Bologna
Your Bologna, Your Way: A Personalized Half-Day
Flexible Half-Day Discovery • 4 hours
5.0
(197)
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.
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, 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 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 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
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.
See More
Wander at the Basilica di San Petronio
Visit one of Europe’s largest churches, full of stories and surprises.
See More
Wander the Quadrilatero’s Market Streets
Stroll through Bologna’s historic market lanes, full of life and color.
See More
Climb (or Skip) the Asinelli Tower
Climb for a view or stay grounded for stories—the choice is yours.
See More
Optional Sweet Ending at Cremeria Funivia
End with a scoop of Bologna’s best gelato—if you’re tempted.
See More
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
Finding Local Friendships in Bologna’s Sun-Drenched Piazzas
Celebrating Family Adventures Through Bologna’s Hidden Alleys
Wandering Beneath Bologna’s Iconic Porticoes at Twilight
Capturing Sunlit Moments on Bologna’s Medieval Streets
Savoring Prosciutto and Aperitivo at Bologna’s Iconic Delis
Uncovering Stories Over Aperitivo in a Hidden Locals’ Favorite
Collecting Smiles in Bologna’s Hidden Alleys
Playful Discoveries Behind Bologna’s Hidden Windows
Sharing Smiles with New Friends in Bologna’s Colorful Backstreets
Indulging in a Little Retail Therapy in Bologna’s Modern Shopping Arcades
Revisiting a Bologna Icon: Snapping Memories at Neptune’s Fountain
Fresh Flavors and Green Corners
Savoring Bologna’s Famous Street Food on a Market Stroll
Exploring Bologna’s Historic Heart with Wide-Eyed Wonder
Hunting for Hidden Views Through Bologna’s Secret Window
Striking a Pose with Neptune, Bologna’s Timeless Guardian
Sharing Laughter Over Local Bites in a Hidden Courtyard
Unlocking Bologna’s Secret Canal Views with New Friends
Rain or Shine, Discovering Bologna’s Little Venice Charm
Celebrating Gelato Moments Outside a Beloved Bologna Gelateria
Sharing Stories and Savoring Flavors on a Cozy Bologna Food Experience
Strolling Bologna’s Night Markets Under a Winter Glow
Sipping Fresh Juice and Wandering Under Bologna’s Endless Porticoes
Embracing Bologna’s Hidden Corners on a Spontaneous Adventure
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.
Kelly
Oct 2025
Christiano was an amazing guide. He curated a tour for us that was super interesting filled with stories and endless history. His English was perfect. It was a lot of walking but we stopped twice at a cafe for a drink and snack. It was nice to get the lay of the land so that we could easily navigate Bologna on our own in the following days we were there.
Show more
Joanne
Oct 2025
Nicola was an amazing guide with a background in the history of this fascinating city! He was clearly enthusiastic about his subject matter and took us to see both highlights and hidden gems of Bologna. He even shared some websites with us so that we could further explore the history of the city. We liked the fact that we could tell him in advance about our interests and he was more than happy to accommodate our requests.
Show more
Joanne
Oct 2025
This tour exceeded our expectations. Our guide was very knowledgeable, easy to talk to and enjoyable to be around. His explanations were entertaining and interesting.
Show more
Scott
Oct 2025
Jon was personable as well as knowledgeable. He came prepared with a specific itinerary in mind and we were able to see the majority of the important sites within the time we planned. We greatly enjoyed the tour and highly recommend Jon.
Show more
Casey
Oct 2025
Giulia was an excellent guide. She has great knowledge of the city, is kind, and showed us all the things we were interested in seeing. It was a great way to learn about Bologna and get a lay of the land - we can’t wait to come back and explore more time in Bologna now! Thanks Giulia!
Show more
Mariah
Oct 2025
Nicola was a wonderful tour guide. He had so much historical knowledge to share with us. We were only in Bologna for one afternoon and this was a perfect way to get a snapshot of the city!
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..
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?
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.
Can I request specific places or types of stops?
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.
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.
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.