Taste authentic Bologna with culinary adventures led by Bologna Italy Food Tours - locals who know this city's food soul. Our guides will take you through historic markets, family-run trattorias, and centuries-old food shops where pasta is still made by hand. From fresh tortellini to aged Parmigiano Reggiano and traditional mortadella, we'll show you why Bologna is called "La Grassa" (the fat one) with pride and love.
Taste why Bologna is Italy's food capital on our most popular tours through historic markets, family trattorias, and authentic pasta workshops.
Navigate Bologna's culinary scene with ease on this private food tour led by a passionate local guide, visiting handpicked authentic eateries for six or ten regional tastings—from tortellini fritti and formaggio bianco to torta di riso and piadina—while discovering city highlights between food stops, all exclusively for your group with vegetarian options available and carbon-neutral experience included.
Savor Bologna on this 3-hour guided food tour featuring over 15 authentic tastings, including iconic tigella, premium cold cuts and cheeses with local wines at the city's oldest osteria, handmade tortellini and tagliatelle at a traditional trattoria, and artisan gelato at the best gelateria, while exploring the historic center and learning culinary traditions from knowledgeable local guides who reveal hidden gems only locals know.
Journey through Bologna's culinary heart on this private walking food tour led by a local foodie guide, exploring authentic eateries and specialty shops in the medieval Quadrilatero district while savoring handmade pasta, Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma, Mortadella, aged balsamic vinegar, artisanal gelato, and a secret signature dish paired with local wines, espresso, and regional liquor, discovering landmarks like Palazzo della Mercanzia and Basilica di San Petronio, all customized to your preferences and pace.
Go behind the scenes at renowned Emilia-Romagna food producers where you'll witness the artisan craftsmanship behind Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, traditional balsamic vinegar, and authentic Prosciutto di Parma.
Travel from Bologna to Parma by train on this full-day culinary tour, visiting a traditional Parmigiano Reggiano dairy to witness production from copper caldere to aging warehouses, learning to "tap" wheels like experts before tasting different ages with local mustards and red wine, then touring a renowned Parma ham factory to see aging cellars and the traditional "sugnatura" technique followed by generous ham and wine tastings, all with round-trip train tickets, local guide, and transfers included.
Dive into Emilia-Romagna's culinary heritage on this full-day tour from Bologna, starting early at a Parmigiano-Reggiano dairy to witness cheesemaking and explore aging warehouses before tasting young and aged varieties, visiting a traditional balsamic vinegar producer in Castelvetro di Modena to discover family secrets among aging barrels after breakfast with local salame, mortadella, and Lambrusco, then touring a prosciutto factory to learn the meticulous curing process followed by charcuterie tastings, culminating in a multi-course traditional Italian lunch with wine pairings.
Tour one of the few prosciutto factories open to visitors at Montevecchio near Bologna, discovering the traditional production process from fresh pork selection through meticulous aging of Prosciutto di Modena DOP, Guanciale, pork loin, and pork belly, learning time-honored techniques and strict regulations, followed by an authentic tasting of premium prosciutto paired with carefully selected wines in a charming Italian setting, with round-trip transfers and shopping opportunities included.
Eat like a local as you navigate Bologna's vibrant streets sampling crispy tigelle, stuffed crescentine, fresh mortadella sandwiches, and other beloved street snacks that fuel daily life in this culinary city.
Savor Bologna's culinary treasures on this private walking tour with a local guide through the medieval Quadrilatero market district, tasting handmade pasta, Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma, Mortadella, aged balsamic vinegar, artisanal gelato, and a secret dish paired with local wines, espresso, and regional liquor, while visiting landmarks like Palazzo della Mercanzia and Basilica di San Petronio, fully customized to your pace and preferences.
Live like a local on this 3-hour Bologna food tour featuring over 15 tastings, starting with iconic tigella, savoring premium cold cuts, cheeses, and bread paired with wines at the city's oldest osteria, indulging in handmade tortellini and tagliatelle at a traditional trattoria, discovering locally produced balsamic vinegar secrets, and finishing with artisan gelato at the best gelateria, while your passionate local guide shares hidden gems, fascinating traditions, and insider recommendations throughout the historic center.
Taste your way through Bologna on this intimate 4.5-hour small-group walking tour featuring over 20 local specialties across 6 authentic stops, starting with cappuccino and cornetto at the city's best café, visiting a traditional pasta workshop for handmade pasta, premium cold cuts, and 30-month Parmigiano Reggiano, exploring the bustling Quadrilatero market with aperitivo and wine, savoring a sit-down lunch with three types of handmade pasta paired with regional wine, sampling aged balsamic vinegar including 25-year DOP, and finishing with artisanal gelato, while passionate local guides share fascinating stories about Piazza Maggiore, the Two Towers, and insider recommendations, limited to 9 travelers.
Journey through the rolling hills of Emilia-Romagna's wine country where you'll taste celebrated Lambrusco, Sangiovese, and Pignoletto wines at family-owned vineyards and historic wine cellars.
Join a local guide for an evening journey through Bologna's vibrant nightlife, hopping between the city's trendiest downtown bars for three drinks including Lambrusco wine and three bites featuring mortadella and regional specialties, strolling past illuminated landmarks like Piazza Maggiore, Palazzo del Podestà, and the medieval Finestrella canal while learning about student life and local culture, with vegetarian and non-alcoholic options available for a personalized bar-hopping adventure.
Tour Italy's renowned Food Valley on this private all-inclusive journey from Bologna or Modena, visiting three artisan producers: a traditional acetaia to learn balsamic vinegar's aging secrets followed by tasting and countryside lunch with beverages, a dairy farm for Parmigiano-Reggiano production tours with fresh ricotta and aged cheese tastings, and an independent winery featuring a Museum of Wine and Traditions before sampling Lambrusco and Pignoletto, all with private round-trip transport and flexible itinerary.
Savor Bologna's authentic wine culture on this 1.5-hour tasting at a family-run organic winery, sampling four carefully crafted wines paired with traditional local salumi and cheeses (vegetarian option available), touring the cellar and fermentation room to learn about meticulous organic cultivation methods and sustainable winemaking processes, all in a warm family atmosphere where even children over 10 are welcome with fruit juice and food, perfect for wine enthusiasts and curious travelers seeking artisanal craftsmanship and the region's finest organic produce.
Learn the art of Italian cuisine from expert chefs and local nonnas who teach you to hand-roll tagliatelle, craft delicate tortellini, and prepare authentic Bolognese dishes in intimate hands-on classes.
Learn authentic Bolognese cooking in local host Giovanna's welcoming home, mastering 2-3 traditional family recipes including handmade egg pasta like tagliatelle al ragù, lasagne, or local gramigna with sausage, plus a seasonal side or dessert, starting with crescentine bread filled with salumi and cheese, then savoring the meal you've prepared paired with Pignoletto or Lambrusco wine while Giovanna shares fascinating culinary tales in an intimate, warm family atmosphere.
Join an authentic sfoglina chef in Ravenna for a private 3-hour hands-on pasta-making class, mastering the art of rolling dough with a traditional mattarello to craft perfect Passatelli, delicate Cappelletti, and silky Garganelli, then sitting down to savor the fruits of your labor over lunch or dinner paired with a glass of local Albana or Sangiovese wine, with customizable menus available for vegetarians, dairy-free, and pregnant participants, perfect for impressing friends with your newfound homemade pasta skills.
Master Bologna's legendary pasta in Grace's welcoming home kitchen, learning authentic techniques for crafting tagliatelle and tortelloni from scratch, preparing rich meat ragù and traditional sauces during this hands-on private class, then savoring the generous dishes you've created over lunch with wine and dessert while Grace shares fascinating stories about the city's rich food culture, with seasonal and vegetarian menus available, limited to 5 participants.
Bologna has earned its reputation as the culinary heart of Italy, and once you visit, you'll understand why. This is where some of Italy's most beloved dishes were born: fresh tagliatelle, tortellini made by hand, and the real ragù that bears little resemblance to what the rest of the world calls Bolognese sauce. Walk through the historic porticos and you'll find family-run shops that have been making mortadella and Parmigiano Reggiano the same way for generations. The food markets buzz with energy, trattorias serve recipes passed down through families, and locals take their cuisine seriously in the best possible way. Bologna isn't trying to impress tourists with fancy presentations. Instead, it offers something better: authentic flavors, time-honored traditions, and the kind of meals that make you want to come back for more.
Learn the art of handmade pasta from local experts who've been rolling tagliatelle and shaping tortellini for generations.
Explore vibrant food markets and sample authentic Parmigiano Reggiano, mortadella, and traditional balsamic vinegar.
Taste exceptional wines from Emilia-Romagna, including Lambrusco and Sangiovese, paired with local specialties.
Experience genuine Bolognese cuisine in traditional trattorias where recipes have been perfected over decades.
Our expert team has been helping food lovers from the US and Canada discover and book Bologna culinary experiences for over a decade, ensuring your gastronomic journey is seamless with everything arranged before you arrive.
With deep knowledge of Bologna's culinary scene, partnerships with trusted local chefs and food artisans, and a passion for creating unforgettable experiences, we're committed to making your food journey truly extraordinary. From your first inquiry to your last tasting, we're here to support you every step of the way.
Bologna Italy Food Tours is recognized by travelers and food industry experts
Travelers' Choice Award
2024
Guest Experience Excellence
Best Food Tour Operator Italy
Outstanding Service Recognition
2023
Italian Culinary Tourism Award
We recommend 3-4 days in Bologna to fully experience the city's incredible food scene, explore its historic sites, and enjoy a relaxed pace without feeling rushed. This gives you time to savor authentic Bolognese cuisine, take a cooking class or food tour, and wander the charming porticoed streets. With 4 days, you can also add rewarding day trips to nearby culinary destinations like Modena for balsamic vinegar tastings, Parma for prosciutto and Parmigiano-Reggiano tours, or Ferrara and Ravenna for cultural exploration—all easily accessible by train and perfect for food lovers wanting to dive deeper into Emilia-Romagna's gastronomic treasures.
Yes! Bologna's Centro Storico is extremely walkable and safe at any hour. The city features extensive portici (covered walkways) that provide shade and even grade surfaces, making it one of the most accessible Italian cities for those with mobility issues. You can easily reach most major attractions on foot without needing transportation.
Yes, RideMovi bikeshare is available throughout the city for around €2 per ride. The system offers mostly e-bikes with high pedal assist, plus some conventional bikes. There's about an 80% success rate finding a functional bike nearby. Bologna has extensive bike lanes, including well-protected routes, and drivers are generally respectful of cyclists.
For authentic Bolognese pasta, try Pasta Fresca Naldi (takeout only, but exceptional orecchiette ai broccoli, tagliatelle al ragu, and lasagne), Trattoria Da Me (reservations recommended, experimental takes on classics), Sfoglia Rina (for fresh pasta to cook at home), or Le Sfogline (excellent tortelloni with ricotta). Tamburini also offers high-quality tagliatelle al ragu and tortelloni burro e salvia. Each spot offers a unique experience of Bologna's legendary pasta tradition.
Many restaurants and shops close for extended summer holidays, typically from mid-July through late August. For example, Pasta Fresca Naldi closes from approximately July 17 to August 24. If you're visiting during summer, check ahead to confirm your must-visit spots will be open, as this summer closure tradition is common throughout Italy.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted throughout Bologna, including on public transportation—you can tap your credit card directly on TPER buses without needing to buy tickets separately. Most restaurants, shops, cafes, and attractions accept card payments. However, it's wise to carry some cash (euros) for smaller establishments, street food vendors, markets, and occasional places that may be cash-only or have card minimums. ATMs are readily available throughout the city center if you need to withdraw cash.
Stay in or near the Centro Storico (historic center) for the best experience. This compact, walkable area puts you within easy reach of all major attractions, restaurants, bars, and shops. The extensive portici (covered walkways) make getting around comfortable in any weather. Accommodations range from budget hostels to mid-range hotels and luxury options. L'Hotel Il Guercino in Bolognina is a solid choice—it's clean, comfortable, has a nice spa downstairs, and is just a short walk to the Centro Storico. The Bolognina neighborhood offers a more local feel while remaining convenient to everything. Wherever you stay, prioritize locations within or close to the historic center to maximize your time exploring rather than commuting.
Yes! While some food tour companies require a minimum of two people, several operators in Bologna welcome solo travelers. Taste Bologna (tastebologna.net) specifically accepts solo bookings for their Classic Bologna tour—just book for one person and other travelers will join the group. Food tours are an excellent way to experience Bologna's culinary scene, learn from local experts, try multiple dishes in a well-paced format, and get insider recommendations for the rest of your trip. Tours typically cover iconic dishes like tortellini, mortadella, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and traditional balsamic vinegar, making them perfect for food-focused travelers exploring the city alone.
Sfoglia Rina is highly recommended for fresh pasta to take home—their Ballenzoni are especially amazing. Le Sfogline also offers excellent fresh pasta like tortelloni with ricotta, though note they open and close early, which can make it challenging to pick up pasta for dinner unless you're going straight home with it.
For most casual spots and street food, no reservations are needed. However, for popular restaurants like Trattoria Da Me, making a same-day or advance reservation is highly recommended to guarantee a table. Many excellent options like Pasta Fresca Naldi are takeout only, while others like Osteria dell'Orsa operate on a first-come, first-served basis—just be prepared for potential lines during peak hours.
