Bologna Walking Tour with Audio Guide: Monuments at Your Own Pace

Walk Bologna's main squares and basilicas, hearing the stories behind each one

A self-guided walking tour of Bologna using audio and written guides on your smartphone, covering Piazza Maggiore, San Petronio Basilica, the Two Towers, Santo Stefano and the Anatomical Theatre. The guide is created by a local and available in English, Spanish, Italian, French and German, so you move through the city at whatever pace suits you and stop whenever something catches your attention. You'll need a smartphone with internet connection to access the digital guide.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Piazza Maggiore30m
2. San Petronio Basilica20m
3. Anatomical Theatre of the Archiginnasio30m
4. Basilica of Santo Stefano30m
5. Two Towers20m

Explore Bologna's main sights and culture

• Walk along Bologna's long porticoes
• Visit the sea-themed historic square
• Explore Piazza Maggiore, city center
• See the façade of San Petronio Basilica
• Discover a historic Bolognese culinary spot
• Visit the Anatomical Theatre and library
• Explore Basilica of Santo Stefano
• Hear the legend of the three arrows
• View the iconic Two Towers up close

The Experience

The tour starts on one of Bologna's characteristic porticoed streets (the long covered walkways that define the city), and moves into Piazza Maggiore, the beating heart of the city. This square evolved over centuries from a hub for trade and gathering into the cultural center it is today, and the guide walks you through that history. From there you'll see the unfinished façade of San Petronio Basilica, whose incomplete marble front tells its own story, and then head toward the Two Towers, the city's most recognizable icons. You can't climb them, the structures aren't open to visitors, but seeing them up close is worth the detour.

Along the way you'll pass the Anatomical Theatre of the Archiginnasio, a room where medical students once watched dissections, and the Basilica of Santo Stefano, a complex of connected churches sometimes called the Seven Churches. The guide also covers Bologna's culinary culture and the stories behind local food traditions, so you're not just moving between monuments. You're learning why the city matters. The whole route takes around four hours if you walk it straight through, but since you control the pace, you can stretch it across a longer afternoon or cut it short if you need to.

Everything runs through your phone: the audio plays through your speakers or headphones (bring your own if you have them), and the written guide appears on the same screen alongside a Google Maps connection so you know where you are. The guide is available in five languages, so you can switch between them or follow along in whichever one you prefer. You'll get the activation details in your voucher when you book: read them carefully so the digital guide loads properly before you start walking.

What’s included

• Audio guide and written text in five languages.
• digital map integration with Google Maps.
• access to all stops including Piazza Maggiore, San Petronio Basilica, the Two Towers, Santo Stefano and the Anatomical Theatre.
• local stories and information about Bologna's food culture and history.

Days and timesDaily

AgesAges 10+ · Under 10

Meeting point and pickupNo pickup · ends elsewhere

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Walking Cap

Is this one for you?Choose this tour if you want to explore Bologna on your own schedule without waiting for a group or following a fixed timetable. You move at your own pace, stop as long as you like at each site, and can skip ahead or backtrack using your phone, which is what makes it work for a first visit when you're not sure what will grab you, or for a return trip when you already know what you want to see.

Traveler reviews

4.60★★★★★★★★★★

171 verified traveler reviews

5 ★130

4 ★27

3 ★5

2 ★4

1 ★5

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Under 10.

What's included in this Bologna walking tour?

The tour includes audio and written guides in English, Spanish, Italian, French and German; a digital map connected to Google Maps; and access to all the stops and stories along the route. You provide your own smartphone and internet connection. The Anatomical Theatre has a small separate entry fee of 3€ if you want to go inside.

Can I do this tour if I'm visiting Bologna for just a few hours?

Yes. The full route takes around four hours, but since you set the pace, you can walk just the highlights (Piazza Maggiore, San Petronio and the Two Towers) in less time, or spread the tour across a longer afternoon and linger wherever interests you.

What is Piazza Maggiore and why is it important?

Piazza Maggiore is Bologna's main square and the city's social and economic center for centuries. It was originally designed as a meeting place and marketplace, and it remains the heart of the city today, surrounded by important buildings including San Petronio Basilica.

Can I climb the Two Towers?

No, the Two Towers are not open to visitors because the structures aren't safe for climbing. You can see them up close and learn their history from the guide, but you won't be able to go inside or climb to the top.

Do I need headphones for this tour?

Headphones aren't included with the tour, but you can use your smartphone's built-in speakers to hear the audio. If you have your own headphones, bring them for a better experience, especially in noisier parts of the city.

What languages is the guide available in?

The audio and written guide are available in English, Spanish, Italian, French and German. You can switch between languages on your phone whenever you want.