Bologna, located in northern Italy, is one of the country’s food capitals. It’s no surprise that Italy has a reputation for its culinary excellence.
The food is what attracts most visitors (it was what attracted me here). It was, as I’d heard, it is the destination for foodies.
There are many amazing food tours in this city, which will allow you to learn about the traditional cuisine of the region while eating your way through town. Wine tours are plentiful, as are plenty of historical tours that will help you understand the history of this foodie city.
Bologna, in short, is the ideal place for a walking tour. Since I enjoy walking tours in general, I did a lot of them while I was there. Some were good, others were OK, and some were horrible. You can plan your trip by checking out the best walking tours that I did in Bologna:
Best Overall Tour
Take Walks has been my favourite tour company in Italy. They offer access to places no one else can and have incredibly knowledgeable guides. These tours are always fun, and I learn a lot. They are fantastic, and I cannot recommend them highly enough.
The Tastes and Traditions Tour lasts for 3.5 hours and features nine delicious dishes (plus wine and coffee). Visit markets, taste artisan food, and learn about traditional cuisine. This is the tour you should choose if you can only do one.
Free Tours
Walking tour Bologna for free
This is the most popular and best free tour offered in Bologna. It’s a great way to get acquainted with the city. The tour lasts for two hours and includes all the highlights, including Piazza Maggiore and the Jewish Ghetto. It’s informative but not boring, perfect for first-time tourists. Remember to tip the guide at the end.
Bologna has a lot to offer in terms of walking tour companies. Three other companies that I really like are:
1. Do Better Eating
Do Eat Better offers a Traditional Food Tour. A local expert guide leads this 3.5-hour food tour. You’ll visit four carefully selected restaurants where you can sample fresh pasta, artisanal cheese, locally sourced meats and more. It’s great that not only do you get to taste some delicious traditional food, but you also get off the tourist track and avoid the crowds. This is a tour that foodies should not miss.
2. Bologna Wine
This guided wine tour is for you if you love vino like I do. A professional sommelier leads the tour, which includes a variety of wines produced in the Bologna area. You will visit less-known places, taste some unique vintages, and gain a better understanding of the wines from this region. The oldest tavern in the city is also included, which I find really cool. The tours last between 2-3 hours, depending on what you choose to book. They also include 2-5 glasses of wine. You’ll learn so much on this tour because the guides are very knowledgeable.
3. Travelhoo
Travelzoo offers guided bike tours to help you burn off the delicious food that you’ve eaten. During the 2.5-hour tour, you will learn about Bologna’s rich history, as well as visit the city’s main attractions, including the Neptune Fountain, Piazza Maggiore and the Basilica of San Petronio. This tour is a great introduction to Bologna and its history. You’ll also see the Neptune Fountain, the Basilica of San Petronio and the Piazza Maggiore.
This is a very active tour, but the guide will take you at a relaxed pace, so you do not need to be in top shape to enjoy it.