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Digital Nomad Guide to Bologna, Italy | Digital Nomad Exchange
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Bologna, Italy

Digital Nomad Life in Bologna, Italy

By Betsy Burlingame

Summary: Digital nomads like living in Bologna, Italy because it is a vibrant city with a rich cultural history, excellent food, and a great quality of life. Bologna is also known for its affordability, making it an attractive destination for digital nomads. The city has a population of approximately 380,000 people. The best neighborhood to live in Bologna is the city center, which is known for its lively atmosphere and convenient access to public transportation. The city center is also home to many of Bologna's most popular attractions, such as the Piazza Maggiore and the Two Towers. The weather in Bologna, Italy is generally mild, with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to the mid-70s Fahrenheit (10-25 Celsius). The monthly cost of living for a digital nomad in Bologna is approximately $1,500 USD. This includes rent, food, transportation, and other expenses. The cost to rent a centrally located, one-bedroom apartment with high-speed internet access in Bologna is approximately $800 USD per month.

Italian For A While
Italian For A While
Italian For A While
Italian For A While

How do I meet people in Bologna?

When we asked people living in Bologna about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:

"Expats in Bologna can join a variety of clubs and activities, such as language exchange groups, book clubs, and sports teams. Expats can also meet people by attending local events, such as festivals, concerts, and art exhibitions. Additionally, many expats find it helpful to join online forums and social media groups dedicated to connecting expats living in Bologna. Finally, expats can meet people by simply exploring the city and getting to know the locals," explained one expat living in Bologna, Italy.

"Internations is a good way to meet some international ex-pats, though the majority are Italian and the organization charges a lot and offers little if you are not a paying member. If you are a woman there is also an international organization, IWF, where you can meet other women," said one person in Bologna.

What is life like in Bologna?

When we asked people living in Bologna what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:

"Life for expats and digital nomads in Bologna is generally quite pleasant. The city is known for its vibrant culture, delicious food, and friendly locals. Expats and digital nomads can find plenty of coworking spaces, cafes, and restaurants to work from. The city is also well-connected with the rest of Italy and Europe, making it easy to explore the surrounding areas. Additionally, the cost of living in Bologna is relatively low, making it an attractive destination for those looking to live and work abroad," said one expat who made the move to Bologna.

Italian For A While

Become ‘Italian for a While’ with IFA! Learn in Italy on a 1-week to 12-month program - open to students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, professionals, groups, faculty-led programs, and more. Take courses at an accredited school while immersing yourself in the language, life, and culture among your international peers. Submit an inquiry with IFA to learn more.

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Italian For A While

Become ‘Italian for a While’ with IFA! Learn in Italy on a 1-week to 12-month program - open to students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, professionals, groups, faculty-led programs, and more. Take courses at an accredited school while immersing yourself in the language, life, and culture among your international peers. Submit an inquiry with IFA to learn more.

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Where should I live in Bologna?

We asked digital nomads and expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:

"One of the best ways to find a place to live in Bologna is to search online for rental listings. There are many websites that offer listings for apartments, houses, and other types of accommodation in the city. Additionally, you can also search for rental listings in local newspapers and magazines. Additionally, you can also ask friends and family who live in the area for recommendations. Finally, you can also contact local real estate agents who specialize in rental properties in Bologna," said one person in Bologna.

What do I need to know before moving to Bologna?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Bologna, they said:

"I would tell them to try it out as it offers a bit of everything. The general population are well educated due to the strong university presence and there is a good mix of Italians from all over. Many come to study and then just stay. There is also a lot of cultural activities, many which are either free or low cost," explained one person living in Bologna, Italy.

"Before retiring in Bologna, expats should be aware of the cost of living, which is higher than in many other parts of Italy. Expats should also research the healthcare system and the availability of medical services in the area. Additionally, expats should familiarize themselves with the local culture and customs, as well as the language, to ensure a smooth transition. Finally, expats should research the local job market and the availability of part-time work, as this may be necessary to supplement their retirement income," said one expat in Bologna.

Italian For A WhileItalian For A While
Connect

Become ‘Italian for a While’ with IFA! Learn in Italy on a 1-week to 12-month program - open to students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, professionals, groups, faculty-led programs, and more. Take courses at an accredited school while immersing yourself in the language, life, and culture among your international peers. Submit an inquiry with IFA to learn more.

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Italian For A WhileItalian For A While

Become ‘Italian for a While’ with IFA! Learn in Italy on a 1-week to 12-month program - open to students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, professionals, groups, faculty-led programs, and more. Take courses at an accredited school while immersing yourself in the language, life, and culture among your international peers. Submit an inquiry with IFA to learn more.
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What do people appreciate most about the culture in Bologna?

"Expats in Bologna appreciate the city's rich history and culture, which is evident in its architecture, art, and cuisine. They also enjoy the city's vibrant nightlife, with its many bars, restaurants, and clubs. Additionally, expats appreciate the friendly and welcoming nature of the locals, who are always willing to help out newcomers. Finally, expats enjoy the city's excellent public transportation system, which makes it easy to get around," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Bologna.

Italian For A While

Become ‘Italian for a While’ with IFA! Learn in Italy on a 1-week to 12-month program - open to students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, professionals, groups, faculty-led programs, and more. Take courses at an accredited school while immersing yourself in the language, life, and culture among your international peers. Submit an inquiry with IFA to learn more.

Learn MoreConnect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Italian For A While

Become ‘Italian for a While’ with IFA! Learn in Italy on a 1-week to 12-month program - open to students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, professionals, groups, faculty-led programs, and more. Take courses at an accredited school while immersing yourself in the language, life, and culture among your international peers. Submit an inquiry with IFA to learn more.

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What do people find most challenging about the culture in Bologna?

"Expats in Bologna often find the language barrier to be the most challenging aspect of the local culture. As Italian is the primary language spoken in Bologna, expats may find it difficult to communicate with locals and navigate their way around the city. Additionally, expats may find the local customs and traditions to be quite different from their own, which can be difficult to adjust to. Furthermore, the pace of life in Bologna is often slower than what expats may be used to, which can be a challenge to adapt to," said one expat in Bologna.

What residency documents or visas did I need if I will be in Bologna for a while?

"If you plan to stay in Bologna for a while, you will need to obtain a residence permit. This permit is issued by the Italian government and is valid for a period of up to five years. You will also need to obtain a visa, which is issued by the Italian consulate in your home country. Depending on the length of your stay, you may need to apply for a long-term visa. Additionally, you may need to provide proof of health insurance and proof of financial resources," said one expat in Bologna.

Italian For A WhileItalian For A While
Connect

Become ‘Italian for a While’ with IFA! Learn in Italy on a 1-week to 12-month program - open to students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, professionals, groups, faculty-led programs, and more. Take courses at an accredited school while immersing yourself in the language, life, and culture among your international peers. Submit an inquiry with IFA to learn more.

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Italian For A WhileItalian For A While

Become ‘Italian for a While’ with IFA! Learn in Italy on a 1-week to 12-month program - open to students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, professionals, groups, faculty-led programs, and more. Take courses at an accredited school while immersing yourself in the language, life, and culture among your international peers. Submit an inquiry with IFA to learn more.
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What cultural blunders should I try to avoid making in Bologna?

We asked people in Bologna if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. They wrote:

"It is important to be aware of cultural norms when visiting Bologna. It is considered rude to be late for appointments or social engagements, so it is important to be punctual. It is also important to dress appropriately for the occasion, as dressing too casually or too formally can be seen as disrespectful. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the local customs when it comes to dining etiquette, such as not speaking loudly or using your hands to eat. Finally, it is important to be respectful of the local culture and to avoid making any negative comments about the city or its people," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Bologna.

Italian For A WhileItalian For A While
Connect

Become ‘Italian for a While’ with IFA! Learn in Italy on a 1-week to 12-month program - open to students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, professionals, groups, faculty-led programs, and more. Take courses at an accredited school while immersing yourself in the language, life, and culture among your international peers. Submit an inquiry with IFA to learn more.

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Italian For A WhileItalian For A While

Become ‘Italian for a While’ with IFA! Learn in Italy on a 1-week to 12-month program - open to students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, professionals, groups, faculty-led programs, and more. Take courses at an accredited school while immersing yourself in the language, life, and culture among your international peers. Submit an inquiry with IFA to learn more.
Connect

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What are healthcare services like in Bologna?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Bologna, they replied:

"Bologna offers a wide range of healthcare services to its citizens. The city is home to a number of public and private hospitals, clinics, and medical centers that provide a variety of medical services, including general and specialized care. The city also has a number of pharmacies, laboratories, and other medical facilities that provide a range of services, from general check-ups to specialized treatments. Additionally, Bologna is home to a number of medical research centers and universities that offer medical education and research opportunities. The city also has a number of health insurance providers that offer coverage for medical services," explained one expat living in Bologna, Italy.

Italian For A WhileItalian For A While
Connect

Become ‘Italian for a While’ with IFA! Learn in Italy on a 1-week to 12-month program - open to students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, professionals, groups, faculty-led programs, and more. Take courses at an accredited school while immersing yourself in the language, life, and culture among your international peers. Submit an inquiry with IFA to learn more.

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Italian For A WhileItalian For A While

Become ‘Italian for a While’ with IFA! Learn in Italy on a 1-week to 12-month program - open to students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, professionals, groups, faculty-led programs, and more. Take courses at an accredited school while immersing yourself in the language, life, and culture among your international peers. Submit an inquiry with IFA to learn more.
Connect

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What are the pros and cons of living in Bologna?

"Expats and digital nomads living in Bologna, often appreciate the city's rich cultural heritage, its vibrant nightlife, and its delicious cuisine. They also enjoy the city's relatively low cost of living and its convenient location, which makes it easy to explore other parts of Italy. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may find the city's narrow streets and lack of public transportation to be a challenge. Additionally, the city's hot and humid summers can be uncomfortable for some," said a member in Bologna.

Italian For A WhileItalian For A While
Connect

Become ‘Italian for a While’ with IFA! Learn in Italy on a 1-week to 12-month program - open to students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, professionals, groups, faculty-led programs, and more. Take courses at an accredited school while immersing yourself in the language, life, and culture among your international peers. Submit an inquiry with IFA to learn more.

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Italian For A WhileItalian For A While

Become ‘Italian for a While’ with IFA! Learn in Italy on a 1-week to 12-month program - open to students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, professionals, groups, faculty-led programs, and more. Take courses at an accredited school while immersing yourself in the language, life, and culture among your international peers. Submit an inquiry with IFA to learn more.
Connect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is one of the founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and the Founder and President of Expat Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

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