Livability scores

• Walkabilityⓘ 17 / 20

  Central Bologna has very high walkability, with areas like Piazza Medaglie d’Oro scoring 99/100 on Walk Score.

  Sources:

  • Walk Score – Piazza Medaglie d’Oro Bologna
  • Walk Score – methodology
• Rail Connectivityⓘ 9.3 / 10

  Bologna Centrale is a major national rail hub on Italy’s high-speed network, with frequent Trenitalia and Italo services to major cities.

  Sources:

  • Trenitalia – Bologna Centrale station information
  • Italo – Bologna Centrale routes
• Public Transitⓘ 7 / 10

  The TPER network provides extensive urban and suburban bus services in Bologna, covering most districts with frequent routes.

  Sources:

  • TPER – urban bus network Bologna
  • Comune di Bologna – public transport information
• Affordabilityⓘ 7.3 / 10

  Numbeo Bologna COL/safety/QoL mid-2025; Immobiliare.it and Idealista rental data June–July 2025 cross-checked.

  Sources:

  • https://Immobiliare.it
• Safetyⓘ 7 / 10

  Bologna is generally safe with low violent crime, but moderate crime and safety indices show some risk of petty theft in crowded areas and on public transport.

  Sources:

  • Qeepl – Bologna crime and safety indices (Numbeo data)
  • Vigilios – Bologna safety overview
  • Explo-re – Bologna safety to visit in 2026
  • Bologna Inside – local emergency services information
• Air Qualityⓘ 6 / 10

  EEA data show Bologna often exceeds WHO guideline values for PM2.5 and NO2, reflecting moderate air quality and pollution episodes.

  Sources:

  • EEA – Air quality in Italy (PM2.5/NO2)
  • ARPAE Emilia-Romagna – air quality Bologna
• Quality Of Lifeⓘ 8 / 10

  Numbeo rates Bologna with a relatively high Quality of Life Index, supported by strong healthcare, climate and leisure scores.

  Sources:

  • Numbeo – Bologna Quality of Life Index
  • ISTAT – wellbeing indicators Italy
• Food Cultureⓘ 10 / 10

  Bologna is famed for its cuisine and hosts multiple Michelin-listed restaurants, reflecting a rich and high-quality food culture.

  Sources:

  • Michelin Guide – Bologna restaurants
  • Bologna Welcome – food and wine in Bologna
• Car Free Practicalityⓘ 8 / 10

  A large ZTL restricted traffic zone, strong bus services and pedestrian-friendly historic center make living car-free in Bologna feasible.

  Sources:

  • Comune di Bologna – ZTL limited traffic zone
  • Comune di Bologna – mobility and sustainable transport
  • TPER – urban bus network Bologna

Advantages & drawbacks

Monthly costs

• Estimated monthly cost €1,600 – €2,000
• Monthly transit pass €35

Typical prices

• Inexpensive meal €15
• Dinner for two (mid-range) €60
• Cappuccino €1.6
• Beer (0.5L) €5
• Groceries / month €260

Prices are indicative and vary by season and venue.

Food guide

Bologna, nicknamed **La Grassa** (the fat one), is widely regarded as Italy’s food capital, celebrated for rich, hearty cooking and handmade egg pasta. Its cuisine centers on ragù, tortellini, cured meats like mortadella, and Parmigiano, enjoyed in trattorias, historic markets, and informal wine bars.

Signature dishes

• Tagliatelle al Ragù BologneseFresh egg tagliatelle with slow-cooked meat ragù, the city’s emblematic pasta.
• Tortellini in BrodoTiny stuffed pasta rings served in rich capon or meat broth, a festive classic.
• Lasagne alla BologneseLayers of spinach pasta, ragù, béchamel, and Parmigiano baked until bubbling.
• Mortadella di BolognaSilky, gently spiced pork sausage, often served in sandwiches or antipasti.
• Cotoletta alla Bolognese (La Petroniana)Veal cutlet fried in butter, topped with prosciutto and Parmigiano, finished with broth.
• Tigelle / CrescentineSmall round breads served with cured meats, cheese, and spreads for sharing.
• FriggioneSlow-cooked onion and tomato side dish, traditionally served with bread or meats.

Where to eat

• Osteria del Sole osteria / wine barWine-only historic osteria (since 1465); bring your own food from nearby markets.
• Trattoria Anna Maria trattoriaTraditional spot known for tagliatelle al ragù and classic Bolognese fare.
• Trattoria del Rosso trattoriaCasual, central trattoria popular for affordable home-style pasta dishes.
• Le Sfogline pasta shopArtisan shop making fresh egg pasta by hand, including tortellini and tagliatelle.

Markets & food shopping

• Quadrilatero food streets
• Mercato delle Erbe
• Fiera di Bologna food events