Top 8 student bars in Bologna

Bologna may be one of the smaller cities in Italy to study abroad, but it offers a fun nightlife. Visit the top 10 student bars in Bologna.

Phoebe

3 minute read

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Updated on 29 Oct 2024

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Studying

Bologna may be one of the smaller cities to study abroad in Italy, but it also has the country's best university. This has made Bologna one of the largest student cities in Italy. With so many students in the city, it's not surprising that there's a lot to do in the city, including enjoying the city's nightlife which is dynamic, young, and fun.

No matter where you decide to go for drinks or a night out, you'll find plenty of other students to enjoy with. Here's a list of go-to places we recommend.

One of Bologna’s oldest disco clubs is the Kinki Club and it’s conveniently located in the busy city center. Erasmus parties, organized primarily by the ESN, take place at this location every week. Be sure to have your ESN card so that you can join in on the festivities.

Just a short walk from Kinki Club, you’ll find yet another of Bologna’s well-known disco clubs. There's even a room in the basement that's specifically used by ESN for student parties.

From 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., there’s also a buffet known as an “aperitivo-cena,” meaning that the “apperitivo” and dinner are actually eaten together in one large meal. This is also quite convenient as you can have a full stomach before the real drinking and dancing kicks off later in the evening.

Situated right in the most popular student district of Bologna, the Empire English Pub offers just about everything that you might want in a traditional pub, including good bar food, drink specials and a fun atmosphere. The pub also hosts tandem and quiz nights each week, where teams of 4-5 people are challenged in the areas of math, geography and general culture. The winning team receives free beer. How cool is that?

Soda Pops is a smaller disco that is home to the Erasmusland association theme parties. The club is also beloved by the local Italian students, making it a great place to “meet the locals”! Remember that you must join the Erasmusland association to take part in the parties and then your admission will always be free, which is a big help when you’re on a student budget.

If you’re looking for THE place in Bologna to hear live music, then the Covo Club definitely deserves a visit. Welcoming acts from all over the region and beyond, you can expect several genres of Indie music, as well as more well-known artists on tour.

If you’re hoping to find a quiet corner to have a few drinks and be able to talk over the music, this is going to be right up your alley. This is also an excellent place to go for a date with dinner and drinks as they serve a delicious, eclectic menu that also includes vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.

The LGBTQ+ community in Bologna is a major part of the nightlife scene. Cassero goes beyond just being a colourful disco with tons of parties (both for queer and straight people). It’s also an LGBTQ+ association that hopes to improve the lives of the local LGBTQ+ community, promoting sexual education and fighting for LGBTQ+ rights. You’ll need an “Arcigay” card to take part in Cassero’s events.

The Giardini Margherita, a large park popular for its wide-open green spaces, also sports a café called “Chalet.” During the summer, it even turns into a disco, offering musical artists, DJs, and a unique setting for a night full of dancing.

The Cavaticcio is actually a wonderful park in the city of Bologna that turns into a fun-filled place to be during the months of May and June. You can eat your fill at the food stands, as well as sip on your favorite beer as international artists put on free concerts. You can expect massive crowds, so try to get there early!

Now that you can easily see that Bologna is a bustling, vibrant location for your semester or year abroad, it may be time to start your search for student housing options in Bologna. Your adventure in Bologna awaits!

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