City Essentials: First Day • 2 hours 5.0
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First Day in Bologna: Your Perfect Introduction

Get oriented in Bologna with a local host on your first day. Discover iconic landmarks and insider tips in 2 hours to enhance the rest of your visit.

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What makes this experience special

Get oriented in Bologna with key landmarks, hidden gems, and insider tips. This first-day introduction gives you the confidence to navigate the city for the rest of your trip.

Key highlights

  • Enjoy a 2-hour city introduction with a local expert who adapts to your interests.
  • Explore Piazza Maggiore and the impressive Basilica di San Petronio.
  • Discover the famous leaning towers, symbols of Bologna's medieval past.
  • Visit the peaceful Santo Stefano Complex with its churches and courtyards.
  • Learn navigation tips and cultural insights to explore Bologna confidently.
  • Get personalized recommendations for the rest of your stay in the city.
  • Gain insights into daily life in Bologna from someone who calls it home

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

Piazza Maggiore: Bologna's Heart

Begin in the city's historic center surrounded by medieval architecture.

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Meet at Piazza Maggiore where Bologna's energy comes alive. Your host will point out landmarks like Palazzo d'Accursio and share stories that bring the square's rich history to life.

Basilica di San Petronio

Step inside one of Europe's largest churches with amazing details.

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Explore this impressive basilica with its unfinished facade, stunning chapels, and famous meridian line. Your host will reveal the artistic and scientific treasures hidden within.

The Famous Two Towers

Discover Bologna's iconic medieval leaning towers.

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Walk through portico-lined streets to these medieval landmarks. Learn about their significance, the families who built them, and why they've become symbols of the city.

Santo Stefano Complex

Find peace in a labyrinth of ancient churches and courtyards.

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End at this tranquil religious complex with its interconnected churches and peaceful courtyards. Your host will share its fascinating history and architectural significance.

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.

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What travelers think of this experience

Paulette May 2025

Claudio was a great guide for our private tour of Bologna on 18.5.25. He was timely, informative, and importantly listened to our questions and interests! We highly recommend hiring Claudio!

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Amy May 2025

Wonderful guide. Lovely tour

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Peter May 2025

Claudio was a very good guide. Knowledgeable and quick to understand our interests. Also giving good advice on what else to do and see in Bologna.

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Anthony May 2025

Just right

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Sean May 2025

The entirety of the experience was exactly what we had hoped for during our short stay in Bologna. Helped us get familiar with the area while teaching us about the history. Claudio gave us tips on the best places to eat for the more traditional Bolognese dishes and they definitely did not disappoint.

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Anna Maria May 2025

This is the way to do a tour! My cousin and I were greeted warmly by Claudio, who spent a little over 2 hours walking us all around Bologna and it's historical sites, giving us tidbits of information and history on each stop. He kindly helped with photos and we enjoyed his pleasant personality and conversation. I highly recommend this company and Claudio! Grazie mille Claudio!

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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.