The tour runs rain or shine. Thanks to Bologna’s famous porticos, we stay dry for most of the walk.

Are children allowed on the tour?

Absolutely! Infants and children up to 4 years old join for free. We also offer discounted tickets for older children.

How much walking is involved?

We walk about 1.5 to 2 km at a very leisurely pace with several seated stops.

Yes, local wines like Lambrusco or Pignoletto are included. Non-alcoholic alternatives are always available.

Casual clothing is fine, but comfortable walking shoes are essential for Bologna’s historic cobblestones.

Do I need to tip the guide?

Tipping is not mandatory in Italy but is greatly appreciated if you enjoyed the tour.

Why choose Taste Bologna?

We were the first food tour in town, featured by Netflix, BBC, and The Guardian. We focus on small groups and authentic, local spots.

Classic Bologna Food Tour

Q: What kind of food will we taste? Is it enough for a meal?

You will taste Bologna's 'Holy Trinity': Mortadella, Handmade Pasta, and Parmigiano Reggiano, along with balsamic vinegar and gelato. It is a full, progressive meal.

Q: Is the tour suitable for vegetarians or those with dietary requirements?

Yes! We accommodate vegetarians, gluten-free diets, and pregnant women. Please specify your needs in the 'Notes' section during booking.

Q: How do I book and what payment methods do you accept?

Booking is secure via our online platform. We accept major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex). We do not accept cash payments on the day.

Q: What is the maximum group size?

To ensure an intimate and high-quality experience, our groups are limited to a maximum of 10 people.

Q: Is the tour wheelchair and stroller accessible?

Yes, our itinerary is accessible. Please let us know in the booking notes so we can ensure the best route for you.

Q: Where is the meeting spot?

We meet in a central location near Piazza Maggiore. Exact details are sent in your booking confirmation email.

Q: What language will the guide speak?

Tours are conducted in English. For other languages, please contact us to book a private tour.

UN CAFFÈ, PER FAVORE?

Start your day with a gourmet coffee made by the hands of Alessandro, the best barista in Bologna.
Relax under the portico and learn why his coffee is so special.

SHOP LIKE LOCAL IN THE MARKETS

Quadrilatero and Mercato delle Erbe are the foodie heart of Bologna.
Shop your lunch around the stalls, meet the shop owners and smell the life of the markets.

A MASTER AT WORK

Meet the old ladies of pasta and watch how the golden sfoglia is rolled out by hand.
And after the hard work, what’s better than a steaming portion of Bologna’s pasta icon of the day?

TUTTI A TAVOLA!

Stop for lunch in the oldest osteria in Italy to taste famous and hidden cold cuts, local cheese with balsamic.
Share food opinions, relax and cheer with a glass of Pignoletto: salute!

THE SWEET GOODBYE

Bologna is also the city of gelato: learn its secrets and taste the difference.
Warning: you won't have pistachio again back home ;)

Group of friends with gelato during a Bologna food tour

Lunch with Mortadella during a bologna food tour

Lasagna bolognese during a food tour in Bologna

PRACTICAL INFO

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Breakfast with gourmet coffee
A portion of traditional handmade pasta (Lasagne or Tortellini). We follow the rhythm of the seasons to serve you only what’s at its peak.
Full lunch with traditional cured meat like mortadella and salame rosa, Parmigiano Reggiano, and other local cheese with Balsamic vinegar of Modena
Organic local wines like Pignoletto, Sangiovese, or Lambrusco
Gelato tasting in my favorite gelateria in Bologna
Our exclusive foodie map – A hand-picked selection of 20+ local spots to keep you eating well for the rest of your stay.

Tours are led by official guides or tour leaders fluent in English.

PRICE

€89 per person, plus tax
€45 for children aged 4 to 10 years.

Admission is free for children under 4 years old.

START

10 am (weekdays, 9:30 am on Saturday) in Piazza Maggiore square in the corner with Via De Pignattari

LENGTH

4 hours

TOUR SCHEDULE

Monday to Saturday, except holidays. On Sundays, only private tours.

MAXIMUM CAPACITY

Intimate experience: limited to 10 people

PLEASE NOTE

This is not a private tour. Contact us if you'd like a private tour based on your preferences.

This tour is adaptable for:

Gluten-free
Vegetarians
Dairy-free
Pregnant women

WHAT OUR GUESTS ARE SAYING

RECOMMENDED BY

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

General Tour Information

How long is the tour and what areas of Bologna will we visit?

The Classic Bologna Food Tour lasts approximately 4 hours. We’ll take a deep dive into the heart of the city’s food scene, including the historic Quadrilatero (the ancient medieval market) and the vibrant Mercato delle Erbe. It’s a full immersion into the city's culinary soul.

Where is the meeting spot and where does the tour end?

We meet in a central, easy-to-find location near Piazza Maggiore (exact details will be sent in your confirmation email). The tour concludes within a short walking distance of the starting point, making it easy for you to continue exploring or head back to your accommodation.

What language will the guide speak?

Our tours are primarily conducted in English by local experts who love sharing Bologna’s food culture. If you are interested in a tour in another language (like German or French), please contact us for private tour options.

What should I do if I’m running late for the tour?

We have a 15-minute policy: to respect the schedule of our guests and partners, we always start the tour 15 minutes after the official meeting time. If you are running late, please contact us immediately via email, phone, or WhatsApp. We will do our absolute best to help you catch up with the group at the first possible stop.

Food and Drink

What kind of food will we taste? Is it enough for a meal?

Absolutely! You won’t leave hungry. You’ll taste the "Holy Trinity" of Bologna: Mortadella, handmade Pasta, and Parmigiano Reggiano, along with local balsamic vinegar, artisanal gelato, and more. It is designed to be a full, progressive meal spread across several stops.

Is the tour suitable for vegetarians or those with dietary requirements?

Yes! We can accommodate vegetarians, gluten-free diets, and pregnant women at almost every stop. Please mention your specific requirements in the "Notes" section when booking so we can prepare the best alternatives for you. Note: While we do our best, we cannot guarantee 100% absence of cross-contamination for severe allergies.

Are drinks included? What if I don’t drink alcohol?

Regional wines (like Lambrusco or Pignoletto) are included to complement the food. If you don't drink alcohol, don't worry! We provide high-quality non-alcoholic alternatives or bottled water at every stop.

Booking and Payment

Do I need to print my booking confirmation?

No need to waste paper! You don’t need to print anything. Your email confirmation on your smartphone is perfect. Your guide will have a digital guest list with your name on it, so you just need to show up and introduce yourself.

How do I book and what payment methods do you accept?

Booking is simple and secure via our online platform. We accept all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex). Please note that we do not accept cash payments on the day of the tour.

Where do I add my discount voucher or use a gift card?

You can enter your code in the "Promo Code" box at the final stage of the checkout process, just before clicking "Pay Now." The total will update automatically.

What if it rains or I need to change my plans?

Rain or shine, we eat! Bologna’s famous porticos (covered walkways) keep us dry 90% of the time.

Accessibility & Safety

Is there a lot of walking involved?

We cover about 1.5 to 2 km (approx. 1 mile) at a very leisurely pace. There are plenty of stops to sit, eat, and chat. The terrain is flat, though we will be walking on some historic cobblestones.

Is the tour wheelchair and stroller accessible?

Yes! Our itinerary is designed to be accessible. Please mention your needs in the "Notes" section during booking so we can adapt the route slightly if needed and ensure everything runs smoothly for you.

I am traveling with my family; is the tour okay for infants/children?

Definitely! Children love the pasta and gelato stops. Infants and children up to 4 years old join for free. For older children, we offer discounted tickets.

Tour Experience & Expectations

What is the maximum group size?

We hate "human herds" as much as you do. Our groups are capped at a maximum of 10 people to ensure an intimate, high-quality experience where you can actually talk to your guide.

Do you accept solo travelers?

Absolutely! Our tours are a great way for solo travelers to meet like-minded food lovers from all over the world. Please note that all our group tours require a minimum of 2 participants to run. If you are booking alone and the minimum isn’t met for that specific date, we will contact you in advance to offer an alternative tour, a different date, or a full refund.

What should I wear? Is there a dress code?

Bologna is a relaxed city, so "casual" is the way to go. However, comfortable walking shoes are a must! You’ll be on your feet for 4 hours, and those medieval cobblestones aren't very heel-friendly.

Should I tip the guide?

Tipping is not mandatory in Italy, but it is greatly appreciated if you enjoyed the experience. If your guide made your day, feel free to show your thanks!

Is this the best food tour in Bologna?

We’re far too modest to say "yes"... but our guests aren't! We were the first food tour in town, and we aren't some giant corporate chain. We've been featured by The Guardian, Netflix, and the BBC, but honestly? We’d rather you read our reviews and decide for yourself. We prefer to let the Tortellini do the talking.

CLASSIC BOLOGNA FOOD
TOUR