In the heart of Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region lies Bologna—a city revered not just for its red-brick porticoes and medieval towers, but also for its unmatched culinary legacy. Known as La Grassa (The Fat One), Bologna is where pasta is handmade with care, Parmigiano-Reggiano is aged to perfection, and ragù is a religion.
Whether you’re spending 24 hours or a long weekend, here’s how to savor Bologna’s rich food culture, one bite at a time.
Morning: Start with a Traditional Italian Breakfast
Begin your day the Italian way—with a cappuccino and a flaky pastry. Head to Pasticceria Gamberini, one of Bologna’s oldest pastry shops, for a cornetto and an espresso at the counter like the locals do.
Then take a morning stroll through Quadrilatero Market, a vibrant open-air marketplace with local cheeses, charcuterie, fresh pasta, and seasonal produce. It’s the perfect place to stock up on picnic supplies or grab ingredients for a cooking class.
Explore local sights and food markets at Visit Emilia-Romagna.
Midday: Learn to Make Pasta by Hand
No trip to Bologna is complete without making pasta the traditional way—by hand, on a wooden board, with a rolling pin. Several cooking schools offer short courses where you can learn to prepare tagliatelle, tortellini, or lasagna alla Bolognese.
Top-rated experiences include:
- Cesarine: Italy’s oldest network of home cooks offers private lessons in local homes.
- Taste Bologna: Offers group pasta-making classes with wine pairings and regional specialties.
Book your class directly through the Taste Bologna website.
Afternoon: Visit the Parmigiano-Reggiano and Prosciutto Producers
If you have time for a short excursion, join a guided tour to nearby Modena or Parma to witness how Parmigiano-Reggiano and Prosciutto di Parma are made. These half-day tours often include tastings straight from the source and give visitors a behind-the-scenes look at centuries-old DOP (Protected Designation of Origin) techniques.
Many local guides offer combined excursions. Look for options on GetYourGuide or via regional tourism sites.
Evening: Eat Like a Bolognese
Finish your day with a dinner that reflects the city’s soul. Bologna is home to some of Italy’s most iconic dishes, and here’s what to prioritize:
- Tagliatelle al Ragù: This is the real “Bolognese”—not spaghetti, but flat, egg-rich noodles coated in a slow-cooked meat sauce.
- Tortellini in Brodo: Small, ring-shaped pasta filled with pork or prosciutto, served in a rich broth.
- Lasagna Verde alla Bolognese: Made with spinach pasta sheets, béchamel, and ragù.
Where to eat:
- Trattoria Anna Maria: A local favorite known for traditional fare in a cozy setting.
- Osteria dell’Orsa: Casual, budget-friendly, and beloved by students and tourists alike.
- Sfoglia Rina: Offers handmade pasta by day and a full-service restaurant experience by night.
For more Bologna restaurant recommendations, check Eater’s travel guide.
Final Bite
Bologna isn’t just a destination—it’s a living, breathing celebration of Italian culinary heritage. From egg-rich pasta and aged cheese to neighborhood trattorias and bustling markets, every corner of the city offers something delicious to discover. One day might not be enough, but it’s certainly enough to fall in love.
