Bars/pubs, Bologna

Always located in the city centre, the Byblos used to be one of my favourite places in the centre. Unfortunately it went through the same wave of changes that is investing most of my (ex) favourite night spots in Bologna. They are pleasant cozy places, the close, and when they re-open they become incredibly posh bars, all furnished in white (they all look the same) and the lost the magic they had. But then again...it you are the posh type, you will love it. I don't.

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I adore such a small terraces in front of the cafe-bars, like this one in via Drapperie. Nothing can be replaced with enjoyable moments like sitting here after good dinner and sipping glass of cold wine. Damped sound of music from the back side, hopfully rock n' roll, and the crowd in front walking or strolling, who cares where to, is all what you need.

Though overshadowed by the more prominently placed Cluricane on Via Zamboni, Madigan?s is hands down the best Irish pub in town. It?s very reasonably priced, and is always a good time.

This chic bar, with outdoor seating, is popular with Bologna's trendy crowd at aperitivo hour. They serve a wide range of wines; beers; and spirits, as well as some free snacks and light meals. This is a great place to go and have a few drinks, while mixing with some of the locals.

Cosy osteria where to eat very good food and drinks at a good price. They serve many snacks, and pasta (every day they change) and also seconde courses, like meat, vegetable, and so on. Have a piadina and red wine, or a good beer. Very nice is the "piatto dell'amicizia" ("friendship dish"), a huge plate with half kilo pasta to eat with friends :)

Irish pubs are an ubiquitous feature of the nightlife scene anywhere in the world. This one just happens to be my favorite place in Bologna to enjoy a pint of Guinness. It gets going around 11 and there's an upstairs smoking area. The only thing missing here that you'd usually find in an Irish pub are some televisions showing sporting events. Friendly staff, especially Mick, an animated Irish bloke with a penchant for attracting crazy, beautiful women to his bar.

Dress Code: It's an Irish pub in a university town. No worries, mate. Wear what you dig.

Located in the university area. It's a very good pub, always full of people. It has tvs to see international soccer matches. If you aren't interested in soccer, then check the dates of the important matches, otherwise you won't find place...and this is the same in most of the pubs in Bologna!

Like the others places mentioned before, it's a typical place for students. The entrance is free. They have excellent cocktails at 5.50 euros and everyday there is happy hour from 21.00 to 22.00 (u pay 1 cocktail and u get two). The music is pop/dance. After midnight it gets quite crowded and the music is very loud, although there's no really place to dance!