Bologna
Secret Bologna: Hidden Gems & Local Treasures
Hidden Gems • 3 hours
5.0
(83)
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.
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, 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 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 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
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
Sharing Laughter Over Local Bites in a Hidden Courtyard
Playful Discoveries Behind Bologna’s Hidden Windows
Wandering Beneath Bologna’s Iconic Porticoes at Twilight
Savoring Bologna’s Famous Street Food on a Market Stroll
Sharing Smiles with New Friends in Bologna’s Colorful Backstreets
Exploring Bologna’s Historic Heart with Wide-Eyed Wonder
Hunting for Hidden Views Through Bologna’s Secret Window
Capturing Sunlit Moments on Bologna’s Medieval Streets
Uncovering Stories Over Aperitivo in a Hidden Locals’ Favorite
Unlocking Bologna’s Secret Canal Views with New Friends
Collecting Smiles in Bologna’s Hidden Alleys
Savoring Prosciutto and Aperitivo at Bologna’s Iconic Delis
Sharing Stories and Savoring Flavors on a Cozy Bologna Food Experience
Indulging in a Little Retail Therapy in Bologna’s Modern Shopping Arcades
Embracing Bologna’s Hidden Corners on a Spontaneous Adventure
Celebrating Gelato Moments Outside a Beloved Bologna Gelateria
Sipping Fresh Juice and Wandering Under Bologna’s Endless Porticoes
Rain or Shine, Discovering Bologna’s Little Venice Charm
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.
Linda
Oct 2025
We only had one day in Bologna. Andrea made every minute count! He provided an excellent overview, giving us a good feel for the city in just a few hours. Andrea was knowledgeable, personable, and extremely helpful. I highly recommend letting him show you Bologna.
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Margaret
Oct 2025
Nicola was passionate as well as highly educated and experienced in the history of this beautiful city. He explained its stories in interesting and demonstrative ways. I enjoyed knowing and learning about Bologna through Nicola's stories.
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Patrick
Oct 2025
Andrea is a wonderful guide. In addition to his overall knowledge of Bologna, he is a warm and engaging person. It was nice getting to know him a bit. He led us at our pace and skillfully gauged the level of content we wanted or could absorb. All in all, a very good experience.
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Cherie
Oct 2025
Nicola was so knowledgeable and it felt like her showed us parts of Bologna we wouldn’t have otherwise known to even look for.
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Janine
Oct 2025
Diego was well informed and flexible with the tour - his passion for the city was inspiring
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Carolyn
Sep 2025
Jon was a great guide. The additional info he provided by email was very useful for the rest of our stay in Bologna. We really appreciated that. He really went the extra mile and showed us everything! We got a really good sense of Bologna and were able to go back to some spots the next day to re- visit. Jon was friendly and shared stories that helped us understand this great town
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.
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 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.
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.