Bologna

Your Bologna, Your Way: A Personalized Half-Day

Flexible Half-Day Discovery • 4 hours 5.0 (163)

Your Bologna, Your Way: A Personalized Half-Day

Explore Bologna in four hours with a flexible experience shaped around you. Discover icons, market lanes, and quiet corners—at your pace and interest.

What makes this experience special

Discover Bologna your way—iconic sights, hidden corners, and local stories shaped around your pace and interests.

Key highlights

Enjoy a half-day shaped entirely around your interests, with a local expert by your side.
Explore iconic spots like Piazza Maggiore or hidden gems tucked into medieval backstreets.
Stroll through the lively Quadrilatero market, with optional tastings based on your preferences.
Visit cultural landmarks like the Basilica di San Petronio or the peaceful Santo Stefano Complex.
Experience seamless flexibility—your host adapts the day as it unfolds to match your pace.
Skip the crowds and connect with authentic Bologna, beyond the typical tourist trail.

What to know before you go

Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.

What’s included Things to know

4 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 bus ticket or a 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

Start in the Heart of Bologna – Piazza Maggiore

Begin in the city’s central square, where history and daily life meet.

Begin in Bologna’s main square, where history and daily life meet. Take in the Neptune Fountain, Palazzo d’Accursio, and the vibrant energy that sets the tone for the day.

Wander at the Basilica di San Petronio

Visit one of Europe’s largest churches, full of stories and surprises.

Explore the towering Basilica di San Petronio, known for its scale and unfinished façade. Inside, discover vibrant frescoes and the world’s longest indoor meridian line. If you’d like, head up to the terrace for views over the square.

Wander the Quadrilatero’s Market Streets

Stroll through Bologna’s historic market lanes, full of life and color.

Wander the Quadrilatero’s lively alleys, where butchers and pasta makers carry on local traditions. Stop to browse or sip an espresso if something catches your eye.

Climb (or Skip) the Asinelli Tower

Climb for a view or stay grounded for stories—the choice is yours.

Climb the Asinelli Tower for sweeping city views—or stay grounded and explore nearby alleys as you uncover the story behind Bologna’s iconic “Two Towers.”

Unwind at the Santo Stefano Complex

A quiet, spiritual escape in the heart of the city.

Step into Santo Stefano, a quiet complex of ancient churches. Stroll peaceful courtyards, admire the architecture, and take a moment to pause and reflect.

Optional Sweet Ending at Cremeria Funivia

End with a scoop of Bologna’s best gelato—if you’re tempted.

Craving something sweet? Stop at Cremeria Funivia, a local favorite for artisanal gelato. Flavors vary, and the cost is not included—treat yourself if the moment feels right.

Real Stories, Real Connections

See our hosts and guests creating memories

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See what happens when you travel unscripted!

17,500+ 5-Star Reviews and Counting

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recommended by 99% of travelers on google

recommended by 99% of travelers on tripadvisor

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What travelers think of this experience

Mary Apr 2025

Marina is a delightful and knowledgeable local. We wanted a slower pace with opportunities to sit, enjoy coffee, observe and talk. Very accommodating and we ended up walking further than we thought we could since she was so engaging. Highly recommend!

Alvin Apr 2025

Very knowledgeable guide. Did a good job personalizing the tour to our interests. We wanted a historical perspective of Bologna, and we got it from the Etruscan early days through to effects of WW 2 bombings on the city. Also added in some perspective on food and local culture. We had a great experience!

Trishna Mar 2025

Deniz was an absolutely amazing guide! she was so knowledgeable and friendly. It felt like going around the city with an old friend. She was so helpful and catered the tour to my interests! 10/10 recommend Deniz!!!

Arlene Mar 2025

Antonia reached out ahead of time and asked if there was anything we were interested in which we shared. She covered those spots along with sharing historical knowledge, information on bolognese food and ‘legends / stories of bologna. Was a fun informative walking tour of the historical area of bologna and walked thru the upscale shopping area as well. Great overview of a lovely city.

Charles Nov 2024

Claudio was knowledgeable and charming and helps made sense of a confusing but very interesting City. He gives a great tour, knows the great restaurants and the best bakery! Take his tour and advice for a really nice stay in Bologna.

Mariana Dec 2024

I had the pleasure of taking the tour in Bologna with Andrea from City Unscripted in November 2024. Andrea was extremely helpful in every way, not only during the tour but also beforehand, helping me with tips on places to eat and helping me make restaurant reservations. He has knowledge of the history and culture of the region as well as a love for what he does. I definitely recommend City Unscripted and am looking forward to my next tour with them. The tour I took with Andrea from City Unscripted was the highlight of my stay in Bologna. Thank you, Andrea and City Unscripted for all your attention and great tour. Mariana C.

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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.

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.

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.

Are food and drinks included, or do I need to pay separately?

Unless stated otherwise, food and drinks are not included. Your host will take you to great spots where you can order what you like and pay as you go.

Do I need to pay for the host's food or drinks?

No, if you and your host decide to stop for food or drinks during your experience, you don’t need to cover your host’s expenses—your host will take care of their own.

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 I change the meeting place?

Yes, you will be in touch with your host before your experience, and you can agree on a different meeting point with them. Your host can meet you anywhere central that’s convenient.

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.