Treat your hungry self to a food tour of Bologna, and discover why the city is known for its love of gastronomy. With a local guide, you’ll savor breakfast, then sample fresh pasta, balsamic vinegar, cheese, wine, gelato, and even a secret dish—to be revealed on the tour. Explore the city by foot in between tastings, and learn about Bologna and its food heritage through the tour. Just let the local supplier know in advance if you have special dietary requirements.

Watch fresh pasta being made from scratch, then sample their best batch
Hear tips on shopping in Bologna for the beloved Parmigiano Reggiano
Learn about the ageing of balsamic vinegar on a visit to an authentic bottega
Find the most interesting stalls at Bologna’s food market, the Quadrilatero

Sample Menu

Starter

Fresh Pastries

Starter

Parmigiano Reggiano

Starter

Two traditional types of homemade pastas

Starter

Prosciutto di Parma, Mortadella Bologna, and Coppa Piacentina

Starter

12-24 year old Aged Balsamic vinegar from Modena

Starter

Artisanal gelato

Main

Our delicious Secret Dish

What's Included

Local welcoming sweet
Parmigiano Reggiano
Two traditional types of homemade pastas
Prosciutto di Parma, Mortadella Bologna and many more regional cold cuts.
8-12-25 year old Aged Balsamic vinegar from Modena
Artisanal gelato
Our delicious Secret Dish
A selection of local wines (red and white)
Espresso or macchiato
Local liquor

Hotel pickup
Hotel drop-off
Transportation

Meeting And Pickup

Meeting point

Piazza di Porta Ravegnana
P.za di Porta Ravegnana, Bologna BO, Italy
We will meet between the 2 Tower, in front of the San Petronio statue. Our guide will welcome you with an orange umbrella and a big smile!.

End point

Piazza of Santo Stefano
Piazza Santo Stefano, 40125 Bologna BO, Italy
Our Bologna food tour will end in Piazza Santo Stefano (St Stephen Square) Via Santo Stefano, 40125 Bologna BO, Italy. If you need any route/directions advice, feel free to ask your guide at the end of the tour.

What To Expect

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
Not wheelchair accessible
We strongly advise wearing comfortable walking shoes to all of our guests. Our tour runs a little over 3 hours.
*Please note: the itinerary and menu is subject to change, based on the locations' availability, weather, and other circumstances.
Near public transportation
Infants must sit on laps

Not recommended for travelers with back problems
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Due to the nature of creating a well balanced and thoughtful gastronomy experience, many of our tours are unable to accommodate certain dietary restrictions. Please contact us prior to booking your tour to see if we are able to accommodate your dietary needs.
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.

Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Featured review

Lauren_P

Andrea was a wonderful guide! A really decent amount of food so you were definitely full by the end of it. Great chance to learn about all the food unique to the region, the history and manufacturing process. Highly recommend!

Reviews

5.0

496 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

Showing 1-10 of 496 reviews

Delicious Bologna

Damian_C, Sep 2023

Our tour guide Claire was awesome. She had a fun personality. She was very thorough in her explanations and everything we had was delicious. Thankfully we did a lot of walking to burn off the food we ate along the way. Definitely recommend.

Response from Host, Sep 2023

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us, Damian! We are delighted that you enjoyed your tour led by Claire and found her to be an excellent guide. We appreciate your recommendation, and we look forward to welcoming you back on one of our Secret Food Tours in over 60 cities worldwide!

Highly recommend!

Carrie_M, Sep 2023

Excellent tour and a magnificent guide! Claire was very knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive to all of the people on our tour. My husband does not like going on tours with other people, and this tour with Claire made him change his mind. Highly recommend!

Response from Host, Sep 2023

Thanks for the review, Carrie! Here at Secret Food Tours, we always want to create memorable experiences. It's pleasing that your husband's perception of group tours has been positively influenced. Claire's dedication to providing a knowledgeable and engaging food tour is a testament to our commitment to ensuring our guests have the best possible experience. We appreciate your recommendation, and we look forward to welcoming you to our food tours in over 60 cities worldwide!

Fantastic walking tasting tour of Bologna with Gabriele

Bruce_D, Sep 2023

What a great walking tasting tour of Bologna with our knowledgeable, friendly, and enthusiastic tour guide, Gabriele! He brought us to lots of special places to learn about and (more importantly) to taste all the special foods and drinks that make Bologna famous. Highly recommended!

Response from Host, Sep 2023

We appreciate your feedback, Bruce! We always love to provide our guests with an authentic and memorable culinary journey. It's great that you found our food tour both informative and delicious. We truly appreciate your recommendation, and we hope to welcome you back on one of our tours in the future!

A excellent way to immerse yourself in Bologna

Deborah_G, Sep 2023

Highly enjoyed this experience. Our guide, Gabriele, is clearly very knowledgeable and passionate about his city. He took us to some great places, the best being the osteria (the oldest in Bologna). Enjoyed trying all the foods & learning more about the city and the Emilia Romagna region. We took on board Gabriele's recommendations, going back to buy some delicious food and drink after our tour. And we went back to the osteria a couple of days later to enjoy it ourselves! Great way to get to know the city.

Response from Host, Sep 2023

Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience with us, Deborah! We make it a point to always provide a great way for our guests to get to know Bologna through its food. It's heartening that you had such a positive experience. If you find yourself in other cities in the future, do keep in mind that Secret Food Tours is present in 60+ cities worldwide - offering unique culinary journeys. We hope to welcome you on another food adventure soon!

Exploring the best of Bologna with a great guide!

Linda_S, Sep 2023

Our guide Mattia was knowledgeable, funny, engaging and clearly has a love for his home city of Bologna and all its wonderful food! It was a great tour in every way! We would recommend this tour and especially Mattia for anyone who wants a true “taste” of Bologna!

Response from Host, Sep 2023

Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts, Linda! We appreciate your kind words and we're thrilled about your positive impressions of our guide, Mattia. His knowledge and passion for Bologna, along with his engaging and humorous approach, are indeed some of the key ingredients that make our tours special. We're delighted that you had a great time exploring the wonderful food scene in Bologna with him. We look forward to welcoming you back on another Secret Food Tour soon!

Great tour, highly recommend

Benjamin_C, Sep 2023

Marco was an excellent local guide. Plenty of excellent food and beverages with explanations of their production

Response from Host, Sep 2023

Thank you for sharing your experience, Benjamin! We make it a point to create memorable and educational food experiences for our guests. Marco's expertise and passion for sharing the secrets of the local cuisine perfectly align with our mission. We appreciate your feedback - which helps us continue to deliver exceptional food tours. We look forward to delighting you with more culinary adventures!

Wonderful food in Bologna

Ursula_R, Sep 2023

Gabrielle was a wonderful guide and took us to high quality food places. We even saw how tortellini were made. We were leaving after the tour to visit another country so we were not able to eat at his recommended places. I highly recommend this food tour.

Response from Host, Sep 2023

Thank you for sharing your experience with us, Ursula! We appreciate your positive recommendation, which helps others discover the authentic flavors of the destination. If your travels bring you to another city in the future, please keep in mind that Secret Food Tours operates in over 60 cities worldwide. We'd be delighted to have you join us again for another culinary adventure!

A must when in Bologna

Kathleen_J, Sep 2023

What a fantastic, informative and delicious tour. We loved every minute of our food tour. Our tour guide, Marco was excellent, a local and passionate. The places he brought us were authentic with good portions. He also provided some local wines for us to try. We definitely would recommend this food tour, which was a very good value for the price.

Response from Host, Sep 2023

Thank you for sharing your experience, Kathleen! It's great knowing that you enjoyed the generous portions at the different food stops and were able to savor some local wines along the way. We definitely take pride in offering a comprehensive experience that reflects the essence of Bologna's culinary heritage. We appreciate your recommendation, and it's fantastic that you found our food tour to be a great value. Thank you for choosing us, and we look forward to welcoming you back in the future!

Fun group tour

Paige_M, Sep 2023

It was a pretty good tour, Claire was friendly and made it very entertaining. The pacing was a little choppy through the tour and it would have been nice to learn more about balsamic, Parmesan, etc. overall I’d recommend the tour for a way to see the city.

Response from Host, Sep 2023

Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback with us, Paige! We're pleased that you found our food tour fun, with Claire providing an awesome experience. While we look to provide a well-rounded experience, we understand that there's always room for improvement. We appreciate your inputs. Your support is essential in helping us enhance our tours and create even more memorable experiences for our guests!

Excellent experience

Elizabeth_T, Sep 2023

Gabriella was an excellent guide, knowledgeable about the food and its origins. He engaged with the whole group.

Response from Host, Sep 2023

Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback with us, Elizabeth! We appreciate your positive comments about Gabriella's expertise and engagement during your food tour. Your feedback is important to us as it helps us continue to provide excellent experiences to our guests. We strive to ensure that each tour is not only informative, but also a memorable and enjoyable journey through the world of local cuisine. We would like to thank you for choosing Secret Food Tours for your culinary adventure. We operate in over 60 cities worldwide, and we hope you'll join us again in another location to explore even more delicious flavors!

The highlight of my Bologna trip!

Krysten_T, Sep 2023

Mattia was a wonderful tour guide! It can be a bit intimidating if you’re a solo traveler sometimes but on this food tour you’re guaranteed to have a blast meeting others while also learning about Bologna’s rich food history and traditions. It was easily the highlight of my trip to this beautiful city.

Response from Host, Sep 2023

Thank you for sharing your experience with us, Krysten! Our food tours are carefully crafted to not only showcase the delicious flavors of Bologna, but also to create a friendly and welcoming atmosphere for solo travelers and groups alike. We do take pride in our guides' expertise in sharing the rich food history and traditions of Bologna, while fostering connections among our guests. We appreciate your positive feedback and hope to welcome you to another Secret Food Tour in one of our 60+ cities worldwide in the future. Thank you for choosing us to be part of your culinary adventure!

Unforgettable experience!

Melissa_M, Sep 2023

Mattia was hands down the best tour guide we’ve ever had. He was incredibly knowledgeable, punctual, and made us feel like we were family. The stops that we made on the tour were incredible and well planned. The food, the group and the history that Mattia shared made this experience wonderful and memorable. Highly suggest going on this tour and experiencing Mattia’s Bologna.

Response from Host, Sep 2023

We appreciate your feedback about your recent food tour, Melissa! At Secret Food Tours, we take pride in curating experiences that not only satisfy your culinary cravings, but also provide a deeper understanding of the local culture and history. Your positive feedback reinforces our commitment to delivering exceptional food tours in over 60 cities worldwide. Thank you for choosing Secret Food Tours, and we look forward to welcoming you back for another memorable journey!

Bologna food experience

Vincenzo_B, Sep 2023

Our host, Mattia, was delightful. Well informed about the food and culture of the area. Just the right balance between food, drink, variety, and walking. All tastings were great and the other guests were a lot of fun.

Response from Host, Sep 2023

Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts, Vincenzo! We appreciate your kind words about our guide, Mattia, and we're glad to hear that he provided you with a well-informed and fun tour. Our goal is to strike the perfect balance between exploring the local food and culture while ensuring a memorable and engaging experience. We're delighted to know that you found the variety of tastings and the walking portions to be just right. It's fantastic to hear that you had a great time with your fellow guests, as fostering a sense of camaraderie is also an integral part of our tours. We look forward to having you again in the future. Thank you for choosing us!

Our guide had an...

Blake_A, Sep 2023

Our guide had an incredible knowledge of the food of Bologna and the history of the city and it was a great way to explore the area

Response from Host, Sep 2023

Thank you for sharing your feedback with us, Blake! Our team at Secret Food Tours is committed to providing informative and enjoyable experiences, and we're pleased to know that you had such a positive impression of your tour. Exploring the culinary and cultural delights of Bologna is truly a unique experience, and we're delighted to have been a part of your journey. If you ever find yourself in another city, do keep in mind that Secret Food Tours is present in over 60 locations worldwide. We'd be delighted to continue sharing our passion for food and history with you in your future travels!

Do this food walking tour!!!!

Michael_B, Aug 2023

Mattia (sp?) was amazing. This was our second walking tour in Bologna and it was hands down the best! Lots of history, interesting bits you wouldn’t get anywhere else. His enthusiasm for the city is contagious! We can’t say enough how much we enjoyed this tour. We need more stars than 5…

Response from Host, Aug 2023

We really appreciate your feedback on your recent Secret Food Tour in Bologna, Michael! It's wonderful to hear that Mattia's passion for the city and its history resonated with you. At Secret Food Tours, we take immense pride in crafting experiences that provide not only culinary delights, but also unique insights into the local culture and history. Your appreciation fuels our dedication to delivering exceptional tours. We remain committed to creating more remarkable experiences in the future. We'd like to take this opportunity to invite you again to explore our diverse food tours in over 60 cities worldwide. We look forward to welcoming you again for another unforgettable journey with Secret Food Tours.

Great food and excellent guide

Sheila_B, Aug 2023

Gabo was very knowledgeable about the local food and what makes it special. All of the stops had incredible food. Really enjoyed the Aceto Balsamico tasting and the visit to the shop making tortellini by hand. You will eat well and learn why Bologna has the best food in Italy.

Response from Host, Aug 2023

Thanks for the awesome review! We take great care in selecting stops that offer exceptional food experiences, and we're delighted that each stop exceeded your expectations. Our aim is to provide not only delicious meals, but also an understanding of what sets Bologna's food scene apart. Your feedback reaffirms our commitment to creating memorable and insightful food tours. We invite you to explore Secret Food Tours in over 60 cities worldwide for more unforgettable culinary journeys. Your support means a lot to us, and we look forward to welcoming you back for another remarkable food adventure soon!

There may be no better...

Lynda_T, Aug 2023

There may be no better way to discover Bologna than through its food. Mattia was a wonderful guide with great knowledge about his home town and a passion for food. I highly recommend it his tour. Tip: Eat a light breakfast. There is much food to enjoy!

Response from Host, Aug 2023

We're truly grateful for your kind words about your Secret Food Tour experience in Bologna. It's fantastic to hear that Mattia's knowledge and passion for both the city and its culinary delights made your tour memorable. We're glad you enjoyed the variety of food offerings during the tour, and your tip about having a light breakfast is spot on – our tours are known for their generous portions of delectable treats! Mattia and our entire team are committed to showcasing the best of Bologna's culinary scene while ensuring our guests have a satisfying and enriching time. Remember, Secret Food Tours operates in over 60 cities worldwide, so if you ever find yourself hungry for another adventure, we'd be delighted to have you join us again.

Fun and filling

TrevaGardner, Aug 2023

Mattas was a very knowledgeable and fun guide, the tour not only was around food but also the history of Bologna which was fascinating- highly recommend.

Response from Host, Aug 2023

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. We always believe in providing a holistic experience that not only tantalizes your palate, but also enriches your understanding of the local culture and heritage. Mattia’s expertise and passion for the history of Bologna truly shine through, creating a tour that's both educational and delightful. If you're ever looking to explore more culinary adventures and uncover the hidden gems of other cities, remember that Secret Food Tours operates in over 60 locations worldwide. We invite you to join us in discovering the flavors and stories that make each city unique.

Good experience learning about Bologna and its food!

SungDae_H, Jul 2023

We did the Bologna food walking tour with Gabriele with our kids, 10 and 16. Overall it was a great tour and Gabriele told great stories. We got to see Italian ladies hand making pasta, went to a several hundred year old drinking hole, and had arguably the best gelato in Italy. He also gave us a fantastic recommendation for dinner! A couple of things - the amount of food was decent but not super filling (at least for grown men or very hungry people) and the first 75 minutes was mostly walking and talking and not eating. There was no “secret dish” either unless I missed it. But overall, it was a very good tour and recommended.

Excellent day where we...

Lynn_W, Jul 2023

Excellent day where we met lots if new people from around the world whilst experiencing the delights of bologna. The food and the people were amazing enjoying local dishes with good company. Marco was both informative and delightful full of stories and history of both bologna its heritage and its food. Definitely recommend

Response from Host, Jul 2023

It sounds like you had an exceptional day in Bologna, filled with delightful experiences and wonderful encounters! Meeting new people from around the world and sharing in the culinary delights of Bologna must have been a truly enriching experience. We're thrilled that the food and the company of fellow travelers made the day so memorable. Exploring local dishes while enjoying good company is one of the best ways to immerse oneself in the culture and flavors of a city. Marco, your guide, appears to have played a significant role in making the tour special. His informative and charming demeanor, along with the fascinating stories and historical insights he shared about Bologna and its heritage, likely added depth to your experience.

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