The Best Cocktail Bars in Bologna, Italy

Here’s something we didn’t expect when we moved to Italy: Bologna’s cocktail scene is absolutely amazing.

Sure, this city is known for tortellini, tagliatelle, and towers, but tucked between the porticos are some of the most creative, downright fun cocktail bars we’ve found anywhere in Italy. 

Whether you’re hunting for an expertly stirred classic, a mezcal-forward experiment, or a place to sip amaro under the porticos, these bars prove that “La Grassa” (The Fat One) doesn’t just know how to eat – it knows how to drink, too.

So, grab your cocktail passport (mental or literal) and let’s explore the best cocktail bars in Bologna – tested, tasted, and Boozing Abroad approved.

Short on Time? Here Are the Key Takeaways:

• Average Price: Most cocktails range from €10–14, with a few starting around €6 for classics like an Aperol Spritz.
• When to Go: Most cocktail bars in Bologna open around 6 PM and stay open until 1–2 AM.
• Beyond Cocktails: Many bars also serve wine, beer, and small bites, making them great aperitivo or dinner spots.
• Reservations: Usually not required, but weekend bookings are smart
• Don’t Miss: Our top three must-visits – Guero, Bar Volare, and Aurum

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Map of Bologna Cocktail Bars

1. Guero

• Hours: 
  • Monday – Thursday: 6 PM – 1 AM
  • Friday: 6 PM – 2 AM 
  • Saturday: 12 PM – 3 PM & 6 PM – 2 AM
  • Sunday: 12 PM – 3 PM & 6 PM – 1 AM
• Reservations Required: Not required but recommended, especially on weekends
• Drink Prices: Start at €6 (Aperol Spritz), but most hover between €10-14

While every cocktail bar on this list is great, Guero easily cracks our top three in Bologna.

Tucked along a quieter street in the city center, this place floored us with both its creativity and consistency. If you think Italy is all wine and spritzes, Guero will happily shake that assumption right out of your glass.

They boast one of the best agave selections in Bologna, and their cocktail menu reads like an encyclopedia of temptation. Our unofficial count:

• 69 house cocktails
• 72 classic cocktails
• 30 gin-specific cocktails
• 8 mocktails

That’s over 170 cocktail options and would take you 5 and a half months if you drank 1 a day. (Challenge accepted).

When we go, Sam’s personal favorite is The Punisher, an epic twist on a New York Sour made with lemon, simple syrup, egg white, Whisky, and wine. Chris usually gravitates toward the agave or gin side of the menu – current favorites, which are ever-changing, include the Negroni Sour and the Que Onda Tommy, a booze-forward drink with mezcal, chile-infused tequila, lime, and agave nectar.

As if that weren’t enough, Guero also offers nine spirited flights for mezcal, whiskey, tequila, and rum – perfect if you want to taste your way through their backbar.

We normally avoid the phrase “something for everyone” because, well, it’s overused – but in this case, it’s actually true. If cocktails aren’t your thing, there’s also a solid beer and wine list, plus a food menu that leans into fancy tacos, burritos, and bowls with plenty of snacks and sandwiches to match.

2. Bar Volare

• Hours:
  • Daily from 6 PM – 2 AM
• Reservations Required? Not required; but limited seating so booking helps at peak times
• Drink Prices: Start at €10

If Bologna had a time machine that served cocktails, it would probably look a lot like Bar Volare. This spot oozes 1960s Italy – mirrored shelves, low lighting, and just the right amount of retro flair to make you feel like you’ve wandered into an old-school movie scene where everyone’s drink is perfectly balanced and no one’s in a rush.

It’s nostalgic without being stuffy, and the drinks follow suit: aperitivo-friendly, elegant, and built with the confidence of a bar that knows exactly what it’s doing.

Located on Via Belvedere, one of Bologna’s liveliest food-and-drink corridors, Volare has quickly made a name for itself in the city’s cocktail scene. Their inventive drink menu is a perfectly crafted intersection of vintage and modern, and we can’t ever seem to leave without trying at least two drinks. 

Sam’s go-to is The Basilischi, a refreshing basil vodka cocktail garnished with a bright red bell pepper – it’s as fun to look at as it is to drink. 

Chris usually goes for Peppe’s Plane, which leans more spirit-forward and packs just the right punch. It’s a twist on the classic Paper Plane cocktail, but adapted with local flavors to reflect the Emilia-Romagna region: Vecchia Romagna brandy, Amaro Montenegro, lemon bitters, and a small bit of Parmigiano Reggiano – chef’s kiss! 

For aperitivo, drinks come with olives and nuts and maybe even something else special. And if the weather’s nice, snag one of the outdoor tables. Between the playful retro vibes and timeless Italian charm, Volare is the kind of place that keeps you saying, “Just one more.”

3. Donkey

• Hours:
  • Tuesday – Saturday: 8:30 PM – 4:30 AM 
  • Sunday: 8 PM – 3 AM
  • Monday: Closed
• Reservations Required? Yes, reservations are required per their website. Easy to do through WhatsApp
  Drink Prices: Cocktails range from €12–15.
  

Donkey is probably the closest thing Bologna has to a speakeasy. The result is a menu that feels playful but deeply intentional.

Our first night at Donkey wasn’t planned – it was one of those “just one more drink” moments with friends that turned into one of our favorite Bologna bar memories. 

It was 1 AM on a Friday (WAYYY past our bedtime), the streets were still lively, and somehow, we lucked into two open seats at the bar (pro tip: don’t count on that – always book ahead). The place was packed, buzzing with conversation and the soft hum of jazz that somehow cut through the chatter.

The decor here is next level – there’s rich colors, moody lighting, and that speakeasy polish that instantly makes you feel like you’ve discovered something special. 

I ordered The Troublemaker, a mix of Wild Turkey Rye, apricot syrup, and beer. Yes, beer. It sounds awful, but somehow it works and I loved it.

Chris went for the Cheese-Ta!, a bold mix of gin, pecorino cheese, pear cordial, and walnuts that’s equal parts weird and wonderful.

Their craft cocktail menu isn’t long, but every drink on it has personality. And having been back since, the menu does change as they highlight different themes and create new and inventive cocktails to match.

If you’re chasing a late-night spot that blends artistry, atmosphere, and just the right amount of chaos, Donkey nails it. Come for the experience, stay for the craftsmanship and definitely make that reservation, because this speakeasy-style gem fills up fast.

4. Il Mistico

• Hours:
  • Tuesday – Thursday 6 PM – 1 AM
  • Friday – Saturday 6 PM – 2 AM
  • Sunday 6 PM – 11 PM
  • Monday: Closed
• Reservations Required? Not required, but helpful on weekends.
• Drink Prices: Most cocktails range from €8 – €12

If you ever find yourself torn between a glass of wine and a craft cocktail, Il Mistico is your answer. This chic hybrid bar manages to blend the two worlds seamlessly – part elegant wine bar, part creative cocktail lab, and all-around good vibes.

Il Mistico is a short walk from the city center but feels just hidden away enough to attract a mostly local crowd. The vibe is as much about personality as it is about drinks. Their mascot – a large, fat black cat – shows up on the menu and in the artwork throughout the bar, adding just the right touch of playful charm. (Cat people, you’ll feel seen here, like me.)

The cocktail menu mixes classics with a few thoughtful experiments, often highlighting regional spirits or seasonal ingredients. I went for the Mellow Mood, a bourbon-based beauty with melon liqueur, elderflower, and lemon. It tasted like I should’ve been poolside on a tropical island being fanned by pool boys – which, for the record, was a delightful mental vacation.

Chris ordered the Sette Mistici, a mezcal-based mix with vodka, bitters, Tabasco, lemon, lime, and 7UP. He loved it, saying it transported him straight to Mexico with those smoky, spicy flavors.

If you’re traveling with someone who’s team wine while you’re team cocktail, this spot is a no-brainer. The space is cozy – like most Bologna gems – so if you’re planning to go on a weekend, snag a reservation. Between the creative drinks, easygoing staff, and feline flair, Il Mistico is equal parts classy and quirky – and we’re 100% here for it.

5. Arsura

• Hours:
  • Monday – Saturday: 6 PM – 2 AM
  • Sunday: 6 PM – 12 PM
• Reservations Required? Not required, but weekends can fill up
• Drink Prices: Range from €8–13

Tucked a little off the main bar circuit, Arsura is one of those places you almost don’t believe exists until you’re sitting there with a drink in hand. It’s new to Bologna’s cocktail scene but already turning heads – it has an impressive 4.9 Google rating and nearly 50 reviews, which is nearly unheard of for a bar this young. Naturally, we had to see what all the hype was about.

We grabbed a table outside on a warm summer evening and were immediately greeted with generous aperitivo snacks. The vibe was relaxed and local, with just enough of a hum to make it feel alive but not crowded. 

Inside, the decor isn’t flashy or overly styled, but honestly? It doesn’t need to be. The drinks do the talking here.

I went for a vodka basil cocktail – fresh, aromatic, and made with actual basil leaves that gave it a garden-fresh kick. Chris ordered a gin-based version that was just as crisp and balanced, and we both agreed it was one of the better cocktails we’ve had in Bologna lately.

Arsura may not have the reputation (yet) of the bigger names downtown, but that’s part of its charm. It’s the kind of bar you want to tell your friends about – but also secretly hope they don’t all show up at once.

6. Rush

• Hours:
  • Tuesday – Sunday 6 PM – 2 AM 
  • Monday: Closed
• Reservations Required? Not required, but recommended on weekends.
• Drink Prices: Most cocktails range from €10–1

Just steps away from Bar Volare sits Rush, a small but mighty addition to Bologna’s growing cocktail neighborhood. While Volare channels the vintage Italian glamour of the ‘60s, Rush keeps things sleek and modern.

What makes Rush worth a stop is the balance they strike between classic technique and creative flair. The vibe is comfortably upscale without the ego. The bartenders here clearly know their stuff but don’t take themselves too seriously. You’ll find refined versions of the staples – Negronis, Margaritas, and Spritz variations – but also rotating seasonal specials that play with herbs, spices, and infused spirits in ways that actually work.

When we last visited, I ordered the Marcella di Folco, a bold mix of rum, Chartreuse, lime, and orange bitters. Chris went for the Tequilol, a creative combo of tequila, amaro, and lemon. Both were bright, complex, and delicious. And Rush also boasts a very lengthy list of various gins if you want something more classic and straightforward like a Gin & Tonic.

Rush is exactly what Bologna’s cocktail scene does best – small, creative bars that know who they are and deliver every time. It’s perfect for that second (or third) stop on your Belvedere crawl – just don’t be surprised if it becomes one of your favorite stops of the night.

7. Aurum

• Hours:
  • Daily from 8 AM – 9:30 PM 
• Reservations Required? Not required, but less than 10 tables inside
• Drink Prices: Start at €8

If golden hour were a bar, it would be Aurum. This cozy spot in Bologna’s historic center is a gem – a bar that takes its craft seriously but doesn’t make a spectacle out of it.

Located on Via Santa Margherita, just a short stroll from Piazza Maggiore, Aurum shines brightest in the early evening when locals drift in for a caffè, a quick bite, or aperitivo.

What keeps us coming back are their incredible homemade sour syrups – the secret behind a lineup of specialty drinks that hit the perfect balance of tart, smooth, and downright addictive. 

Their sour collection is where Aurum really shines, each drink layered with just the right amount of citrusy punch and silky texture. Our personal favorite is the Pistacchio Sour, a blend of pistachio syrup, citrus, and egg white that somehow feels both luxurious and refreshing.

If you’re more into the classics, their Negroni and Americano are perfectly balanced – no gimmicks, just great drinks made with precision.

But cocktails aren’t the only thing they do well. Aurum also serves wine, beer, and espresso, making it a one-stop spot whether you’re in the mood for a morning caffeine fix, a light lunch, or a late-night nightcap. 

Their food menu is surprisingly strong, with sandwiches, salads, and small plates that pair beautifully with whatever you’re sipping. And if you’ve got a sweet tooth, don’t skip their desserts and pastries.

When we have visitors, this is a mandatory stop for us: great drinks, generous aperitivo snacks, and genuinely friendly staff that make you feel like a regular by round two. 

Whether you’re winding down after a day of sightseeing or easing into a Bologna night, Aurum is the kind of understated bar that leaves a lasting impression – local, authentic and effortlessly cool.

8. Caffè Rubik

• Hours:
  • Daily from 8 AM – 1 AM 
• Reservations Required? Nope – walk-in only
• Drink Prices: Start at €5

You’d walk right past Caffè Rubik if you didn’t know better – and that’s exactly the point. This unassuming little bar tucked under Bologna’s porticos is a true local favorite and something of an institution among amaro lovers. 

Step inside (well, technically just up to the counter – there are no inside tables) and you’ll quickly understand why so many call this place home to the best Negroni in Bologna.

The interior is delightfully quirky: cassette tapes line the walls, bottles are stacked in a kind of beautiful chaos, and the playlist feels perfectly improvised. Outside, just a handful of small tables sit under the portico, often filled with locals catching up over lowball glasses of liquid gold. It’s cozy, imperfect, and completely authentic – exactly how a great Italian bar should be.

But Rubik’s real magic is its amaro selection. This is an amaro house through and through, with shelves showcasing regional Italian liqueurs you’ve probably never heard of – but will immediately want to take home. If you’re curious (and you should be), ask about their amaro tasting. The bartenders love walking guests through the bitter, herbal, and citrusy differences between each pour – it’s part education, part adventure, and all delicious.

If cocktails are more your speed, their Negroni deserves a standing ovation. Balanced, rich, and just bitter enough, it’s one of those drinks that makes you pause mid-conversation while you indulge. Their other classics hold up, too, but you’re here for that Negroni or to find your new favorite amaro you didn’t know existed.

Rubik is the kind of bar that doesn’t try to impress anyone, yet ends up impressing everyone. Whether you’re stopping by for a pre-dinner drink, a nightcap, or an education in all things bitter, it’s an absolute must for anyone serious about Italian drinking culture.

Watch it on YouTube

Want to see it in real life? We showcase our favorites in this video here:

FAQ: Cocktail Bars in Bologna

What time do cocktail bars in Bologna open?
Most open around 6 PM for aperitivo and stay open until 1-2 AM on the weekends, though café-style bars like Aurum and Caffè Rubik also open in the morning for coffee and food.

Do I need reservations?
Not usually, but yes for Donkey, and we recommend booking ahead on weekends if you want a table at popular spots like Volare and Il Mistico.

What’s the average price for a cocktail in Bologna?
Expect to pay €10-14 for most cocktails, with classics like Negronis and Spritzes running a bit less.

Do bars in Bologna serve food?
Absolutely. Aperitivo snacks (olives, chips, nuts) are common, but only a few cocktail bars also have full menus with tacos, sandwiches, or small plates.

Are tips expected in Italy?
This is a hot topic. Tipping isn’t “required” but always appreciated. Leaving €1-2 per drink or rounding up the bill is plenty.

Final Sips: Why Bologna Belongs on Every Cocktail Lover’s List

Bologna’s cocktail scene feels authentic, creative, and deeply local – a mix of timeless Italian hospitality and global inspiration.

So the next time you find yourself wandering the porticos, follow the sound of clinking glasses and laughter – you’re probably just a few steps away from one of the best cocktail bars in Bologna.

Looking for More Italy Travel Guides?

If you loved exploring Bologna’s bar scene, keep the good times going with our other Italy travel and drinking guides:

• Top Things to Do in One Day in Bologna, Italy
• Ultimate Road Trip to Tuscany: A Wine Lover’s Paradise
• Dozza, Italy: A Hidden Gem for Wine Lovers
• 2 Days in Milan: Eat, Drink & Explore Italy’s Fashion Capital