Tours and the City · Neptune Fountain to the Two Towers
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.

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.
Look for the guide with an orange umbrella in front of the statue. Introductions and a first look at Piazza Maggiore.
Two bakery stops, starting with tigella, the small flatbreads Bologna fills with salumi.
The central market lanes and artisan shops, then a glass at the old osteria where locals bring their own food.
Tortellini and tagliatelle at a traditional restaurant, with wine.
A cafe stop and gelato, ending near the Two Towers with tips for the rest of your stay.
★★★★★Roberta was a terrific guide. She was very knowledgeable about the food and drink she shared with us
★★★★★Incredible Tour with Diego, he was super knowledgeable on history and information.
★★★★★Super nice guide - interest stories, charizmatic, well prepared! Perfect size of a group.
★★★★★A great way to get an insight into Bologna and what makes it so special.
Read next:
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.
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.
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.
No. The listing says it is not suitable for vegans or people with gluten intolerance. For other needs, tell the operator when you book.
Ready to book
The classic Bologna food walk: tigella, the market, aged balsamic, tortellini, tagliatelle, Osteria del Sole and gelato.
Dinner, Wine & Food Tastings WalkWine at an old wine bar, a salumi and cheese board, seated fresh pasta and gelato: three hours that replace dinner.★ 4.8 · 3 hours
Local Food Tour with Tastings and WineA 2-hour express or a 3-hour feast: two fresh pastas, mortadella, Parmigiano, balsamic, wine and a surprise dish.★ 4.9 · 2 to 3.5 hours
Street Food Tour in the Historic CentreFour street food stops in two hours: tigelle, crescentine, fried tortellini, mortadella and a ragu sandwich.★ 4.8 · 2 hours