Tastes & Traditions of Bologna: Food Tour with Market Visit

3.5 h

Morning

12 max

Recommended by

Overview

From tasting real *tagliatelle bolognese* at a cozy trattoria to sipping wine at a 550-year-old bar, there’s no shortage of only-in-Bologna experiences on this food tour. But when it comes to eating in Italy’s culinary capital, the food itself is only part of the story—the families behind the flavors are just as important. Throughout your Bologna food tour, we'll introduce you to our friends at the market stalls, behind the bars, and manning the kitchens of the city’s best trattorias. Hear their stories and taste the recipes that have proudly won the hearts of generations of locals.

Enjoy nine food tastings and three drinks at eight small businesses in Bologna’s city center (enough food for a full meal).
See how fresh pasta is made by hand at a market stall run by an innovative young team dedicated to keeping this age-old tradition going strong.
Taste real bolognese sauce with homemade tagliatelle pasta—and learn why spaghetti bolognese isn't as authentic as you might think!
Sip wine and snack on Italian charcuterie in a wine bar that’s nearly 600 years old.
Step away from the tourist trail and try dishes that most visitors miss as you discover the building blocks of Italian cuisine.

Bologna Food Tour Itinerary

Your Bologna food tour begins with an espresso and a classic Emilian cake at the oldest pastry shop in the city. Gaze upon the incredible creations on show as your guide fills you in on what sets a pasticceria like this one apart from a typical bar—and why you’ll want to head to the former for the optimal Italian breakfast experience.

Next, we’ll follow in the footsteps of generations of Bologna residents and head to the Mercato delle Erbe for a bit of grocery shopp...

This tour is adaptable for

Vegetarians
Pescatarians
Gluten free (not celiacs)
Dairy free
Non-alcoholic options
Pregnant women

We love providing delicious options for those with dietary needs. If you have a dietary requirement or food allergy, please note it when booking. This tour is not recommended for vegans and, due to the risk of gluten cross-contamination, this tour is not recommended for those with celiac disease.

Please note that this description is an example and stops or tastes may vary depending on the season, day of the week, and group size. Regardless of where your tour goes, you always have a delicious experience.

Price

$102

Free Cancellation

Our Pledge to Sustainable Tourism in Bologna

Great food doesn’t just happen - that’s been a mantra of the Devour way since the very beginning. Behind the scenes are hard-working families, inspired cooks, persistent suppliers, and age-old traditions. These are the treasures we must protect! By visiting and befriending the owners and staff of local eateries, you’ll see a different side to some of the world’s most iconic (and delicious!) destinations. And our tour partners are just as eager to share their stories and expertise with curious guests – we can’t wait to introduce you to them.

from $ 102

Free Cancellation

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Meeting Point

Piazza del Nettuno 1/ab in front of ExtraBo info point

Total Customer Reviews: 96

Verified Ratings

4.6 /5

based on 78 Devour customer ratings

Rating Summary by Category

Guide

4.8/5

Food & Drink

4.6/5

Latest Reviews

Excellent

This is THE best food tour in all of Italy. Hands Down. Our tour guide Ela helped make our tour an unforgettable experience and I cannot thank her enough for the countless recommendations she provided throughout my stay in Bologna. I was originally worried that our tour might be cancelled due to low attendance but Ela was kind enough to take me and another traveler on our own personal tour of the best spots to eat in town. Ela truly made us feel at home by taking us to some of the best spots in town and exploring local markets and restaurants while giving us excellent insight into the culture and history of this beautiful city. Even after the tour she was kind enough to send countless of recommendations for us during the rest of our stay. I can honestly say I made a friend on this tour and I cannot say enough good things about our guide Ela. I fully plan on coming back and moving to Bologna one day and she is a big reason why. If you want to eat like a true Bolognese and shop with the locals then this tour is a must. It was a highlight of my trip and I cannot wait to come back. 100/10 recommend booking!

Verified · Brian · Male · 25 to 34 years · Apr 18, 2025

Excellent

Our guide Benedetta was fantastic. Friendly, knowledgeable and very informative. Tour was very organized and she clearly knew her subject. Great tour with great food. Highly recommend this tour. Be prepared to eat.