Frequently asked questions.
Everything guests, hosts and venues ask us. If something is missing, write to us.
What is Glocal?
Glocal is a service that hosts, B&Bs, holiday rentals, bars and restaurants offer their guests through a QR code. Guests scan it and find, in one place, a curated selection of places in Bologna’s historic centre: where to eat, what to see, where to go at night, with opening hours, map and their host’s tips. Glocal was born in Bologna and has been live since September 2026.
Why use Glocal instead of searching on my own?
Because planning even a single day usually means juggling many different sources: maps, review sites, blogs, social profiles, guidebooks, messages to your host. They often contradict each other or are out of date. Glocal gathers a verified selection in one place, recommended the way a local friend would, so guests spend less time searching and more time in the city.
Do I need to download an app?
No. Glocal opens directly in your phone’s browser after you scan the QR code. Nothing to install from an app store.
Is Glocal free for travellers?
Yes. Glocal is free for guests: it is provided by the accommodation or venue displaying the QR code.
Which areas does Glocal cover?
Glocal was born in Bologna and currently recommends places in the city’s historic centre. It is where most visitors arrive, and it is where we chose to start. The goal is to expand to the neighbourhoods beyond the centre too.
Is Glocal like having a local friend?
Yes, that is exactly the idea. Glocal recommends places in the historic centre the way a friend who lives in the city would: a few, well chosen, with the practical tips you actually need. If your host adds their own tips, you find them alongside ours.
Who chooses the recommended places?
The selection is curated by the Glocal team, who check addresses, opening hours and descriptions. Partner hosts and venues add their own personal tips. We favour independent businesses and places with a real connection to the city.
How does it work for guests?
Guests scan the QR code at the accommodation or venue, pick their interests (for example food, art, nightlife) and get a selection of places with description, address, opening hours and map. They can save places into an itinerary and read their host’s tips.
Which languages is Glocal available in?
Glocal is available in Italian and English.
How is Glocal different from Google Maps or TripAdvisor?
Google Maps and TripAdvisor show everything, ranked by reviews and popularity. Glocal shows a few selected, verified places, with no star rankings, alongside the host’s tips. It doesn’t replace maps: it saves you from checking them together with ten other sources.
Is Glocal against tourism?
No. Glocal is for more thoughtful tourism: more value for independent businesses and less pressure on the same few spots. More on our Territory page.
How can I bring Glocal to my accommodation or venue?
Fill in the form on the For hosts & venues page or write to info@g-local.it. We’ll get back to you to choose the places together and hand you the QR code.