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Tours and the City · Neptune Fountain to the Two Towers

The classic Bologna food walk

Three hours on foot from the Neptune Fountain to the Two Towers, with what the listing calls over 15 tastings of local food, wine and balsamic along the way. Pick it for the range: tigella, the market, an osteria open since 1465, tortellini, tagliatelle and gelato in one morning or afternoon.

Walking Food Tour with a Local Expert

About this experience

This is the walk most visitors to Bologna end up on, and it earns that by covering a lot of ground. The guide waits in front of the Neptune statue with an orange umbrella. From there the listing describes a progressive tasting across five local stores: tigella at a bakery, the central market and artisan shops, a stop at Osteria del Sole, a traditional trattoria for tortellini and tagliatelle, a cafe, and gelato at the end near the Two Towers.

Osteria del Sole is the stop people remember. It opened in 1465 in Vicolo Ranocchi and it serves drinks only: customers bring their own food, a house rule the place has kept for centuries. You'll also hear how 25-year-old balsamic is made and taste a local one. The tortellini and tagliatelle are Bologna's own; the balsamic and much of the cheese come from Modena and the hills to the west. Ask your guide which is which.

Caveats from the listing: it is not suitable for wheelchair users, vegans or people with gluten intolerance, and baby strollers are not allowed. Stops change with the season and on bank holidays. The Two Towers are fenced off for restoration, so the finish is a view from the street, not a climb.

  • Over 15 tastings across five local stores, according to the listing
  • A glass at Osteria del Sole, open since 1465
  • How traditional balsamic is aged, and a local one to taste
  • Tortellini and tagliatelle in a traditional trattoria
  • Gelato to finish near the Two Towers

How the day runs

  1. StartNeptune Fountain

    Look for the guide with an orange umbrella in front of the statue. Introductions and a first look at Piazza Maggiore.

  2. Early stopsBakery and tigella

    Two bakery stops, starting with tigella, the small flatbreads Bologna fills with salumi.

  3. Mid-walkMarket and Osteria del Sole

    The central market lanes and artisan shops, then a glass at the old osteria where locals bring their own food.

  4. Sit-downTrattoria pasta

    Tortellini and tagliatelle at a traditional restaurant, with wine.

  5. FinishCafe, gelato and the Two Towers

    A cafe stop and gelato, ending near the Two Towers with tips for the rest of your stay.

Quadrilatero market lane with stalls under the arcadesOld osteria interior where people bring their own foodBowl of tortellini in brodo

What's included

Included

  • 3-hour guided walk with a local guide
  • Progressive tasting across five local stores
  • Different wines along the way
  • Balsamic explanation and tasting
  • Recommendations for the rest of your stay

Not included

  • Hotel pickup (you meet at the fountain)
  • Extra food and drinks you order yourself
  • Gluten-free or vegan menus (not suitable)
  • Stroller access (not allowed)

Who it suits

Book it if

  • It's your first time in Bologna and you want the full sweep in one go
  • You want to see Osteria del Sole with someone who explains it
  • You like a guide who mixes history with the food
  • You're travelling solo and want company at the table

Skip it if

  • You are vegan or gluten intolerant
  • You are travelling with a stroller or use a wheelchair
  • You want a seated evening meal: the dinner walk is built for that
  • You want to see cheese and balsamic made: book the Food Valley day

What guests say

★★★★★

Roberta was a terrific guide. She was very knowledgeable about the food and drink she shared with us

Patrick · United States
★★★★★

Incredible Tour with Diego, he was super knowledgeable on history and information.

Brendan · Australia
★★★★★

Super nice guide - interest stories, charizmatic, well prepared! Perfect size of a group.

Rosita · Lithuania
★★★★★

A great way to get an insight into Bologna and what makes it so special.

Kathryn · Australia

Tips before you book

  • Skip breakfast, or keep it small. Fifteen-plus tastings add up.
  • Tell the operator about dietary needs when you book; the listing asks you to.
  • Leave the stroller at the hotel: the listing does not allow them.
  • Go back to Osteria del Sole on your own later with a bag of salumi and bread from the Quadrilatero. That is how the place works.
  • On bank holidays some shops close, so stops may change. Book a normal weekday if you want the full route.

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Frequently asked questions

How many tastings are on the Bologna walking food tour?

The listing says over 15 tastings of local food, wine and balsamic, spread across five local stores. They include tigella, cold cuts, Parmigiano Reggiano, mortadella, tortellini, tagliatelle and gelato.

Where does the walking food tour meet?

At the Fountain of Neptune, next to Piazza Maggiore. The guide waits in front of the statue holding an orange umbrella. The walk ends near the Two Towers.

Do you really visit Osteria del Sole?

The itinerary lists it. Osteria del Sole dates from 1465 and serves only drinks; customers bring their own food. On the tour you have a glass there with your guide.

Is it OK for gluten-free or vegan diets?

No. The listing says it is not suitable for vegans or people with gluten intolerance. For other needs, tell the operator when you book.

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The classic Bologna food walk: tigella, the market, aged balsamic, tortellini, tagliatelle, Osteria del Sole and gelato.

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The classic Bologna food walk: tigella, the market, aged balsamic, tortellini, tagliatelle, Osteria del Sole and gelato.

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