posted: 5/28/24 | 28th May, 2024
Located in Northern Italy, Bologna is considered one of the food capitals of Italy. And given Italy’s culinary reputation, that should be saying something.
Food is what attracts most visitors here (it attracts me there). I had heard that This The place to eat in Italy and I was not disappointed.
Unsurprisingly, there are tons of amazing food tours that allow you to eat your way around the city while learning about the region’s traditional cuisine. In addition to wine tours, there are also plenty of history-oriented tours to ensure you learn about this food-centric city’s past.
In short, Bologna is the perfect place to do a walking tour. And, as I love walking tours of all kinds, I took a bunch when I was in town. Some were great, some were okay, some where Terrible. Here are the best walking tours I took in Bologna to help you plan your visit:
Best overall tour
take a walk
Tech Walks is my go-to tour company in Italy, offering access to places no one else gets and having incredibly knowledgeable guides. I always have fun and learn a lot on these trips. I cannot recommend them enough.
their Taste and traditions travel Lasts 3.5 hours and includes nine mouth-watering opportunities (plus coffee and wine). You’ll get to visit markets, sample artisan fare and learn all about traditional cuisine. If you only do one trip here, make it this one.
The best free tour
Free Walking Tour Bologna
Offered daily, this is one of the best (and most popular) free tours in the city and a great introduction to Bologna. It lasts two hours and covers all the highlights including Piazza Nettuno, Jewish Ghetto, Piazza Maggiore and more. It’s informative without being boring and a complete primer for first-time visitors. Just remember to tip your guide at the end!
While those are my favorite paid and free tour operators in the city, Bologna walking tour companies have a lot more to offer. Here are three other companies I like a lot:
1. Eat better
If you’re still hungry, join Do It Better Traditional food tour. Led by an expert local guide, this 3.5-hour tour stops at four hand-picked eateries, where you can try fresh pasta, artisanal ice cream, locally sourced meats and more (you’re sure to leave full). I especially love that you not only get to try some amazing traditional food but get off the beaten path and beat the crowds. This is a must visit for foodies.
Tours start at 90 EUR.
2. Bologna wine
If you’re like me and love vino, you’ll want to book This guided wine tour. It is manned by a sommelier and features a variety of wines from around Bologna. You’ll visit lesser-known destinations, try some unique vintages, and develop a deeper appreciation for the region’s wines. You’ll also stop at the oldest tavern in town, which I think is really neat. Tours last 2-3 hours (depending on who 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 lot on this tour.
Tours start at 69 EUR.
3. Travelhoo
To burn off all the wonderful food you’ve been enjoying, Take a guided bike tour With Travelhoo. During the 2.5 hours, you will learn about Bologna’s long history and visit its main sights, such as the 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.
While this is an active tour, the guide takes you at a leisurely pace, so you don’t need to be super fit to enjoy it.
Tours start at 75 EUR.
Bologna may not get the attention of Rome or Venice, but when it comes to food, it holds its own. Take one of the walking tours above and learn about its history and culture, and the amazing food that has put the city on the map for centuries!
And while this city has my favorite tours, the website GetYourGuide You have tons of options so check them out if you’re looking for additional tours!
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