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Named as the world’s food capital in 2022, by the Condé Nast Magazine, Bologna captivates with its mouthwatering cuisine.
Known as “La Grassa” or The Fat One, the best food tours in Bologna emphasize the city’s rich culinary culture and traditional recipes.
And the Bologna food tours we took helped us understand why Bologna is considered one of the food capitals of the world.
To better plan your Bolognese culinary adventure, we selected the 7 best food tours in Bologna to take.
Expect to eat well and embrace being a good eater, or as the Italian say, “’buona forchetta.”
Comparison Table For Bologna Food Tours
| Bologna Food Tours | Price ($USD) | Group Size | Start Time | Duration (hours) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taste Bologna Food Tour With Market Visit | $97.75 | Max 12 | 10:00 am | 3.5h | Best overall |
| Secret Food Tours Bologna | $97.55 | Max 10 | 10:00 am | 4h | Value |
| Delicious Bologna Food Tour | $122.35 | Max 8 | 10:00 am | 4.5h | Local experience |
| Food Factory Tour Bologna, Parma, Modena With Lunch | $216.89 | Max 20 | 7:00 am | 8h | Producers visits |
| Bologna Aperitivo Tour | $141.25 | Private tour | 7:00 pm | 2.5h | Wine lovers |
| 10 Tastings with Locals Private Food Tour | $161.28 | Private tour | Every 30 mins from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm | 3h | Private experience |
| Classic Bologna Food Tour | $127.91 | Max 10 | 10:00 am | 4h | Markets’ visits |
The prices of these food tours in Bologna are shown in Euros. We provide USD conversion at the time of writing. Please note that prices might vary slightly when you book your tour. Availability of some Bologna food tours may differ based on season and time of year.
AUTHENTIC FOOD QUEST TIP: Beyond food tours, taking cooking classes in Bologna is another way to dive into the traditional dishes and recipes. While in Bologna, we took a Pasta Mama cooking class at a local’s home and learned to make traditional Bolognese pasta dishes. For over three hours, we had fun learning about Bologna’s culinary culture while making different fresh pasta dishes and sauces. See our guide to the Best Bologna Cooking Class in 2023 For Authentic Bolognese Pasta Making
Top 7 Bologna Food Tours
1. Taste Bologna Food Tour With Market Visit – Best Overall
Our favorite and most comprehensive food tour we took in Bologna was this Taste Bologna food tour with a market visit.
This 3.5-hour food tour with a local guide takes you to the local artisans to explore the food culture and local specialties that make Bologna food world-famous.
There are more than 10 food and wine tastings, starting out with breakfast at one of the oldest pastry shops.
At Mercato Delle Erbe, the oldest covered market in Bologna, you’ll savor food tastings of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, Mortadella, seasonal produce, and much more.
During your culinary adventure, you’ll watch a live pasta-making demonstration and sample fresh tortelli pasta. You’ll also enjoy a fascinating stop for food and wine at the oldest osteria in the city.
While already satisfied, be sure to leave room for a delicious lunch featuring homemade tagliatelle at a local trattoria. A sweet finish ends the tour with a surprising local treat.
This Bologna food tour is full of culinary insights and stories from a passionate knowledgeable guide.
You explore the local produce, visit a market, dive into the local wine while also learning about the rich culinary traditions.
This is one of the best food tours in Bologna for diving into the local food and regional wine.
Cost: About $97.75 per person
Time and Length of Tour: Approximately 3.5 hours. Tour starts at 10:00 am
Group Style: Group tour of a maximum of 12 people
2. Secret Food Tours Bologna – Best Value
Food and walking tours in Bologna’s historic city center are a great way to explore the local food scene while exploring the city’s medieval history.
This Secret Food Tours in Bologna offers a complete experience from local pastries, cheese, fresh pasta, wine, balsamic vinegar, gelato, and more.
You’ll spend about 4-hours walking around the city while learning about Bologna’s food heritage.
After breakfast, you’ll try regional Emilia Romagna specialties like Parma ham, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, Balsamic Vinegar from Modena, and more.
After watching a live pasta-making demonstration, you’ll savor the rich flavors of homemade fresh pasta and Bolognese sauce at a local trattoria.
A secret signature dish will end your food tour, along with artisanal gelato from a renowed gelateria.
If you want a private Bologna food tour, Secret Food Tours offers a private option as well.
This Bologna food tour is an entertaining culinary journey through Bologna food and history.
Cost: About $97.55 per person
Time and Length of Tour: Approximately 4 hours. Tour starts at 10:00 am
Group Style: Small group tour of a maximum of 10 people
3. Delicious Bologna Food Tour – Best For Local Experience
Taste Bologna and discover the local cuisine at selected food stops and in a small intimate group.
On this Delicious Bologna Food Tour, you’ll spend about 4.5 hours seeing and eating Bologna from a local’s perspective.
Along with a local guide, you’ll visit local artisans and learn about Bologan’s culinary traditions as you sample the local specialties.
You’ll make at least 6 food stops from breakfast to lunch visiting family owned eateries and experiencing what Bologna is best known for.
You will sample many local specialties from the Emilia Romagna region. Amongst them are nigella with pesto, parmigiano reggiano cheese, prosciutto di Parma, mortadella and more.
At family-owned restaurants, where you savor delicious local cuisine including different kinds of homemade pasta dishes.
And you’ll also try regional wines, Balsamic Vinegar from Modena and the tour ends with exquisite gelato.
This Bologna tour is focused in the city center where you’ll explore the hidden gems with a Bolognese local guide.
Offering an intimate and indepth experience, you’ll enjoy delicious food and leave with a deeper appreciation of Bologna’s food culture.
Cost: About $122.35 per person
Time and Length of Tour: Approximately 4.5 hours. Tour starts at 10:00 am
Group Style: Small group tour of a maximum of 8 people
AUTHENTIC FOOD QUEST TIP: If your Italy travels take you to Florence, consider taking a food tour to explore Tuscan cuisine. See our guide to the best 10 Must-Try Food Tours of Florence To Explore the Local Cuisine
4. Food Factory Tour Bologna, Parma, Modena With Lunch – Best For Producers Visits
Get outside of Bologna and go behind the scenes on visits to local factories and producers in the wider Emilia Romagna region.
This Food Factory Tour Bologna, Parma, Modena With Lunch is a full day culinary tour to meet the people behind the local foods.
You’ll learn how regional products are made as you savor delicious food, paired with wines from the Emilia Romagna region.
Your Bologna itinerary will be filled with amazing food and wine pairings as you learn how the local food is produced.
At a cheese factory, you’ll sample Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, from freshly made to aged cheeses.
You’ll discover the real taste of Modena Balsamic Vinegar at an Acetaia or vinegar factory and learn about the aging process.
And, the finest Prosciutto di Parma along with wine tastings will also be savored along the way.
This tour includes breakfast and a delicious lunch made with traditional recipes.
Multiple food tastings throughout the day will excite your taste buds as you admire the beauty of Emilia-Romagna’s countryside.
For those looking to go beyond Bologna and meet the local artisans, this is one of the best food tours in Bologna to take.
Cost: About $216.89 per person
Time and Length of Tour: Approximately 8 hours. Tour starts at 7:00 am
Group Style: Group tour of a maximum of 20 people
5. Bologna Aperitivo Tour – Best For Wine Lovers
Enjoy local drinks and delicious food and cured meats on a lively evening tour in the city centre.
This Bologna wine and bites aperitivo tour takes you to three wine bars for regional wine pairings and local food specialties.
You’ll spend about 2.5 hours with a private guide stopping at some of the historic and trendiest bars for a taste of the night culture.
You will sample selections of cured meats, like Mortadella and Prosciutto di Parma. Local cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano topped with Balsamic Vinegar will surprise you.
Everything will be paired with regional wines like Lambrusco wine, Sangiovese and others.
If you have non-drinkers and vegetarians as part of your group, substitutions will be provided making it a tasty Bologna food tour for all.
In Bologna’s historic center, you’ll learn about iconic landmarks and attractions. You’ll be impressed by the history in the main plaza or Piazza Maggiore as well as the iconic Neptune Fountain.
If you want to explore Bologan’s nightlife, on a private tour and at your own pace, this is one of the best food tours in Bologna to take.
Cost: About $141.25 per person
Time and Length of Tour: Approximately 2.5 hours. Tours start every half hour from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Group Style: Private group tour
6. 10 Tastings With Locals – Best Private Experience
If you are looking to uncover the best of Bologna food consider a private tour with a local guide.
This 3-hour food tour with 10 tastings offers an intimate experience to taste Bologna with an informative local guide.
The delicious Italian food on this tour includes a curated sampling of iconic dishes. From cured meats, to regional cheeses, homemade pasta, you are in for non-stop great food eating.
Regional wines and local drinks are also part of the package providing a well-rounded Bologna culinary experience.
As this is a food and walking tour, you’ll also visit some of Bologna’s main attractions.
You will pass by Piazza Maggiore, Piazza del Nettuno and the famous Quadrilatero, an ancient market of Bologna.
Consider this Bologna private food tour for individual attention and a gastronomic experience customized for you.
Cost: About $161.28 per person
Time and Length of Tour: Approximately 3 hours. Tours start every half hour from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm
Group Style: Private food tour
7. Classic Bologna Food Tour – Best For Markets’ Visits
Explore Bologna’s famous markets and eat your way through the medieval city center on a traditional Bologna food tour.
This 4-hour Classic Bologna Food Tour takes you to the city’s famous food stops for traditional local specialties.
You’ll enjoy breakfast as you visit Piazza Maggiore, the city’s main square. At two of the city’s food markets, Mercato delle Erbe and Quadrilatero, you’ll sample the local delicacies.
You will try fresh fruit and vegetables, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, Mortadella and other delights.
At one of the most famous local Bologna restaurants, you’ll watch the intricate preparation of handmade tortellini pasta, and enjoy them with Bolognese ragù, the city’s famous sauce.
Lunch is offered at a historic Osteria and your Bologna food tour ends with delicious Italian gelato.
Cost: About $129.91 per person
Time and Length of Tour: Approximately 4 hours. Tour starts at 10:00 am
Group Style: Small group tour of a maximum of 10 people
RELATED: 6 Must-Visit Food Markets in Bologna For Tasty Local Flavors
What to Consider When Choosing a Food Tour in Bologna Italy?
Bologna, Italy’s food capital is famous for many regional specialties. Taking Bologna food tours is a tasty way to explore the amazing food at culinary gems with a local guide.
To help make your planning for visiting Bologna easier, here are a few considerations as you book your Bologna food tour.
AUTHENTIC FOOD QUEST TIP: Make your culinary travels worry-free! With the right travel insurance, you’ll enjoy a delicious experience. From medical emergencies, flight cancelations, car rental protection, or tour cancelations, a good travel insurance has got you covered. Check out our travel insurance review for food lovers to get started.
What Kind of Food Tour Experience Do You Want
Before making your Bologna food tour choice, consider your preferences.
What time of the day do you prefer? Do you want a morning tour or would you prefer an evening Bologna food tour?
Are you more comfortable in small group tour or do you prefer private tours customized for you and your group?
Do you want to explore Bologna’s historic center, or do you have time in your schedule to visit factories and producers in the Emilia-Romangna region?
With these considerations in mind, select the Bologna food tour that best suits your needs.
RELATED: Tuscany Day Tour: Visit Siena, San Gimignano, and Chianti in One Day
What Is Your Budget for Your Bologna Food Tour
Another aspect to consider before booking your food tours in Bologna is your budget.
The best Bologna food tours range in price from $97.73 to $216.89 per person.
Depending on your group size, the tour operator may offer discounted rates.
On a positive note, all these food tours in Bologna have a free cancellation policy up to 24 to 72 hours before the experience.
RELATED: The 10 Best Food Tours of Florence For A Local Experience
Frequently Asked Questions – Bologna
What Is the Famous Food Street in Bologna?
One of the most famous food streets in Bologna is Via D’Azeglio filled with bars, restaurants and boutiques.
What Is Bologna Famous For?
Bologna, the capital of Emilia- Romagna is famous for its cultural and historic legacy. It is probably best known for its culinary traditions and rich cuisine.
Is Bologna Known for Its Food?
Bologna is world-famous for its cuisine, including Mortadella, Tortellini, Lasagna, Tagliatelle al ragù and more. The local wines such as Lambrusco and Sangiovese are also celebrated.
Have you taken or would you like to take food tours in Bologna? Please let us know in the comments below,
Savor the Adventure!
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Claire is co-founder of Authentic Food Quest and a lover of simple and exquisite cuisine. Since 2015, with her partner, Rosemary, she has been traveling the world as a digital nomad, creating content about local food experiences.
Her advice from visiting 45 countries and more than 240 food cities has been featured in Lonely Planet, Business Insider, Honest Cooking, Food Insider, and Huffington Post. She has also co-authored three books, including one in collaboration with Costa Brava Tourism.
An ex-mechanical engineer, Claire is responsible for SEO, keeping the website running, and the fun food & travel videos on YouTube.
When Claire is not eating, she can be found running or cycling. Find out more about Authentic Food Quest