Things to do in Bologna, Emilia-Romagna: The Best Sightseeing Tours

August 12, 2021 Rebbecca Marino

While crowds of tourists fill Venice, Florence and Rome, Bologna remains relatively quiet in comparison. This medieval university town is charming, historic and fun to explore… and you'll find Bologna's local cuisine is light-years away from the American deli meat bearing the city's name.
Restaurants in Bologna

1. Bologna Private Walking Tour

Piazza Maggiore, Bologna BO, Italy LivItaly Tours
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Not many know that Bologna dates all the way back to 1000 BC! With a history of almost 3000 years, it has played an important role in the world’s events, and one can only imagine how much there is to tell! On our enchanting private walking tour through the city of Bologna we will visit numerous of interesting and off-the-beaten-path places as well as the major piazzas and monuments of this fascinating town. Bologna is a bustling city displaying beautiful sites and is home to the first university in the world! In fact,still to this day it is a popular city among Italian and international students. Discover this fascinating Medieval town on a Private and Exclusive Walking Tour.

Inclusions: Professional Local Expert Guide, Private Tour

Exclusions: Food and drinks

Reviewed By 844dallasw

Davide was an excellent tour guide for my group of friends on an early Saturday morning. It was obvious that he loved his job and it showed through the history he walked us through during the entire tour. I would highly recommend any tour with Davide and if the Vatican is on your bucket list, then early morning access is the tour you want. Happy travels!

2. Private Food Tasting Bike Tour Bologna

Via dell'Indipendenza, 67/2, 40121 Bologna BO, Italy BIKEinBO
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

The amazing historical and cultural heritage of Bologna is maybe surpassed by the fame and relevance of its gastronomic culture, to which its status as Gastronomic Capital is due. . How could we not unite both outstanding elements in a unique and unforgettable experience? We’ll ride you through the rich history of the city of Bologna, cycling along its “Porticos”, its medieval secrets, its ancient University: the oldest one in the Western world. You’ll be guided along the historical and cultural tracks of the city, reaching the impressive main square, Piazza Maggiore, the charming 2 Towers and all its high and majestic Cathedrals. And after a pleasant ride between main landmarks of the city, for you to taste the gastronomic tradition of Bologna the tour will include a food-tasting stop in a modern Bottega which preserves tradition and where fresh pasta is home- made every morning. best way to visit Bologna and combine History, Art, Culture and Gastronomy! 

Inclusions: Tour Guide in Exclusive, Bike Rental, Radio-Guides, Helmet, Raincoat, Gratuities, Luch, Ice-cream

Exclusions: Hotel drop-off, Hotel pickup

Reviewed By fabatforty

Guiseppe was a great guide - so full of interesting local knowledge delivered in such a humorous way. On a bike you cover so much of the city in 2 hours and get off the tourist track. Good opportunity to note what you want to visit. Totally recommend this tour.

3. Lamborghini Museo And Factory Tour

Bologna Tour
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

LAMBORGHINI MUSEUM The new Lamborghini Museum, traces all the stages that have made the history of the Toro brand: an exciting journey through historic cars, images and photographs that will accompany you in the history of one of the largest Italian manufacturers. . Part of the day is dedicated to visiting the renovated Lamborghini museum, the prestigious boutique to discover all the Lamborghini Collection products, the production lines to admire the birth of the Huracán and Aventador step by step. Following a lunch in a typical trattoria in the area Private transport A / R included

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation, Lunch in a typical trattoria, Lamborghini Museum entrance ticket, Guided tour of the Lamborghini Factory

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By Tielemanis

As a Ferrari fan, this was a true highlight of my trip to Bologna - Maranello is such a magical place to be! The museum showed the beautiful history on the evolution of its brand! A day to remember!

4. San Luca Experience Guided Tour With Ascent By Panoramic Train

Neptune square, Piazza del Nettuno, Bologna BO, Italy Bologna Tour
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

What makes this guided tour unique is the view of Bologna from above, the history of the sanctuary and the view of the longest portico in the world. The journey will be made by the San luca Express train which connects the city to the Sanctuary in a panoramic way

Inclusions: tourist guide, San Luca Express included

Exclusions: tip

Reviewed By Tielemanis

As a Ferrari fan, this was a true highlight of my trip to Bologna - Maranello is such a magical place to be! The museum showed the beautiful history on the evolution of its brand! A day to remember!

5. Live Bologna Like a Local City Tour

Piazza Maggiore, Bologna BO, Italy Bologna Food&WIne Experience
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

During our experience, I will guide you through the magnificent city of Bologna, where you will be able to find out about your city. I'll reveal the secrets of the town, walking throu both markets and monuments. I'll also make sure you have a true local for the city! I'll take you to differents "neighborhood" where you can fully feel how the atmosphere of the city changes and you can live it at the fullest. I will give you a little map to AVOID all the turistic spot, and give you advice for restaurants, taverns and markets Where to have a drink and where to buy and where to buy! Many more secrets ... can just reveal all now ...;)

Inclusions: Private local guide

Exclusions: Soda/Pop

Reviewed By Claire M

Benedetta was an awesome guide through Bologna. She showed us some great spots throughout the city and gave perfect recommendations on what to try. She also gave us amazing restaurant recommendations to try for the rest of our journey throughout Emilia Romagna.

6. Private Bologna’s Wine & Bites Walking Tour with a Local

Via dell'Indipendenza, 45, 40126 Bologna BO, Italy ►► Withlocals™ - Local Private Tours ????????
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5.0 based on 8 reviews

Imagine sipping delicious Italian wine in an authentic bar filled with locals. Let a local host in Bologna make this your reality! Discover Bologna’s relaxing bars and blend in with the regulars while you enjoy delicious local wine paired with Italian bites. 7 delicious tastings included. Start your experience at an award-winning wine bar where you’ll enjoy a glass of light and fruity sparkling Italian wine paired with some tasty local cheese. Then stroll through the city and admire the historic canals! Step inside a homely bar beloved by the locals. Sip on a glass of sparkling red wine with an Italian classic, parmesan cheese. The rich and salty flavors of the cheese paired with the citrus and floral notes of the wine are a match made in heaven. Follow your local host through the city’s old market and then weave your way to a local osteria (Italian restaurant). This local favorite has been serving wine since 1465 making it one of the oldest in Bologna.

Inclusions: Private tour, Local guide, 3 pairing bites with your wine, 4 alcoholic drinks: wine

Exclusions: Hotel pick-up and drop off, Food and beverages not listed as inclusions

Reviewed By Valerie S

On the morning of our Food Tastings Tour with Francesca it was raining heavily. Happily, the tour started in the market where the local vendors had thoughtfully set up tent-shelters, and the rain did nothing to dampen our experience. Francesca didn't let a little rain ruin the fun! My husband and I are not foodies, and Francesca was happy to help us enjoy the delights of Italian foods despite being novices. We happily enjoyed several Italian 'comfort foods' which were extra tasty in the chill of a rainy day! Thanks, Francesca.

7. Classic Walking Tour Bologna

Piazza del Nettuno, 40124 Bologna BO, Italy Bologna Tour
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4.8 based on 15 reviews

A classic walking tour together with a private guide through the streets of the center of Bologna visiting the major cultural attractions of the city and the history of local gastronomy to discover all the secrets of the city that our guide will tell you. At the end a small tasting of local products in a historical shop.

Inclusions: Final tasting of typical products

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By Tielemanis

As a Ferrari fan, this was a true highlight of my trip to Bologna - Maranello is such a magical place to be! The museum showed the beautiful history on the evolution of its brand! A day to remember!

8. Ferrari Lamborghini Pagani Factory and Museum Day Tour from Bologna

Italian Factory Motor Tour
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4.7 based on 10 reviews

For an unforgettable experience, enjoy an exclusive tour with us. The tour in the famous Motor Valley of Emilia Romagna is an experience to live intensely: we will take you on an incredible journey through the "Land of Motors" to visit the factories of production and museums of the most famous Italian supercars in the world: the legendary FERRARI, the LAMBORGHINI supercar and the famous PAGANI supercars. The tour lasts 8 hours and includes a visit to the Ferrari Museum, to the Lamborghini Museum and Factory, to the Pagani Museum and Factory. Also, with an additional cost, it will be possible to drive a Ferrari or a Lamborghini on the road or on the track, or try the F1 Simulator to feel like a real driver on the most important circuits in the world.

Inclusions: Visit Ferrari Museum in Maranello, Visit Lamborghini Factory & Museum in Sant'Agata Bolognese, Visit Pagani Factory & Museum in San Cesario sul Panaro, Pick-up in Bologna at the Central Railway Station, at the Bologna Airport, at Client's Accommodation, Transfers with minivans or buses of the latest generation, Typical Italian Lunch at Mood Eat Bistrot in Maranello and Tasty Balsamic Vinegar, English Guide

Exclusions: Ferrari Test Drive, Lamborghini Test Drive

Reviewed By danielcV2389UA

Tour guide was welcoming, informational and helpful. Excellent timing in getting us to all the different places we needed to be. Saw Pagani, Lamborghini and Ferrari via Lauda tour. Amazing experience!

9. 2-Hour Bike Tour of Bologna

Via dell'Indipendenza, 67/2, 40121 Bologna BO, Italy BIKEinBO
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4.5 based on 30 reviews

A two-hour long bike tour to show you the most attractive sites of Bologna. Bologna is an easy-to-ride city boasting beautiful arcade-lined streets and medieval buildings. Riding on our bikes, you'll discover the Archiginnasio (the oldest university in the world), the charm of Piazza Maggiore, the iconic Two Towers and visit many other important landmarks of this unique and amazing city.

Inclusions: Professional Art Historian guide, Radio Guide, Tour of the top attractions of Bologna in a few hours: the Two Towers, the main square Piazza Maggiore with the fascinating unfinished San Petronio Basilica, the Fountain of Neptune, the Complex of Santo Stefano, and then cycling until the Giardini Margherita., Perfect for all ages and skill level, Perfect introduction for first-time visitors, Bike and helmet rental included, Insurance included

Exclusions: Transportation to/from attractions

Reviewed By 760billa

Having previously visited Ravenna, I decided to take the walking tour this time to take advantage of the insights provided by a guide. The locations visited by this tour are top notch - worthy of 5 stars. And, we appreciated the insights provided by our guide, although, his English was a little difficult to understand. If you decide on a guided tour, I definitely recommend taking a small group as some of the sights are crowded and not as easily seen in larger groups.

10. Bologna Food and Wine Walking Tour

Piazza Maggiore, Bologna BO, Italy Bologna Food&WIne Experience
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4.4 based on 5 reviews

contact me on IG @stayhungrystaybologna infos and SPECIAL deals! I'll show you my favorite places, I'll help you to discover the few true local spots in town, where a true bolognese goes shopping and eat. The places who made our city famous, making what is now called the food capital of italy! We meet in "piazza maggiore", the heart of Bologna and we will walk around downtown making 6-7 stops Oldest meat and fish market Fruit market Cheese shop Best sliced pizza Visit to the pasta shop where tortellino was invented! Typical and local sandwich place Bakery with 150 years old recipe of cake! Oldest Hosteria of Italy since 1465 for some wine and champagne Best Gelato place of town While we walk I'll be happy to share story and colture of the city, with some secrets just few local knows;) I will send you PDF with all informations and places! I will be happy to give you guide to all good restaurants, things to do, and book you places..this is a full package deal for your visit!

Inclusions: Guide

Exclusions: Lunch, Alcoholic Beverages

Reviewed By joeyv847

We arrived at 10:25 in the restaurant for the cooking class,when we immediately started. No appetizers whatsoever for us like we read with others. We learned to make the tagliatelle en tortelinni, and Federico opened a bottle of wine for us. We mixed the mascarpone with sugar and egg yolks and put it in the fridge. Then Federico defridged the 'bolognaise?' sauce for us (saying it took 4 hours to make, but all it was, was minced beef with celery and onion. No tomato sauce like the recipe in it... But then we made his special treatment sauce. He melted butter, sliced 3 tomatoes which he juiced over the pan, add passata et voilà. Spécial treatment sauce. It then was 11:30 and we went at table to taste our own made food. It was good, in the way you expect it would be. The fresh pasta itself, very good. Tomato sauce, good. 'bolognaise sauce' nothing special. Tiramisu: nothing wrong with it, but expected more from 'grandmother's recipe'. So around 12, we finished the lunch and Federico then started his second job: selling wine. He started to tell us great things about his knowledge of wine, that he started a new company and sells directly to the customer from the winery itself,so the price is better then what we used to give. He asked some things to us about what we liked and we arranged that he could make a mix of 10 bottles between a range from 5 - 15 euro. Later that day, he came to our car and gave our wines. We moved on and went for groceries to the local supermarket for our regular needs and we saw on of our bottle in the racks. It was only 5.49 for 1, and if we bought 2, the price was 7.00.... That's when our suspicion started. We came back to our car, and then started to look at the bottles. Every bottle (except the Massimo bergomas) contains sulfites. The sulfites he told us, that are bad in good wine... Then we went on and just Googled every name of the wine and found every bottle in every big supermarket's webshop. The most expensive was 8 euro, the cheapest was 2.79.. Let us say that we are not suspicious anymore now, but a little bit angry. We told him that we aimed for 5-15 euro/ bottle and he 'sold' us every bottle for 15 euro. That means that the cheapest one (most fun fact here: he told us that was the best one to save on a special occasion, is a carrefour label and also available in big bags of 5 liter) he valued it at 6 times it's price. I tried to confront Federico with it, but he laughs it away, which made clear it isn't the first time he does this. So be aware of the people like him.

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