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
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
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
1,364 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Loved every moment!
Marge M,Mar 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00What a delightful experience this was! Our guide was Clare and she was charming, knowledgeable, and loads of fun. Each establishment we went to provided not only delicious food (and sometimes wine as well) but copious amounts of it. Pastries, pastas, meats, cheeses, AND gelato! What a special time it was and we would absolutely repeat this tour again if/when we return to Bologna. In the ensuing days we revisited several of the places Clare took us to. Delizioso!
Great experience
531constantinez,Mar 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing time at the food tour! It was interesting to hear about the history and techniques used in the local cuisine. Food was delicious! Our guide Mattia is very knowledgeable and friendly
Food tour of Bologna
Mark B,Mar 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Catarina was an excellent guide, the tour was informative and fun, varied venues, food options and we had enough time to sit down and enjoy the food and drink. As we were a large group sometimes it was difficult to hear but Catarina would always take the time to answer questions.
Bologna local Secret food tour
Dream55208670730,Mar 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The Bologna food tour was excellent. The tour guide Mattia was very knowledgeable, passionate and an absolute expert about food and Bologna. We tried different type of cold cuts, very good wine and amazing pasta like tortellini and tagliatelle. Also the gelato was the best in town. I definately recommend this tour 5 stars.
Best Food Tour Ever!
margemichaels,Mar 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I cannot even begin to describe how wonderful this experience was! And it was wonderful primarily because of our guide, Clair. So friendly and so knowledgeable! She was absolutely the best! We have been on an excess of 20 food tours over the years and, hands-down, this one was the best! There was more food than we could possibly eat, and the wine pours were generous. The following day we went back to several of the places she had taken us and picked up gifts to bring home and treats to eat here. I would absolutely do this tour again, especially if Clair was our guide. I only wish I could give her more than five stars!
⭐ Amazing Food Tour with an Amazing Guide
52ashleeb,Mar 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Claire was absolutely amazing! She is incredibly knowledgeable and you can really tell how passionate she is about what she does; she even has a master’s in this field, which made the experience even more interesting. I learned so much about the food, history, and culture of Bologna throughout the tour. Honestly, she’s one of the best tour guides I’ve ever had, and I travel often and take students on tours, so I’ve had many guides over the years. Highly recommend this tour, especially if you get Claire!
⭐ Amazing Food Tour with an Amazing Guide
Ashlee b,Mar 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Claire was absolutely amazing! She is incredibly knowledgeable and you can really tell how passionate she is about what she does—she even has a master’s in this field, which made the experience even more interesting. I learned so much about the food, history, and culture of Bologna throughout the tour. Honestly, she’s one of the best tour guides I’ve ever had, and I travel often and take students on tours, so I’ve had many guides over the years. Highly recommend this tour, especially if you get Claire!
Excellent Food Tour of Bologna
RLKoester,Mar 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent food tour of Bologna. Hot all the highlights!
Food Tour Review
O6487PDmichaele,Mar 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Matt was an amazing tour guide! He was very knowledgeable about the area and was super detailed on all the food we tried. We had plenty of food & loved all the different local things we tried. Would highly recommend this food tour if going to Bologna!
Incredible Tour!
chelseatwest,Mar 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour was EVERYTHING! It was so great and so delicious. Federica was wonderful! Even with all the research I did she covered so much more. Doing this tour at the start of our stay was like a launch pad for continuing to explore.
-20% off
From €51.84Was €64.80
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