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
1,380 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
This future opportunity is one you absolutely shouldn't miss.
77for77,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an exceptionally great tour with Darren, where we visited the diverse factory, sampled many products, and had the opportunity to do so. All our questions were answered very well. The tour lasted about three hours and was a truly memorable experience.
Amazing food! Amazing experience!
Trail12831815257,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing tour! Mattia was a wonderfully engaging guide who shared his passion for food, culture and all things Bologna. We felt fortunate to have landed a spot on this tour. The food was simply amazing as well. Highly recommend! Food
Bologna…a must see when in Italy
jcarvajal421,Mar 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Mat is an amazing tour guide. He not only provided a history about foods from Bologna, he also provided excellent history about the this beautiful town. The foods were delicious as well as the wine. He was gracious to share his family recipes with us too! This was such a great experience!!
Excellent tour with Mattia
AJMglobaltraveller,Mar 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very good tour with Mattia. We went to some interesting places some of which were in the main tourist area but were busy with locals The pasta place was excellent. Mattia gave us some good advice on places to go and I went back to the wine bar we stopped at.
Great Bologna food tour
615janeh,Mar 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great food tour of Bologna. Our guide Frederica was friendly and knowledgeable. I would definitely recommend this tour!
Claire was an AMAZING tour guide
joeydS6641WG,Mar 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Claire absolutely made our Bologna food tour unforgettable. She was the perfect mix of entertaining and informative, keeping all of us engaged the entire time. Traveling with three teenage boys can be hit or miss, but she had this natural ability to bring them out of their shells and actually get them participating (which is no small feat). The food stops were incredible — we left completely full and already talking about what we wanted to eat again. One of the biggest surprises was how much we learned, especially about balsamic vinegar. I knew basically nothing going in, and now I feel like I have a whole new appreciation for it. More than anything, Claire gave us a real glimpse into Italian life — not just the food, but the culture behind it. This was easily one of the highlights of our trip. Highly recommend.
Exceptional!
Lucinda W,Mar 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The whole experience was fantastic! Not only was Matthew incredibly forthcoming with our 1 year old daughter joining us on the session, she was also able to enjoy some gelato at the end! His knowledge of the foods he was providing was exceptional however he had further knowledge of both the area and its history enabling us to ask questions beyond just the food involved. The tour actually went on for longer than expected due to allowing us to ask so many questions. We were able to do the tour with our daughter however she had to be carried in her harness rather than be in a pram/buggy due to the nature of the tour - make sure you are aware of this before booking!
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.
From €64.80
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