Bologna stands out as Italy’s culinary capital, with its lively streets, historic porticoes, and renowned food scene. What makes Bologna especially appealing for tours is its compact historic center, which invites exploration on foot or by bike, and its incredible edible offerings — from fresh pasta to aged cheeses. Among the many options, we’re particularly drawn to the Secret Food Tour for its authentic tasting experience, and the E-bike Tour with aperitif for combining scenic views with a bit of exercise and local flavor. These tours showcase not just the sights, but the true essence of Bologna’s culinary heart.
If you’re after a more personalized experience, the Highlights & Hidden Gems Private Tour offers a tailored introduction to the city, perfect for travelers who want the insider scoop. Fancy a hands-on approach? The Market Tour and Cooking Class with Giovanna delivers an immersive day of shopping, cooking, and eating in a local Bologna home. Whether you prefer guided group tours or private outings, Bologna’s rich offerings can satisfy your curiosity and appetite alike.
1. Bologna: 3-Hour Secret Food Tour
This 3-hour tour is a delightful dive into Bologna’s culinary treasures. Led by an experienced local guide, you’ll visit a bottega to select cheeses and charcuterie, then stroll through the main square to finish with artisanal gelato. The tour’s focus on local ingredients and old-world knowledge makes it a standout. Guests consistently praise the guide’s warmth and expertise — “Gabriele was excellent, explaining what makes Bologna’s food so unique,” says one review. With a 4.8-star rating from over 330 reviews, it’s clear this tour offers a rich tasting of both food and local culture.
What makes this tour special is its balance of interactive shopping and culinary tasting, perfect for those wanting to learn about Bologna’s long-standing food passion. At around $115, it’s a fair price for a well-rounded experience that includes sampling some of the best flavors Bologna has to offer. It’s especially suited for food lovers wanting a fun, friendly guide and a taste of authentic Bolognese life.
Bottom Line: A lively, flavorful introduction to Bologna’s food scene, with personable guides and excellent reviews — perfect for a compact, immersive experience.
2. Guided E-bike Tour in Bologna with aperitif
For around $151, this 3-hour e-bike tour combines scenic sights with some light exercise. Led by passionate guides, you’ll visit major landmarks like the Santuario di Madonna di San Luca, accessible via the longest portico in the world. The tour moves through the Parco di Villa Spada and the Parco della Chiusa, offering peaceful green spaces and impressive hydraulic works. Guests love the capable guides and the ease of e-biking, even uphill.
What makes this tour stand out is the mix of natural beauty, history, and local anecdotes — plus a refreshing aperitif at the end. Whether you’re a casual cyclist or just want a more dynamic way to see Bologna, this trip suits those who want to combine outdoor activity with cultural highlights. The high praise from riders like “the bikes were easy to ride, and the guide was fantastic,” confirms its appeal.
Bottom Line: An active, scenic way to explore Bologna’s highlights with a friendly guide and a relaxing drink to end your day.
3. Highlights & Hidden Gems With Locals: Best of Bologna Private Tour
At number 3, this private tour offers a customized, intimate exploration of Bologna’s most captivating sights. The guide will take you through Piazza Maggiore, Quadrilatero, and Le Due Torri, including hidden squares and lively neighborhoods away from tourist crowds. Guests rave about personalized tips and the chance to ask questions about living in Bologna — “Luanna showed us so many local secrets,” says one reviewer.
Prized for its flexibility and depth, it’s ideal for travelers who want a tailored experience. You can focus on food, history, or local life — whatever suits your interests. At $188 per person, the tour’s cost reflects its private, customized nature, making it a good value for those seeking a personalized, insider’s view of Bologna.
Bottom Line: Perfect for curious travelers wanting a flexible and authentic introduction, with plenty of room for questions and customization.
4. Bologna: Private Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours
For around $386, this private 3.5-hour tour dives deep into Bologna’s culinary soul. Led by a local foodie, you’ll explore authentic eateries in the Quadrilatero and sample famous local delicacies. The focus on top spots for dining and imbibing makes this a comprehensive experience that pairs food tastings with sightseeing.
Guests love the personalized approach and the opportunity to discover hidden gems alongside classic favorites. The private setting means your guide can tailor the experience to your tastes, making it perfect for serious foodies or those wanting to learn Bologna’s culinary secrets. The high reviews reflect the value of this immersive experience.
Bottom Line: An ideal choice for food lovers seeking an exclusive, customized culinary journey through Bologna’s best eateries and hidden spots.
5. Bologna: Private Walking Tour with a Local
At just $57 for two hours, this personalized tour offers a flexible introduction to Bologna. Led by a local guide, you’ll visit major sites like Piazza Maggiore and Le Due Torri, but can also include off-the-beaten-path stops based on your interests. The guide shares stories and tips on navigating Bologna like a local.
This tour is ideal for travelers who want to customize their sightseeing on a budget or prefer a more relaxed pace. Reviewers mention friendly guides and useful tips that help them explore independently later. It’s a good choice if you’re looking for personalized service but don’t want a lengthy commitment.
Bottom Line: Great for budget-conscious travelers who want a tailored, flexible orientation with local insights.
6. Bologna: Food and Wine Walking Tour with Tastings
This 3-hour guided tour, priced around $119, is a treat for lovers of local wine and traditional food. Starting at Neptune’s Fountain, you’ll stroll through Quadrilatero, visit an historic wine bar, and sample local charcuterie, cheeses, and pasta dishes. The tour also includes visits to Bologna’s iconic sites like the Two Towers and Basilica di Santo Stefano.
Guests praise the balanced mix of history and culinary delights, with decent portion sizes and engaging commentary. The highlight, according to many, is tasting regional wines paired with authentic bites. It’s best suited for those wanting a comprehensive food and wine experience in a manageable timeframe.
Bottom Line: A flavorful, well-rounded tour combining history, culture, and culinary sampling—perfect for wine lovers and foodies.
7. Private Market Tour and Cooking Class in Bologna with Giovanna C
This 4-hour experience costs $138 per person and offers a hands-on immersion in Bologna’s food traditions. With Giovanna, a local who’s lived in Bologna for over 60 years, you’ll visit markets like Mercato del Quadrilatero or del Erbe, then head to her home for a cooking class. You’ll make pasta, Bolognese, and enjoy a family-style meal with wine.
Guests love Giovanna’s warm hospitality and the authentic cooking tips they take home. It’s perfect for foodies who want a personal connection and a culinary lesson. The reviews highlight the fun, informative nature and the delicious meal as key strengths.
Bottom Line: An authentic, intimate cooking experience ideal for those eager to learn and eat like a local.
8. Bologna: small group guided tour
For just $24, this 1.5–2 hour small group tour offers an intimate exploration of Bologna’s main landmarks. Led by a certified guide, you’ll visit Piazza Maggiore, Two Towers, and San Petronio, while avoiding the crowds. The small group size allows for a more personal experience and flexible stops.
Reviewers mention friendly guides and the ability to ask questions freely. It’s a good option for travelers who want an efficient overview without a long commitment. Perfect if you’re limited on time but want to see the highlights with a local expert.
Bottom Line: A brief, friendly tour ideal for those seeking a personalized, crowd-free overview of Bologna’s top sights.
9. Bologna: Archiginnasio guided group tour
This one-hour tour for $30 takes a deep dive into Bologna’s historic university, including the Anatomical Theatre. Led by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll learn about Bologna’s academic traditions and explore the seat of Italy’s oldest university. The Archiginnasio is a highlight for history lovers.
Guests appreciate the focused, informative nature of this tour and its short duration, making it easy to add to a broader sightseeing plan. It’s perfect if you want a specialized visit that enriches your understanding of Bologna’s intellectual legacy.
Bottom Line: A concise, engaging tour for history buffs and those interested in Bologna’s academic past.
10. Bologna Private Walking Tour with a Local – 100% Personalized
This customizable tour, priced at $132, offers full flexibility. Your local guide will design a route around your interests, whether that’s historic sites, markets, or hidden corners. You might visit Piazza Maggiore, sip espresso under portici, or explore Mezzo Market.
Guests love the personalized experience and local tips that help them explore Bologna beyond the typical tourist spots. It’s ideal for travelers wanting to shape their own itinerary and get inside knowledge.
Bottom Line: Best for independent-minded travelers who prefer a bespoke tour that matches their interests.
11. Bologna Walking tour with Tower Sky View and Archiginnasio
For approximately $53, this 2.5-hour tour packs a lot into a compact walk. You’ll visit Piazza Maggiore, the Archiginnasio, and finish with a panoramic view from the Torre dell’Orologio. The tour offers spectacular views and insights into Bologna’s medieval architecture.
Visitors highlight the stunning tower vista and informative guidance. It’s suited for those who want to combine sightseeing and photo opportunities with a short, engaging walk.
Bottom Line: A budget-friendly, scenic tour ideal for photographers and view enthusiasts who want a quick but rundown.
12. Bologna/Modena: Parmesan, Ferrari, Balsamic, Wine Tour with Lunch
This full-day tour, about 9 hours, is a luxury journey into Emilia-Romagna’s finest products. You’ll visit a cheese factory for Parmesan, a balsamic producer, and the Ferrari Museum. A local winery offers tastings paired with a regional lunch featuring local wines and specialties.
Rated 5/5, reviewers appreciate the well-organized itinerary and expert guides. The tour offers a full immersion into Italy’s food and car culture, making it perfect for passionate foodies, car lovers, and cultural travelers. The extensive day makes it less suitable if your time is limited but ideal for a deep dive.
Bottom Line: A comprehensive, luxury day trip blending food, wine, and Ferrari excitement — great for those wanting a full Emilia-Romagna experience.
13. Bologna: Small Group Food Market Walking Tour with Tasting
This 2-hour tour at $60 offers a focused exploration of Bologna’s Quadrilatero Market. You’ll sample three local dishes and sip a glass of wine while wandering the market stalls. The tour emphasizes local flavors and culinary traditions.
Reviews mention the delicious food and friendly guide, making it ideal for food explorers short on time. It’s excellent if you want a taste of Bologna’s food scene without committing to a longer tour.
Bottom Line: A quick, flavorful introduction to Bologna’s food markets, perfect for those on a tight schedule.
14. Boutique Winery Tour with Wine Tasting & Food in Bologna
In just 1.5 hours, this scenic vineyard walk includes tasting four wines alongside mortadella, salami, and Parmigiano Reggiano. Located in the Colli Bolognesi, it’s ideal for those seeking a gourmet escape just outside the city. Reviews highlight the knowledgeable guide and delicious pairings.
This tour is great for wine enthusiasts and gourmets looking to sample regional wines paired with local delicacies in a relaxed setting.
Bottom Line: Perfect for a quick, gourmet vineyard experience with expert wine and food pairings close to Bologna.
How to Choose the Right Bologna Tour
Picking the best tour depends on your interests, budget, and schedule. If you love food and wine, the Secret Food Tour or the Food and Wine Walking Tour are excellent starters. For a personalized experience, consider the Highlights & Hidden Gems private tour or the Private Walking Tour with a Local.
Those who want to combine scenery and activity should look at the E-bike Tour, while history enthusiasts might prefer the Archiginnasio Tour or the Small Group Guided Tour. Don’t forget to check availability and book early, especially for popular experiences like the Cooking Class or Ferrari Museum day trip.
Final Thoughts
Bologna offers a wide range of tours that showcase its culinary pride, historic charm, and scenic beauty. Whether you opt for a guided food walk, a personalized private tour, or an active e-bike adventure, there’s an option for every traveler. For food lovers, the Secret Food Tour and the Private Food Experience are hard to beat. If you prefer scenic vistas and outdoor activity, the E-bike Tour will delight you.
Remember, Bologna’s compact center makes it easy to explore on your own, but these tours add depth, insight, and fun to your visit. Book early to secure your spot on the most popular experiences, and get ready to enjoy a city that is as delicious as it is charming.