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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.
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
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
Small Group Tour: Choose this option to join our Secret Food Tour Bologna in a group of 12 people or less!
Private Tour Upgrade: Choose this option to upgrade to a private food tour of Bologna for only you and your group
1,289 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
oscarbM8534HC,
Nov 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
The hour news an amazing experience! Matthew’s knowledge of the subject and city made the tour so much fun! Anyone visiting Bologna should take this tour!
FR1,
Nov 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Mattia was a warm, friendly, highly informative and engaging tour guide with a seemingly encyclopedic knowledge of food and local history. We spent over 5 hours visiting various shops, tasting delicious food and learning about the history of Bologna and its justifiably famous cuisine. Highly recommend!!!
emanuelamastrangeli,
Nov 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Federica our guide was the best I could have wished for on this tour. From the delightful start with cookies and cakes, through the tasting of tortellini and other local specialties, all the way to the perfect finale with gelato, everything was simply unforgettable. What more can I say? Just thank you. 🤩




Voyager13778273317,
Nov 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Gabriele was the perfect guide and the tour was an absolutely amazing balance between useful information and delicious food. Gabriele went out of his way to celebrate my birthday with an additional piece of cake, thank you!
Brian B,
Nov 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
We had a wonderful time with our guide, Mattia. We covered a lot of ground and Mattia was very interesting and informative. We had a ton of great food and wine. The group was was not too large and everyone seemed to be having a great time.
giovannivE8330ON,
Nov 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Gabrielle was excellent! We had the best experience. He was knowledgeable and we got to see the best of Bologna. We highly recommend this tour!
748marians,
Nov 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Gabrielle was a fabulous guide and this tour was an absolute winner that we would definitely recommend! We really appreciated the fact that he had expert knowledge and great passion about the traditional foods of Bologna and surrounding areas. Each tasting was wonderful! We learnt about different types of prosciutto, pastas and sauces (and how to cook them), and tasted a selection of wines!
leonardocodev,
Nov 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Marco was an exceptional guide. The food was wonderful and we learned a lot about the history of Bologna. Highly recommended!
720clairek,
Nov 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Federica was an amazing guide! As a solo traveller with allergies, I felt so welcome and completely at ease. She took great care to make sure I could enjoy every stop safely, and her passion for the local food and culture really shone through. The tour was well-paced, full of delicious tastings, and a wonderful way to experience the city. I’d highly recommend it to anyone visiting!
Vic J,
Nov 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
I really enjoyed the comprehensive experience of a variety of food and beverage stops. The locations were close enough together to make for an easy walk, and the food was certainly authentic.


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