The city of records in new and second-hand

Music has always been a favourite in Bologna, where record enthusiasts can revel in an ancient tradition marked by great composers, masters and aficionados. It is thanks to their commitment that Bologna can boast so many record shops scattered throughout the city, imperative destinations for all those wishing to hunt out CDs, collector's records or rare gems.

And if you are a vinyl fan, find out where to listen to free music in Bologna.

Here is a list of record shops in Bologna to shop for your collection and public places to listen to vinyls

Record and vinyl shops you can't miss in Bologna

• At 13 Via Galliera, you will find what's perhaps the city's most venerable shop in the field: Disco d'Oro, founded back in 1976 with the mission of bringing new music culture to the city by serving as a meeting place for punk and no wave artists, a favourite haunt of big names such as Andrea Pazienza and Skiantos. Even today, it remains a haven for tidbits of international underground music.
  

• At 16 Via Nazario Sauro is Gallery 16, a meeting and exchange spot for contemporary music and culture where live music, DJ sets, record presentations, books and exhibitions can be enjoyed, along with a cocktail bar for shared drinks.

©Disco D'Oro

• At 24/F via Giuglielmo Oberdan, you will find SEMM Music Store, an acronym for ‘Siamo Esseri Molto Musicali’ (We are very musical beings). Founded in 2009, it started out as a ‘paradise dedicated to music lovers’ where enthusiasts can find varied and inclusive music products for all ages and tastes. The shop also offers the opportunity to meet numerous artists, who come to town to share their work with fans and supporters.
• At 23/A Via Altabella is Archivio 180, specialising in electronic and club music, with a repertoire ranging from rock, hip hop and jazz to Italian music. It is a place for meeting and social gathering, with a few beers to share and guest appearances by various producers and DJs from the house scene.
• At 31/F via Ugo Bassi, Bongiovanni is one of the city's oldest shops, in business since 1905, with a long-standing specialisation in classical music. It has also extended its research to symphonic and chamber opera, baroque, medieval, renaissance and contemporary music. Here you can find countless rarities among sheet music, magazines and books on musical culture.

©SEMM Music Store

• At 1/A Via De' Monari is Discorama, specialising in CDs, new and pre-owned vinyl. The same street is also home to Back to Beauty (used vinyls) which shares the premises with a beauty centre.
• At 19/D via Irnerio is Metal Factory offering a wide range of punk and metal records and vinyls.
• At 17/B via Mascarella is Hack Audio Lab, with lots of vinyls, CDs, cassettes and other rarities such as floppy/flexi-discs, and artist USBs. The shop also offers many activities including workshops, masterclasses, listening sessions, and music talks.

• Out of town, at 17/D Via dell'Artigiano is the newly-opened Ostia Records, named after the record label by Andrea Biagioni, its young founder and street punk music enthusiast. 
  
• At 26/B Via Filippo Beroaldo is Discobolandia, a predominantly vinyl record shop that gives customers the opportunity to sell their own collections. It also avails of a vinyl washing service in just a few minutes! The musical genres on sale are varied, from funk to dark gothic over progressive and blues.
• At 2/2C via Zampieri, pop into Hellnation - record store & books and publishing house, perfect for subculture lovers in vinyl and book format.
• A sea of new and used records are also waiting for you at 117/a via Andrea Costa at Dj's Paradise, and at 4/a via Frassinago at Lupus Records.

Not on this list? Email us to report your shop!

Foto di Giorgio Bianchi

Listen to vinyl in the Salaborsa Listening Room in Bologna

On the 2nd floor of Salaborsa Library in Piazza del Nettuno, right in the centre of Bologna, do not miss the opportunity to listen to music in Bologna's first vinyl listening room. It is located in the Sala della Musica (Music Room), which houses the vinyl collection belonging to the Santonastaso family donated to the Municipality of Bologna and open to the public.

Here the listening is quality and ambient, and you will not need headphones.

Practical information: access to the Vinyl Listening Room is by reservation at specific times of the day for a maximum duration of 1.5 hours. You can ask for information and book your session at the Salaborsa reception or by calling 051 2194400 from Monday to Friday.

Foto di Giorgio Bianchi

Now you just have to explore Bologna, with different ears, to the rhythm of music!