Discover Bologna's best kept secrets
Discover Bologna's best kept secrets
Discover Bologna's best kept secrets
Discover Bologna's best kept secrets
Discover Bologna's best kept secrets
Discover Bologna's best kept secrets
Discover Bologna's best kept secrets
Discover Bologna's best kept secrets
Discover Bologna's best kept secrets
Discover Bologna's best kept secrets
Discover Bologna's best kept secrets
Discover Bologna's best kept secrets
Discover Bologna's best kept secrets
Discover Bologna's best kept secrets
Discover Bologna's best kept secrets

What you'll do

Ssshh! Your local host is whispering some of Bologna’s best-kept secrets in your ear, because this city has more sides than your guidebook knows exist. You may have heard of the historic canals of Bologna, but did you know that one of the few remaining sections - Canale delle Moline, hidden by colored terraced houses - can be seen through a small, secret window on via Piella? You’ll explore the gritty, urban streets of Bolognina, a multi-cultural district with impressive street art, relaxed restaurants, and alternative rock music scene. Back in the city center, the famous Fountain of Neptune statue is a popular attraction – but can you spot the piece that inspired the Maserati logo (and a rather, er, risqué optical illusion)?

Where you’ll go

Central Bologna’s historic cobbled streets might be a hive of activity, but taking a road (or two) less traveled creates an entirely new perspective on the city. You’ll save the well-trodden portici-arched paths for another day as you follow your local host through the lesser-known central neighborhoods. Just around the corner from the famous Basilica di San Petronio, the Archiginnasio of Bologna is less crowded, and east in the Cirenaica neighborhood, an eclectic melting pot of bohemians and refugees, you’ll see a totally different side to the city. 

  • Private & 100% personalized tour

  • 3 hours

  • Matched to your ideal host

  • Walking tour (may use public transport)

  • Hosted in English (On request: Catalan, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Spanish)

  • Your hotel/apartment or any other central location

Experience outline

  • Join a local host and discover the Bologna you definitely won’t find in a guidebook
  • Explore the off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods of Bolognina and Cirenaica, and the unique venues they house
  • See a famous local landmark that has a couple of hidden secrets of its own
  • See your host’s favorite haunts – the ones only locals would know about
  • Over a glass of wine, get tips from your local insider for other unique places to visit in the city

Things to know

What’s included

  • Private and personalized experience
  • 3 hours with a host
  • Walking experience (if required, your host can suggest public transport or private taxi options)
  • Hotel meet-up (available on request for central location)

What’s not included

  • Food and drinks
  • Tickets to any attractions
  • Transportation costs
  • Gratuities (optional)

Cancellation

  • Cancel 7 days before the experience for a full refund
  • Worry-free cancellation terms: book with peace of mind knowing that you can cancel for free up to a day before the experience and receive a full refund.

Photos taken by our hosts and guests

City Unscripted guests photos

Reviews

    We really enjoyed our tour and would highly recommend it. Claudio was a super friendly and knowledgeable guide who took time explaining all the different sites while structuring the tour around our interests. He also provided a lot of restaurant recommendations. Bologna is a food lovers’ paradise!

    November 2023

    James T

    This was a great tour and an enjoyable way to see the city. Our guide, Nicola, was informative and knew so many interesting facts about Bologna. He customized the tour to our requests. He also took us to the most amazing lunch. Highly recommend Nicola and this tour.

    November 2023

    George M

    Claudio provided an excellent personally directed walking tour. We had great conversations about Bologna and the University while hitting the highlights of the historic aspects of the city. He was accommodating and polite during the entire 6 hours with him- highly recommended.

    October 2023

    Kenji H

    He has greatly follow up in the planning. A great experience.

    October 2023

    Linda K

See more reviews

Meet our local hosts in Bologna. One of them will tailor this experience to your wishes!

We’ll expertly match you to your best suited host based on your interests, personality and the experience vibe you’re after.

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