Bologna Foodie Day Trip: The Best Food & Markets by Train from Milan or Florence

Bologna is Italy’s culinary capital, home to legendary pasta dishes, bustling food markets, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. If you’re staying in Milan or Florence, it’s easy to make a foodie pilgrimage here thanks to Italy’s high-speed rail network—just over an hour from Milan, or 40 minutes from Florence.

Bologna skyline at sunset

Known as La Grassa (“The Fat One”) for its rich gastronomic traditions, Bologna is the perfect city for a day of eating, strolling under its famous porticoes, and soaking up authentic Emilia-Romagna charm.

What to Expect

• Compact, walkable historic centre perfect for a day trip

• Excellent regional food at every turn—pasta, cured meats, cheeses

• Covered porticoes offering shade and shelter

• Lively atmosphere in markets and piazzas year-round

Where to Visit

1. Piazza Maggiore – Start here to admire the Basilica di San Petronio and the grand medieval square.

2. Quadrilatero Market – Narrow streets lined with delis, butchers, fishmongers, and pasta shops—perfect for grazing.

3. Asinelli Tower – Climb nearly 500 steps for a panoramic view of Bologna’s terracotta rooftops.

4. Archiginnasio of Bologna – Historic university building with ornate lecture halls and an atmospheric library

   
   

   

   Asinelli Tower, Bologna

Foodie Highlights

• Tortellini in Brodo – Tiny pasta parcels in rich broth, a true Bolognese classic.

• Tagliatelle al Ragù – The real “spaghetti bolognese” (but never served with spaghetti here).

• Mortadella di Bologna – Paper-thin slices of this delicate pink sausage are perfect with fresh bread.

• Parmigiano Reggiano & Balsamic Vinegar – Visit shops that let you sample the region’s finest exports.

Where to Eat

• Osteria dell’Orsa – Casual and affordable, famous for its tagliatelle al ragù.

• Trattoria di Via Serra – Small, family-run, and deeply traditional.

• Tamburini – Deli and wine bar perfect for platters of cured meats and cheeses.

Day Trip Option from Bologna

• Modena – Just 20 minutes by train, home to world-class balsamic vinegar, opera heritage, and the Enzo Ferrari Museum.

Travel Tips

• Reserve popular restaurants in advance, especially on weekends.

• Wear comfortable shoes—Bologna’s historic streets are best explored on foot.

• High-speed trains from Milan and Florence run frequently, but book tickets ahead for the best prices.

• Try to arrive hungry; the portions here are generous!

Real Travel Guides: Explore Italy independently, sustainably, and by train.