Bologna: Food & Market Tour with Pasta, Wine & 6 Tastings

Summary

Handmade pasta, old markets and wine in Bologna’s heart

You’ll wander medieval streets with a local guide, tasting aged Parmigiano and Prosciutto di Parma in historic shops before diving into handmade pasta and rich wines at a traditional trattoria. The lively Quadrilatero market brings every sense awake—and yes, you’ll end up eating gelato on ancient steps as church bells echo nearby.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to start the morning standing under the shadow of Palazzo della Mercanzia, but there we were—awkwardly introducing ourselves while our guide, Marco, handed out these tiny almond sweets. The air smelled like espresso drifting from somewhere nearby. Marco grinned and told us not to eat too fast—he said Bolognese people “never rush breakfast,” which made me laugh because I’d already finished mine before he finished his sentence. There was a wooden statue of San Petronio up on the building’s front that looked like it’d seen everything in this city.

We ducked into a salumeria that felt older than my grandparents’ house—dark wood shelves stacked with wheels of Parmigiano Reggiano and legs of Prosciutto di Parma hanging overhead. I tried to pronounce “mortadella” right (Li laughed when I tried to say it in Mandarin—probably butchered it), and then we squeezed into the oldest osteria in Bologna for our first glass of local wine. It was only 11am but nobody seemed to care. The cold cuts tasted salty and nutty at once; honestly, I still think about that bite of cheese with the balsamic vinegar—25 years old, Marco said, which is older than some people on our tour.

The Quadrilatero market was chaos in the best way—vendors shouting prices, old women arguing over tomatoes, everything smelling like ripe peaches and fresh bread. We stopped at a trattoria where they served us two kinds of handmade pasta (one was tagliatelle, but I can’t remember the other—something with ruffles?) and poured more wine. Someone asked if we could get coffee after lunch; Marco just nodded toward a tiny bar across the alley where they served espresso so strong it made my hands shake for a bit.

By the time we reached Basilica di San Petronio, my feet were tired but my head was spinning—in a good way. There was gelato at the end (hazelnut for me), eaten sitting on warm stone steps while watching locals drift by on their bikes. It wasn’t perfect—the weather turned muggy halfway through—but honestly, that just made the city feel more alive. If you’re thinking about doing this Bologna food tour from start to finish… well, just don’t plan anything else for the afternoon.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Bologna culinary and market exploration

• Meet at Palazzo della Mercanzia
• Introduction to Bologna's food scene
• Visit Quadrilatero market district
• See Basilica di San Petronio exterior

Top questions

How long does the Bologna food & market tour last?

The tour typically lasts several hours and includes multiple stops for tastings throughout central Bologna.

Is lunch included in the Bologna food tour?

Yes, you’ll enjoy two types of homemade pasta along with other tastings during the tour.

Are vegetarian or gluten-free options available?

No gluten-free or vegan options are currently offered; please contact ahead for dietary needs.

Does the tour include visits to local markets?

Yes, you’ll explore Quadrilatero market as part of the experience.

What landmarks are visited on this Bologna food tour?

The itinerary includes Palazzo della Mercanzia and Basilica di San Petronio among others.

Are drinks included during the tastings?

You’ll have local red and white wines plus espresso or macchiato included along with a digestif.

Is hotel pickup provided for this food tour?

No hotel pickup is included; public transportation options are nearby for easy access.

How much walking is involved during this day trip?

The tour involves a fair amount of walking through central Bologna’s historic areas; comfortable shoes are recommended.

What’s included

Your day includes six different tastings—from aged Parmigiano Reggiano and Prosciutto di Parma to handmade pastas at a trattoria—with glasses of local red and white wines poured along the way. You’ll also try balsamic vinegar aged up to 25 years, sample an artisanal gelato near Basilica di San Petronio, sip espresso or macchiato if you want it, plus enjoy a traditional sweet treat at the start—all guided by someone who knows these streets inside out.