Hidden Gems • 3 hours 5.0 (65)

Discover Bologna's best kept secrets

An urban oasis, a hipster’s paradise and a medieval district all walk into a bar...

There is no such thing as

What makes this experience special

Key highlights

  • Join a local host and discover the Bologna you definitely won’t find in a guidebook
  • Explore the off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods of Bolognina and Cirenaica, and the unique venues they house
  • See a famous local landmark that has a couple of hidden secrets of its own
  • See your host’s favorite haunts – the ones only locals would know about
  • Over a glass of wine, get tips from your local insider for other unique places to visit in the city

What to know before you go

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

3 hours
Fully tailored to your preferences
English Other languages may be requested

What’s included

Private and personalized experience
3 hours with a host
Walking experience (if required, your host can suggest public transport or private taxi options)
Hotel meet-up (available on request for central location)

What’s not included

Food and drinks
Tickets to any attractions
Transportation costs
Gratuities (optional)

Meeting point

Your hotel/apartment or any other central location

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 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

What you’ll do

Ssshh! Your local host is whispering some of Bologna’s best-kept secrets in your ear, because this city has more sides than your guidebook knows exist. You may have heard of the historic canals of Bologna, but did you know that one of the few remaining sections - Canale delle Moline, hidden by colored terraced houses - can be seen through a small, secret window on via Piella? You’ll explore the gritty, urban streets of Bolognina, a multi-cultural district with impressive street art, relaxed restaurants, and alternative rock music scene. Back in the city center, the famous Fountain of Neptune statue is a popular attraction – but can you spot the piece that inspired the Maserati logo (and a rather, er, risqué optical illusion)?

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
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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
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What travelers think of this experience

Melissa, Nov 2024

I arrived in Bologna a couple of hours before my tour. I was overwhelmed by the city and did not understand or connect with it. Within the first fifteen minutes of being with Paolina that all changed. She was warm and welcoming. Her passion and enthusiasm for her beloved Bologna was infectious. Each new place she guided me to was more beautiful and interesting than the last. Each new secret she revealed to me made me love the city a little bit more. I began to appreciate and understand the character of the city and the people who inhabited it. By the end of my three hour tour I felt like I had only scratched the surface of the most beautiful city I had ever seen. I changed my travel plans so that I could return for two more days. This time, I will stay in the historic city center and explore a city that is already familiar to me. I am excited to return and that is entirely because of Paolina. I was interested in having Paolina because of her many positive reviews and was able to request her as a tour guide through City Unscripted. I highly recommend that you do the same! This tour made me realize that I should be booking tours in every new city I visit. I hope my future guides are half as good as Paolina! She even gifted me a little tortellini magnet because of my passion for pasta.

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Melissa, Nov 2024

I arrived in Bologna a couple of hours before my tour. I was overwhelmed by the city and did not understand or connect with it. Within the first fifteen minutes of being with Paolina that all changed. She was warm and welcoming. Her passion and enthusiasm for her beloved Bologna was infectious. Each new place she guided me to was more beautiful and interesting than the last. Each new secret she revealed to me made me love the city a little bit more. I began to appreciate and understand the character of the city and the people who inhabited it. By the end of my three hour tour I felt like I had only scratched the surface of the most beautiful city I had ever seen. I changed my travel plans so that I could return for two more days. This time, I will stay in the historic city center and explore a city that is already familiar to me. I am excited to return and that is entirely because of Paolina. I was interested in having Paolina because of her many positive reviews and was able to request her as a tour guide through City Unscripted. I highly recommend that you do the same! This tour made me realize that I should be booking tours in every new city I visit. I hope my future guides are half as good as Paolina! She even gifted me a little tortellini magnet because of my passion for pasta. A true cultural ambassador for Emilia Romagna and Italy, especially Bologna.

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Melissa, Nov 2024

Paolina went about and beyond, even gifting me a tortellini magnet with “Bologna” on it because I told her about my passion for pasta. Not only did she tailor the tour to suit my interests but she revealed hidden secrets and treasures of Bologna that I would have walked right by. She is so friendly and joyful that she makes friends everywhere she goes opening doors and giving a glimpse into the warmth and generosity of the Italian people. I got into Bologna a couple of hours before my tour and I honestly didn’t like it but that quickly changed once I had Paolina as my guide. I cannot recommend her highly enough. Bologna is the most beautiful city I ever seen and with Paolina at your side, you will be welcomed into the heart of Bologna. I ended up liking my tour so much that I decided to come back for a couple of days and stay in the historic city center.

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Lauren, Oct 2024

I had a fabulous experience with Marina. It was great to see both the typical tour spots (but maybe from a different angle) as well as the off-the-beaten path sites- that were customized to my interests. Experiencing a city is always more memorable when accompanied by an insider's perspective. Marina also gave me ideas for what I could explore more in depth on my own- and gave us spectacular dining recommendations.

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Shannon, Jun 2024

The tour with Claudio was amazing and I would recommend it to anyone visiting Bologna.

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Shannon, Jun 2024

I would highly recommend this personal tour. We saw all of the major sites but also went down side roads and learned some very interesting history.

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