Bologna Piazza Maggiore Tours and Activities

Bologna’s beating heart is Piazza Maggiore, in the city’s old center. A classic example of Renaissance town planning, it is one of the most graceful public squares in Italy.
The pedestrianised square is surrounded by the Basilica di San Petronio, the Palazzo Communale (city hall), palatial public buildings and Bologna’s trademark covered walkways ringed by arches.
Sit at an outdoor cafe to enjoy people watching in the sunshine during the day, and visit in the early evening to see the beautifully floodlit Fountain of Neptune, sculpted in 1566.
Practical Info
To get here from the station, take a stroll south down Via dell'Indipendenza.
Address: Piazza Maggiore, Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
Admission: Free
54 Tours and Activities to Experience Bologna Piazza Maggiore
Sort by:Featured

2-Hour Bike Tour of Bologna
30
A historic university city, culinary capital, and hub of architectural beauty, Bologna offers no shortage of attractions—and this zippy bike tour through town gives you the perfect opportunity to explore. Get up close and personal with the sights, from the bustling Piazza Maggiore to the Basilica of San Domenico and the modern Manifattura delle Arti district. As you go, hear about the city’s long history from your guide.
…More
From
$46.65
From
$46.65

Classic Bologna Food Tour
88
Explore the culinary traditions of Bologna with this half-day food tour. Join a guide for a small-group walking tour and taste local specialties such as Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, Bolognese ragu, and mortadella. Begin the tour with a gourmet coffee, visit markets, and meet artisans at work to see how tortellini are made. Lunch at a historic osteria and a gelato tasting are included.
…More
From
$129.59
Price varies by group size
From
$129.59
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More

Private Walking tour and Traditional Home Cooking Experience in Bologna
10
Learn the secrets of authentic Italian cuisine with a traditional home cooking experience in Bologna. This 4-hour tour will introduce you to Bolognese specialties as you tour the local market, watch a tortellini-making demonstration at a local home, then tuck into delicious pasta lunch at a local restaurant.
…More
From
$71.46
From
$71.46
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More

2-hour Walking Tour of Bologna
5
With a large historic center that was built over millennia, Bologna is rich in important architectural and cultural monuments. Be sure to see all the highlights with this guided walking tour that touches on the Cathedral and Fountain of Neptune in Piazza Maggiore, the city’s two most famous medieval towers, and the university—the oldest in Europe—along with other important attractions.
…More
From
$30.69
From
$30.69

Bologna Half Day Tour with a Local: 100% Personalized & Private
9
A great tour for first-time visitors, you’ll see the city with a local guide who has a passion for Bologna. The tour is completely customizable—visit a cafe for a snack based on your dietary preferences (or maybe some grappa), indulge in a bit of shopping, or check out a few art galleries. Learn about the city’s Medieval and Renaissance history and explore the plazas and old buildings downtown.
…More
From
$114.09
Price varies by group size
From
$114.09
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More

Bologna : a walk into history
3
The city of Bologna is a rich tapestry of art, culture, cuisine, and music—a UNESCO–listed gem in the heart of Italy. On this morning or afternoon walking tour, follow your guide through Bologna’s medieval streets and find out what makes the city special. Hear the stories behind top attractions including Piazza Maggiore, the Quadrilatero, and the 14th-century San Petronio Basilica, and gain insight into Bologna’s colorful past.
…More
From
$145.34
per group
From
$145.34
per group
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More

Classic Walking Tour Bologna
15
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.
…More
From
$95.68
Price varies by group size
From
$95.68
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Learn More

The 10 Tastings of Bologna With Locals: Private Food Tour
12
Eat your way through Bologna's culinary scene on a private food tour. Go on a delicious journey as you try 10 of the best food items beloved by the locals: from savory to sweet and local drinks; this tour will leave every foodie satisfied!
Enjoy tastings typical of the local cuisine and hand-picked by a local guide passionate about food like Tortellini fritti and Formaggio Bianco Bologna. But that's not it! This tour is more than just food; it's a cultural experience! In between food stops, you'll also find city highlights making this experience a well-rounded tour that will satisfy every foodie.
Withlocals The 10 Tastings Private Food Tour™ is one of Withlocals' signature tours available in major cities worldwide. We work with passionate local guides who earn a fair fee. We support local economies by only offering local produce and prevent over-tourism with only small non-intrusive groups. Our tours are carbon-neutral and away from the standard tourist routes.
…More
From
$100.53
Price varies by group size
From
$100.53
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More

Food Tasting Walking tour of Bologna
1
Bologna’s cuisine is so famous that the city is known as “La Grassa”, or “The Fat Lady”, for its rich local specialties. This guided walk combines sightseeing with tastings so you can experience both the city’s cultural and gastronomic treasures in one tour. Pair highlights like the Cathedral of S.Petronio and Fountain of Neptune in Piazza Maggiore with two gourmet stops during your visit.
…More
From
$60.56
From
$60.56

Bologna Private Walking Tour
1
Explore the beautiful and historic capital of Emilia-Romagna on this private 2-hour walking tour in Bologna. See the highlights of the bustling city and hear about Bologna's university, the oldest in the world. Learn about Bologna's fascinating history, dating back to 1000 B.C., and how the city remains popular among Italian and international students. Discover this fascinating and Medieval town with your private guide.
…More
From
$176.83
Price varies by group size
From
$176.83
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Learn More

Local market visit and private cooking class at a local's home in Bologna
3
Learn the secrets behind traditional recipes from Bologna during this private cooking class, complete with a local market visit. Get tips for selecting the best ingredients at the market and then settle into the chef’s home in the Bologna city center for a cooking class. Prepare three courses and then feast on everything you cook alongside a variety of local red and white wines.
…More
From
$228.91
From
$228.91
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More

Bologna Food Tour with Wine Tasting & Guided Sightseeing of Top Attractions
1
Bologna’s traditional cuisine is so important to the city’s identity that it is known affectionately as “La Grassa”, or “The Fat Lady”. With this walking tour, explore both the cultural and culinary highlights of this vibrant city, taking in its main square, churches, and towers, as well as strolling through the historic market to sample local specialties and wines—all while learning about their history and significance with a guide.
…More
From
$119.90
From
$119.90

Historical Tour of Bologna
25
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. The tour itself will be like a dive into history and time. All information about art will be experienced by the visitors as a trip enriched with details about life, food, culture, music and traditions of those ages.
…More
From
$49.11
From
$49.11
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More

Bologna By Night Food & Wine Walking Tour
2
Allow yourself an evening break enjoying a walk in the historic center where you can discover the secrets of the city while having fun with a drink and a taste of typical products.
Program:
Meeting in Piazza del Nettuno
Piazza Maggiore
Via D'Azeglio
Piazza Galvani
Quadrilatero Historical market
Two towers
Piazza Santo Stefano
Tasting
…More
From
$113.92
Price varies by group size
From
$113.92
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Learn More

Bologna Food and Wine Walking Tour
3
Taste your way through one of Italy's most celebrated culinary cities on a walking food tour of Bologna. Follow your senses and a gastronomic guide to the old city center’s best markets, vendors, and specialty shops to sample regional delicacies like Bologna ham, fresh produce, Parmesan cheese, wine, and gourmet chocolate. See where locals go to stock up on provisions, and learn about the flavorful traditions that make Bolognese recipes craved around the world.
…More
From
$216.80
per group
From
$216.80
per group

Full Day Ravenna & Bologna Tour of Must-See Sites with Native Top-Rated Guide
Take a journey in this culturally rich, deeply historic and well-preserved towns, with our exclusive walking tour for a unique and unforgettable experience. You will see the highlights of Ravenna, with its mosaics, and Bologna just in one day with a top rated & local guide.
The tour will start in Ravenna where you will spend about 3 hours, then you will travel by train or your own car to Bologna where the guide will led another 3 hours tour.
…More
From
$248.61
Price varies by group size
From
$248.61
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More

Bologna Tour of Must-See Attractions with Local Top Rated Guide
1
The ideal introduction for first-time visitors to the history-filled city, this half-day, private walking tour of Bologna covers top attractions. Listen to in-depth commentary from your own art historian guide, and enjoy a personalized travel experience adapted to you and your party. Highlights include Piazza Maggiore, the Basilica di San Petronio, and the Mercato di Mezzo.
…More
From
$191.36
Price varies by group size
From
$191.36
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More

Small-Group Bologna Tour of City Highlights with Top-Rated Local Guide
Bologna has a long and fascinating history, bound up in its fine palaces, churches, and towers. With this small-group tour, dive deep into the historical context of its impressive architecture with the insights and explanations provided by your guide. Stroll through the main square to take in its monumental fountain, stop at the city’s two basilicas, and admire its soaring towers and forgotten canals.
…More
From
$95.68
From
$95.68

Bologna private walking tour
Bologna, the chief town of Emilia-Romagna district, is famous worldwide for its art, culture and history heritage.
Home to the first university in Europe, founded in 1088, and place of birth and/or home to a great number of world-known artists, writers, musicians, scientists etc, it is also renowned for its food tradition (let alone thinking about the bolognese sauce, known and used all over the world).
This customised walking tour, specifically designed for first-time visitors, will show you the reason why Bologna is so popular all over the world.
…More
From
$36.33
Price varies by group size
From
$36.33
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More

Guided Walking Tour of the Historic Center of Bologna
4
Visit the red streets of the historic center of Bologna, visiting the symbolic places of the city and discovering their secrets
Art, history and gastronomy, but also secrets, legends and suggestions of contemporary life: discover everything that has made Bologna one of the most popular destinations for tourists in recent years with a certified guide, as well as a real Bolognese DOC
…More
From
$58.92
From
$58.92
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More

Bologna City Red Bus and Food tasting
Visit Bologna aboard a modern open top bus, and admire the local monuments and architectural beauty of the city. Then, enjoy a tasting of some local foods inside a historic market.
Upon arrival at the meeting point, the staff will be happy to welcome you on board. Choose the audio guide available in 10 different languages and learn more about some of the monuments and the general history of the city.
Taste typical products with 2 final tastings!
…More
From
$39.97
Price varies by group size
From
$39.97
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
Learn More

Bologna Food & Cultural Walking Tour
1
This walking tour was created for those who are in the city and do not want to miss the chance to admire the beauties of Bologna but at the same time savor the flavors of typical products such as salumi, crescentine and good wine.
Piazza Maggiore, Palazzo Daccursio, Via d'azeglio, Archiginnasio, are just some of the destinations you can admire.
The market of the quadrilateral will welcome you with its ancient perfumes where you can taste the authenticity of high quality products
Absolutely not to be missed
…More
From
$166.94
Price varies by group size
From
$166.94
Price varies by group size

Bike Tour Bologna
The bike tour designed to show you the best of Bologna in two hours: from the oldest university in the world to the grandiose Piazza Maggiore, up to pedaling under the Two Towers, we will discover the most significant places of this magnificent city.
The Bologna that we will tell you about in this private bike tour is a city that has very ancient origins, the guardian of an exceptional historical, artistic and cultural heritage.
Our guides will accompany you on a real journey through time, thanks to which you can relive the Bologna of the past for a few hours.
…More
From
$205.90
Price varies by group size
From
$205.90
Price varies by group size

A whole day in Bologna
A full day in the city of Bologna visiting all the major attractions of the city together with a private guide to discover the culture and food of the city
We start in the morning with a guided tour of the city with a certified expert guide. During the visit it will be possible to climb to the Asinelli towers. We continue with a typical lunch in a historic restaurant in the city and afterwards, together with the guide, you can go up to San Luca with the train included in the price and visit the beautiful Basilica and enjoy the fantastic panorama. Upon returning, a delicious homemade ice cream to be tasted before returning.
…More
From
$168.83
$37.07 savings
Price varies by group size
From
$168.83
$37.07 savings
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More
Things to do near Bologna
- Things to do in Emilia-Romagna
- Things to do in Modena
- Things to do in Ferrara
- Things to do in Ravenna
- Things to do in Florence
- Things to do in Chianti
- Things to do in Mantua
- Things to do in Parma
- Things to do in Pisa
- Things to do in Venice
- Things to do in Siena
- Things to do in Genoa
- Things to do in Milan
- Things to do in Tuscany
- Things to do in Veneto