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. This tour is also not wheelchair-accessible.
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.
No gluten-free options available
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
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
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!
Reviews
1,472 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Gabriele, from Secret Tours, was fabulous on our Secret Tour of Bologna. He was so pleasant and knowledgeable!!
Kenneth D,May 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a very worthwhile tour with a very enjoyable guide
Bologna has great food; Thanks Federica!
MaryB129,May 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Federica was an informative, organized guide showing us various places for cheese, meats, balsamic vinegar and places where we ate r dr Lucious meats, pasta and gelato! Nicely paced activity.. and who knew I’d try 3 different aged balsamic vinegars!
Wide ranging tour in terms of neighborhoods and Foods of this region
cesara802,May 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We have an exceptional time we’ve done for food tours in other major cities this tour by this tour director was the best we’ve ever been on. It very informative, very personable and very knowledgeable delivered in them unintimidating way. I would recommend this tour to anyone who’s interested at all in the food of bologna
Fabulous food and wine tour of Bologna!
Alexuk1962,May 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Federica was a wonderful guide for our food tour of Bologna. It was a lot of fun, huge amount of interesting information about this beautiful city. Highly recommended. Thank you Federica!
Worth it!
Y1711NPamys,May 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent food, great history and facts of the city along the way.
A great day of food, culture, and history
Sam A,May 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Federico was AMAZING! Her knowledge of Bologna and the history of every food we tried was exceptional and extremely informative. The tour was perfect and the food remarkable. We’ve done many food tours in other countries. This one ranks high on the list.
Fabulous tour in Bologna
Lorna A,May 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a lovey afternoon with a small group and Federica was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the city and its food and drink. The places we went to were interesting and the food and drink we had were good quality and very tasty. Particularly enjoyed the pasta and the vinegar tasting. I would recommend this tour if you are in Bologna
A Must DoTour
Bigeasyphil,May 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Matt was our guide and he was very engaging and passed on his knowledge in a relaxed and informative way. He was very patient when answering the questions from our group. Visited nice locations and sampled a range of tasty local delicacies. Would certainly recommend.
Katharina was so much...
Amy T,May 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Katharina was so much fun! She was born and raised in Bologna so she had a lot of interesting info about the different types of food and how it's made. I highly recommend this tour!
A Delicious Journey
lucabT125GG,May 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Caterina was such a lovely guide! She told us so many interesting stories about the food but also about the history of the city. Trying the different meets, cheese, pasta and gelato was awesome and delicious. She was helpful while ordering, shared a ragout recipe and other delicious food spots (not just for Bologna with us) Talking with her was so authentic, her showing truly interest and even talked in our native tongue with us ☺️ We would highly recommend this experience for your stay in Bologna!
From €64.80
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Related Experiences
Operated by Secret Food Tours