Bologna stands out as a city packed with history, mouthwatering cuisine, and lively streets, making it a fantastic destination for tours. Whether you’re wandering through the medieval center, sampling regional delicacies, or exploring Italy’s famous motor valley, Bologna offers authentic experiences that go beyond typical sightseeing. We especially love the Bologna Food Tour from a local perspective because it takes you into family-run shops and eateries, tasting over 20 local specialties — a true feast for the senses. The Pasta Cooking Class offers a hands-on chance to learn traditional recipes, while the Private Highlights & Hidden Gems Tour uncovers the city’s lesser-known treasures with a local guide. These experiences make Bologna real, flavorful, and fun.
Our list includes a variety of tours, from relaxed city walks and culinary adventures to immersive cooking classes and high-speed Ferrari visits. Many tours are small-group experiences, ensuring personal attention and insider knowledge. Whether you have a few hours or a whole day, there’s something here to match your pace and interests. Below, we’ll walk you through each option, highlighting what makes it special and who it’s best suited for.
1. Bologna: City Center Walking Tour
At number 1, this classic guided walking tour is perfect for first-time visitors who want to get a solid overview of Bologna’s highlights. For just $31 per person, you’ll explore Piazza Maggiore, see the Two Towers, and admire the Basilica of San Petronio. Your guide shares stories about the city’s medieval past and points out lesser-known spots like the Quadrilatero Market. The tour lasts about 2 hours and covers the main landmarks with options to start from three different locations, including the famous Fountain of Neptune. The reviews rave about the guide’s knowledge and animated storytelling, making it a highly recommended way to orient yourself.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers with limited time who want a comprehensive, engaging introduction to Bologna’s historic center.
2. Bologna Food Tour from a local perspective
Ranking second, this 4.5-hour small-group food tour offers a culinary deep dive for around $127.44. Led by a passionate local, the tour visits family-run shops and hidden eateries, making up to six stops to taste more than 20 specialties like tortellini, ragù, Parmigiano Reggiano, and aged balsamic vinegar. You’ll enjoy breakfast in a top Bologna café before exploring the Quadrilatero Market and ending with a delicious lunch of handmade pasta and regional wines. The tour’s emphasis on authentic, local experiences makes it stand out, with visitors praising guides like Roberto and Matteo for their knowledge and humor. It’s ideal for food lovers who want more than just a tasting — they want to understand Bologna’s culinary soul.
Bottom Line: A rich, immersive food experience perfect for those eager to explore Bologna’s culinary traditions with a personal touch.
3. Bologna: Pasta Cooking Class, Ragu, Spritz, Wine & Gelato
Coming in at number 3, this 3-hour hands-on cooking class costs about $73 and is ideal for foodies who want to roll up their sleeves. Guided by expert instructors, you’ll start with a welcome aperitif, then prepare tagliatelle and homemade ragù, finishing with a regional wine and gelato. The class emphasizes traditional techniques and regional flavors, making it a fun and tasty way to learn about Bologna’s culinary heritage. Guests rave about the convivial atmosphere and the chance to recreate their dishes at home. Plus, you get to enjoy your homemade pasta paired with regional wines — a genuine sense of achievement.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want a practical cooking experience paired with regional drinks and desserts.
4. Bologna gastronomic experience with a local
At number 4, this 3-hour culinary adventure for $97.32 takes you into Bologna’s hidden culinary gems. Led by a local, you’ll visit family-run shops and taste over 15 items, including Tigella, cold cuts, cheeses, and regional wine. The tour emphasizes local food culture and stories behind each specialty. Erica, the guide, is praised for her knowledge and friendly approach, giving a real taste of Bologna’s everyday life. It’s suited for travelers who want to go beyond tourist spots and experience authentic dining in a relaxed setting.
Bottom Line: A great choice for foodies wanting to connect with Bologna’s local food scene with a personable guide.
5. Pastamama, Home Cooking Classes at Grace’s Home
Number 5 features a 3-hour home cooking class for about $103, ideal for those seeking a personalized, intimate experience. Hosted in a local’s home, you’ll learn to make fresh pasta, tortelloni, and sauces, then enjoy your creations with wine and dessert. Guides focus on Bologna’s culinary traditions and offer tips to recreate dishes at home. The reviews highlight Grace’s warmth and the small-group setting, giving a cozy, authentic atmosphere. It suits travelers who want an immersive, hands-on lesson rather than a large class.
Bottom Line: Excellent for food lovers who want to learn in a relaxed, home-style setting.
6. Bologna: Full meal Food Tour with Local Delights by Do Eat Better
Number 6 is a 3.5-hour walking food tour costing about $87.65. It promises an in-depth look at Bologna’s food culture with stops at local boutiques and cafes. You’ll sample wines, pasta, gelato, and more, all in a small-group atmosphere. The guide carefully selects the best dishes to showcase Bologna’s culinary identity, and reviews highlight how much the food and storytelling enhance the experience. It’s great for travelers wanting a comprehensive food immersion combined with cultural insights.
Bottom Line: An all-around excellent introduction to Bologna’s most popular foods, perfect for those on a moderate schedule.
7. Classic Bologna Food Tour with Taste Bologna – Max 10 people
With a focus on small groups, this half-day tour priced at $133.24 is designed for those who want a personalized tasting experience. It includes visits to markets, artisan food shops, and sampling Parmigiano Reggiano, Bolognese ragu, and mortadella. The tour starts with a gourmet coffee and includes watching pasta artisans at work. Guests love the engaging guide and the quality of tastings, which are carefully curated to reflect authentic Bologna flavors.
Bottom Line: An intimate, well-curated food adventure ideal for gourmets who prefer a relaxed, small-group setting.
8. Exclusive Bologna Cooking Class – Pasta Tagliatelle Ragu & Spritz
Number 8 offers a 3-hour exclusive cooking experience for about $86. It’s perfect for those wanting to master traditional Bologna pasta and regional cocktails. You’ll start with an aperitif, then learn to make tagliatelle and ragù, finishing with a Casoni spritz, regional specialty. The class is limited to 10, ensuring an interactive, personal atmosphere. Guests praise the knowledgeable hosts and the delicious end results, often saying it’s one of their trip highlights.
Bottom Line: A hands-on class for serious foodies aiming to take authentic Bologna flavors home.
9. Bologna Private Highlights & Hidden Gems Tour with a Local
Number 9 is a customized private tour that ranges from 2 to 8 hours, for $90.89 per person. It’s ideal for travelers who want a personalized, flexible experience. Your local host will craft an itinerary based on your interests, including well-known sites like Piazza Maggiore and lesser-known neighborhoods. Reviews mention how engaging and knowledgeable the guides are, with special praise for the tailored approach. This tour suits those wanting to design their own Bologna experience.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers who prefer a bespoke tour with insider tips and flexible timing.
10. Bologna: Local Foodie Tour with 10 Tastings and Wine
Ranking tenth, this 3.5-hour tour offers more than 10 tastings, including ragù, Parmigiano, balsamic vinegar, and artisanal gelato. It’s a great way to sample Bologna’s culinary essentials with a local guide who shares the stories behind each dish. The reviews highlight the variety and quality of the food, with many pointing out how this tour really showcases the richness of Bologna’s food culture.
Bottom Line: An excellent, flavorsome overview suited for travelers wanting a deep dive into local food.
11. Bologna: City Center Guided Wine Walking Tour
Number 11, this 1.5 to 2.5-hour tour priced at [varies], explores Bologna’s best wines with a certified sommelier. You walk through the historic center, tasting wines from Colli Bolognesi paired with local snacks. Perfect for wine lovers wanting a relaxed, educational experience that complements sightseeing. Reviewers appreciate the local wine knowledge and the chance to taste unique regional varieties.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those interested in pairing Bologna’s sights with its wines in a laid-back, informative setting.
12. Cesarine: Small group Pasta and Tiramisu class in Bologna
This 3-hour cooking class at $159.96 is tailored for culinary enthusiasts who want to learn pasta shaping and Tiramisù from a passionate local. Hosted in a home environment, it offers a personalized experience with lots of hands-on practice. People love the warmth of Giovanna and her family, and many mention how they’ll recreate these dishes at home.
Bottom Line: Perfect for foodies seeking an authentic, intimate cooking experience that’s both educational and fun.
13. Bologna on the plate, Cooking Class with Alessia
Number 13 features a 3-hour guided class for about $99, with a focus on working with fresh pasta and tiramisù. Alessia’s warm hosting style and emphasis on hands-on learning make this a favorite. Guests mention how the recipes and tips are easy to follow at home, and that the experience is both fun and informative.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want a lively, personal cooking class with memorable recipes.
14. Ferrari Lamborghini Pagani Factories and Museums – Tour from Bologna
Number 14 offers an 8-hour guided tour for about $512, perfect for car enthusiasts. The tour visits Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Pagani, with exclusive factory and museum visits. Guests can upgrade to drive a Ferrari or Lamborghini and even test a F1 simulator. The reviews highlight the VIP treatment and the chance to see Italy’s automotive icons in action. It’s ideal for those wanting an all-in-one high-speed experience.
Bottom Line: For speed freaks and car lovers, this is the ultimate day trip into Italy’s Motor Valley.
15. Private Emilia Romagna Food Tour Full Day
Our top-tier experience, this full-day private food tour for $308, takes you across Emilia Romagna for visits to Parmigiano-Reggiano producers, prosciutto makers, and balsamic vinegar artisans. It’s tailored to your interests, with undivided attention from your guide. Guests rave about the depth of food knowledge and the chance to sample regional specialties in their authentic settings. It’s perfect for food lovers craving a comprehensive, personalized gastronomic adventure.
Bottom Line: A luxurious, in-depth exploration of Emilia Romagna’s culinary riches, ideal for serious food aficionados.
How to Choose Your Bologna Tour
When selecting a tour, consider your interests, time constraints, and budget. For a quick city overview, the Bologna: City Center Walking Tour offers a solid introduction for just $31. If you’re passionate about food, the Bologna Food Tour from a local perspective or the Full Meal Food Tour provide immersive tastings. Want to learn to cook? The Pasta Cooking Class and Home Cooking Classes at Grace’s Home are great choices for hands-on experience.
For those interested in luxury or automotive highlights, the Ferrari Lamborghini Pagani Tour will thrill car enthusiasts. And if you prefer a flexible, tailored experience, the Private Highlights & Hidden Gems offers a completely personalized day.
Final Thoughts
Bologna offers a wealth of tours suited for every type of traveler. Food lovers will find exceptional value in the culinary experiences, like the Gastronomic Experience with a Local or the Full Meal Food Tour. For those who want to see the sights efficiently, the City Center Walking Tour is unbeatable. And for a deep dive into Italy’s motorsport heritage, the Ferrari and Lamborghini Factory Tour is hard to beat.
Remember, booking early guarantees your spot, especially for popular classes and private tours. Bologna’s tours bring the city’s history, food, and culture alive in ways that leave you with memories—and recipes—that last well beyond your visit.
