Discover Bologna's Historic Heart in our Bologna City Walking Tour
Embark on our private walking tours of Bologna, Italy, a true haven for food lovers. With a licensed expert Bologna Tour Guide, explore the diverse attractions of a city often overlooked by the main tourist routes. Bologna's historic centre is the second largest in Europe, only after Venice, and is rich with significant Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque monuments. The city’s layout still mirrors its Roman heritage, with main streets tracing the grid pattern of the ancient Roman settlement.

Architectural Marvels, Historic Squares, Iconic Religious Sites and University Heritage Awaits in our Private Bologna City Tour
Our 3-hour walking tour begins in Piazza Malpighi. Admire the Gothic architecture of the Church of S. Francesco and the medieval tombs of Bologna's University law scholars. Stroll along picturesque arcaded streets to the heart of the city, where Piazza Maggiore and Piazza del Nettuno lie adjacent to each other. Named after the famed Neptune's Fountain from 1566, these squares are surrounded by stunning Medieval and Renaissance palaces like the Palazzo Comunale (Town Hall), Palazzo dei Notari, Palazzo del Podestà (Governor's Palace), and Palazzo di Re Enzo.

Your guided Bologna Walking Tour continues in Piazza Maggiore, dominated by the Basilica of S. Petronio, a premier example of Gothic brickwork in Italy. Continue down the arcaded street alongside S. Petronio, lined with elegant shops, to the Archiginnasio, the historic home of the University of Bologna which features an ornate Anatomical Theatre (note that it's closed on Saturday afternoons and all-day Sunday).

Our Bologna City Walking Tours continue Through Lively Markets and Leaning Towers
Just a few steps from the Archiginnasio, delve into the bustling old market district, a vibrant area filled with high-end food shops, bakeries, and fresh produce stalls. Wander through the alleys leading to the complex of Santo Stefano, a collection of small Romanesque churches significant to medieval pilgrims. The tour concludes at the iconic Leaning Towers, the distinguished landmarks of the city.

Throughout the centuries, Bologna has earned several nicknames: "the learned" (La Dotta) highlights its home to the oldest university in Europe; "the fat" (La Grassa) nods to its rich cuisine; and "the red" (La Rossa) refers to the red roofs that color its city center. Known as the capital of Italian cuisine, Bologna gifted the world with Ragù alla Bolognese and is the birthplace of both Lasagne and Tortellini. During our Bologna city tour you’ll get the chance to learn all about it from our expert tour guide.