Hidden Gems • 3 hours 5.0 (65)

Secret Bologna: Hidden Gems & Local Treasures

Wander Bologna's lesser-known corners with someone who knows where the real magic hides. From quiet cloisters to bustling artisan workshops.

There is no such thing as

What makes this experience special

While everyone else follows the crowds, slip into Bologna's authentic heart. Explore tucked-away places, learn to navigate the city like a pro, and see some of the city's iconic sights.

Key highlights

  • Duck into quiet courtyards and cloisters that locals treasure as urban sanctuaries.
  • Trace your fingers along portico columns with stories that date back centuries.
  • Meet neighborhood artisans keeping traditional crafts alive in their workshops.
  • Discover a secret viewpoint where Bologna's terracotta rooftops unfold beneath you.
  • Follow a path that shifts based on your curiosities, whether art, history, or local life.
  • Connect with a Bologna most visitors never meet—personal, authentic, and real.

What to know before you go

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

3 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 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

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

Beneath Ancient Porticoes

Walk under archways where conversations have echoed for centuries.

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Begin along a quiet portico pathway where light plays through historic arches. Notice the carved details and observe the rhythm of daily Bolognese life beneath these sheltering columns.

Secret Courtyards

Step through unmarked doorways into unexpected havens of calm.

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Push open an unassuming door to find a peaceful cloister or sunlit courtyard. These hidden pockets offer perfect moments of tranquility away from the city's energy.

Artisan Streets Come Alive

Feel the pulse of streets where things are still crafted by hand.

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Wander where fresh bread scents mix with the sounds of traditional craftsmanship. Meet local artisans or discover where residents queue for authentic Bolognese specialties.

Bologna from Above

End with the city spread out like a terracotta mosaic below you.

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Conclude at a hidden vantage point overlooking Bologna's distinctive red rooftops and medieval towers—a perspective that transforms your understanding of the city.

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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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.

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 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.

Will we enter attractions, or just explore from the outside?

That’s up to you! Some experiences include visits inside attractions, while others focus on the city's culture and atmosphere, which can be hard to truly experience without someone who knows the city inside out.

How much walking is involved?

This depends on the experience, but your host can adjust the pace to suit your comfort level.

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.