Bologna’s walking tours cut straight to the heart of this historic university city. The Private City Kickstart Tour works perfectly for newcomers – you’ll get your bearings and learn essential history in just a few hours. We especially love the Private Tours with Locals because guides adjust the entire experience to match your interests, from food to architecture. Two standouts worth your time: the Long City Walk Photo Tour takes you to the best camera angles under ideal lighting, while the City and University Walking Tour connects you with Bologna’s 900-year academic story.
Let’s explore the top tours that showcase the best of Bologna.
Good To Know
- Bologna offers a range of private city tours, including a Kickstart Tour, personalized walking tours, and a photography-focused long city walk.
- The most highly recommended tours are led by local guides like Frederik and Paolo, who provide exceptional service and tailored experiences.
- Visitors can choose from various tour options, such as a city and university walking tour, a night tour, and a self-guided audio tour.
- Tour prices start at €58 per person for the Kickstart Tour and go up to $428.98 for the private photography tour, with flexible durations and meeting points.
- The tours are accessible, with options for wheelchair and stroller users, though entrance fees may not be included in the price.
Bologna Private City Kickstart Tour
The Bologna Private City Kickstart Tour offers travelers a comprehensive introduction to the historical city.
This private walking tour focuses on Bologna’s vibrant history, top attractions, and hidden gems. Led by knowledgeable local guides, the tour provides an engaging and flexible experience, allowing participants to tailor the itinerary to their interests.
With a city orientation and insider recommendations for the rest of the trip, the tour is an excellent way to start exploring Bologna. Priced from €58 per person, the tour features private transportation, free cancellation, and a 96% traveler recommendation rate based on 28 reviews.
Highlights include the expertise of guides like Frederik and Paolo, who receive praise for their exceptional service and local knowledge.
Read our full review: Bologna Private City Kickstart Tour Review
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Bologna Private Tours With Locals: 100% Personalized, See the City Unscripted
With a 100% personalization guarantee, Bologna Private Tours With Locals offers travelers the chance to see the city unscripted.
Recommended by all previous guests, this 3 or 5-hour walking tour showcases top landmarks like Piazza Maggiore, San Petronio Basilica, and Mezzo Market.
Customized based on interests, the experience includes a local host providing tips on the best restaurants and bars.
Priced from $82.88 per person, the tour’s meeting point is near public transportation, and it’s wheelchair and stroller accessible.
Travelers praise the guides’ expertise and friendliness, though some suggest clearer communication in noisy environments.
Read our full review: Bologna Private Tours With Locals: 100% Personalized, See the City Unscripted Review
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Bologna Long City Walk Photo Tour
Discover Bologna’s rich history and architecture on this 5-6 hour private walking and photography tour with a local expert.
Starting at the iconic Piazza Maggiore, you’ll explore the city’s landmarks, capturing stunning shots along the way. Your personal photographer guide will provide tailored photography tips to help you make the most of your camera.
The tour is suitable for most travelers and can be customized to your preferences. With private transportation and a flexible pickup option, you’ll enjoy a seamless and personalized experience.
Priced from $428.98 per group of up to 4 participants, this tour offers excellent value and receives rave reviews for its quality and expertise.
Read our full review: Bologna Long City Walk Photo Tour Review
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Bologna City Walking Tour
This 3-hour Bologna City Walking Tour offers an engaging exploration of the city’s rich history and architectural gems.
Led by knowledgeable and lively guides, the tour covers key landmarks like the iconic Basilica of San Petronio, the impressive Neptune Statue, and the historic Archiginnasio.
Participants can expect a mix of cultural, gastronomic, and civic insights, with the tour providing a comprehensive introduction to Bologna for first-time visitors.
While the pacing and depth of information have received mixed reviews, the majority of participants praise the guides’ expertise and the tour’s ability to showcase the city’s highlights, even in inclement weather.
With a maximum group size of 30, this walking tour offers a personalized and immersive experience of Bologna’s captivating past and present.
Read our full review: Bologna City Walking Tour Review
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5-hour Bologna City and University Walking Tour
The Bologna City and University Walking Tour immerses visitors in the rich history and architectural wonders of this captivating city.
This 2.5-hour small-group tour explores the world-famous University of Bologna, the oldest in Europe dating back to the 11th century. Guests will visit significant sites like the Archiginnasio Palace, Museo Medievale, and Piazza S. Domenico, as well as the 17th-century Anatomy Theater and professor monuments.
Led by an expert professional guide, the tour provides a personalized experience for up to 15 participants. While entrance fees aren’t included, the tour is wheelchair and stroller-friendly, making it accessible to most travelers.
With overall positive reviews, this walking tour offers a unique glimpse into Bologna’s storied past.
Bologna Self-Guided City Walking Tour With Audio Guide
Travelers can embark on a self-guided walking tour of Bologna using the CityAppTour mobile application, which provides an audio guide in seven languages.
The tour covers 3.5 km and 35 stories, with a flexible duration of 2-4 hours, or up to the end of the next day. Participants receive GPS guidance and must have an internet-connected smartphone with a functioning GPS.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and those with serious medical conditions should exercise caution.
While the overall rating is 4.3 out of 20 reviews, some users experienced technical issues.
The tour is competitively priced at $5.71 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Read our full review: Bologna Self-Guided City Walking Tour With Audio Guide Review
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Bologna 3 Hour Private Guided City Tour of Must-See Sites
Although Bologna is renowned for its rich history and architectural marvels, navigating the city’s labyrinth of streets can be a daunting task for first-time visitors.
The Bologna 3 Hour Private Guided City Tour offers a hassle-free solution, providing a professional local guide to lead you through the city’s must-see sites. Priced from $184.46 per person, this private walking tour allows you to explore Bologna at your own pace, with the flexibility to tailor the experience to your interests.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a lowest price guarantee, this tour ensures a memorable and convenient way to discover the best of Bologna.
Read our full review: Bologna 3 Hour Private Guided City Tour of Must-See Sites Review
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Bologna Highlights, City Walking Tour With Private Guide
Stepping beyond the hassle-free exploration of Bologna’s must-see sites, the Bologna Highlights, City Walking Tour With Private Guide offers a comprehensive immersion into the city’s rich history and architectural gems.
Operated by ARTexplorer Italy, this private walking tour covers the city’s top attractions, with admission fees and gratuities included in the price of $113.62 per person.
Participants will meet at Piazza Maggiore, explore the landmarks, and return to the starting point.
Although not wheelchair accessible, the tour can be customized based on monument opening hours, ensuring a tailored experience.
Booking is flexible, with a secure reservation and a lowest price guarantee.
Read our full review: Bologna Highlights, City Walking Tour With Private Guide Review
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Half Day Private Tour Bologna City
This half-day private tour in Bologna offers an intimate exploration of the city’s renowned landmarks and hidden gems.
Operated by taxiGo Limo Airport Service, the tour includes modern, air-conditioned transportation and a professional local guide to provide insights into the city’s rich history and culture.
Priced at $184.46 per person, the non-refundable tour includes pickup and drop-off at the hotel, as well as all fees and taxes.
The tour is private, with only your group participating, and starts at 10:00 am.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, infant seats are available, and most travelers can participate.
Confirmation is provided upon booking, ensuring a seamless experience.
Read our full review: Half Day Private Tour Bologna City Review
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Bologna City Highlights Private Guided Tour at Night
Explore Bologna’s enchanting night scene on this private guided tour. Discover the city’s top highlights, including the iconic Piazza del Nettuno and Piazza di Porta Ravegnana, during the atmospheric evening hours.
Led by a professional local guide, you’ll learn about Bologna’s rich history and architecture as you stroll through the charming streets. With a private tour, you’ll have the guide’s undivided attention and the flexibility to tailor the experience to your interests.
The tour starts at 7:30 PM and lasts for an unspecified duration. Priced from $184.46 per person, this nighttime exploration offers a unique perspective on the vibrant city of Bologna.
Read our full review: Bologna City Highlights Private Guided Tour at Night Review
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The Sum Up
Bologna offers a variety of city tours to suit different preferences. Whether you’re looking for a private, personalized experience or a group walking tour, there’s an option to explore the city’s highlights. From historic sites to culinary adventures, these tours provide an engaging way to discover Bologna’s rich culture and architecture. With so many choices, visitors can find the perfect tour to fit their interests and schedule.