Bolzano is a fantastic destination for food lovers. This small city combines Italian, Austrian, and South Tyrolean flavors, making its culinary scene truly unique. Whether you’re into hearty sausages, fresh baked goods, or local wines, Bolzano’s food scene offers something for all. We especially love the Bolzano Street Food Tour®, which provides a lively, authentic taste of the town’s street eats while exploring its medieval streets. The tour’s focus on local food stalls, combined with a small-group atmosphere, keeps it intimate and engaging. Plus, it includes a visit to one of the oldest taverns in town, giving you a glimpse into Bolzano’s past.
Among the options, we find that the tours vary from walking tastings to full-day wine adventures. Some focus on traditional regional dishes, others on local markets and wine cellars. To help you decide, here’s a quick overview of the best food tours in Bolzano, with details to match your interests.
1. Bolzano Street Food Tour®
At number 1 on our list, the Bolzano Street Food Tour® offers an immersive 3-hour walk through Bolzano’s historic streets, sampling the best local street foods. Led by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll visit vibrant food stalls and try typical dishes like Wuerstel sausages, reflecting Austrian and German influences, and Schuettelbrot, a special local bread. The tour also includes a visit to the Franciscan Church and the town’s oldest bakery, where you can indulge in regional sweets and cakes.
What makes this tour stand out is its intimate size—small groups mean you get personalized attention—and its mix of history and food. You’ll learn about Bolzano’s past as you taste it, making it a well-rounded experience. The highlight is the Italian Happy Hour at a cozy trattoria, where bruschette and local cocktails round out the evening. Priced at $124.96 per person, it offers a great value considering the variety and quality of tastings included. Guests praise Claudia, the guide, for her warmth and depth of knowledge, making this a top pick for first-time visitors wanting an authentic, flavorful introduction to Bolzano.
Bottom Line: For a lively, authentic exploration of Bolzano’s street foods and history, this tour blends delicious bites with storytelling, perfect for curious travelers.
2. Bolzano: Guided Traditional Food Tour
Coming in at number 2, the Bolzano: Guided Traditional Food Tour lets you explore South Tyrol’s culinary traditions over 3 hours. Your local foodie guide will lead you through key spots like Piazza del Municipio and the bustling food market at Piazza delle Erbe, where you’ll sample regional specialties. The tour includes a 45-minute tasting session, a traditional lunch, and a 30-minute beer tasting, with a focus on regional products.
What makes this tour unique is its emphasis on insider tips. The guide shares recommendations for the best local restaurants and cafés, giving you ideas for the rest of your stay. The taste of authentic Speck and Bauernschinken cold cuts, as well as homemade dumplings, highlights South Tyrol’s Alpine-Mediterranean fusion. Priced at a flexible rate, it’s a good choice for travelers who want a comprehensive taste of Bolzano’s food scene in a short time.
One review notes, “We learned a lot from our guide and enjoyed the variety of tastes.” It’s especially suited for those who want a structured experience with lots of regional bites and cultural insights without the full-day commitment.
Bottom Line: This tour balances storytelling, tasting, and local tips, making it ideal for travelers eager to deepen their understanding of South Tyrol’s cuisine in just a few hours.
3. Taste Bolzano: Food Tour with Full Meal by Do Eat Better
At number 3, the Taste Bolzano: Food Tour with Full Meal takes about 3.5 hours and offers a hearty introduction to Bolzano’s best eateries. It’s perfect if you want a leisurely pace combined with a full meal experience. The tour visits several local shops and restaurants, sampling speck, Bauernschinken, canederli, spätzle, and traditional baked breads like Laugenbrot and Brezen. It finishes with a slice of flaky apple strudel and coffee.
What sets this tour apart is its focus on authentic, top-quality dishes across multiple stops, all led by a knowledgeable guide. Guests appreciate the variety and depth—one noted, “We had more food than expected and enjoyed every bite.” It’s a flexible, small-group tour that’s ideal for food lovers wanting a thorough taste of Bolzano’s culinary diversity without rushing.
Priced at $105.54 per person, it offers good value considering the multiple tastings and the chance to explore the town’s main sights between stops. The tour’s relaxed pace makes it suitable for explorers who want time to really enjoy each dish and absorb the atmosphere.
Bottom Line: For a comprehensive taste of local specialties and a relaxed dining experience, this tour’s a top choice—just bring your appetite.
4. Private Tour The ultimate South Tyrol wine & food experience
Finally, the Private Tour The ultimate South Tyrol wine & food experience offers an exclusive, full-day adventure lasting 6 to 7 hours. Ideal for wine enthusiasts, this tour combines visits to renowned wineries with tasting sessions of Alto Adige’s finest wines and local appetizers. Traveling in luxury vehicles, you’ll pass through iconic towns like Caldaro and Appiano, exploring vineyards and orchards along the way.
This tour is highly customizable—you choose the wineries you’ll visit, and the guide arranges tastings based on your preferences. It also includes an authentic Italian lunch, making it a very indulgent experience. Guests love Matteo, the guide, for his friendly knowledge and flexibility. One reviewer said, “We tasted excellent wines and enjoyed a delicious lunch in beautiful scenery.”
While at $300.96 per person, it’s a significant investment, it’s ideal for serious wine lovers or groups seeking a personalized, luxurious day in South Tyrol. Keep in mind, it’s a long day with a lot of driving, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with full-day excursions.
Bottom Line: For a deep dive into South Tyrol’s wine culture in a private, flexible setting, this tour delivers a memorable, upscale experience.
How to Choose the Right Food Tour in Bolzano
Picking the best food tour depends on your interests and travel style. If you want lively street food and a taste of Bolzano’s history, the Bolzano Street Food Tour® is hard to beat. For a structured exploration of local products with insider tips, the Guided Traditional Food Tour offers great value. If you’re after a relaxed, full-meal experience in top restaurants, the Taste Bolzano is perfect. And for wine lovers craving a personalized, full-day adventure, the South Tyrol wine & food private tour provides luxury and exclusivity.
Consider your budget, how much time you want to spend, and whether you prefer street eats, market visits, full meals, or wine tastings. Booking early is recommended, especially for private and popular tours, to secure your preferred date.
Final Thoughts
Bolzano offers a tempting array of food experiences, fitting all kinds of culinary curiosity and travel schedules. For a quick, lively introduction, the street food tour hits traditional flavors and local stories. If you want a detailed, insider-guided journey, the guided traditional tour provides a well-rounded taste. For those who prefer a hearty, sit-down meal and a relaxed pace, the full-meal tour is a solid choice. Finally, wine enthusiasts will find the private South Tyrol wine and food experience an unforgettable way to combine tastings with scenic views.
No matter which you pick, make sure to book early. Bolzano’s food tours give you a richer understanding of this charming town’s flavors—and a delicious story to tell back home.
