Bologna Bike Tour: explore the Old Town & Secret Spots
Description
Discover the city from a local perspective, moving easily between major highlights and lesser-known spots that are difficult to fully appreciate on foot alone. This engaging bike tour through the city’s historic streets, hidden corners, and iconic landmarks. Explore the vibrant atmosphere of Piazza Maggiore, the ancient University of Bologna, and the charming Jewish Ghetto. Stop at Giardini Margherita for a taste of local life, and unveil the city’s lesser-known canals that tell its rich history. Guided by a local tour leader, this tour is perfect for travelers looking to experience Bologna from a unique perspective.
Tour Options
Itinerary
The perfect starting point for your ride: Bologna's main bike station, right next to the central train station, where you'll pick up your bike and get ready to explore the city.
A quiet hidden square dominated by one of Bologna's few surviving medieval towers. The Torre Prendiparte, once a symbol of power for the city's noble families, offers a rare glimpse into Bologna's dramatic medieval skyline.
Tucked behind Piazza Maggiore, the Jewish Ghetto is a maze of narrow streets with a centuries-old history. This intimate neighborhood was home to Bologna's Jewish community and still carries traces of its layered past in every corner.
The beating heart of Bologna. Surrounded by stunning medieval and Renaissance architecture, including the Basilica di San Petronio and Palazzo d'Accursio, this grand square is where the city has gathered for centuries — and still does today.
The original home of the University of Bologna, the oldest university in the Western world. Its porticoed courtyard and famous Anatomical Theatre make it one of the most fascinating — and often overlooked — buildings in the city center.
A refined and peaceful square home to the Basilica of San Domenico, where a young Michelangelo left his mark. Elegant palaces and the tomb of the founder of the Dominican Order give this spot a quiet, almost timeless atmosphere.
Bologna's most beloved public park, just beyond Porta Castiglione. A favorite spot for locals jogging, cycling, and relaxing on the grass. The perfect place to take a breath, soak up everyday Bolognese life, and feel like a true local.
One of the most evocative squares in Bologna, shaped by the complex of the Seven Churches — a remarkable ensemble of interconnected Romanesque basilicas dating back to the 5th century. Quiet, atmospheric, and unlike anywhere else in the city.
Bologna's best-kept secret: a hidden canal with a tiny window — the so-called "finestra sul canale" — that frames a view straight out of Amsterdam. A surprising reminder that Bologna was once a city of waterways, and a perfect final image to take home.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Difficulty: Easy/intermediate. Good riding skills are required, since the tour is on roads open to traffic
- Please note that in case of adverse weather conditions (eg. bad storms, unexpected extreme events), or unforeseen circumstances (eg. monuments sudden closures, train/flight cancellations or delays) we do not guarantee a full refund.
- This tour will never be cancelled due to rain. In case of rain the tour leader will decide the best alternative for the whole group. Please be aware that refunds will not be guaranteed to those who won’t accept the offered alternative.
- This tour is NOT suitable for guests with mobility issues.
Reviews(1)
Nice bike ride, not on the beaten track paths but just around them. Good cycling and the starting point is easy to reach.
Thank you for your lovely review! 🚲 We’re happy to hear you enjoyed discovering Bologna from a different perspective, exploring areas beyond the usual paths. Our Bologna bike tour is a great way to experience more of the city in a sustainable and enjoyable way, while comfortably moving through its streets and hidden corners. We hope to welcome you again soon! 😊
