What time is aperitivo in Bologna?

Aperitivo in Bologna usually starts from 6pm and runs into dinner. In the university area, with its nightlife, people happily drink later too: at Jimmy, on Via Petroni, we're open from 6pm until late.

Where can I have aperitivo near the Two Towers?

The area around Via Petroni, Piazza Verdi and Piazza Aldrovandi is a few minutes' walk from the Two Towers and is the heart of student aperitivo. Jimmy Cocktail Lab is at Via Petroni 32/c, about four minutes from the Towers.

Aperitivo in Bologna's university area: the guide

In Bologna, aperitivo isn’t a habit: it’s a social ritual. And in the university area, between Piazza Verdi, Via Petroni and the streets leading to the Two Towers, that ritual takes its liveliest, most democratic form.

Where the heart of aperitivo beats

The university area is the youngest, most vibrant quarter of the city. Here aperitivo isn’t just a drink before dinner: it’s the moment when people meet, sit down at a table and decide how the night will unfold. The streets around Via Petroni and Piazza Verdi fill up from late afternoon, and the atmosphere stays alive into the night.

The beauty of this area is its location: you’re a few minutes’ walk from the Two Towers and the historic centre, but with the prices and spirit of the student quarter.

When to go

Classic aperitivo starts at 6pm. In the university area, though, the night is long: it kicks off early and keeps going, especially Thursday to Saturday. If you want the quieter moment for a table and a chat, 6–8pm is perfect; if you want the full buzz, just wait an hour.

What to order

Spritz — the Italian aperitif par excellence: fresh, citrusy, perfect to start.
Negroni or Americano — for lovers of bitter flavours and the great classics.
Hugo — more floral and light, with mint and elderflower.
Alcohol-free cocktails — built like the real ones, for those who don’t drink but don’t want to miss the ritual.

Pair it with something to share: aperitivo here is also about the table and the company.

How much you’ll spend

The university area is one of the most affordable in Bologna: a cocktail starts at around 7 euros. It’s one of the reasons it remains the reference point for students, out-of-towners and Erasmus visitors — without the quality of the drinks suffering for it.

Aperitivo at Jimmy

At Jimmy Cocktail Lab, on Via Petroni 32/c, aperitivo is our bread and butter: a cocktail lab open from 6pm, over 500 bottles, classics and signatures, and an air-conditioned indoor room for groups. We’re four minutes from the Two Towers, in the heart of the university area. Drop by, pick your drink, and let the night start here.