Bologna

Secret Bologna: Hidden Gems & Local Treasures

City Unscripted experience hero image 10

City Unscripted experience hero image 11

Hidden Gems • 3 hours 5.0

(78)

Secret Bologna: Hidden Gems & Local Treasures

Wander Bologna's lesser-known corners with someone who knows where the real magic hides. From quiet cloisters to bustling artisan workshops.

What makes this experience special

While everyone else follows the crowds, slip into Bologna's authentic heart. Explore tucked-away places, learn to navigate the city like a pro, and see some of the city's iconic sights.

Key highlights

Duck into quiet courtyards and cloisters that locals treasure as urban sanctuaries.
Trace your fingers along portico columns with stories that date back centuries.
Meet neighborhood artisans keeping traditional crafts alive in their workshops.
Discover a secret viewpoint where Bologna's terracotta rooftops unfold beneath you.
Follow a path that shifts based on your curiosities, whether art, history, or local life.
Connect with a Bologna most visitors never meet—personal, authentic, and real.

What to know before you go

Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.

At a glance What’s included Things to know

3 hours

Fully tailored to your preferences

Walking experience may use public transport for long distances

English Other languages may be requested

What’s included

Tailored itinerary based on your preferences

A knowledgeable host who knows the hidden gems

Flexible start times to fit your day

What’s not included

Food, drinks and shopping expenses

Transport fares or attraction entry fees

Meeting point

Piazza Maggiore, Piazza Maggiore, 40124 Bologna BO, Italy

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience

What to bring

We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and carrying a light bag for your essentials.
Public transport may be used during the experience - please bring a travel card or small amount of cash for fares.

How your day could unfold

A flexible, unscripted experience designed entirely around your interests. Your host will adapt the day based on what excites you most

Here’s what your experience could look like

These are just suggestions from our hosts to inspire your day. Your host will tailor the experience to suit your interests and tastes

Meeting point

Piazza Maggiore, Piazza Maggiore, 40124 Bologna BO, Italy

Beneath Ancient Porticoes

Walk under archways where conversations have echoed for centuries.

Secret Bologna: Hidden Gems & Local Treasures

Begin along a quiet portico pathway where light plays through historic arches. Notice the carved details and observe the rhythm of daily Bolognese life beneath these sheltering columns.

Secret Courtyards

Step through unmarked doorways into unexpected havens of calm.

Push open an unassuming door to find a peaceful cloister or sunlit courtyard. These hidden pockets offer perfect moments of tranquility away from the city's energy.

Artisan Streets Come Alive

Feel the pulse of streets where things are still crafted by hand.

Wander where fresh bread scents mix with the sounds of traditional craftsmanship. Meet local artisans or discover where residents queue for authentic Bolognese specialties.

Bologna from Above

End with the city spread out like a terracotta mosaic below you.

Conclude at a hidden vantage point overlooking Bologna's distinctive red rooftops and medieval towers—a perspective that transforms your understanding of the city.

Real Stories, Real Connections

See our hosts and guests creating memories

Celebrating Family Adventures Through Bologna’s Hidden Alleys

Sharing Laughter Over Local Bites in a Hidden Courtyard

Playful Discoveries Behind Bologna’s Hidden Windows

Wandering Beneath Bologna’s Iconic Porticoes at Twilight

Savoring Bologna’s Famous Street Food on a Market Stroll

Sharing Smiles with New Friends in Bologna’s Colorful Backstreets

Exploring Bologna’s Historic Heart with Wide-Eyed Wonder

Hunting for Hidden Views Through Bologna’s Secret Window

Capturing Sunlit Moments on Bologna’s Medieval Streets

Uncovering Stories Over Aperitivo in a Hidden Locals’ Favorite

Unlocking Bologna’s Secret Canal Views with New Friends

Collecting Smiles in Bologna’s Hidden Alleys

Savoring Prosciutto and Aperitivo at Bologna’s Iconic Delis

Sharing Stories and Savoring Flavors on a Cozy Bologna Food Experience

Indulging in a Little Retail Therapy in Bologna’s Modern Shopping Arcades

Embracing Bologna’s Hidden Corners on a Spontaneous Adventure

Celebrating Gelato Moments Outside a Beloved Bologna Gelateria

Sipping Fresh Juice and Wandering Under Bologna’s Endless Porticoes

Rain or Shine, Discovering Bologna’s Little Venice Charm

Smiles All Around: A Family Day Exploring Bologna’s Covered Walkways

See what happens when you travel unscripted!

17,500+ 5-Star Reviews and Counting

Trusted and recommended by travelers worldwide, including 99% on Google and TripAdvisor.

recommended by 99% of travelers on google

recommended by 99% of travelers on tripadvisor

We don’t make deals with businesses - giving you unbiased and authentic local experiences.

Carolyn Sep 2025

Jon was a great guide. The additional info he provided by email was very useful for the rest of our stay in Bologna. We really appreciated that. He really went the extra mile and showed us everything! We got a really good sense of Bologna and were able to go back to some spots the next day to re- visit. Jon was friendly and shared stories that helped us understand this great town

Denise Sep 2025

Our Balogna tour guide was Claudio Natale who was a sensational guide. He gave as a thorough sense of the city and deepened our understanding of the history and culture of Balogna! His English is perfect. It was a busy and rewarding tour. I highly recommend Claudio as a guide.

Capri Sep 2025

Enjoyed my tour with Andrea

Tracy Sep 2025

Great trip around Bologna with Claudio - would recommend to gain an insight to the history in a relaxed way. Also got recommendations of places to eat, shop etc.

Joo Sep 2025

Did this 3-hour walking tour as soon as we arrived in Bologna. Nicola, our excellent guide, took us round the historical city , providing us with local knowledge and an interesting account of the place, the landmarks , the streets so that we know where to walk, where to go, which restaurants. A very good introduction to the historical city and thus made our stay in Bologna enjoyable.

Jennifer Sep 2025

Diego was great. We loved our tour. The balsamic tasting was so fun.

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FAQs

Your questions, answered

Is this a traditional tour or something different?

This isn’t a traditional tour with a fixed script. It’s a fully personalized day shaped around your interests, whether it’s culture, history, neighborhoods, or hidden local spots. Your host is a knowledgeable local, more like a friend showing you their city. It’s flexible, one-on-one, and tailored entirely to you.

How does personalization work?

After booking, you’ll receive a short questionnaire where you can share your interests, travel style, and any must-see spots. Based on that, we’ll match you with a local host who’ll reach out to plan your personalized itinerary..

Will I see famous landmarks or just hidden gems?

Both! Your host will take you to iconic sights if you want to see them, but they’ll also introduce you to places and stories most travelers miss.

Can I mix different themes in one experience?

Yes! You can blend food, culture, history, neighborhoods, or even a bit of nightlife if time allows. Just share your interests in the questionnaire, and your host will build the day around them.

Will I know my itinerary in advance?

Yes, you will have the opportunity to chat with your host directly and agree on a plan for the day. However, there’s always room for spontaneity and local surprises!

Can I adjust the plan on the day?

Absolutely. Your host can adjust the itinerary on the day based on your pace, energy, or any new ideas you have. It’s a flexible experience from start to finish.

What kind of stories and insights will my host share?

Each host has their own personal relationship with the city. You'll experience the city through their eyes—hearing stories about places they love, discovering hidden gems, and learning what makes their city special in a way that goes beyond a typical tour.

Will we enter attractions, or just explore from the outside?

That’s up to you! Some experiences include visits inside attractions, while others focus on the city's culture and atmosphere, which can be hard to truly experience without someone who knows the city inside out.

How much walking is involved?

This depends on the experience, but your host can adjust the pace to suit your comfort level.

Is this experience physically demanding?

We can tailor the experience to be as active or relaxed as you like—just let us know what suits you best!

Can we explore outside the main city?

Yes! If you’re interested in day trips or exploring beyond the city, let us know in the post-booking questionnaire, and your host will design an itinerary that takes you to incredible places off the usual tourist path.

Can my host meet me at my accommodation?

Hotel meet-ups are available upon request in central areas. If you're staying outside the city, your host will recommend the best meeting spot and guide you with directions.