11 Best Food Tours in Bologna (Selected by a Local!)

Looking for food tours in Bologna to be introduced to the delicious local cuisine? You’re in the right place: from national dishes to regional delicacies, you’ll get to try all the goodies with the food tours that I selected for you. Take a look! 

Italy could arguably be considered the world’s capital of food, so eating everything and anything that’s local and delicious is probably on Bologna itinerary already. But what if I told you that Bologna is considered the food capital of Italy?

So what about joining a local and enjoying some amazing food tours around the city? This way you’ll not only get to indulge in Italian delicacies but also learn about Bologna’s culinary history and traditions, and discover the making process of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and balsamic vinegar.

Whether you want to meet other foodie travelers while on tour or enjoy a private experience, there are alternatives for pretty much every taste. I was born and raised in Bologna, so you can say I know a thing or two about the food scene here – and that’s why you should trust my selection of food tours.

Check out the best food tours in Bologna (warning: it will be hard to choose only one!)

I generally use Viator and Get Your Guide to book experiences around the world, and I especially recommend them for the cancellation policy they offer. If your travel plans change and you need to cancel your tour, you can get a full refund on most activities canceling up to 24 hours in advance. 

The Very Best Food Tours in Bologna

Let’s start with the most classic – and best IMO – Bologna food tours. The ones where you’ll eat SO much that you probably will skip dinner that day – welcome to Bologna!

➤ The Classic Bologna Food Tour is the perfect introduction to the city’s cuisine. During the 4-hour tour, you’ll get to sample local delicacies, including Parmigiano Reggiano, mortadella, Modena balsamic vinegar, coffee and gelato. You’ll enjoy breakfast and lunch as well, and explore bustling food markets. 

This tour also includes: A guide, all tastings, and meals. ➥ BOOK IT HERE 

➤ This food tour in Bologna with a local gives you a local perspective on the city’s foodie scene. You’ll follow your guide to six shops and eateries to try tortellini, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, regional wine, gelato, and cured meats, among other bites. You’ll also visit a local food market and learn about life in Bologna, its stories and legends along the way. 

This tour also includes: Breakfast, lunch, and all tastings. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

History and Food Tours in Bologna

➤ If you’re interested in discovering Bologna’s history through its cuisine, the Secret Bologna Culinary Tour is a perfect fit. You’ll enjoy tastings of pasta, cheese, wine, and gelato – among other dishes, one of which is secret! – and explore the city with your knowledgeable guide. 

You’ll get to learn about Bologna’s history and food heritage, watch a live pasta-making session, and visit a Bottega to discover the aging process of balsamic vinegar. 

This tour also includes: Bottled water, coffee/tea, and all tastings. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

➤ Torre degli Asinelli & Food Tasting is one of the best food tours in Bologna, Italy, to appreciate both its culinary and historic heritage. You’ll climb to the top of Torre degli Asinelli, dating from the 12th century, and then enjoy a tasting of traditional products and homemade ice cream.

This tour also includes: Entrance ticket to the Torre, and vouchers for the tastings. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

The Perfect Food Tours in Emilia Romagna

You’ve come all the way to Bologna, and you don’t go explore the rest of the region that is responsible for delicacies such as Parmigiano Reggiano and Parma ham? Yeah, you can’t! This is the ideal day trip for foodies.

➤ With this Full-Day Food Tour from Bologna you’ll get on the road and travel to some local factories where you’ll witness the making process of some of the region’s staples, like Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and Modena balsamic vinegar. 

You’ll also taste some regional products after you’ve learned about them, and enjoy a multi-course lunch with wine. 

This tour also includes: Roundtrip transportation, breakfast, all tastings, and a guide. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

➤ The Private Emilia Romagna Food Tour involves a gastronomic and literal journey, as you’ll be exploring the Emilia Romagna in search of the best local products it offers. You’ll head to Parma, where Parmigiano is produced, visit a prosciutto maker to learn about its making process, and tour a balsamic vinegar house. 

You’ll also tour a wine cellar and indulge in a substantial lunch with wine pairings afterward. 

This tour also includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, a guide, and tastings. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Private Bologna Food Tours

Keen on going on a tour but looking for private experiences to enjoy with just your friends or family? Great! Here are two good options.

➤ Check out this Bologna Private Food Tour that will allow you to discover the culinary culture of the Apennine Mountains… and all on your own. You’ll visit producers of Parmigiano Reggiano and balsamic vinegar, and enjoy a basic cooking class before indulging in lunch. 

Wine and food tastings of different local products are included, as well as a visit to an abbey, a gothic church, and a historic castle.    

This tour also includes: Roundtrip transportation, entrance to Bolognini Chapel, and a private guide. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

➤ The 10 Tastings of Bologna with Locals tour is a very fun way to learn about the city’s cuisine and food culture. You’ll visit several eateries to sample traditional products that may include pasta, fresh fruit, cheese, and piadina, among other delicacies and drinks. 

You’ll benefit from the insights of your local guide and get to skip lunch after all the tastings!

This tour also includes: Vegetarian alternatives, tastings, and a guide. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

On a Budget? A Self-Guided Food Tour in Bologna

You can also eat your way through the city with your own Self-Guided Food Tour of Bologna. You’ll get to enjoy it at your own pace, and with as many detours as you like as there won’t be anyone rushing you.   

You’ll get a map and a set of vouchers, with which you’ll collect your food samples to indulge in tastings of tortellini, cured meats and mortadella, parmesan, a glass of wine, and coffee, as well as delicious ice cream for dessert. 

This tour includes: A map with the route marked, and food vouchers. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Drinks & Bites in Bologna by Night

The Drinks & Bites is a private food tour that takes place after sunset, so you get to discover Bologna’s vibrant nightlife as you visit the most fashionable eateries for drinks and snacks. You’ll get to sample cheeses and cold cuts, and sip some wine on three different bars. 

This tour also includes: A private guide, and vegetarian alternatives. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Fico Eataly World Tour

This FICO Eataly World Tour takes you around this massive food theme park, visiting 7 different areas that revolve around food – obviously! – and fun, and where you’ll enjoy 4 tastings of traditional products. After the tour you’ll have free time to continue exploring and sampling drinks and local cuisine at your leisure. 

This tour also includes: Entrance ticket, all day parking, and entrance to Luna Farm, an amusement park for kids. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Bologna Food Tours FAQ