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
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!
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!
Reviews
1,440 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Catarina filled our day...
EvaMarie D,Apr 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Catarina filled our day (and our bellies) with a very diverse experience. She made a rainy day in Bologna feel like an afternoon with an old friend who had a few food shopping errands to do. She generously and casually shared her expertise and history as a local (and pasta chef). Catarina was easy to listen to and led a comprehensive, well-rounded tour. The order of our tastes made sense to the palate and yes—we left satiated. Folks with food sensitivities on this trip seemed to have options as well. Tasting balsamico in a wine cellar and the secret (authentic) osteria were highlights, and the creameria/gelato was the best I had in my 11 days in “Eat-ily.”
One of the best food tours
Saaket G,Apr 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Caterina was an excellent guide - very passionate about Italian heritage, very warm and helpful. We have taken a lot of food tours in Italy, but she made the experience the best by far. Loved going to the authentic restaurants and eating like a local. She also included some historical facts, not just about the food, but also the town in general
Great tour!
Laura T,Apr 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great tour with Caterina! We enjoyed the food immensely, the walk around Bologna was beautiful and the information about the food and culture was a bonus. We left very full!
Stellar secret food tour with Claire
Departure94856,Apr 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a WONDERFUL secret food tour in Bologna. We ate some of the (best) classic Bolognese dishes and wine and sampled vinegars from Modena as well as local desserts. Our guide, Claire, was incredibly knowledgeable not only about the food of Bologna, but also the city's culture and history. She created a warm and friendly atmosphere, kept the group highly engaged and has a GREAT sense of humor. This tour with Claire was a highlight of our week-long trip.
Excellent food tour
Trail48281844108,Apr 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Catherine was an excellent guide. The tour combined excellent food (we were full by the end) with some interesting information about Bologna's food and some sights. It felt well put together and good value.
Fun and Informative
810tobyf,Apr 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Matt was incredibly knowledgeable about the food, locations, and culture. It was very informative and a nice touch of the classic Italian experience. Definitely would recommend
Delicious Tour!
Cindy C,Apr 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour was delightful and delicious! Bologna is beautiful! Fredricka was a perfect guide and very knowledgeable!
A fantastic experience
Odyssey58590411564,Apr 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing experience! The guide was fantastic. It’s a must-do if you’re visiting Bologna.
Don't miss this delicious experience!
PINELOPI S,Apr 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The food tour was excellent!!! Our guide, Federica, gave us a lift to a pasta laboratory when we tasted fresh pasta. Then we tasted delicious cheese and crouds in the oldest Osteria of Bologna, we drank local wine. We also tasted balsamico di Modena and a secret recipe sweet. We finished the tour eating ice cream! This way we learned a lot about Bologna's past and products of Emilia Romana.
Est and Learn
MrBorges,Apr 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Eat and learn! Federica was very Nice and gave Awesome tips to what to do in Bologna. And the lasagna verde was astonishing!
From €64.80
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