City Essentials: First Day • 2 hours 5.0
(410)

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.

There is no such thing as

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, 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 (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 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

Your Perfect First Day in Bologna: Porticoes, Markets & Local Flow

Beneath the Porticoes

Where your Bologna story begins

See More
Your Perfect First Day in Bologna: Porticoes, Markets & Local Flow

Your first steps might follow the covered walkways locals use daily—toward a shop, a corner café, or nowhere in particular.

Your Perfect First Day in Bologna: Porticoes, Markets & Local Flow

The Towers, if You Fancy

Two icons, one flexible path

See More
Your Perfect First Day in Bologna: Porticoes, Markets & Local Flow

Want to walk over? Great. Prefer to admire them from a shady bench? That works too. No pressure, no plan.

Your Perfect First Day in Bologna: Porticoes, Markets & Local Flow

The Market, Gently Explored

Where flavors and stories meet

See More
Your Perfect First Day in Bologna: Porticoes, Markets & Local Flow

Parmigiano, prosciutto, Pignoletto—if it tempts you, taste it. If not, just soak up the scents, sounds, and slower rhythm.

Your Perfect First Day in Bologna: Porticoes, Markets & Local Flow

Santo Stefano Complex

A quiet place to pause or go deep

See More
Your Perfect First Day in Bologna: Porticoes, Markets & Local Flow

Some step inside, curious about the history. Others just sit under the arches. Your host follows your lead.

Your Perfect First Day in Bologna: Porticoes, Markets & Local Flow

Optional Close: Via Farini’s Elegance

A soft landing before what’s next

See More
Your Perfect First Day in Bologna: Porticoes, Markets & Local Flow

End with a stroll, a coffee, or a tip for where to head tomorrow. It’s not goodbye, it’s just where today hands off to what’s next.

1. Select a date
2. Select start time
3. Tailor your experience
Answer a few quick questions to help your host craft the perfect day tailored to you.
1. What’s your preferred hosting style?
2. How would you like the pace of your day?
3. What’s your walking comfort level?
4. Are you celebrating something special?

Real Stories, Real Connections

See our hosts and guests creating memories
A Local’s Embrace in Bologna’s Backstreets

A Local’s Embrace in Bologna’s Backstreets

Flavours and Friendships in Quadrilatero Market

Flavours and Friendships in Quadrilatero Market

A City of Layers and Laughter

A City of Layers and Laughter

Under the Porticoes: Timeless Bologna Comes Alive

Under the Porticoes: Timeless Bologna Comes Alive

Family Explorations at Sala Borsa

Family Explorations at Sala Borsa

Through the Secret Window: Discovering Hidden Bologna

Through the Secret Window: Discovering Hidden Bologna

Medieval Echoes and Modern Joys

Medieval Echoes and Modern Joys

Locks of Memory, Stories of the Canal

Locks of Memory, Stories of the Canal

Sun-Kissed Streets & Big Smiles: A Local Welcome in the Quadrilatero

Sun-Kissed Streets & Big Smiles: A Local Welcome in the Quadrilatero

Through the Secret Window: A Rainy Glimpse into Bologna’s Hidden Canal

Through the Secret Window: A Rainy Glimpse into Bologna’s Hidden Canal

Chic Stops: Exploring Fashion & Architecture in Galleria Cavour

Chic Stops: Exploring Fashion & Architecture in Galleria Cavour

Scoops & Stories: Sharing Gelato Outside a Historic Bologna Gelateria

Scoops & Stories: Sharing Gelato Outside a Historic Bologna Gelateria

Legends & Laughter: Posing Proudly at the Fountain of Neptune

Legends & Laughter: Posing Proudly at the Fountain of Neptune

Evening Flavors: A Twilight Stroll Through Bologna’s Market Alleys

Evening Flavors: A Twilight Stroll Through Bologna’s Market Alleys

Fountain of Neptune, Moments of Marvel

Fountain of Neptune, Moments of Marvel

Sunlit Stories in Piazza Maggiore

Sunlit Stories in Piazza Maggiore

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.

Lana Aug 2025

We enjoyed the practical stories and the knowledge of the area without the long history lessons.

Show more
Richard H Aug 2025

It’s a very good tour and we’re so grateful for the help. We got to explain how we can park that was a big concern of our driving for the first time in Italy you made it so easy. We parked and walked 10 minutes and we met you perfect timing. What a great day we had After work. We enjoyed lunch glass of wine and walked around the city some more before departing. We had a great time.

Show more
Allison Aug 2025

We learned so many interesting things about the city in such a short time. Guide made it super engaging for our 8 year old- playing games to find different decorations, towers, etc. We had a great time.

Show more
Michelle Aug 2025

Diego was an excellent communicator before the tour. Arrived on time. As we were staying in Bologna for an extended stay he showed us around the important historical locations. We covered a lot of territory. He was friendly. We enjoyed our morning tour. Highly recommend

Show more
Mary Aug 2025

Great tour, enjoyed our time. Family friendly and our guide was accommodating with the heat making sure we mostly stayed in the shade:) She was also great with communication.

Show more
Joey Aug 2025

We had a fantastic and unique experience with Diego. First of all, he met with us personally at our hotel and provided a thoughtful gift in celebration of our vacation and honeymoon. Diego took us to museums, churches, and local food venues which we would not have known about otherwise as people new to the city. We enjoyed getting to know Diego and learning about the culture of Italy. Not only this, but he took a sincere interest in learning about us. We did not only leave Bologna knowing more about the city and culture, but we made a new friend which is more invaluable to our experience here.

Show more
SEE ALL REVIEWS

FAQs

Your questions, answered

Is this a traditional tour?

No. Our experiences are unscripted and designed around you. Instead of following a rigid itinerary, your host will plan a personalized journey that feels natural, immersive, and unique.

How does personalization work?

After booking, you’ll complete a short questionnaire about your interests and travel style. We’ll match you with the best host who will tailor the experience to you. You'll have the opportunity to chat with them before the experience and agree on a plan.

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?

Absolutely! Whether you want a blend of food, history, local culture, or nightlife, your host will seamlessly weave them together into one immersive experience.

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 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.

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.

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.