DJs that will make your night more fun.

The club is open every Friday and Saturday from 11:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. To purchase the ticket, you must go to their website.

Cassero LGBTI+ Center

More than just a place of entertainment, Cassero is a social center that seeks the integration and rights of LGBT+ people through cultural and artistic activities and other events.

This center includes a lively and inclusive nightclub where you can dance, enjoy the outdoor terrace and listen to a variety of music genres, such as pop, techno, and rock. 

Cassero is a strong force in promoting the integration and rights of LGBT+ people in the city. Photo credit: Samuele Cavadini

Events and festivals in Bologna

Bologna Jazz Festival

Every year Bologna hosts one of the most important jazz festivals in Italy. The festival takes place in the autumn months, between October and November, with the participation of renowned jazz artists.

Jazz lovers from all over Italy and Europe flock to this great event. If you love jazz and have plans to visit Bologna, this is an excellent opportunity to enjoy the city during a fantastic event.

For their yearly program, visit their website.

jazz clubs in Harlem
If you are visiting during the fall, do not miss the Bologna Jazz Festival. Photo credit: Ruca Souza

Cinema Ritrovato Festival

One of the most awaited events by the Bolognese during the summer is the Cinema Ritrovato Festival. The event is held between June and July and shows a wide variety of classic films, many of which have been restored and are presented in their original format.

For film lovers, this is a unique event not to be missed if you are in Bologna, as it also focuses on the historical and cultural contexts of the films. During the presentations of silent films, they are accompanied by live musicians to make the moment even more special. 

This festival is a wonderful cinema event if you love classic films. Photo credit: Luke McKernan

To really enjoy Bologna’s nightlife, try to immerse yourself in the different styles of nightlife on offer. Whether a low-key bar with soft jazz music to a massively loud concert, get into the groove and be open to meeting locals.

Once you’ve had your fill of the city’s boozy bars and nightlife, another good way of immersing yourself in the local culture is to take a food tour of the city. Led by locals who are passionate about their city, our Bologna Food Tour & Market Visit will show you the secrets behind freshly handmade pasta, traditional pastries, and so much more at some of Bologna’s most popular culinary treats.

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About the author

Yareli is a Dominican travel writer based in the beautiful city of Lucca, Italy. Traveling and exploring every corner of Tuscany are her passions. She enjoys trying new flavors while traveling. As well as sharing her travel experiences through her blog Wandering and Tasting and Instagram @wanderingandtasting.

More by Yareli Parra

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