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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.
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.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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
Two traditional types of homemade pastas
Our mouth-watering Secret Dish
Prosciutto di Parma, Mortadella & regional cold cuts
Aged Parmigiano Reggiano | Aged Modena balsamic vinegar (8, 12 & 25 years)
Selection of local red & white wines | Traditional local digestif
Espresso or macchiato
Traditional welcoming sweet treat | Creamy artisanal gelato
Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Gratuities
Private Tour Upgrade: Choose this option to upgrade to a private food tour of Bologna for only you and your group
Small Group Tour: Choose this option to join our Secret Food Tour Bologna in a group of 12 people or less!
1,315 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Tracy I,,Dec 31, 2025
- Review from Viator
Gabriela was a wonderful tour guide!! Great food tour of Bologna - best pasta so far on our vacation, balsamic tasting was amazing & lots of other surprises - a must do when in Bologna!! Thanks for a memorable experience!!
ThreeLittleBirdsNYC,,Dec 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Matt was exceptional! We had an incredible time with a small group in this beautiful city. We learned so much about the history of Bologna and the food and wine were sublime. 100% recommend for an interesting and delicious experience.


christianlK5962NH,,Dec 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Loved it! Matt was so insightful and really elevated the experience of the food tour. If you have the chance to do this when you visit Bologna, DO IT!
TeuTeu88,,Dec 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Perfect tour, thanks to Gabriele who was explaining everything and was a great guide, I strongly recommend this tour, also a nice opportunity to visit the town




Michael Z,,Dec 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
Federica is the best! Great tour--so much information about the Bologna food scene, history, and culture!
cynthiamB2368KF,,Dec 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Katarina was very friendly and informative. Selection and portions were great. Highly recommend. Great experience.
alta96home,,Dec 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
One of the better food tour experiences we have had. Catalina was terrific and provided a truly authentic experience for our tour. Great food!
Q4457GLbridgeth,,Dec 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Fantastic food tour! Caterina was an excellent guide and knew a lot about the culture and customs behind the food! Highly Recommend doing this tour!!
H5600XRjoelc,,Dec 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Gabriele is the best tour guide with great knowledge of food with great local restaurants. Was super fun and informative
Tara W,,Dec 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
We loved our food tasting experience! Our guide, Claire, was fantastic - super knowledgeable, funny, and willing to answer all of our questions. The tour does a great job of covering a variety of local food, and everything we had was delicious. They were quite accommodating of my allergy as well. I would highly recommend this tour!
Operated by Secret Food Tours