Bologna Food & Market Tour with Local Dishes, Pasta, Wines & More
Overview
Available languages
3 hours 30 minutes
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
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
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!
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
1,343 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great way to start stay in Bologna.
jessicagX822YO,,Feb 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did the 10:30 am tour with Claire and it was a great start to day in Bologna. The food and drink were very good and the places we stopped were fun and interesting! Claire did a great job of explaining food, drink and history of city as well as food diversity throughout Italy. Recommend taking the 3+ hour tour.
Excellent Food Tour!
Modified,,Feb 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Claire did an amazing job giving us history of the Bologna area and the larger region. She was enthusiastic and willing to answer any questions we had about the city or even other parts of Italy. The food choices were excellent, and I appreciate the willingness to accommodate various dietary restrictions. All in all, the tour was just over 4 hours. Though longer than expected, I enjoyed every minute of it.
Excellent
jeffreya776,,Feb 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was so much more than a food tour! We learned so much about Bologna's history and the food of this region. Matt made it fun! Highly recommend.
Bologna Food Toor
Harriet J,,Feb 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Traveling with my 14 year old grandson, who loves food was a match made in heaven for this food tour. We wound up just having 2 other people with us on the tour which made it so much more intimate and fun. Our guide was fantastic explaining each place we stopped what their specialty is and how it is made. i had no idea what DOP or IGP meant. And who knew that Vinegar could be sooooo good! i highly recommend this !
This was my favorite part...
Emily R,,Feb 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was my favorite part of my time in Bologna! I learned so much about the city’s history. I am vegetarian, and the tour was very accomodating to my needs. Even with a dietary restriction, I do not feel like I missed out on anything. This is a MUST DO in Bologna!
Sampling the best of Bologna
Rick B,,Feb 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Fun time in the market & trattoria sampling Bologna. The guide was informative, charming and vivacious.
Good, delightful guide, lovely food, but was I overcharged?
Deesider 12,,Feb 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Caterina was a delightful, friendly and knowledgeable guide and the food and drink we tasted was all delicious. It was more “food” than “tour of the city so we didn’t learn as much about Bologna as I have on food tours of other cities but we did learn lots about the wonderful local delicacies of balsamic vinegar, parmaggiano etc.. I do have to say that having paid over £170 for two of us I was shocked today to see the tour advertised for £46 per person so feel we have been overcharged for the tour.
Take in Bologna Culture! A Must Do!
Donna M,,Feb 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The Bologna food & wine tour was a fun way to take in the Bologna culture. I recommend doing the tour on the front of your Bologna visit because you learn so much along the way. Mattia was the perfect guide. He was friendly, knowledgeable and patient with our group as we navigated the streets to go from place to place. The pasta shop was the highlight of the tour for me. The oldest bar in Bologna was an enjoyable stop, along with the rice cake and gelato. Just walking the streets and learning about Bologna was an added bonus. A big thank you! Mattia helped our daughter with a nut allergy and had substitutions prepared for her! This made us all relax and enjoy the tour so much more! Bologna has so much to offer a visit! I regret that we didn’t stay longer in this town.
Amazing Bologna food your with Gabriel!
PaulEandhisboys,,Feb 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Phenomenal experience. Our guide, Gabriel , was a gem. Helped us connect both the food and the origin and the history within Bologna. Brought the experience to life. If you were looking for a unique food tour in the city, this is a can’t miss experience. Had pastry, dried and cured meats paired with 24 month Parmesan Reggiano, and local sparkling wine. Enjoyed fresh pasta with Bolognese and tortellini, paired with Sangiovese wine. Learned the magic of why Bolognese is different in the city, and the reason why chefs do not stray from the traditional recipe. Sampled 25 year-old balsamic vinegar…amazing. Finally, a trip to a local Gelateria. Gabriel was so uniquely informed. Taught us so much.
Great Bologna food tour!!
Anonymous,,Feb 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was an amazing value. We had so much fun and federika was very kind and knowledgeable. Definitely recommend. Exceeded expectations
-20% off
From €51.84Was €64.80
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