
Best of Bologna in one day : Food, architecture, art and history
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 47 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Best of Bologna in one day : Food, architecture, art and history worth booking?
Best of Bologna in one day : Food, architecture, art and history is a 7-hour experience in Bologna, Italy, from $166 per person. It scores 78 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 47 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 78 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (47)
- Duration
- 7 hours
- From
- $166 per person
This is an extremely comprehensive tour to discover the marvelous city of Bologna. A day of culture, art, and gastronomy among the city's main attractions. The program has been carefully designed to combine the great potential of Bologna's gastronomy (tortellini, mortadella, delicious cured hams, rice cake, tagliatelle, tortelloni, PARMIGIANO REGGIANO, MOodena Dop TRADITIONAL BALSAMIC VINEGAR)... with that of its rich architectural and artistic heritage, including its splendid churches, palaces, ancient university, canals, and towers, and finally, a tunning museum rich in ancient art, the Pinacoteca Nazionale. Regarding its great famous gastronomy : most of its preparations do not need any poresentation (balsamic, parmesan cheese, pasta bolognese, lasagna, tortellini, parma ham, mortadella), but some of these delicacies are actual hidden gems for most of Italian travellers too! We ll visit also a TRADITIONAL PASTA LABORATORY for a qiuick and efficient LITTLE COOKING CLASS!
What you get
About this experience
This is an extremely comprehensive tour to discover the marvelous city of Bologna. A day of culture, art, and gastronomy among the city's main attractions. The program has been carefully designed to combine the great potential of Bologna's gastronomy (tortellini, mortadella, delicious cured hams, rice cake, tagliatelle, tortelloni, PARMIGIANO REGGIANO, MOodena Dop TRADITIONAL BALSAMIC VINEGAR)... with that of its rich architectural and artistic heritage, including its splendid churches, palaces, ancient university, canals, and towers, and finally, a tunning museum rich in ancient art, the Pinacoteca Nazionale. Regarding its great famous gastronomy : most of its preparations do not need any poresentation (balsamic, parmesan cheese, pasta bolognese, lasagna, tortellini, parma ham, mortadella), but some of these delicacies are actual hidden gems for most of Italian travellers too! We ll visit also a TRADITIONAL PASTA LABORATORY for a qiuick and efficient LITTLE COOKING CLASS!
What's included
Included
- Entrance to the Bolognini Chapel, San Petronio
- Entrance to the National Art Gallery
- Entrance ticket to the Lamentation of Santa Maria della Vita
- Tasting of cured meats, Parmesan cheese, balsamic vinegar of Modena in the historic market
- Entrance to the Archiginnasio and Anatomical Theater
What you'll see and do
Piazza Maggiore
We will discover the secrets and the great masterpieces of the square, such as the terracotta works of Nicolo' dell'Arca, the Fountain of Neptune, Palazzo Comunale and San Petronio. We will visit some splendid frescoed rooms of the Palazzo Comunale, the grand staircase of Bramane's horses and other small jewels of the sumptuous building.
40 minutes here · Admission included
Piazza Santo Stefano
Large and unique complex of early medieval buildings, medieval and Romanesque interiors, Gothic palaces, specialized art museum, frescoes, medieval porticoes and spiral staircases, terrace with a view of the towers and Bologna from "high".
20 minutes here · Admission included
Chiesa di Santa Maria della Vita
Baroque church with the splendid Lamentation of Nicolò dell'Arca, a Renaissance terracotta masterpiece.
20 minutes here · Admission included
Archiginnasio Di Bologna
Ancient Renaissance and Baroque palace of the University of Bologna, with splendid frescoes, books, historical library and wooden anatomical theatre.
20 minutes here · Admission included
Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna
Visit one of the most important museums of painting and ancient art in Italy, from Giotto to Raphael, from Titian to Guido Reni, from Ercole de Roberti to Carracci and Guercino, from Vitasle da Bologna to Parmigianino.
40 minutes here · Admission included
Quadrilatero
A place of history, art, and gastronomy : the ancient market of Mezzo di Bologna, among historic stalls, taverns, and traditional shops, a true medieval Temple of Emilia Romagna RICH GASTRONOMY
40 minutes here
Chiesa di San Giacomo Maggiore
Great art gallery church, with the famous Bentivoglio Chapel, a masterpiece of the Emilian Renaissance, Oratory of Santa Cecilia with frescoes and musical venues.
40 minutes here
Canale delle Moline
Towers, arcades, medieval houses, palaces, extravagant architecture, hidden canals, noble staircases, frescoed halls, oratories, places of the oldest university in Europe
5 minutes here
Basilica di San Domenico
Basilica treasure trove of art and architecture, from the Ark of Nicola Pisano, Nicolò and Michelangelo, to the alchemical wooden choir, from Mozart's favorite organ to the Renaissance cloister.
40 minutes here
Basilica - Santuario di Santo Stefano
Visit to a medieval and early medieval complex of inestimable value, built in the image and likeness of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem.
40 minutes here
Bruno e Franco - La Salumeria
Tastings of : Figs and PArma ham, CULATELLO, salami, Mortadella, Pasta, Meatballs and peas (Bologna style), Tagliatelle with ragout, PARMIGIANO REGGIANO (3/4 YEARS aged ), TRADITIONAL GREEN LASAGNE BOLOGNESI, Traditionalò MODENA BALSAMIC VINEGAR (up to 24 years of aging)...much else!
60 minutes here
Bruno e Franco - La Salumeria
A little COOKING CLASS for PASTA alla BOLOGNESE (pasta with egg, for tagliatelle, tortellini, lasagna, balanzoni, tortelloni, passatelli...)
30 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Bologna
Reach Piazza Maggiore, the central square of Bologna, The meeting point is right next to the Neptune fountain.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Reach Piazza Maggiore, the central square of Bologna, The meeting point is right next to the Neptune fountain.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, it
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Riccardo Bacchi
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- reccommandable to all categories of travellers
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 46 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
9 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
5 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
The guide
4 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Traveler reviews
46 verified traveler reviews for Best of Bologna in one day : Food, architecture, art and history. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
We had a wonderful...
We had a wonderful experience with Riccardo. On our first day in Bologna, we wandered through the streets, admired the architecture, and enjoyed the incredible food, but had very little context for the history and significance of what we were seeing. After taking this tour, we were genuinely amazed by just how much history, culture, and fascinating detail we had walked right past without realizing it! The tour brought Bologna to life in a way we never could have experienced on our own. It was a fantastic combination of history, architecture, local traditions, and delicious food, all thoughtfully woven together. We left with a much deeper appreciation for this beautiful city. Highly recommend taking this tour early in your visit so you can appreciate everything Bologna has to offer!
via Viator
Information overload!
We did not do all of the things listed on the tour….pasta making wasn’t mentioned. We did not eat lunch until 2:30 and it was a sit on the curb take out meal. Our guide was a history professor and very passionate, but at times he was too loud, opinionated and we felt we were being lectured on being in Bologna for the wrong reasons! We appreciated his knowledge, but after a while he was exhausting. The tour was not as described.
Response from the operator: I'm sorry if you had to eat late, ...at 2:15; certainly, finding San Domenico closed and having to choose another place to visit in the morning didn't help. I had booked the visit in San DOMENICO 10 days ago, and it should have been open ! However Eating at 2:30 was definitely late. I admit that!!! The fact that I might have seemed a bit opinionated (mostly about food and tastings selection...): You know, as I explained to you, it has taken 8 years to carry out the best selection of FOOD PROVIDERS AND TRADITIONAL STORES (all shops with more than 60/160 years of uninterrupted activities and ackowledged by the ancient CHAMBER OF COMMERCE of Bologna)... In other words: the very best shops in Bologna, And definitely that s why you LOVED THE TASTINGS!!!!🙂 However The tour is exactly as described and you have been the first travellers in 11 years claiming it. Saluti R.
via Viator
Breath taking views and passionate guides
Riccardo was incredibly knowledgeable and poured his heart into showing us around Bologna. We were able to see remarkable buildings with architecture that takes your breath away. Riccardo tools us down routes with little traffic and we were able to avoid large crowds. We were absolutely blown away and couldn’t have asked for a better tour guide. We would 100% do this tour again!
via Viator
Fabulous walking Tour with lots of history, architecture and some food.
Ricardo was amazing as he is so passionate about the history and the architecture in Bologna. The tour lasts a good 6 hours or more with stops for coffee and lunch. Have a decent breakfast before you start. You will see many things that other tours do not have access to. If you can handle walking and love history and architecture, then this tour is for you. Make sure to request Ricardo.
via Viator
A day in Bologna
Ricardo was a wonderful tour guide. We learned so much about the history and the architecture of Bologna as well as wonderful food tastings at the end.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 7 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 16
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Riccardo Bacchi, who run 5 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 66.2.
See everything Riccardo Bacchi runsWhy this scores 78
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Best of Bologna in one day : Food, architecture, art and history: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Bologna.
How much does Best of Bologna in one day : Food, architecture, art and history cost?
+
Prices start at $166 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Bologna usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Best of Bologna in one day : Food, architecture, art and history take?
+
Plan for about 7 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Bologna is not rushed.
Is Best of Bologna in one day : Food, architecture, art and history worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 78 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 47 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Bologna, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Best of Bologna in one day : Food, architecture, art and history?
+
Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Best of Bologna in one day : Food, architecture, art and history suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 7-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Best of Bologna in one day : Food, architecture, art and history?
+
Around 16 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Bologna can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
+
Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Bologna and add a light layer if any part of the 7-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Best of Bologna in one day : Food, architecture, art and history start and how do I get there?
+
The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Bologna within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Bologna?
+
On Outty we rank every Bologna experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Bologna Local Pasta Cooking Class, Ragu, Spritz, Wine & Gelato, Bologna Food Experience: Factory tours & Lunch By Italian Days, Small Group Bologna Food Tour – Local Food & Market Experience. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Bologna?
+
Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Bologna?
+
Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
+
Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Best of Bologna in one day : Food, architecture, art and history?
+
Included: Entrance to the Bolognini Chapel, San Petronio; Entrance to the National Art Gallery; Entrance ticket to the Lamentation of Santa Maria della Vita; Tasting of cured meats, Parmesan cheese, balsamic vinegar of Modena in the historic market; and Entrance to the Archiginnasio and Anatomical Theater. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Best of Bologna in one day : Food, architecture, art and history?
+
Reach Piazza Maggiore, the central square of Bologna, The meeting point is right next to the Neptune fountain. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Best of Bologna in one day : Food, architecture, art and history offered in?
+
It is offered in English and Italian. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Best of Bologna in one day : Food, architecture, art and history?
+
Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Best of Bologna in one day : Food, architecture, art and history wheelchair or stroller accessible?
+
The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Transportation options are wheelchair accessible; and All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Best of Bologna in one day : Food, architecture, art and history if the weather is bad?
+
It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Bologna. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Best of Bologna in one day : Food, architecture, art and history?
+
Across 47 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, food and drink, the guide. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Best of Bologna in one day : Food, architecture, art and history.
Pick your date




