Bolzano at a glance
Bolzano, called Bozen in German, is the capital of South Tyrol in northern Italy. The old town around Walther Square is compact and easy to cover on foot, and the Ötzi museum and the Ritten cable car are close by. If you want to add a day out of town, the tours page compares the options.
Most visitors combine three things: a guided or digital walk through the centre, a visit to the archaeology museum and one excursion out of town. This page explains the walking tour options, the food tour and the nearby sights with the figures you need in 2026.
Our picks: guided walks and tastings in Bolzano
Our take: the guided old-town walk is a short way to get your bearings, and the tasting walk adds local food along the route. If you prefer your own pace, the audio walk is a low-cost option with a digital guide.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide and Viator. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Guided tasting walk through Bolzano
- English-speaking tour guide
- 5 food tastings
- 1 glass of top wine
A special drink is part of the tastings. Entrance fees to sights along the way are not included.
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Guided walk through Bolzano's old town
- Guided walking tour of historic center
- Visit to Piazza Walther
- Tips on local food and wine
The guide shares stories about local traditions and daily life in South Tyrol. The cathedral is viewed from the outside only.
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Self-guided Bolzano walk with audio guide
- Audio-guide and text in multiple languages
- Digital guide to visit the city
- Tips for monuments and history
You activate the digital guide with the details in your voucher and walk at your own pace.
Check availability →Bolzano walking tours and food tours
A guided walk through the old town, a street food tour and a self-guided digital city guide, with live prices and availability.
Bolzano walking tours
Guided or self-guided, both on foot.
The guided walking tour of the historic centre lasts about 1.5 hours and starts at Walther Square. It includes a visit to the square, a look at the exterior of the cathedral and tips on local food, wine and places to explore. Food and drinks are not included. A second historical tour starts from Via Museo 62 in a small group, but it does not include admission to the museum at Via Museo 43, so keep the two addresses apart.
If you prefer your own pace, the digital city guide gives you audio and text in English, Spanish, Italian, German and French. You walk the city by yourself and get tips on monuments, history and curiosities. It starts at Walther Square and suits an afternoon of three to five hours.
Street food in Bolzano
A food tour of about 2.5 hours starts at Walther Square with an English-speaking guide. It includes five food tastings, one special drink and a glass of wine. Extra food and drinks and entrance fees are not included. Plan the tour for lunch or early evening and come hungry. For wineries outside the town, continue with our South Tyrol wine page. Guided options are compared in our food tour comparison.
Ötzi museum
The South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology at Via Museo 43 shows Ötzi, a glacier mummy of the Copper Age found in 1991 together with his clothing and equipment. An adult ticket costs EUR 13, and the museum opens Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00. Tickets, reservation and opening days are explained on the Ötzi museum page. The background to the find is in South Tyrol history.
Two Via Museo addresses
The museum is at number 43, while the small-group historical tour begins at number 62.
Messner Mountain Museum Firmian
Messner Mountain Museum Firmian is housed in Sigmundskron castle and is about mountains and people. The 2026 season runs from 15 March to 8 November, from 10:00 to 18:00 with last entry at 17:00, and Thursday is the closing day. Adults pay EUR 15, children from 6 to 18 years EUR 6, and reduced tickets EUR 13. Parking costs EUR 4 per day and takes cards only. Only a small part of the museum is wheelchair accessible, and the towers and walls are reached by stairs.
Ritten
The cable car to the Ritten plateau costs EUR 8.50 one way and EUR 13.50 return. With the narrow-gauge railway on the plateau the fares are EUR 12.50 and EUR 20.50, and the return trip has to be made on the same day. The Mobilcard covers the Ritten cable car. For where to sleep, see where to stay, and for the rest of the trip Merano is the next town to add.
Frequently asked questions
Does a Bolzano city tour include the Ötzi museum?
No. The walking tours cover the old town and do not include museum admission. Buy your museum ticket at the museum cashier.
How long does a walk through Bolzano take?
The guided historical tour lasts about 1.5 hours, the street food tour about 2.5 hours and the digital guide three to five hours, depending on your pace.
Can I enter the cathedral on the walking tour?
The guided tour includes a look at the exterior of the cathedral. Check opening times locally before you go.
Is the Ritten a day trip from Bolzano?
Yes, the cable car goes to the plateau and the return trip can be made on the same day. See the fares above.