Bolonia is a central residential neighbourhood just west of the new cathedral and the Tiscapa Lagoon. It is one of the older surviving districts of Managua, with tree-lined streets and a mix of modest homes and small commercial premises. Several of the city's better independent restaurants and bars are scattered through Bolonia, drawing a loyal local crowd.
The neighbourhood sits within easy walking distance of the Tiscapa natural reserve and the Loma de Tiscapa viewpoint, which makes it a reasonable base for those who want to be close to the city's sights without staying in the more touristy Carretera Masaya strip. Streets in Bolonia (as in most of Managua) are identified by reference to landmarks rather than names — "two blocks north of the Esso station" is a typically Managuan address.