Have you ever wondered where your favorite spaghetti dish came from? Bologna may be best known for its thick and rich red pasta dish, but it has so much more to offer in terms of architecture, culture, food, and wine. So book your Bologna food tour now and have a taste of authentic Italian cuisine!
Here are some flavors you shouldn’t hesitate to try on your exclusive Bologna food tour:
- Green lasagna
Lasagna is the go-to pasta dish for many people, even outside of Italy. It’s appetizing, filling, and best of all, incredibly easy to make. But if you’re tired of eating the same old food every day, don’t worry—nothing beats the taste of authentic Italian lasagna.
This time, though, you’ll notice that Bologna’s lasagna is not what you’re used to. Instead, it has a greenish tinge, made with much healthier ingredients such as spinach pasta, ragu sauce, and bechamel. It’s definitely a must-try if you’re looking for a savory yet nutritious meal.
- Piadina
Not in the mood for heavy pasta? You can taste Bologna’s very own sandwich instead. Piadina is a flatbread made with flour, lard, olive oil, salt, and water, resulting in a classic yet flavorful taste. Also, you get to choose your own fillings, including ham, cheese, and fresh vegetables.
- Tigelle
Are you looking for something to tickle your appetite before a big meal? Don’t hesitate to try the local tigelle, small round pieces of bread cooked in a cast-iron mold. This classic aperitivo fills a single bite with multiple flavors, from cheese and pesto to vinegar or cured meats.
- Mortadella
Speaking of cured meats, you can’t visit Bologna without trying its specialty, mortadella. You might be familiar with this as ham or sausage; however, nothing compares to the taste of authentic mortadella from the city’s talented butchers.
This cured meat has a mild pork flavor that is a little lighter than bacon, pairing perfectly with bread and other meats such as prosciutto, pancetta, and salami.
- Parmigiano
Do you want a complete and authentic Italian experience? This would not be complete without a taste of the local cheeses. Bologna is widely known for its Parmigiano Reggiano, also dubbed as the King of Cheese—and for a good reason.
This hard, granular cheese is aged for years in dark cellars, resulting in a mild and nutty flavor that matches perfectly with champagne, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Grigio.
Of course, your trip to Bologna doesn’t entirely have to be about eating. Between tasting the many pasta dishes and sipping your favorite wine, make sure you have time to explore the city. And to make your trip more enjoyable, here are some must-visit sites in the capital of Emilia-Romagna:
- Piazza Maggiore
Italy is home to numerous grand piazzas, and the Piazza Maggiore in Bologna won’t disappoint. As the city’s central square, this historical landmark is full of architectural wonders, such as the Basilica di San Petronio and Palazzo Comunale.
If you’re willing to walk a little northwest of the square, you’ll find the world-famous Fountain of Neptune, depicting the god of the sea with his trident in hand.
- Leaning towers
The world’s most famous leaning tower may be in Pisa, but did you know that Bologna has its very own version of the architectural marvel? It has two leaning towers, Asinelli and Garisenda.
Both buildings stand tall in the middle of Piazza di Porta Ravegnana, and you can climb them to see the city from a new perspective.
- Bologna National Gallery
Would you like to learn more about Bologna’s art history? You can’t pass up a trip to the National Gallery, which holds works only relating to Emilia-Romagna. Here, you’ll discover two main sections: the Accademia Clementina and the Gallery of the Academy of Fine Arts.
The Bologna National Gallery contains some notable exhibits, such as “Christ and the Good Thief” by Titian and the “Ecstasy of St. Cecilia” by Raphael.
- Museo per la Memoria di Ustica
Are you trying to dive deeper into Italy’s history? The Museo per la Memoria di Ustica is not for the faint of heart — this museum has a dark, eerie, and mysterious atmosphere only the bravest can explore.
Also known as the Museum for the Memory of Ustica, this attraction is dedicated to the Ustica Disaster—an unfortunate event involving a plane crashing into the Tyrrhenian Sea.
The crash remains a mystery and is being investigated to this day. The museum gives a glimpse into the victims’ lives. Here, you can pay tribute to the people lost in the disaster and view the reconstructed remains of the once-crashed plane.
- La Piazzola Market
Leaving Bologna so soon? Before you go, pass by the local market and pick up some souvenirs for your friends and family. The La Piazzola Market in Piazza dell Agosto is home to over 400 stalls, each offering something for everyone.
For instance, some stalls sell jewelry and fashion accessories, while others display an array of pottery, flowers, shoes, and clothes. And if you’re famished after a long day of shopping, you can visit little food stalls selling Bolognese snacks, spices, and drinks.
Bologna is a must-visit area if you’re a lover of both food and adventure. But like any other vacation, planning a trip to Italy’s most delicious city can be a drag. So first, you must be ready to get out of your comfort zone and schedule a Bologna food tour with an experienced tour operator.
If you don’t like big crowds and long lines, the best time to visit Bologna would be around November or February. Top-rated tour providers offer excellent prices for low-season vacations, including accommodation in four to five-star hotels.
Private tour packages from leading operators also include complete assistance from the airport, exclusive transportation with an English-speaking driver, custom-designed daily excursions with a professional local guide, and access to Italy’s best-kept secrets.
Book your Bologna food tour now, and don’t waste a second eating your favorite dishes, exploring the piazzas, and learning about Italian culture and history!