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ByPetra Udomprasert Updated on

Where to Get the Best Gelato in Bologna’s Historical Center

You know what I found super tempting the first time I visited Italy? Beautiful, creamy mounds of gelato in the glass fridge, the kind you could see from afar.

Automatically, that made me crave some, so I’d walk right over. But that was such a clueless tourist move. Let me tell you why.

Those high, creamy mounds of gelato are factory-made, my friend. As I later learned, mountains of gelato are the biggest sign of an inauthentic, tourist-trap shop. But even authentic gelato shops aren’t all made equal.

After unavoidably gaining a few pounds from trying out at least a dozen gelato places, I’ve come up with my very own short list of the best gelato in Bologna’s historical center. They’re perfectly walkable to each other, too.

It took me a bit of time to narrow the list down to seven, but I guarantee that they’re all freshly-made, quality gelatos. Cremeria Cavour, Cremeria Santo Stefano, and Delizie Bolognesi are some!

How to Spot Real Gelato vs Factory-Made

I touched on this a little bit in my Italy travel tips, but here are some simple pointers that’ll help make sure you don’t walk into a tourist-trap gelateria that serves you second-grade gelato.

  • Gelato that is freshly made in-house lies flat in its metal tin, not piled into a big mountain that you can see from a mile away.
  • Some places will keep their gelato covered with stainless steel lids. This is another authentic way to treat gelato. These are also safe to enter.
  • You can also look at the color of Pistachio. It has to be a natural shade of pale green, leaning beige or lighter tan. If it’s beautifully green like matcha or bright like mint, run.

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Close-up of a hand holding a Venchi gelato cone, topped with stracciatella and pistachio scoops and a dark chocolate disk. This creamy treat represents some of the best gelato in Bologna.

How to Navigate Gelateria in Italy

You know how we all line up from the end of the glass fridge, waiting to try a few flavors, then we pick one, and then we pay at the register? Most gelaterias in Italy work the opposite way.

As soon as you enter, you’ll pay at the register first. All you need to know is which size you want and whether you prefer it in a cone or a cup.

Then you’ll bring the receipt over to the glass fridge and order your flavors, which include two for the smallest size.

And no, you won’t need to skirt back and forth reading the little signs in the fridge for 15 minutes like you did back home. Italian gelaterias always have their flavors clearly shown on the wall menu.

Best Gelato in Bologna’s Historical Center

Here comes the result of my time popping into every nice-looking gelato shop I passed in Bologna (and gaining a few pounds… I’ve fixed it, though).

The flavors I list out as must-try are not necessarily each place’s signature flavor, but they are what I had and loved.

As you’ll see very quickly, I love trying out traditional ones. Because if a place messes up even those traditional flavors, I can at least tell you to run.

1. Cremeria Santo Stefano

This super local spot was hands-down my favorite gelato spot in Bologna. It is a bit further from everything else, but the quality and flavors are well worth the walk.

Close-up of a small cup of gelato with chopped pistachio pieces, held up near a wall menu on the shop window at Cremeria Santo Stefano, a local favorite for artisanal gelato in the city's historical center.

They’re famous for their pistachio flavor, but I also went the unconventional route and tried Crema Libanese.

I wholeheartedly recommend Crema Libanese. It’s orange blossom, almonds, and pistachio. The taste is fresh, light, but somehow perfectly creamy. There’s no need to talk about the texture. Just perfect. Chef’s kiss.

2. Cremeria Cavour

Hand holding a cup of white gelato topped with two round waffle cookies in front of a refrigerated dessert display at Cremeria Cavour, a local Bolognese gelato shop.

Another local Bolognese business, this shop is located just off Piazza Cavour, right behind Palazzo dell’Archiginnasio. It’s a convenient stop after your Anatomical Theater tour, just saying.

I first tried this place because my cooking class host told me this was her favorite spot. And as you’ve probably guessed… If a local loves it, I walk straight into it.

Fior di panna (light, milky flavor, a bit like sweet cream) and pistachio were both to die for.

3. Delizie Bolognesi

Cup of creamy stracciatella gelato from Delizie Bolognesi, held inside the shop with its cozy, modern interior in the background.

This is another spot that’s a bit further away from the main attractions, but I knew of it from a friend who’s been to Bologna maybe a million times.

They don’t just sell gelato, but their gelato happens to be delicious as well. I tried Fior di panna (love me some daily milky gelato 😂) with Stracciatella, and I can highly recommend both.

4. Cremeria La Vecchia Stalla

If you love trying specialty flavors, this place is your spot.

Opened 20 years ago in Zola Predosa, a small municipality right on the edge of Bologna, the brand has grown into another local favorite with 3 branches around the city.

Cup of colorful gelato with a waffle disc held up outside Cremeria La Vecchia Stalla at dusk, with people visible inside the warmly lit shop.

Of course, the historical center branch is the liveliest. I’ve walked past it on Via Santo Stefano more times than I can count, and it was never quiet. There were always people waiting in line, locals and tourists.

They have a ton of specialty flavors, which I would have loved to try if not for fear of having to roll myself onto the plane home. I only tried Stracciatella, Crema alla vecchia, and Zuppa Inglese.

The first two were amazing, but Zuppa Inglese might be a bit of a hit or miss. Maybe it’s just me and my obsession with milky flavors.

5. Cremeria Marconi

Fior di latte gelato in a branded cup with a clear spoon and waffle disc, held in front of the green Cremeria Marconi storefront. A must-visit for creamy, artisanal gelato in Bologna.

Remembering what my food tour guide said about gelato, that it has to be very light and melts fast, this place has the lightest gelato on this short list.

Was it a bit too light for my taste? Yes, very slightly (I hate melting ice cream. It’s a me thing 🤦🏻‍♀️), but was it still delicious and fresh? Absolutely.

I got around to trying this place on my last day, and I was only in the mood to try the safest option. Fior di latte was totally worth making the extra room in my stomach.

6. Gelateria Gianni

Don’t be fooled by its bright and modern design. This Bolognese gelato shop has been around since 1976!

When I first walked into it by the two towers, I totally thought it was some new, random place that just popped up after Covid or something.

Pistachio and Nutella gelato in a cup from Gelato Gianni, with the shop’s bold orange interior wall and logo in the background.

They have this flavor that I can’t remember the name of to save my life. It’s basically salted pistachio (No, the name is not salted pistachio in Italian), and it was divine.

I also tried pistachio, which was also great, and Segreta di nonna, which was fior di latte and Nutella. The Nutella made the whole thing a bit too intense for me, but if you’re crazy about Nutella, I’d recommend it.

7. Venchi Cioccolato e Gelato

Okay, okay. This is not a Bolognese shop. It’s from Turin, with a gazillion branches all over Italy and a few other parts of the world.

But that’s why it’s last on the list. I wanted to focus on local businesses first.

People gathered outside Venchi's gelato shop at night under a black awning, with snowflake decals and a warmly lit interior. One of the most iconic gelato spots in Bologna's historic center.

However, the place has been around since the 1870s, and their gelato is insanely delicious (photo at the top of the post because it’s pretty 🤣).

And if you’re looking for freshly-made, delicious gelato in any city across Italy, this is a reliable option. They’re also super famous for artisanal chocolate, so get those.

Wall display of Venchi chocolate bars in vibrant packaging, featuring varieties like Cremino, Gianduia, and extra dark. A tempting bonus for gelato lovers visiting one of the best chain gelaterias in Italy.

I’ve tried several of their flavors across Rome, Florence, and Bologna. My top ones are Pistachio, Pannacotta al caramello, and Stracciatella.

Bologna’s Best Gelatos on a Map

As you can see below, you can easily try all seven places in one day if you want (only if your stomach can handle that).

Don’t Miss Out On These Things in Bologna!

People may talk about it less than Rome or Venice, but Bologna is full of interesting stuff, not to mention its status as the food capital of Italy.

As a homage to that, here are my favorite Bolognese dishes and where to eat them. Also check out top cultural activities you can do to connect more deeply to the city.

Not sure how to put your bucket list together? I’ve designed two itineraries for you for:

If you haven’t decided where to stay, I have a guide to the best neighborhoods for exploring on foot. There’s really not much need for taxis or bus rides in Bologna!

Bookmark my Italy Cultural Travel page for later. I have more guides coming!

Get Ready For Your Trip to Italy

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Hand holding a cup of creamy white gelato from Cremeria Cavour in Bologna, topped with a round waffle cookie, with overlaid text reading “Bologna Center Gelato Guide. 7 Best Authentic, Local Options.” A pin graphic for easy idea-sharing on Pinterest.

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Petra Udomprasert is a career immersive travel blogger and the founder of Polyglot Petra. Believing in travel as a force that inspires empathy and respect in our world, she writes travel guides that deeply explore the history and culture of every destination she visits, leveraging her fluency in five different languages to access the local perspective. Through her immersive guides and localized language tips, she has helped tens of thousands of travelers enjoy trips that leave lasting positive impacts on their lives.