Two hours of Bologna street food

About this experience

Depetrini's shorter tour keeps to the plan on the listing: 20 minutes of walking, four street food stops of about 20 minutes each, another short walk, and you're back at Palazzo della Mercanzia two hours later. The food comes from small local businesses. Expect tigelle, stuffed crescentine, fried tortellini, mortadella, Parmigiano Reggiano, ragu sandwiches and whatever is in season.

A word on names, because menus confuse people. In Bologna, crescentina means fried dough, the thing Modena calls gnocco fritto. The small round flatbreads are called tigelle here. You'll probably taste both. Fried tortellini and a ragu sandwich are street takes on the city's two famous pasta dishes, which makes this a good first taste before a proper plate of tagliatelle.

The listing says the tastings are generous enough to replace lunch or dinner. Like the evening walk, it is not a history tour, though guests mention guides who weave in plenty of stories. It is not suitable for vegans, people with gluten intolerance or wheelchair users.

• Four street food stops in about two hours
• Fried tortellini and a ragu sandwich, the street versions of Bologna classics
• Tigelle and stuffed crescentine with mortadella
• Food from small local businesses
• Starts and ends at Palazzo della Mercanzia

How the day runs

1. 5 min beforeMeet at Palazzo della Mercanzia

   Arrive five minutes early on Piazza della Mercanzia.

2. 20 minWalk into the centre

   A guided walk to the first stop, with a quick briefing on what you'll eat.

3. About 80 minFour street food stops

   About 20 minutes at each: tigelle and crescentine, mortadella and Parmigiano, fried tortellini, a ragu sandwich or seasonal special.

4. 20 minWalk back

   Back to Palazzo della Mercanzia, with tips on where to eat for the rest of your stay.

What's included

Who it suits

What guests say

Tips before you book

• Bring some cash for personal extras, as the listing suggests. Small shops are quicker with cash.
• Book it at lunchtime and skip the restaurant. The listing says the tastings can replace a meal.
• Wear comfortable shoes; it's two hours on your feet with short walks between stops.
• Want a drink with it? Drinks beyond the tastings are not included, so budget for a glass.

Read next:

• Best food tour
• What to eat

Frequently asked questions

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