Bologna: Walking Food Tour with a Local Expert
About This Experience
Join a local expert for a gastronomic journey through Bologna, seeking out the hidden gems that only residents know. This three-hour walk recreates the classic outings Bolognese families enjoy with friends, immersing you in the authentic rhythm of the old town. Along the way you'll sample over fifteen tastings of the region's finest food and wine, from your very first bite to the last spoonful of gelato.
You'll begin with tigella, one of Bologna's most iconic dishes, served as a delightful pre-aperitivo. From there you'll explore the central market and traditional artisan shops, tasting cold cuts such as mortadella, cheeses including Parmigiano Reggiano paired with 25-year balsamic vinegar, and freshly baked breads, all matched with local wines at the city's oldest osteria. Strolling through the historic centre, you'll enjoy two beloved homemade pastas, tortellini and tagliatelle, at a traditional trattoria bolognese.
To finish on a sweet note, you'll visit a much-loved gelateria for artisanal gelato crafted since 1976. Throughout, your guide shares stories, insider tips and fun anecdotes about Bologna's food, history and traditions, making this far more than a tasting tour, but a genuine cultural immersion.
Highlights
- Taste homemade pasta alongside a spread of cold cuts, cheeses and local wines
- Learn how 25-year-old balsamic vinegar is made and try a locally produced one
- Discover Bologna and hear anecdotes about its history and traditions
- Sample Parmigiano Reggiano, mortadella, tortellini, tagliatelle and more
- Finish with a scoop of some of the best artisanal gelato in town
What's Included
- ✓ 3-hour guided tour with a local expert
- ✓ A progressive tasting journey across five local shops, with different wines throughout
- ✓ Personal recommendations from your guide for the rest of your stay
Not Included
- Gratuities (optional)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Additional food and drinks beyond the included tastings
What to Bring
- Comfortable shoes
- Weather-appropriate clothing
Good to Know & Caveats
- Stops and tastings may vary depending on the season and bank holidays.
- Please let us know about any dietary requirements when booking so we can prepare where possible.
- The tour involves walking and standing throughout the historic centre, so wear comfortable shoes.
- This is a small, sociable experience led by a local guide, in the spirit of a family outing.
- Baby strollers are welcome on the walk.
Not Suitable For
- Wheelchair users
- Vegans
- People with gluten intolerance
Meeting Point
Meet at the Fountain of Neptune, where a guide will be waiting right in front of the statue holding an orange umbrella.
What Travelers Say
Rated 4.8/5 by 1784 verified GetYourGuide travelers.
This was my first time in Bologna and my first food tour, and although I am quite familiar with Italy and have lived in Europe for many years, I have to say that the store opened my eyes to the hidden culinary gems of the city. Our tour guide Stefy skillfully guided us…
— Franki, July 20
Roberta was a phenomenal tour guide. Very informative, personable and made the tour enjoyable for everyone. The food options were amazing and plenty of it! Thank you for the wonderful experience.
— Mary, July 20
Our guide, Stef, was amazing! She was very knowledgeable of the food and traditions! We learned a lot and ate very tasty food. It never felt rushed as we went to multiple different restaurants. She also gave us tips for other places to visit during our trip.
— Gunnar, July 20
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Bologna food tour cost?
The tour is priced from €78 per person. That includes a three-hour guided walk and over fifteen tastings of local food and wine across five shops, so there's plenty of value in a single sitting.
What will I taste, and can dietary needs be accommodated?
You'll try tigella, cold cuts such as mortadella, cheeses including Parmigiano Reggiano with 25-year balsamic vinegar, homemade tortellini and tagliatelle, local wines and artisanal gelato. The tour is not suitable for vegans or those with gluten intolerance, but you're welcome to share any dietary requirements when booking so we can help where possible.
Where does the tour start and how long does it last?
The experience lasts three hours and begins at the Fountain of Neptune in central Bologna. Look for your guide standing right in front of the statue with an orange umbrella.
