Bologna

Your Bologna, Your Way: A Personalized Half-Day

City Unscripted experience hero image 10

City Unscripted experience hero image 11

Flexible Half-Day Discovery • 4 hours 5.0

(194)

Your Bologna, Your Way: A Personalized Half-Day

Explore Bologna in four hours with a flexible experience shaped around you. Discover icons, market lanes, and quiet corners—at your pace and interest.

What makes this experience special

Discover Bologna your way—iconic sights, hidden corners, and local stories shaped around your pace and interests.

Key highlights

Enjoy a half-day shaped entirely around your interests, with a local expert by your side.
Explore iconic spots like Piazza Maggiore or hidden gems tucked into medieval backstreets.
Stroll through the lively Quadrilatero market, with optional tastings based on your preferences.
Visit cultural landmarks like the Basilica di San Petronio or the peaceful Santo Stefano Complex.
Experience seamless flexibility—your host adapts the day as it unfolds to match your pace.
Skip the crowds and connect with authentic Bologna, beyond the typical tourist trail.

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

4 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 bus ticket or a 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

Start in the Heart of Bologna – Piazza Maggiore

Begin in the city’s central square, where history and daily life meet.

Your Bologna, Your Way: A Personalized Half-Day

Begin in Bologna’s main square, where history and daily life meet. Take in the Neptune Fountain, Palazzo d’Accursio, and the vibrant energy that sets the tone for the day.

Wander at the Basilica di San Petronio

Visit one of Europe’s largest churches, full of stories and surprises.

Explore the towering Basilica di San Petronio, known for its scale and unfinished façade. Inside, discover vibrant frescoes and the world’s longest indoor meridian line. If you’d like, head up to the terrace for views over the square.

Wander the Quadrilatero’s Market Streets

Stroll through Bologna’s historic market lanes, full of life and color.

Wander the Quadrilatero’s lively alleys, where butchers and pasta makers carry on local traditions. Stop to browse or sip an espresso if something catches your eye.

Climb (or Skip) the Asinelli Tower

Climb for a view or stay grounded for stories—the choice is yours.

Climb the Asinelli Tower for sweeping city views—or stay grounded and explore nearby alleys as you uncover the story behind Bologna’s iconic “Two Towers.”

Unwind at the Santo Stefano Complex

A quiet, spiritual escape in the heart of the city.

Step into Santo Stefano, a quiet complex of ancient churches. Stroll peaceful courtyards, admire the architecture, and take a moment to pause and reflect.

Optional Sweet Ending at Cremeria Funivia

End with a scoop of Bologna’s best gelato—if you’re tempted.

Craving something sweet? Stop at Cremeria Funivia, a local favorite for artisanal gelato. Flavors vary, and the cost is not included—treat yourself if the moment feels right.

Real Stories, Real Connections

See our hosts and guests creating memories

Finding Local Friendships in Bologna’s Sun-Drenched Piazzas

Celebrating Family Adventures Through Bologna’s Hidden Alleys

Wandering Beneath Bologna’s Iconic Porticoes at Twilight

Capturing Sunlit Moments on Bologna’s Medieval Streets

Savoring Prosciutto and Aperitivo at Bologna’s Iconic Delis

Uncovering Stories Over Aperitivo in a Hidden Locals’ Favorite

Collecting Smiles in Bologna’s Hidden Alleys

Playful Discoveries Behind Bologna’s Hidden Windows

Sharing Smiles with New Friends in Bologna’s Colorful Backstreets

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

Revisiting a Bologna Icon: Snapping Memories at Neptune’s Fountain

Fresh Flavors and Green Corners

Savoring Bologna’s Famous Street Food on a Market Stroll

Exploring Bologna’s Historic Heart with Wide-Eyed Wonder

Hunting for Hidden Views Through Bologna’s Secret Window

Striking a Pose with Neptune, Bologna’s Timeless Guardian

Sharing Laughter Over Local Bites in a Hidden Courtyard

Unlocking Bologna’s Secret Canal Views with New Friends

Rain or Shine, Discovering Bologna’s Little Venice Charm

Celebrating Gelato Moments Outside a Beloved Bologna Gelateria

Sharing Stories and Savoring Flavors on a Cozy Bologna Food Experience

Strolling Bologna’s Night Markets Under a Winter Glow

Sipping Fresh Juice and Wandering Under Bologna’s Endless Porticoes

Embracing Bologna’s Hidden Corners on a Spontaneous Adventure

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.

Scott Oct 2025

Jon was personable as well as knowledgeable. He came prepared with a specific itinerary in mind and we were able to see the majority of the important sites within the time we planned. We greatly enjoyed the tour and highly recommend Jon.

Casey Oct 2025

Giulia was an excellent guide. She has great knowledge of the city, is kind, and showed us all the things we were interested in seeing. It was a great way to learn about Bologna and get a lay of the land - we can’t wait to come back and explore more time in Bologna now! Thanks Giulia!

Mariah Oct 2025

Nicola was a wonderful tour guide. He had so much historical knowledge to share with us. We were only in Bologna for one afternoon and this was a perfect way to get a snapshot of the city!

Casey Oct 2025

Giulia was an excellent guide. She has great knowledge and passion about the history of Bologna, is very kind, and took us on tour that covered all the items we were hoping for. It gave us a deep desire to come back and spend more time in Bologna. Thank you Giulia!

Steven Sep 2025

Jon was extremely knowledgeable and personable. He shared his love of Bologna. Would highly recommend the tour.

Mara Sep 2025

The tour leader pointing out the less obvious things of interest.

SEE ALL REVIEWS

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..

What if I don’t know what I want to explore?

That’s completely fine! Select an experience theme or a flexible discovery experience, and after booking, answer a few questions so your host can design the perfect experience for you.

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?

Of course! Your experience is flexible, so you can explore at your own pace and make changes along the way.

Can I request specific places to visit?

Yes! After booking, you will receive a questionnaire where you can highlight must-visit spots and anything else you’d like to include, and your host will craft your experience around them.

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.

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.