Bologna Self-Guided Tour: Monuments and Local Foods

Explore Bologna’s top monuments, local foods, and hidden gems with our self-paced audio and written guide.

Duration: 4 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Via dell’Indipendenza - We begin our walk in Bologna on one of the most characteristic streets by discovering a fantastic aspect of the city: its very long porticoes!
  • Piazza del Nettuno - Its name already evokes the allure of the sea and the power of a god. But this Bolognese square is much more than that: a true microcosm encompassing history, art, culture and even a dash of gossip!
  • Piazza Maggiore - We find ourselves in the renowned Piazza Maggiore, the beating heart of Bologna, the result of a long and gradual process of transformation over the centuries. This space was originally intended for people’s meetings and commercial activities, serving as a hub for the city’s social and economic life.
  • Basilica di San Petronio - The majestic façade of the Basilica of San Petronio certainly does not go unnoticed, with its obvious unfinishedness that almost seems to indicate a knife slashing through it. Its history is shrouded in mystery with stories that mix reality and legend. Let’s discover everything!
  • Mercato di Mezzo - Just a stone’s throw from the main square of the city we find one of the most representative historical places of Bolognese culinary culture.
  • Archiginnasio di Bologna - A beautiful library (unfortunately not visited by tourists) but also a fantastic anatomy room and other rooms that can be visited for 3€.
  • Basilica - Santuario di Santo Stefano - Also known as the “Seven Churches Complex” although it is difficult to say what the true origin of this nickname is. The most credited hypothesis goes back to the initial design. Let’s discover everything!
  • Le Tre Frecce - Bologna is full of peculiar stories and I couldn’t help but tell you the one about the three arrows! Let’s talk about a famous legend of the city!
  • Le Due Torri Torre degli Asinell - Also known as the Two Towers although they are not the same as those used in “Lord of the Rings” (sorry for the nerdy joke but I had to make it ) are an icon of the city and a must-see for anyone who visits. Unfortunately, they cannot be visited as the facilities are not safe for tourists. It is still worth seeing them up close!
What's Included
  • Audio-guide in multiple languages (Eng, Esp, Ita)
  • Digital written guide to visit the city by yourself
Additional Information

If you’re looking for a fun and curious way to visit Bologna, you’ve come to the right place!

With this guide created by a local, you will be able to visit all the most important monuments at your own pace. You’ll get to know the stories and curiosities of Bologna! But also you will discover everything about local foods, Italian aperitivo in authentic local restaurants, and much more!

  • You will need a smartphone with internet connection to use the digital guide (details to activate the digital guide will be in your voucher, read it carefully!)
  • You’ll be able to hear the audio through your speakers or, if you have them, through your headphones
Location
Piazza XX Settembre
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.8
(48 Ratings)
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Melissa_m
Aug 6, 2024
Fantastic - Fantastic overview of the main attractions, plus a couple of hidden places. Great to have the flexibility to do it at our own pace
Review provided by Viator
Brendanr967
Aug 6, 2024
Self guided walking tour - Excellent self guided walking tour of Bologna with some fun facts thrown is as well. Had a little difficulty starting but the operator was very helpful and sorted me out in seconds. Really recommend, it’s good as u can take as long as u like and can stop for refreshments.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ch4kpk99j4
Aug 1, 2024
Great value - Easy to follow and great links to google maps. Great value for the price. Good communication with the tour guide via WhatsApp.
Review provided by Viator
Curious61692836893
Aug 1, 2024
Easy going tour - I enjoyed this type of tour. You meet no one. You must go when you want. Stop when you want. Etc. quite interesting information. Only issue I had was my roaming data didn’t work so I had to rely on Bologna free WiFi. It’s great in the main central area. I’d certainly use this again. Definitely an easy tour take at your own pace!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
170757
Jul 24, 2024
Nice experience - Perfect Guide for a quick tour of the city, you will discover the main sights to see absolutely. No French version, too bad...
Review provided by Tripadvisor
David_m
Jul 24, 2024
Best of Bologna in a half day. - Great way to see tge best of a city that has so many sights, especially when you only have a day or two.
Review provided by Viator
L4092smdavidm
Jul 23, 2024
Great way to see the best sights - I used this tour in Bergamo and it was vreat but this was even better. So much to see in Bologna and it’s great to have a steer as to the best places to visit, as well as the historical stuff. Enjoyed the two hours.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kumar_s
Jul 11, 2024
Neat tour of Bologna - A very useful tour that gives you history of Bologna and memorable events. Both flexible to use and extremely affordable. Would recommend.
Review provided by Viator
Chessmad1
Jul 9, 2024
Flexible guided tour of Bologna - Excellent tour for the price giving so much detail about central Bologna, history behind sites, including interesting side bars, and what to eat and where. Thoroughly enjoyed the audio tour which cost very little.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dvbfarrelly
Jul 5, 2024
Great value and info for a 1 day visit. - User friendly. Highlights were well explained. Suggestions- could have a side bar with more info. Loved the map feature that linked to Google.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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