Bologna Open Bus skip the line & Food Tasting
Traveler rating
3.3/5
Based on 56 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Bologna Open Bus skip the line & Food Tasting worth booking?
Bologna Open Bus skip the line & Food Tasting is a 1.5-hour experience in Bologna, Italy, from $55 per person. It scores 46 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.3/5 rating across 56 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 46 / 100
- Rating
- 3.3/5 (56)
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- From
- $55 per person
Discover Bologna aboard the tourist bus with our staff who will arrange the Reservation and will accompany you to the departure of the tour giving you all the information and relax while the audio guide reveals all the secrets of the city. Admire the monuments and stunning architecture of Bologna. An easy way to get a perspective of the city with a convenient hop-on hop-off tour covering its main historical attractions. At the end of the tour you will enjoy some tastings in the city center. With the Seat Reservation you will be taken directly to the departure of the Bus without queues
What you get
About this experience
Discover Bologna aboard the tourist bus with our staff who will arrange the Reservation and will accompany you to the departure of the tour giving you all the information and relax while the audio guide reveals all the secrets of the city. Admire the monuments and stunning architecture of Bologna. An easy way to get a perspective of the city with a convenient hop-on hop-off tour covering its main historical attractions. At the end of the tour you will enjoy some tastings in the city center. With the Seat Reservation you will be taken directly to the departure of the Bus without queues
What's included
Included
- Bologna Open Bus timetable
- Welcome by the Bologna Tour staff
- Seat reservations insured skip the line
- Map of Bologna
- Tasting vouchers
- Multilingual audio guide
- Bologna Open Bus Ticket
- Earphones
Not included
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Bologna
Visit Bologna aboard the city red bus and discover the city from a new perspective, the beauties of the city of Bologna, its art, its monuments and its secrets. An audio guide system in 10 different languages will accompany you with historical insights, anecdotes and curiosities. At the end of the bus ride you will have two Vouchers for 2 Tastings in the historic shops of Bologna to discover its typical dishes
660 minutes here
Piazza Maggiore
admire the historic square of Bologna with its cathedral
10 minutes here
Quadrilatero
At the end of the bus ride visit the historic market of Bologna and taste the typical products
30 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Bologna
Alongside the fountain of neptune
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Alongside the fountain of neptune
Options you can book
with Food Tasting Box
Open Bus + Food tasting box: Add the box of 7 typical tastings that you can do around Bologna whenever you want listening to the audio guides of Bologna
Open Bus & food tasting
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, ru, zh-TW, pt, ja, en, it, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Bologna Tour & Best Italy Tour
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 56 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Food and drink
7 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
The guide
3 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Value for money
3 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
56 verified traveler reviews for Bologna Open Bus skip the line & Food Tasting. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
It’s not what we thought...
It’s not what we thought from the description. The food tastings are simply vouchers for a variety of places. Some of the food is redundant. You would have to get this at the beginning of your trip to use the food vouchers, if you even would. Would have just done the bus tour had we known.
Response from the operator: Hi Sandra, Thank you for your feedback. We would like to clarify that, as stated on the platform, the tasting consists of several vouchers to try typical local products in the heart of the city. This format is designed to offer a flexible experience that guests can enjoy at their own pace and according to their preferences. However, we are glad that you enjoyed the tour around Bologna city centre
via Viator
Informative tour
Went twice around the route then chose which sites to stop at.
via Tripadvisor
Buyer beware! Overpriced and lacking value
Buyer beware! This tour in an of itself is fine but the real issue is the cost. The 3rd party operator, "Get Your Guide", charges way more than what the actual tour is worth when broken down into its components. I paid $97.72 USD for 2 people, which converts to €83.86. for starters, the actual "City Red Bus" costs €16 each, thus €32. Then, the "guide" was literally nothing more than a woman who met us below the Galvani statue in Piazza Galvani, greeted us, handed us a map, along with 2 food vouchers (more on that in a moment), and then accompanied us to the City Red Bus and handed us off to the bus driver and guide. The bus guide said maybe 5 words the entire 1 hour tour and otherwise all was done via headset, which, depending on your language, is more advantageous anyway. Then, these vouchers were for literally 1 smallest sized gelato each (it was very good, I will admit), which otherwise costs €3 each. The other vouchers were for 1/2 of a pre-selected piadina (there were 2 choices on the voucher), which was also very good but very little in terms of actual size. The actual whole piadina itself costs €8.5. So the grand total for all of this is €46.50. Clearly this does not add up at all. Now, had there been a more personalized experience with either of the "guides", I might have been a bit more satisfied. But given what it was and the fact that other passengers on that City Res Bus simply walked on and paid €16 each on the spot reaffirms that this package is ridiculously overpriced. I do recommend the City Red Bus because you will cover lots of ground and the audio guide is decent. I do NOT however, recommend using "Get Your Guide" whatsoever. They are the scammers here. Shame on them for offering this overpriced joke of a package. Once again, BUYER BEWARE!
Response from the operator: Thank you for your feedback. We would like to point out that the package price covers several services: a guaranteed-seat ticket, an onboard audioguide available in 10 languages, welcome and assistance from our staff, a map of Bologna, and tasting vouchers. These vouchers are flexible and can be used at any time to enjoy local specialties at our selected partner locations.
via Tripadvisor
Buy Tickets at the Bus Stop Without Food Coupons
The tour was ok. It’s best to just take a seat and stay on for the hour. You should buy your ticket at the bus stop where there are people selling at a table without the “food box” because you pay a lot of money for a box of coupons that you have to go on a scavenger hunt to find. Lots of cured meat sandwich coupons at Pakistani restaurants. Several seemed annoyed to redeem the coupon.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your feedback. We would like to clarify that, as stated on the platform, the tasting consists of several vouchers to try typical local products in the heart of the city. This format is designed to offer a flexible experience that guests can enjoy at their own pace and according to their preferences. We appreciate your comments and will take them into consideration.
via Tripadvisor
Get Bus Tour Only
The bus tour is fine if you just get on for the hour then get off where you started. The food “box” is actually a box of coupons in which you have to kind of go on a scavenger hunt to find these places. Most of the restaurants are Pakistani and several seem annoyed when you show them the coupons but you will get your fill of those cured meat sandwiches. You can get tickets much cheaper by just going to the bus stop and not include the coupons, which in my opinion, are not worth it.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your feedback, the food tasting vouchers can be used at any time, and the products vary depending on the day; we are sorry if the ones offered were not to your liking, but we would like to assure you that they are carefully selected from trusted suppliers. We do our best to clearly explain how they work and indicate both the name and address of each shop. We know it can sometimes be challenging to find your way around a foreign city, which is why we’ve a QR code at the bottom of our voucher that links directly to the shop’s location on Google Maps — making it easier to reach even for visitors unfamiliar with the area.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $55 to $79
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 20
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Bologna Tour & Best Italy Tour, who run 87 experiences we rank across 22 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 49.7.
See everything Bologna Tour & Best Italy Tour runsWhy this scores 46
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Bologna Open Bus skip the line & Food Tasting: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Bologna.
How much does Bologna Open Bus skip the line & Food Tasting cost?
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Prices start at $55 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 Open Bus skip the line & Food Tasting take?
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Plan for about 1.5 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 Open Bus skip the line & Food Tasting worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 46 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.3/5 across 56 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 Open Bus skip the line & Food Tasting?
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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 Open Bus skip the line & Food Tasting suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Bologna Open Bus skip the line & Food Tasting?
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Around 20 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 1.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Bologna Open Bus skip the line & Food Tasting 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 Open Bus skip the line & Food Tasting?
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Included: Bologna Open Bus timetable; Welcome by the Bologna Tour staff; Seat reservations insured skip the line; Map of Bologna; and Tasting vouchers. Not included: Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Bologna Open Bus skip the line & Food Tasting?
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Alongside the fountain of neptune Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Bologna Open Bus skip the line & Food Tasting offered in?
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It is offered in German, Russian, Chinese, Portuguese, Japanese, English, Italian, French and Spanish. 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 Open Bus skip the line & Food Tasting?
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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 Open Bus skip the line & Food Tasting wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Bologna Open Bus skip the line & Food Tasting 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 Open Bus skip the line & Food Tasting?
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Across 56 reviews averaging 3.3 out of 5, recurring themes include food and drink, the guide, value for money. The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
What booking options are available for Bologna Open Bus skip the line & Food Tasting?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including with Food Tasting Box, Open Bus & food tasting. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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