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 English language films |
Via San Felice 52 Bologna 40122 Italy +39 51 55 5127 |
The Adriano d'essai cinema has four screenings during weekdays, and five at weekends or Bank Holidays. The films on show are generally art house, and on Monday between October to June the "Maniamerica" showings take place when the films are shown in English. Season tickets are available, and you can have an Agis discount between Monday to Friday if you qualify. Tickets: EUR 7. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Historical theatre |
Via Indipendenza 44 Bologna, Emilia - Romagna 40121 Italy +39 51 291 0910 http://www.arenadelsole.it |
The "Arena del Sole" is one of the most well-equipped theatres in Italy. It has very innovative technology, and represents an example of modernity without losing the attractiveness and prestige of its history. It was given back to the city of Bologna on the February 20 after an eight-year period of restoration. Its Neoclassically inspired architecture is still intact. It is a historical site, and has daily performances, as is stated in the original inscription which is still above the door today. The Arena was first opened on the July 5, 1810, straight after Pietro Bonni's building work had finished. Tommaso Salvini, Eleonora Duse, Irma Gramatica, and Ermete Zacconi are just a few of the great actors who have performed here. The theatre has had removable coverings since 1916 so that covered shows can take place during the Winter. A cinema screen was added in 1949. Bologna Council bought the theatre in 1984, and it is now run by the Nuoca Scena-Teatro Stabile di Bologna. As well as producing a lot of plays, it also hosts important modern dance shows, classical music, light music, and jazz. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: gek__ |
 Photo: Jorge |
 Good wine, and card games |
Piazza San Francesco 4 Bologna, Bologna 40122 Italy +39 (0)51 23 8945 |
The Bar de' Marchi is right in front of the beautiful Gothic church of San Francesco. It has one of the most evocative views in Bologna. The bar's clientèle is varied, and includes old card players, and lots of university students. The Bar de' Marchi is one of the few bars that has remained pure and genuine, like those of the provinces and small hamlets. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Historic bierkeller on via del Pratello |
Via del Pratello 24 Bologna, Emilia - Romagna 40122 Italy +39 51 23 8249 |
Bologna's via del Pratello has always been a meeting point, perhaps because it is pedestrianized, far from the chaos and traffic, or perhaps because of the unusual activities that take place here, such as the neighboring flower market in Piazza San Francesco or perhaps it is due to the presence of the Lumière (Bologna's cinema), or maybe due to the hotels and pubs. And of course the Pratello bierkeller, one of the street's oldest. The decor is classic with wooden tables and benches. The atmosphere is never too chaotic. The selection of beers is mainly German and Lucifer is also on tap. And for larger quantities there are jugs of beer, with very reasonable prices. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Very central, jazz music and more! |
Via Mascarella 3 Bologna, Emilia - Romagna 40126 Italy +39 51 26 6112 |
The Bravo Cafe is a place that has only been open a few years yet has managed to acquire a large clientèle. The place itself is very nice: walls painted in contrasting colors (red and blue), large tables and smaller ones for couples, comfortable seats, warm and welcoming atmosphere. At Bravo Cafe you can have lunch, an aperitif, have dinner, sip cocktails and drink good wine - the selection of wines is not large but accurate - or drink home-made sangria. With its live music, the Bravo Cafe has earned its place on the jazz circuit, and has taken part in the city's jazz festivals such as "Jazz in Town" in 1998. The reason for its success is probably due to its location as well as the good service and nice surroundings, being in Via Mascarella, next to the Odeon cinema and opposite the Jam Club. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Claudio Vandi |
 The most popular "happy hour" in Bologna |
Via Zamboni 58 Bologna, Bologna 40126 Italy +39 (0)51 24 6620 |
If, when walking down Via Zamboni you meet with a noisy crowd of young people, you have probably come across the Happy Hour at the Caffè del Museo. It takes place every Thursday from 6:30p-10:30p, and has done so for years now. During Happy Hour the cocktails only cost EUR 2. The café is open from early in the morning and is right in the heart of the university area. It is an ideal place to have breakfast or a cheap lunch. It is very small, but it has a courtyard where you can sit down and eat on sunny days. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Bologna´s famous jazz bar |
Via Mascarella 4/b Bologna, Emilia - Romagna 40126 Italy +39 51 26 5416 http://www.cantinabentivoglio.it/ |
This jazz club is in the old wine cellars of the prestigious Palazzo Bentivoglio. It´s right in the heart of the university district - at the crossroads between Via delle Belle Arti and Via Mascarella - it is one of the most historic spots Bologna´s night life. The Cantina Bentivoglio has been synonymous with live jazz for over ten years. There is live music every evening and concerts of international reputation. The wine is excellent (supplied from the enormous wine cellar) and there is a choice to suit all palates and wallets. The club has a kind of warm rustic feeling to it and you can enjoy dinner there. If you love jazz and enjoy a glass of wine while you listen, or if you´re just looking for a chic evening out in Bologna, then this is the place for you! Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: pomarc@gmail.com  |
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Jazz every evening! |
Via Polese 7a Bologna, Emilia - Romagna 40122 Italy +39 51 22 3795 http://www.chetbaker.it/ |
This club is the cornerstone of the Bolognese Jazz circuit. The Blue Moons, Jumpin' Shoes, Three Baritone Saxophones Band, Tom Kirkpatrick, Vinicio Capossella as well as Fresu, Rava and Villotti have all played at the Chet Baker Jazz Club. It's always packed and quite often you have to stand to see the concerts. The concerts are actually free and the only cost is a supplement on the cost of your first drink. The club has two rooms: There is nearly always a concert in the room downstairs. Upstairs, there is a bar serving food. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A different party every evening |
Via del Pratello 53 Bologna, Emilia - Romagna 40122 Italy +39 51 55 0221 |
The Pavese.it Club, located near the beautiful, lively via del Pratello, is a venue which requires customers to purchase a membership card. However, the card is worth the effort. At the Pavese.it Club, every night of the week is different. On Mondays and Tuesdays there are themed evenings. Wednesday is Greek night, with plates smashing everywhere, ouzo and sirtaki all night. On Thursdays you can see the heats for the National Cabaret competition, Pavesino. Friday is Heineken Night, with beer flowing fast (2 for 1), and live music or DJs. Saturday is disco night, with dj Franz. The Pavese.it Club hosts wonderful evenings which are also fairly cheap, depending on how much you drink. Members only. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: matteb83 |
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The largest Irish pub in Bologna |
Via Zamboni 18b Bologna, Bologna 40126 Italy +39 (0)51 26 3419 |
The Clauricane Irish pub on via Zamboni is the largest in Bologna, not to mention the busiest, full of young Bolognese, university students and foreigners. It is located inside an old palazzo, and decorated according to traditional Irish tastes: the bar, tables, seats and stools are all made of wood, and the lighting is warmly dimmed. The beer is Irish, naturally (Kilkenny) and during Happy hour (from opening to 8:30p). In addition to the usual hamburger and chips, they also serve fish and chips. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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An Italian pub |
Via delle Belle Arti 2 Bologna, Emilia - Romagna 40126 Italy +39 51 26 8395 |
A pub? An inn? A bar? Perhaps a little of all three! The Contavalli is one of the invariably successful, longstanding bars in Bologna. Its popularity is possibly due to the diverse nature of its clientèle. It consists of several rooms, softly lit with dim lights and candles. The furniture is in treated 1950's wood, and the background music is never intrusive. Artistic performances and astrological evening or card readings are sometimes organized. If it is not too crowded, which at weekends it may be, it is perfect for a chat and a drink with friends. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A comic strip disco bar! |
Via del Borgo di San Pietro 9/2a Bologna, Emilia - Romagna 40126 Italy +39 51 22 9746 |
There are three rooms leading onto each other. In the first, an enormous bar with an impressive range of drinks both alcoholic and non-alcoholic which takes up a great deal of the space. In the second a DJ and thumping music; in the third sofas, armchairs and a relaxed atmosphere. On the walls there are drawings from the cartoons by Hugo Pratt and lyrics from Lou Reed songs: aesthetically not the greatest design! However it is always full of night owls and all kinds of people. Entrance is free and the drinks are in line with Bolognese standard prices, although the measures are satisfyingly large. There is a Happy Hour every day from 7p-9p. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A den for music lovers |
Viale Zagabria 1 Bologna, Emilia - Romagna 40127 Italy +39 51 50 5801 http://www.covoclub.it/ |
In a cottage just outside the center, il Covo is one of Bologna's historical sites where some rather historical concerts are held: from local groups and singers to big international stars. You will need a membership card to come here. It consists of bar-pub area with a wide selection of beers and cocktails, a room where there is usually music and DJs and a bigger room where concerts are held. The latter can be a bit suffocating when it's full of people! For the calendar of events it is best to telephone. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Michelangelo Bucci |
 Photo: shunzan |
 Photo: Michelangelo Bucci |
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Plenty of good wine and a warm atmosphere |
Via Pietralata 75 Bologna, Emilia - Romagna 40122 Italy +39 51 52 3545 |
Il Rovescio is a restaurant in a very nice area of Bologna, famous for the many other restaurants, pubs and bars and general nightlife. The menu is good and not too expensive. Good selection of national and foreign wines. If you cannot choose a wine, ask the management, of Greek origin, for their advice, and they will advice you accordingly. A good way to finish off an evening, after seeing a film at the Lumière, the neighboring local cinema. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Cocktails and culture in Bologna |
Via del Borgo Di San Pietro 1 Bologna, Emilia - Romagna 40126 Italy +39 51 22 8767 |
Located inside the Palazzo Bentivoglio, this must be one of the most evocative venues in Bologna. Le Stanze is a place where culture and entertainment go hand in hand: while sipping your cocktail you can admire frescoes dating from the sixteenth century, you can have lunch or dinner in the restaurant, or just a cup of tea (there is a wide selection of great desserts), you can read on a comfortable sofa or enjoy a small art exhibition. On Saturday evenings the atmosphere is enriched by classical music, and on other evenings contemporary music, but always relaxing. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Very new cocktail bar |
Via del Pratello 66a Bologna, Emilia - Romagna 40122 Italy +39 51 55 7172 |
This cocktail bar is new and it is one of many pubs and bars on Via del Pratello, but you can't miss it because of its enormous wooden portal which is supposed to resemble that of a monastery. There is live music here on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, and there is also a beer happy hour between 8pm and 10:30p on these days. On Fridays and Saturdays Happy Hour is between 6:30p-8:30p, and on Wednesdays there is a Half Price Drink time between 8p and midnight. Draught beers include Hacker-Pschar, and Paulaner. There are various well-made cocktails available. You can eat sandwiches, pizzas, and various snacks here. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Warm and welcoming |
Via del Pratello 44a Bologna, Emilia - Romagna 40122 Italy +39 51 22 0256 |
Two small rooms, one at the front, the other behind, both with their own bar. At Mutenye it is never tedious or difficult to get a drink! Warm and welcoming, with wooden furniture, Mutenye attracts a 30 something crowd, and is preferred to other venues because of its relaxed atmosphere and not too loud music. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Persistent |
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Post-industrial and springy stools! |
Via Mascarella 26/b Bologna, Emilia - Romagna 40126 Italy +39 51 26 4738 |
Naked, run by a youthful management, is somewhere that is hard to label. It is not a bar nor a pub, nor is it a nightclub. Naked is simply Naked. Small, with low lights, springy stools, post industrial decor and different DJs every evening. The music ranges from 1970s revivals to more avant-garde experimental techno. Prices are OK and significantly lower than other venues open till the same time and there is a young, mixed crowd. If you are strolling around Bologna at night then this is a good place to come. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Rock, garage and more |
Via Alfredo Calzoni 6 Bologna, Emilia - Romagna 40128 Italy +39 51 36 5825 |
At Officina Estragon there is always live music from Italian groups and local artists with special events such as the Skunk Anansie concert a couple of years ago. Concert prices at Estragon have remained low. The venue is located in a large warehouse in the industrial area of Stalingrad but can only hold so many people so that if there is a concert of a popular group it is wise to go to the box office as soon as possible. Bar prices are good although the cloakroom charge is high which is worth paying so you don't end up looking like a clotheshorse or so you don't lose your coat in the frenzy. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Fabrizio M. |
 Photo: matteb83 |
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For intimate, romantic evenings |
Via Manzoni 6 Bologna, Emilia - Romagna 40121 Italy +39 51 26 5786 |
Rustic and welcoming atmosophere in the Osteria Piazza Grande: classic trattoria tables, candles, wrought iron lamps, wood beams. There is live music every evening, usually a singer accompanied by the piano. There is a good choice of wines and from 8p-2a the kitchen is also open. Because of its tranquility and intimacy it is ideal for candlelit dinners. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Friendly, informal atmosphere |
Via Santa Caterina 47 Bologna, Emilia - Romagna 40123 Italy +39 51 667 6026 |
The Osteria Santa Caterina in the Saragozza area is open year round and has a large summer garden, ideal for spending an evening with friends or a partner, sipping good wine, without dying of heat. Inside the two rooms are in rustic style. The atmosphere is friendly and informal and it is never too full, making this restaurant quite calm and relaxing. Good selection of rolls, pastries, canapés, and sweetmeats. To drink there is beer, wine and cocktails. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Old style bar |
Via San Felice 137 Bologna, Emilia - Romagna 40122 Italy +39 51 55 5047 |
This is a real pub: you arrive at the table and straight away you have to choose between red and white. You reply and the waiter will turn around, head for the bar and bring back what you ordered. If you are hungry, there is salami, ham and cheese. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Good wine and Emiliano folklore |
Via de' Poeti 1 Bologna, Emilia - Romagna 40124 Italy +39 51 23 6166 |
The Osteria dei Poeti is a rustic and welcoming bar where you can savour the taste of traditional Bolognese cuisine and drink good wine. Every evening there is a piano bar and Emilian folklore music. The bar is open until all the customers have gone (4a at the latest). The rooms are air conditioned and credit cards are accepted. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Sung Jee Yoo |
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Intimate atmosphere and Abruzzi cuisine |
Via Santa Caterina 51b Bologna, Emilia - Romagna 40123 Italy +39 51 58 5111 |
Located in a characteristic street of the Saragozza area, the Osteria del Brancaleone with its warm, intimate atmosphere offers candlelit dinners and soft music. The menu offers typical Abruzzo specialties accompanied by an excellent Montepulciano. The home-made desserts are excellent. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Jazz, jazz, jazz |
Via Mentana 1/f Bologna, Bologna 40126 Italy +39 (0)51 23 1576 http://www.osteriadellorsa.com |
Until the beginning of the 1980s the Osteria dell'Orsa was a haven for punks and skinheads. Then a new era began: jazz culture arrived in Bologna and the pub changed its tune. In the early years some great names played here including Chet Baker, Stan Getz, Steve Grossman. Now they hold concerts for local and national jazz artists. The venue is very pleasant with the lower room reserved for concerts whilst the pub itself is on the upper floor. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jon Pack |
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Classic and timeless |
Via Fondazza 35 Bologna, Emilia - Romagna 40125 Italy +39 51 34 7741 |
Classic and timeless the Osteria della Fondazza is one of those venues that remain unchanged over time. It basically consists of wooden tables and rustic decor. Without pretenses, a few starters are served along with very good wines. Give it a try! Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Forty types of beer and 40 types of wine |
Via Santa Caterina 75 Bologna, Emilia - Romagna 40123 Italy +39 51 58 5057 |
Located in the Saragozza area, in one of the more characteristic streets, the Osteria dello Scorpione is a typical Bolognese bar. The background music is usually jazz, never too loud, making the room warm and welcoming. Sip on beer or wine whilst chatting to friends. There is a wide selection of drinks with 40 types of international beers and 40 national wines. To eat there are canapés, rolls, stuffed pastries and cold meats. In addition, every evening, a fortune telling astrologer is at your disposition, who will make you dream of the future. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Artists from all over the world |
Via Emilia Ponente 485 Bologna, Emilia - Romagna 40132 Italy +39 51 619 9900 http://www.teatridivita.it |
This theater hosts artists from all over the world, and is one of the theaters where you can find really innovative work. The Theatre di Vita (Life) was founded amongst experimental and modern ideas. It is a prolific center for theatrical culture on Via del Pratello, created and managed by Riflessi Società dei Pensieri. The enterprise is enhanced each year by courses and intensive workshops, photographic exhibitions and meetings between major Italian poets, the results of which include two major publications, which are now heavily subscribed by lovers of experimental theater: there is a monthly magazine "Teatri di Vita", and a quarterly called "Società dei pensieri". There are two stage areas: Sala Parco dei Pini on Via Emilia Ponente 485 and Sala Studio on Via del Pratello 90/A. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Eddie Brock |
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The Opera Temple |
Largo Respighi 1 Bologna, Emilia - Romagna 40126 Italy +39 51 52 9999 http://www.comunalebologna.it/ |
Bologna's Opera House hosts 80 shows per year, more than 70 concerts during the season and many international touring operatic performances; it is an unrivaled temple of high quality opera and dance. Located on the left-hand side of Piazza Verdi (the center of the University campus), the Teatro Communale adjoins the magnificent Bentivoglio palace. The list of the famous who have graced the theatre includes composer Gioacchino Rossini and performers like Beniamino Gigli, Luciano Pavarotti, Renata Tebaldi and Mirella Freni. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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The number one theatre in the region |
Via Mentana 34 Budrio Bologna, Emilia-Romagna 40054 Italy +39 51 692 8244 http://www.comune.budrio.bo.it... |
Not far from Bologna is the Budrio theatre, which hosts a busy season of prose and poetry readings, concerts, operettas, not to mention a number of shows for young people. The theater is by now an old hand at amusing, vibrant comedies which are always a hit with audiences. It is an ideal location to catch productions of shows that unfortunately don't make it to city theaters. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Cultural centre |
Via Libia 59 Bologna, Emilia - Romagna 40138 Italy +39 51 34 2934 http://www.teatrodehon.it/ |
From classical to popular theatre, from contemporary drama to new comedy, this is the world of the Dehon Theatre, run by the "Compagnia Teatroaperto" theatre school. It is linked with the University of Bologna and also collaborates with the local education authority in offering a worthwhile course of programmed events for a younger audience. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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From classical to contemporary |
Via Cartoleria 42 Bologna, Emilia - Romagna 40124 Italy +39 51 23 1836 http://www.teatroduse.it/ |
Inaugurated at carnival time in 1865, this theater is dedicated to the great Italian actress Eleonora Duse. It was built by Emilio Brunetti, with the help of the engineer Evangelisti. The theater underwent a complete renovation from 1940-42, which gave it a completely different appearance from its original style. The well-known Bolognese theatre is still a major city focus today, with a highly regarded program. On performance days, the box office open from 9a-10p. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Federico Orlandi |
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The home of Bolognese musicals |
Via Saragozza 234 Bologna, Emilia - Romagna 40135 Italy +39 51 615 3370 http://www.teatrocelebrazioni.it |
Bologna goes Broadway. An ideal venue for international and Italian musicals, the Celebrations Theatre is the perfect stage on which to see all the best new shows: stars and stripes shows marvelously rendered in Italian by the best national companies, but also productions of contemporary dramas, mostly comedies and family entertainment. It is one of the few Italian theaters where lively and flamboyant musicals are performed. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Salvatore Santoro |
 A space dedicated to childhood |
Via Matteotti 16 Bologna, Emilia - Romagna 40064 Italy +39 51 415 3800 http://www.testoniragazzi.it |
The Testoni Theatre is entirely dedicated to children and young people, and organizes several theatre workshops, always ready to stimulate the creativity of the little participants and spectators. Since January 2000, after the rebuilding begun in 1998, the youth theatre has authority over all the available space; thus it can run at full tilt. It can now open itself to the city once more as a theatre space in the round, for improvisations, sketches, expression and exchanging experiences. It is a space allowing exchanges between children and adults, for theatre which fills time and space with scenes and action, that is looking to the future. Run by the co-operative Baracca, this well-known Bolognese cultural center breathes life into the theatre season, which runs from November to May. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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The English disco pub |
Via Zamboni 56 Bologna, Emilia - Romagna 40126 Italy +39 51 24 0886 |
The place is not bad: with several rooms split on two floors, The Lord Lister is one of the biggest pubs in Bologna. The furniture is naturally English in character, mostly wooden, and the lights are dimmed. The music, however, is sometimes too loud, preventing conversation. There are several DJ evenings, that transform the calm of an English venue into a "disco-inferno". There is a good choice of beer, including Caffreys bitter, recommended for everyone. Happy Hour is every day from 4p-9p, except on Thursdays when the Lord Lister keeps Happy Hour prices until 11:30p, spilling out into the party atmosphere of the nearby Caffè del Museo. Review © 2007, Wcities |