Hidden Gems • 3 hours 5.0
(67)

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.

There is no such thing as

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.

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

Secret Bologna: Hidden Gems & Local Treasures

Beneath Ancient Porticoes

Walk under archways where conversations have echoed for centuries.

See More
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 Bologna: Hidden Gems & Local Treasures

Secret Courtyards

Step through unmarked doorways into unexpected havens of calm.

See More
Secret Bologna: Hidden Gems & Local Treasures

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.

Secret Bologna: Hidden Gems & Local Treasures

Artisan Streets Come Alive

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

See More
Secret Bologna: Hidden Gems & Local Treasures

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

Secret Bologna: Hidden Gems & Local Treasures

Bologna from Above

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

See More
Secret Bologna: Hidden Gems & Local Treasures

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

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
Celebrating Family Adventures Through Bologna’s Hidden Alleys

Celebrating Family Adventures Through Bologna’s Hidden Alleys

Sharing Laughter Over Local Bites in a Hidden Courtyard

Sharing Laughter Over Local Bites in a Hidden Courtyard

Playful Discoveries Behind Bologna’s Hidden Windows

Playful Discoveries Behind Bologna’s Hidden Windows

Wandering Beneath Bologna’s Iconic Porticoes at Twilight

Wandering Beneath Bologna’s Iconic Porticoes at Twilight

Savoring Bologna’s Famous Street Food on a Market Stroll

Savoring Bologna’s Famous Street Food on a Market Stroll

Sharing Smiles with New Friends in Bologna’s Colorful Backstreets

Sharing Smiles with New Friends in Bologna’s Colorful Backstreets

Exploring Bologna’s Historic Heart with Wide-Eyed Wonder

Exploring Bologna’s Historic Heart with Wide-Eyed Wonder

Hunting for Hidden Views Through Bologna’s Secret Window

Hunting for Hidden Views Through Bologna’s Secret Window

Capturing Sunlit Moments on Bologna’s Medieval Streets

Capturing Sunlit Moments on Bologna’s Medieval Streets

Uncovering Stories Over Aperitivo in a Hidden Locals’ Favorite

Uncovering Stories Over Aperitivo in a Hidden Locals’ Favorite

Unlocking Bologna’s Secret Canal Views with New Friends

Unlocking Bologna’s Secret Canal Views with New Friends

Collecting Smiles in Bologna’s Hidden Alleys

Collecting Smiles in Bologna’s Hidden Alleys

Savoring Prosciutto and Aperitivo at Bologna’s Iconic Delis

Savoring Prosciutto and Aperitivo at Bologna’s Iconic Delis

Sharing Stories and Savoring Flavors on a Cozy Bologna Food Experience

Sharing Stories and Savoring Flavors on a Cozy Bologna Food Experience

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

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

Embracing Bologna’s Hidden Corners on a Spontaneous Adventure

Embracing Bologna’s Hidden Corners on a Spontaneous Adventure

Celebrating Gelato Moments Outside a Beloved Bologna Gelateria

Celebrating Gelato Moments Outside a Beloved Bologna Gelateria

Sipping Fresh Juice and Wandering Under Bologna’s Endless Porticoes

Sipping Fresh Juice and Wandering Under Bologna’s Endless Porticoes

Rain or Shine, Discovering Bologna’s Little Venice Charm

Rain or Shine, Discovering Bologna’s Little Venice Charm

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

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

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.

What travelers think of this experience

Anca May 2025

Lorenza was a delightful lady and showed us the less known paths of Bologna along best sightseeing. We’ve spend 3 hours together in a personalized experience as we’ve asked for. Thanks for that .

Show more
Mike May 2025

Alex was great! Very knowledgeable and personable.

Show more
Melissa Nov 2024

I arrived in Bologna a couple of hours before my tour. I was overwhelmed by the city and did not understand or connect with it. Within the first fifteen minutes of being with Paolina that all changed. She was warm and welcoming. Her passion and enthusiasm for her beloved Bologna was infectious. Each new place she guided me to was more beautiful and interesting than the last. Each new secret she revealed to me made me love the city a little bit more. I began to appreciate and understand the character of the city and the people who inhabited it. By the end of my three hour tour I felt like I had only scratched the surface of the most beautiful city I had ever seen. I changed my travel plans so that I could return for two more days. This time, I will stay in the historic city center and explore a city that is already familiar to me. I am excited to return and that is entirely because of Paolina. I was interested in having Paolina because of her many positive reviews and was able to request her as a tour guide through City Unscripted. I highly recommend that you do the same! This tour made me realize that I should be booking tours in every new city I visit. I hope my future guides are half as good as Paolina! She even gifted me a little tortellini magnet because of my passion for pasta.

Show more
Melissa Nov 2024

I arrived in Bologna a couple of hours before my tour. I was overwhelmed by the city and did not understand or connect with it. Within the first fifteen minutes of being with Paolina that all changed. She was warm and welcoming. Her passion and enthusiasm for her beloved Bologna was infectious. Each new place she guided me to was more beautiful and interesting than the last. Each new secret she revealed to me made me love the city a little bit more. I began to appreciate and understand the character of the city and the people who inhabited it. By the end of my three hour tour I felt like I had only scratched the surface of the most beautiful city I had ever seen. I changed my travel plans so that I could return for two more days. This time, I will stay in the historic city center and explore a city that is already familiar to me. I am excited to return and that is entirely because of Paolina. I was interested in having Paolina because of her many positive reviews and was able to request her as a tour guide through City Unscripted. I highly recommend that you do the same! This tour made me realize that I should be booking tours in every new city I visit. I hope my future guides are half as good as Paolina! She even gifted me a little tortellini magnet because of my passion for pasta. A true cultural ambassador for Emilia Romagna and Italy, especially Bologna.

Show more
Melissa Nov 2024

Paolina went about and beyond, even gifting me a tortellini magnet with “Bologna” on it because I told her about my passion for pasta. Not only did she tailor the tour to suit my interests but she revealed hidden secrets and treasures of Bologna that I would have walked right by. She is so friendly and joyful that she makes friends everywhere she goes opening doors and giving a glimpse into the warmth and generosity of the Italian people. I got into Bologna a couple of hours before my tour and I honestly didn’t like it but that quickly changed once I had Paolina as my guide. I cannot recommend her highly enough. Bologna is the most beautiful city I ever seen and with Paolina at your side, you will be welcomed into the heart of Bologna. I ended up liking my tour so much that I decided to come back for a couple of days and stay in the historic city center.

Show more
Lauren Oct 2024

I had a fabulous experience with Marina. It was great to see both the typical tour spots (but maybe from a different angle) as well as the off-the-beaten path sites- that were customized to my interests. Experiencing a city is always more memorable when accompanied by an insider's perspective. Marina also gave me ideas for what I could explore more in depth on my own- and gave us spectacular dining recommendations.

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.

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 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.

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.