City Essentials: First Day • 2 hours
5.0
(452)
Your Perfect First Day in Bologna: Porticoes, Markets & Local Flow
Get your bearings in Bologna with a flexible walk that blends local rhythm, insight, and easygoing discovery, your way.
What makes this experience special
This isn’t a sightseeing sprint, it’s a soft landing. On this guest-led half-day, you’ll ease into Bologna the way locals live it: unhurried, open-ended, and full of small delights.
Key highlights
- Navigate Bologna’s porticoes like a local, whether wandering or window-shopping
- Get the stories behind the Two Towers, or skip them for courtyard calm
- Taste and talk your way through the Quadrilatero, Bologna’s historic market heart
- Pause at Santo Stefano to take in centuries of layered history, or just the quiet
- Discover local rituals, from chalk art to mid-morning wine breaks
- Ask questions, change course, or stop where it feels right—this walk flexes with you
- Leave with practical tips and personal favorites, not a checklist of stops
What to know before you go
Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.
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, ItalyCancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experienceWhat 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 (coins or small notes) for bus fares, as tickets must be purchased before boarding.
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 mostHere’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
1. Select a date
2. Select start time
Real Stories, Real Connections
See our hosts and guests creating memories
A Joyful Encounter in the Heart of Majesty
Sunlight's Path: A Dance on Ancient Tiles
Curious Connoisseur: A Taste of Tradition
A Local’s Embrace in Bologna’s Backstreets
Flavours and Friendships in Quadrilatero Market
A City of Layers and Laughter
Under the Porticoes: Timeless Bologna Comes Alive
Family Explorations at Sala Borsa
Through the Secret Window: Discovering Hidden Bologna
Medieval Echoes and Modern Joys
Locks of Memory, Stories of the Canal
Sun-Kissed Streets & Big Smiles: A Local Welcome in the Quadrilatero
Through the Secret Window: A Rainy Glimpse into Bologna’s Hidden Canal
Chic Stops: Exploring Fashion & Architecture in Galleria Cavour
Scoops & Stories: Sharing Gelato Outside a Historic Bologna Gelateria
Legends & Laughter: Posing Proudly at the Fountain of Neptune
Evening Flavors: A Twilight Stroll Through Bologna’s Market Alleys
Fountain of Neptune, Moments of Marvel
Sunlit Stories in Piazza Maggiore
25,598+ 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.
Anne
Nov 2025
Nicola was a great host from beginning to end. Very knowlegeable about history and current events! And offered all kinds of advice and plenty of things for me to do when I’m free in Bologna.
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Twila
Nov 2025
We only had one day in our travel itinerary to see Bologna, but SO glad we did. What a beautiful city! We were amazed at the history of Bologna and the knowledge of our guide and the info he shared! We put some steps in but explored so much of the city in a short time. We appreciated that he was very flexible when we changed our meeting spot at the last minute.
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Helen
Nov 2025
We had an amazing tour of the highlights and gems in Bologna with Antonia. We just arrived to the city and Antonia took us throughout Bologna sharing the history and telling us fascinating stories along the way. Great introduction to a beautiful city. Antonia was very knowledgeable and engaging and we really enjoyed out time with her. The perfect way to start our trip!
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Stephen
Nov 2025
Amazing!
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Bruce
Oct 2025
Nicola was a great guide. Very personable. We enjoyed everything he showed us. It was delightful and I recommend Nicola highly!
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Stephen
Oct 2025
Claudio was an excellent tour guide. He was able to show us the highlights of bologna and set my wife for further exploration after the tour. To top off an excellent tour Claudio helped us set an unbelievable lunch reservation which is hard to get on a Saturday. Thanks again claudio!
Show moreFAQs
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.
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.
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 request specific places or types of stops?
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.
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.
How much walking is involved?
This depends on the experience, but your host can adjust the pace to suit your comfort level.
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.