Bologna: Small Group Food Tour with Markets & Local Tastings

Summary

Walking Bologna’s food markets tasting tortellini mortadella and gelato

You’ll walk through Bologna’s buzzing markets with a local guide, tasting everything from mortadella to tortellini in brodo. Expect laughter over mispronounced words, chats with shop owners, and that first bite of real Parmigiano Reggiano. End your day sharing gelato in the sun—and maybe wishing you had room for more.

What’s the experience like?

“Don’t trust anyone who says they don’t love mortadella,” Marco grinned as he handed us thin slices straight from the counter. I’d barely arrived at Mercato delle Erbe before the smell of fresh bread and something almost nutty—maybe the cheese?—hit me. Our small group followed him past stalls where vendors called out in that sing-song Bolognese way. It was busy but not rushed; people actually stopped to chat with each other, which I liked.

I didn’t expect to laugh so much on a food tour. Marco joked about how real tortellini should fit on a teaspoon (he even made us try), and when I tried to pronounce “aceto balsamico di Modena,” I must’ve butchered it because the woman behind the counter giggled and corrected me—very gently, though. We tasted little bites everywhere: salty Parmigiano Reggiano crumbling under my fingers, warm broth that smelled like Sunday lunch at someone’s grandma’s house. The keyword here is definitely Bologna food tour, but it felt less like a tour and more like wandering with a friend who knows everyone.

The university quarter was next, all old stone and students zipping by on bikes. At one osteria, we squeezed onto wooden benches beside locals having their lunch break—honestly, I still think about that bowl of tortellini in brodo. There’s something about eating surrounded by chatter in Italian that makes you feel like you belong for a minute. And then, out of nowhere, the sun came through into Piazza Maggiore just as we headed for gelato (pistachio for me). The whole thing ended kind of abruptly—I mean, I could’ve kept eating—but Marco handed us a tiny gift “for later” and waved us off with a smile.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Bologna's culinary highlights

• Meet guide at central Bologna
• Visit local food market
• Taste tortellini in brodo
• Explore shops and osterie
• Pass through Piazza Santo Stefano
• Enjoy Bologna's gelato

Top questions

How long is the Bologna food tour?

The walking food tour lasts around 4 hours.

What foods do you taste on this Bologna tour?

You’ll try tortellini in brodo, mortadella, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, aceto balsamico di Modena, and gelato.

Is this Bologna food tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible.

Does the tour include lunch?

You’ll have tastings at several stops—including hot dishes—but not a formal sit-down lunch.

Are vegetarian or gluten-free options available?

Yes, vegetarian, pescatarian and gluten-free options are available if you advise when booking.

How many people are in each group?

The small group is limited to 10 people maximum.

Where does the Bologna food tour start?

The meeting point is centrally located in Bologna; details are provided after booking.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup; you make your own way to the meeting point.

What’s included

Your day includes visits to two traditional food markets in Bologna plus four to six stops at family-run shops or osterie for tastings of at least eight different Bolognese specialties (think tortellini in brodo, mortadella slices, aged cheeses), all guided by a local expert. You’ll also get a small gift at the end to enjoy later on your own wanderings through the city.