Located in northern Italy, Bologna is considered one of Italy’s culinary capitals. And given Italy’s reputation for food, that’s saying something.
The food is what draws most visitors here (it’s also the reason I came there). I’d heard it was the place for foodies in Italy, and I wasn’t disappointed.
Unsurprisingly, there are plenty of great food tours here that let you eat your way through the city while learning about the region’s traditional cuisine. There are also tons of wine tours, as well as plenty of history-focused tours that let you learn about the past of this food-focused city.
In short, Bologna is the perfect place for a walking tour. And since I love walking tours of all kinds, I did a ton of them when I was in the city. Some were great, some were OK, some were terrible. Here are the best walking tours I’ve taken in Bologna to help you plan your visit:
While these are my favorite paid and free tour companies in the city, Bologna has a lot more walking tour companies to offer. Here are three more companies I really like:
1. Do Eat Better
If you still have an appetite, take Do Eat Better’s traditional food tour. Led by an expert local guide, this 3.5-hour tour stops at four hand-picked restaurants where you can sample fresh pasta, handmade gelato, locally sourced meats, and more (you’ll definitely go home full). I especially love that not only do you get to try some amazing traditional dishes, but you also get off the beaten path and avoid the crowds. This tour is a must-do for foodies.
2. Bologna Wine
If you love wine like I do, you’ll want to book this guided wine tour. Led by a sommelier, it offers a wide selection of wines from around Bologna. You’ll visit lesser-known spots, taste some unique vintages, and develop a deeper appreciation for the region’s wines. You also get to stop at the oldest tavern in town, which I think is really great. Tours last 2-3 hours (depending on which one you book) and include 2-5 glasses of wine (again, depending on the tour). The guides really know their stuff, so you’ll learn a ton on this tour.
3. Travelhoo
To burn off all that amazing food you’ve enjoyed, join a guided bike tour with Travelhoo. Over the course of 2.5 hours, you’ll learn about Bologna’s long history and visit top sights like Piazza Maggiore, the Basilica of San Petronio, and the Fountain of Neptune. It’s a solid introduction to the city and how it became the food and wine hub it is today.
Although this is an active tour, the guide will lead you at a leisurely pace, so you don’t have to be super fit to enjoy it.
Tours start at 75 EUR.
Bologna may not get the attention that Rome or Venice get, but when it comes to food, it can hold its own. Join one of the city tours listed above, learn about the city’s history and culture, and enjoy the amazing food that has made the city famous for centuries!
While these are my favorite tours in the city, there are many more options on the GetYourGuide website, so check them out if you’re looking for more tours!
