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 Raviola with Mostarda alla Bolognese. 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
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. Vegans and gluten free diets cannot be accommodated unfortunately.
This tour involves a fair amount of walking; comfortable shoes are recommended.
No vegan or gluten-free options available
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
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
What‘s Included
Savory: Artisan Mortadella sandwich, classic Tigella & Lasagna verde
Savory: 2 homemade pastas, Prosciutto di Parma, Mortadella, Aged Parmigiano, Balsamic (8–25 yrs)
*** 3 Hour Tour ***
Drinks: One glass of local wine
Sweets: Traditional welcome treat & artisanal dessert
Sweet: Artisanal dessert
Drinks: Local red/white wines, traditional digestif & espresso.
*** 2-Hour Express Tour ***
Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Gratuities
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
1,545 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A beautiful way to explore the city!
katie w,Jun 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our tour guide Matt was fantastic, very informative and his knowledge was brilliant. The places we visited was fantastic and all the food and drink was delicious, visited so really nice traditional places… make sure you arrive hungry! Matt gave some great tips during and after the tour, and we took his recommendation on a bar, and it was great! Highly recommend
Excellent experience - fun and delicious!
Jennifer C,Jun 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent tour and amazing guide Fredricka … beautiful food and wine gave lovely insights to Bologna ☺️ highly recommend!
Great tour 👍
Sara H,Jun 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Gabrielle was super engaging - excellent English - explained food and history of Bologna clearly and answered questions. Enjoyed all food and learning about what delights Bologna has to offer. Would recommend.
An amazing and informative food tour with Claire
Joshua M,Jun 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Claire was an amazing guide. She was incredibly knowledgeable about the history and culture of Bologna, which she shared as we walked from one delicious site to another. She was very friendly and intentional with each member of the group, and had great interactions throughout. The food was excellent and varied - including pastries, two pasta courses, a balsamic vinegar tasting, and the best gelato we've had in Italy. My family of 7 had a wonderful time, and would absolutely do this again.
So great!
Viridiana A,Jun 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Matt was amazing, very informative. It was a lovely tour and the food choices were amazing.
Not to be missed.
MissMeda,Jun 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a great tour! Our guide Claire was excellent and very engaging. She combined her knowledge of food wonderfully with the many small and traditional bolognese groceries whose wares we were able to sample. Wonderfully flavorful balsamic vinegar, mortadella and parma ham, a regional prosecco wine , delicious bolognese ragu and tortellini topping it off with gelato all while bustling us around town through the various city quarters. I imagined Stanley Tucci popping up at any of the establishments that we visited. I highly recommend this tour, only your scale will regret it😉
Excellent tour
365bobbyh,Jun 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a fantastic tour, our guide Claire was amazing, very informative and engaging
Best Part of Our Trip
Thomas C,Jun 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Claire was a fantastic tour guide. In a tour guide its rare to get someone who has both the extensive knowledge of the topic and the charisma to communicate it easily to the tour. She really made the tour a beautiful experience for us and gave depth to the city.
Best food tour
annsQ2938BG,Jun 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing experience! Education on bologna food origins and traditions while stopping at great places and delicious food and wine! Freddie was the best!
A first class experience
dominick441,Jun 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A first class experience! Matia was very informative, great energy and fun to be guided by. He’s so passionate and knowledgeable, you get the feeling that he absolutely loves what he does and most importantly why he does it!
Related Experiences
Operated by Secret Food Tours