Bologna Private Highlights & Hidden Gems Tour with a Local
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Discover the authentic heart of Bologna with a private, fully personalized walking tour tailored to your interests. This isn’t just about visiting landmarks—it’s about immersing yourself in Bologna’s vibrant culture alongside a passionate local host who shares insider tips, personal stories, and unique insights.
Uncover hidden gems tucked away in secret alleyways, admire the grandeur of Piazza Maggiore, and soak in the charm of Bologna’s iconic porticoes. Whether you're a history buff exploring ancient churches, a foodie indulging in local delicacies at Mercato delle Erbe, or an architecture enthusiast marveling at Le Due Torri, your host will craft the perfect itinerary just for you.
After booking, you'll receive a short online Personalization Form to share your interests, preferences, and must-sees. Your City Unscripted guide will personally reach out to craft a fully customized itinerary that suits your style—whether you love history, food, hidden gems, or cultural experiences.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
This is a private City Unscripted experience: real people, real connections
After booking, you'll receive a short online Personalization Form to share your interests, preferences, and must-sees. Your City Unscripted guide will personally reach out to craft a fully customized itinerary that suits your style—whether you love history, food, hidden gems, or cultural experiences.
This private tour is a walking experience. A private vehicle is not included.
Public transportation or local taxis may be used to transfer between sites. Exact transportation costs can be discussed with your host after your reservation is finalized.
What To Expect
Bologna
See Bologna through the eyes of someone who calls it home—uncovering its hidden gems, rich culture, and untold stories with a passionate local by your side. This isn’t just a tour—it’s a journey designed around you, full of authentic moments and unforgettable discoveries. Before your adventure begins, we will reach out with a short Personalization Form to craft an itinerary that reflects your interests—whether it’s exploring world-famous landmarks, savoring local flavors, or stumbling upon tucked-away treasures only locals know. Here are some highlights and hidden gems to spark your curiosity.
Start at Piazza Maggiore, the city’s historic center, surrounded by impressive medieval architecture and buzzing with local energy.
Options
Bologna Walking Tour - 4 hours
Duration: 4 hours Pickup included
Bologna Walking Tour - 2 hours
Duration: 2 hours Pickup included
Bologna Walking Tour - 5 hours
Duration: 5 hours Pickup included
Bologna Walking Tour - 3 hours
Duration: 3 hours Pickup included
What‘s Included
Online Personalization Form sent after booking to tailor your experience
Flexible durations and start times - Pick your preferred duration when you book
Get picked up (on foot) at your accommodation if it's central
Private and personalized walking experience with insider tips from a passionate local
Direct communication with your host for itinerary planning and local recommendations
Food, drinks and tickets to any attractions
Transportation (primarily a walking experience, public transport may be used at an additional cost)
Gratuities (optional)
Hotel drop off
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
417 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great way to see Bologna
Margaret S,Jun 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Nicola was a fantastic guide, showing us all the interesting & historical parts of Bologna at a gentle pace. We never could have done it by ourselves. Highly recommend.
Walkabout in Bologna
Anna B,Jun 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Paolina, our guide, gave an extensive and thorough historical tour of Bologna. A worthwhile tour. Would highly recommend!
Paolina IS the hidden gem
LaurenAnne1380,Jun 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00From the moment I connected with Paolina over the phone to plan our visit she was meant to be our guide. Fun, witty, caring, and passionate about the city of Bologna. We were whisked away to another time with her detailed stories of popes, leaders and women. She pointed out art that had gone unnoticed by us. We will never look at any city the same. Hidden faces, hidden works of art, hidden stories within walking distance of our hotel. It was nice to be wrapped up in Italian culture with someone who knew the language as well as being from Wisconsin! She is a delight. I told her to not change a thing. I have no negative feedback to give. She is a perfect tour leader!
Exceptional tour and Guide for this fascinating city.
Destination729107,Jun 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was such a wonderful experience for the 4 of us. Paolina, our private tour guide, was EXCEPTIONAL!! Her knowledge of the area and its vast history was just what we wanted. As my husband was a history major it was great to a share and glean from Each other. This tour was so much better since it was private. We asked lots of questions. Don’t miss out on this special Treat.
Very good tour
Keith G,Jun 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very informative and fun. Let us kind of give our nyerest and the. Tailored the trip to us. Very nice day
Amazing 3 hour walking tour
alextkenny,Jun 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic 3 hour walking tour of Bologna exploring the history of the city and its amazing buildings. Cristiano was a brilliant guide and made sure we packed so much into our time. Would highly recommend.
Great Tour and Tour Guide in Bologna
Poochmancometh,Jun 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Andrea was awesome! From the time that we booked the tour, he was in contact asking about what sort of things we were interwstdd in seeing and learning about. Based on that he tailored the tour to those subjects. He was right on time and met us at the hotel. We went right over to the main town square where he gave us some history about the different churches and government buildings while also taking us through the town hall to a balcony over looking the square that I'm sure most people don't know about. We peppered him with questions as we walked about the city and he was very knowledgeable about all subjects concerning Bologna both historically and today. He is completely fluent in English and gets nuance about sarcasm. He can also recommend great places for Gelato and dinner in the city. 100% would recommend him as a guide for your trip to Bologna.
Great personalised experience of Bologna
hanar955,Jun 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide, Claudio, was very knowledgeable, patient and accommodating. We enjoyed the whole tour, which was personalised to our interests and adjusted on the day. Would definitely recommend especially if you don’t like group activities.
Excellent experience with our guide Claudio
Culture566812,May 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a delightful two hours with Claudio. He was very friendly, kind and knowledgable. He covered much of Bologna's history as well as current favorite restaurants. Our tour with him covered lots of ground but was so interesting that we never felt overwhelmed or tired. Really happy that we were introduced to some of the best places to see near the City Centre of Bologna.
Excellent relatively quick tour, highly recommend!
Shannon K,May 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Christiano was an excellent tour guide and showed us many sights of Bologna. The history and tension between Bologna and the papacy/Rome was very interesting. He also showed how intertwined the University is with the city. Teens, parents and a grandparent - everyone stayed engaged and learned a great deal about a city we'd never seen before this trip.
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Operated by City Unscripted