Bologna Food & Market Tour with Local Dishes, Pasta, Wines & More
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
On our Secret Food Tour Bologna: we'll provide you with an unforgettable taste experience.
We'll start with a traditional welcoming sweet. Then, we'll visit one of the oldest Salumeria of
the city to learn more about the local meat products and the famous pastas.
You'll enjoy: Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma, Mortadella di Bologna and many
more regional cold cuts in the oldest Osteria in the world with a glass of our local wine.
Next we have planned a taste of fresh, handmade pasta made just for us at a local Trattoria,
always with a glass of local wine (and a coffee, if you like it) Then we will visit the main local
food market, called Quadrilatero, and we'll enjoy a tasting of different types of balsamic
vinegar from Modena (8-12-25 years of aging) to discover how this amazing tradition is still
deeply rooted in this region.
Please note that we are not able to offer any gluten-free or vegan option yet.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please note: the itinerary and menu is subject to change, based on the locations' availability, weather, and other circumstances.
Please ensure to contact us in advance of the tour for any dietary requirement, to ensure we can cater for them the best we can.
This tour involves a fair amount of walking; comfortable shoes are recommended.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Palazzo della Mercanzia
Welcome to the commencement of our culinary odyssey at Palazzo della Mercanzia. Our guide will initiate proceedings with introductions, setting the stage for an invigorating exploration of Bologna's dynamic culinary scene. The construction of the palace traces its origins back to the 14th century, and it historically served as the epicenter for the city's economic and commercial activities. A notable feature of Palazzo della Mercanzia is the imposing wooden statue of San Petronio, the patron saint of Bologna, proudly displayed on the facade.
Quadrilatero
A captivating and historic neighborhood nestled in the heart of Bologna, Italy, also known as the "Quadrilatero Romano," is celebrated for its medieval streets, and a plethora of culinary delights. The moniker "Quadrilatero" alludes to the district's rectangular street layout. Characterized by narrow, winding alleys harkening back to medieval times, the architecture reflects the city's evolution, featuring buildings adorned with traditional porticoes and vibrant hues. Quadrilatero is famed for its bustling market area, where locals and visitors alike can peruse a diverse array of stalls showcasing fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and other local specialties. The market creates a vibrant and colorful ambiance, establishing itself as a focal point for food enthusiasts. Quadrilatero, with its amalgamation of history, culinary treasures, and cultural vibrancy, promises visitors a delightful and authentic experience, inviting them to immerse themselves in the lively spirit of Bologna
What‘s Included
Sweet: Artisanal gelato
Savory: Artisan Mortadella sandwich, classic Tigella & Lasagna verde
Savory: 2 homemade pastas, Prosciutto di Parma, Mortadella, Aged Parmigiano, Balsamic (8–25 yrs)
Sweets: Traditional welcome treat & artisanal gelato
*** 3 Hour Tour ***
Drinks: One glass of local wine
Drinks: Local red/white wines, traditional digestif & espresso.
*** 2-Hour Express Tour ***
Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Gratuities
Options
3-Hour Small Group Food Tour
3-Hour Small Group Tour: Choose this option to join our Secret Food Tour Bologna in a group of 12 people or less!
2-Hour Express Food Tour
Choose this option to join our 2-Hour Express Food Tour Bologna in a group of 16 people or less!
Private Bologna Food Tour
Private Tour Upgrade: Choose this option to upgrade to a private food tour of Bologna for only you and your group
Reviews
1,371 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
5 Star Food Tour
T1096DXjordanw,Mar 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing experience! Marco was incredibly impressive and clearly takes great pride in his hometown. His knowledge of Bologna’s food and rich history was outstanding, and he shared everything in such an engaging way. He was also very easy to talk to, with a great sense of humour that made the experience even more enjoyable.
Highly Recommend!!
Will L,Mar 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Claire was an absolutely fantastic host for our three hour food tour. We’ve done tours in other cities, and this was by far the best. The quantity of food provided was more than just a taste - platters of cured meats (more than we could all eat), pastas and glasses and glasses of wine - you will not go hungry or thirsty while walking around the old city of Bologna! One suggestion would be to add a stop specific to tasting parmigiano reggiano, similar to the one we did to taste balsamic vinegar. Other than that tweak to the tour, we highly recommend this as a way to get a taste of the region and get your bearings in this beautiful city!
Claire was the absolute best
Amanda T,Mar 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Claire was outstanding. We were very lucky that 3 people didn’t show up so we had her to ourselves. She is so knowledgeable and her English was superb. She took us to many brilliant places. I would 💯 recommend her and this trip.
Fabulous tour! Darren was...
Clara M,Mar 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Fabulous tour! Darren was super knowledgeable and engaging. Great way to learn more about Bologna and try some wonderful local food 😊
Bologna food walking tour: you should do it first!
Bernard B,Mar 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Gabrielli was a great guide and we had fun. I am glad we took the time to do the food tour. I learned a lot and we tasted great food. Bologna is a very walkable city. We took the tour at the end of our visit but it would have been better if we took the tour at the beginning. That way we could go back and try more of what the restaurants offered. And we learned history as we walked. When we return for another visit to Bologna I will definitely repeat that walk.
Bologna food tour - highly recommend!
Trail43797,Mar 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an incredible experience with Marco! He was passionate about sharing the history of Bologna and its food culture, he was very friendly and patient answering all our questions. The food was amazing and we got to visit many places that we wouldn’t have visited otherwise. Was definitely one of the highlights of our trip to Italy. Thanks Marco!
Finally you can be full of Bologna - in a good way!
Chris W,Mar 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00What a wonderful tour! Caterina is a wonderful tour guide, going into great detail on all of the food culture of Bologna. I felt like I really learned a lot on this tour. The food tasted amazing, some of the best versions of these foods I’ve ever had. Meats, cheeses, pastas, wines, all the tastes you’d expect of Italy and the best versions of them. You need to take this tour!
Excellent Food tour in Bologna
REODana,Mar 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00If you find yourself in Bologna, this food and wine tour is not to be missed. Claire made the experience both enjoyable and informative, sharing her extensive knowledge of local cuisine and the city’s history. You’re guaranteed to leave completely satisfied!
tasty tastings and interesting facts.
Els M,Mar 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It's a long enough walk, and you'll learn interesting facts about Bologna and typical dishes. Tastings too! Enthusiastic guide!
Loved every moment!
Marge M,Mar 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00What a delightful experience this was! Our guide was Clare and she was charming, knowledgeable, and loads of fun. Each establishment we went to provided not only delicious food (and sometimes wine as well) but copious amounts of it. Pastries, pastas, meats, cheeses, AND gelato! What a special time it was and we would absolutely repeat this tour again if/when we return to Bologna. In the ensuing days we revisited several of the places Clare took us to. Delizioso!
From €64.80
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