
Bologna historical art walking tour with hidden gems and tastings
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 115 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Bologna historical art walking tour with hidden gems and tastings worth booking?
Bologna historical art walking tour with hidden gems and tastings is a 3-hour experience in Bologna, Italy, from $166 per person. It scores 78 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 115 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 78 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (115)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $166 per person
A mix of art masterpieces, history, food stories, legends and secrets described by a local art lover with a great experience and knowledge of the city. Most of people get attracted by Bologna main concept "the learned, the red and , the fat," but this incredible huge medieval capital tends to hide itself, keeping its best atmospheres historical locations, and hidden gems for a handful of curious explorers. So...be my explorers for a 3/4 hours full immersion in the ancient city, a labyrith of little alleys, and be prepared for an overwhelming experience where art history, architecture, medieval, renaisance, and baroqe heritage seem to merge while traditions, great food and history of music seem to be no more sepatrated by conceptual barriers. You will discover how the porticoes are not just an example of specific architectural heritage (recognized by the UNESCO) but are instead mainly components of an open-air musem of sculpture and paimtings.
What you get
About this experience
A mix of art masterpieces, history, food stories, legends and secrets described by a local art lover with a great experience and knowledge of the city. Most of people get attracted by Bologna main concept "the learned, the red and , the fat," but this incredible huge medieval capital tends to hide itself, keeping its best atmospheres historical locations, and hidden gems for a handful of curious explorers. So...be my explorers for a 3/4 hours full immersion in the ancient city, a labyrith of little alleys, and be prepared for an overwhelming experience where art history, architecture, medieval, renaisance, and baroqe heritage seem to merge while traditions, great food and history of music seem to be no more sepatrated by conceptual barriers. You will discover how the porticoes are not just an example of specific architectural heritage (recognized by the UNESCO) but are instead mainly components of an open-air musem of sculpture and paimtings.
What's included
Included
- All Fees and Taxes
What you'll see and do
Piazza Maggiore
Old medieval buildings of the main square, the four "speaking" corners, secrets of the textile market, the renaissance fountain of Neptune, the facade with the old clock of the Council Palace.
20 minutes here
The noble rooms at first and second floor, the frescos, the private chapel of the bishop, the big stairs for horses by Bramante, the room of the seniors, the earthquake's virgin by Francesco Francia.
30 minutes here
Basilica Di San Petronio
The biggest sundial in the world, the medieval frescos of Cappella Bolognini, the four ancient crosses, Parmigianino and Lorenzo Costa famous paintings.
35 minutes here · Admission included
Archiginnasio Di Bologna
The headquarter of the oldest university in Europe, the renaissance palace with its huge collection of coats of arms, the witnesses of the secret powerful medecine, the wooden anatomical theatre, the Stabat Mater room with precious books such as Leonardo Da Vinci's "Flights of the birds" and the long hall for books and ancient codes.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Quadrilatero
The labirinth of the middle age market, its stalls, old food shops, ancient coats of arms and witnesses of the guilds.
20 minutes here
Basilica - Santuario di Santo Stefano
In a single complex of churches the whole history of Bologna, since a Roman temple on a natural spring up to the Dante Alighieri's cloister surrounded by the cells of the monks and the capitals headed by animals faces.
40 minutes here
Chiesa di Santa Maria della Vita
The terracotta masterpiece sculptured in 1470 by Niccolò Dell'Arca and its incredible avanguardist interpretation of movements and emotions.
20 minutes here · Admission included
Le Due Torri Torre degli Asinell
A great view from street level of the symbol of Bologna: the 98 meters tall Asinelli Tower and the leaining one Garisenda Tower.
Pass by without stopping
Finestrella
A rare example of medieval canals designed to supply silk and hemp textiles manifacture (UNESCO HERITAGE)
10 minutes here
Casa Isolani
An incredible surving exapmle of a 13th century house, maintaining its original WOODEN PILLARS
Pass by without stopping
Palazzo Comunale
Beautiful renaissance amd baroque ceilings, frescoes, sculptures, Bramante staircases for horsemen
10 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Bologna
I will wait for travellers in front of Caffè Vittorio Emanuele, next to Piazza Maggiore.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
I will wait for travellers in front of Caffè Vittorio Emanuele, next to Piazza Maggiore.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, it
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Riccardo Bacchi
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 114 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
9 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
114 verified traveler reviews for Bologna historical art walking tour with hidden gems and tastings. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Outstanding experience
Riccardo was an amazing guide and a fount of knowledge!
via Tripadvisor
Ricardo is an exceptional...
Ricardo is an exceptional tour guide - truly a scholar of art, architecture and history. He shared so many interesting facts and details as well as provided insights into Bologna’s food, culture and traditions. His English is excellent, he is passionate about Bologna and he is fun to be with! A highlight of our visit!
via Viator
Look up
Very thorough and Ricardo is very knowledgeable and was constantly pointing out things an ordinary tour would mess.
via Viator
Ricardo was a fantastic...
Ricardo was a fantastic guide. Extremely knowledgeable and explains all the history and nuance very well. An incredible day of art and history!
via Viator
Not unloved but understated monument to time.
The must do to appreciate Bologna’s untouched continuously lived in History. The terra cotta city is so amazing and well loved in its preservation of time and place. THANK YOU 🙏🏻
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 40
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Riccardo Bacchi, who run 5 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 66.2.
See everything Riccardo Bacchi runsWhy this scores 78
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Bologna historical art walking tour with hidden gems and tastings: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Bologna.
How much does Bologna historical art walking tour with hidden gems and tastings cost?
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Prices start at $166 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Bologna usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Bologna historical art walking tour with hidden gems and tastings take?
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Plan for about 3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Bologna is not rushed.
Is Bologna historical art walking tour with hidden gems and tastings worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 78 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 115 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Bologna, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Bologna historical art walking tour with hidden gems and tastings?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Bologna historical art walking tour with hidden gems and tastings suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Bologna historical art walking tour with hidden gems and tastings?
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Around 40 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Bologna can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Bologna and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Bologna historical art walking tour with hidden gems and tastings start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Bologna within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Bologna?
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On Outty we rank every Bologna experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Bologna Local Pasta Cooking Class, Ragu, Spritz, Wine & Gelato, Bologna Food Experience: Factory tours & Lunch By Italian Days, Small Group Bologna Food Tour – Local Food & Market Experience. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Bologna?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Bologna?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Bologna historical art walking tour with hidden gems and tastings?
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Included: All Fees and Taxes. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Bologna historical art walking tour with hidden gems and tastings?
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I will wait for travellers in front of Caffè Vittorio Emanuele, next to Piazza Maggiore. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Bologna historical art walking tour with hidden gems and tastings offered in?
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It is offered in English and Italian. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Bologna historical art walking tour with hidden gems and tastings?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Bologna historical art walking tour with hidden gems and tastings wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Transportation options are wheelchair accessible; and All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Bologna historical art walking tour with hidden gems and tastings if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Bologna. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Bologna historical art walking tour with hidden gems and tastings?
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Across 115 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, food and drink. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
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