Posted: May 28, 24 | May 28, 2024
Bologna, located in northern Italy, is considered one of the food capitals of Italy. And considering Italy's culinary reputation, that probably makes sense.
Food is what draws most visitors here (that's what drew me there). i heard it that much A great place for Italian foodies and I was not disappointed.
Naturally, there are many amazing food tours here where you can dine around town while learning about the region's traditional cuisine. There are also plenty of wine tours and history-focused tours to learn about the past of this food-centric city.
Simply put, Bologna is the perfect place for a walking tour. And since I love walking tours of all kinds, I took a lot with me while I was in town. Some were great, some were ok, some were where? Horrible. To help you plan your visit, here are some of the best walking tours I took in Bologna.
Best comprehensive tour
take a walk
Take Walks is my go-to Italian tour company, they give you access to places no one else can and they provide incredibly knowledgeable guides. I always have fun and learn a lot during these tours. I can't recommend them enough.
The Tastes & Traditions tour lasts 3 hours and 30 minutes and includes 9 mouth-watering dishes (including coffee and wine). You'll visit markets, taste artisan food, and learn all about traditional cuisine. If you only do one tour here, make it this one.
Best free tours
Free Walking Tour Bologna
Offered daily, this is the city's best (and most popular) free tour and a great introduction to Bologna. It lasts 2 hours and covers all the highlights including Piazza Nettuno, Jewish Ghetto, Piazza Maggiore and more. It's informative without being boring, and it's the perfect introduction for first-time visitors. Don't forget to tip your guide at the end!
While these are my favorite paid and free tour companies, Bologna offers a lot more walking tour companies. Here are three other companies I like:
1. Eat better
If you still have an appetite, try Do Eat Better's traditional food tour. Led by an expert local guide, this 3.5-hour tour stops at four carefully selected restaurants to sample fresh pasta, artisanal ice cream, locally sourced meats, and more (and eat your fill, of course). I especially love that not only do you get to taste amazing traditional food, but you also get to get away from the touristy areas and beat the crowds. This tour is a must-do for foodies.
Tours start from 90 EUR.
2. Bologna wine
If you're like me and love wine, you'll want to book this guided wine tour. Led by a sommelier, it showcases a variety of wines from around Bologna. You'll visit lesser-known locations, taste unique vintages, and develop a deeper appreciation for local wines. We also get to stop by the oldest pub in the city, which I think is really neat. Tours last 2-3 hours (depending on booking) and include 2-5 glasses of wine (also depending on tour). The guides know their stuff, so you'll learn a lot from this tour.
Tours start from 69 EUR.
3. After travel
To burn off all the amazing food you've been enjoying, take a guided bike tour with Travelhoo. During the 2.5-hour tour, you'll learn about Bologna's long history and visit major attractions including Piazza Maggiore, 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 takes you at a leisurely pace, so you don't have to be fit to enjoy it.
Tours start from 75 EUR.
Bologna may not get as much attention as Rome or Venice, but it makes a mark in its own right when it comes to food. Join one of the walking tours above to learn about the history and culture and taste the amazing food that has put the city on the map for centuries!
This tour is my favorite city tour, but the GetYourGuide website has many more options, so check them out if you're looking for additional tours!
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