7 Must-Visit Food Markets In Bologna, Italy

food markets in bologna
Faith
Faith 
Updated
| 3 min read

Food markets are one of the highlights of your adventure in every city as they give you a glimpse of what life is like as a local. Moreover, you get to converse with the locals on where and how they source their supplies and understand a little bit more about their culture and way of life. The different food markets you find in Italy would sell a whole array of food items like fresh fish, cheese, pizza, fruits, vegetables, coffee, wine, and more! With Italy being an absolute food paradise, knowing where to stay in Bologna can help you quickly learn some recipes as you get to whip them up during your visit. For that, a stay in an Airbnb vacation rental comes in handy. To discover where you can source the freshest ingredients, read on for the list of must-visit food markets in Bologna, Italy.

1. Campagna Amica

Il comune e la festa della zucca
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Manuele Dellanave used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Campagna Amica is a farmers’ market which sells fresh produce which is directly grown by the local producers. With this being the largest farmers’ market in Rome, you can expect to find plenty of items ranging from the likes of fruit, vegetables, cheeses, dairy products, bread and baked goods, fresh meat, salami, flowers and more. If you do drop by, do look out for olive oil, honey and cured meat. You would find that the olives are pricier than usual as they are handpicked by the farmers themselves. If you want to grab a small bite, you could get some bread, pecorino and prosciutto. There are even tables outdoors where you can enjoy your meal with a view of the hills.

Campagna Amica - Farmers' market

Address: Via di S. Teodoro, 74, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

Website: Campagna Amica

Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 8am - 3pm (closed from Mon - Fri)

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2. The old market of Quadrilatero

Quadrilatero, Bologna
Source: Photo by user Dave Collier used under CC BY-ND 2.0

The old market of Quadrilatero is an ancient marketplace that is situated in the heart of the old town and continues the legacy of its craft and trading tradition which can be dated back to the Middle Ages. You can expect to find things like specialized handicrafts, vegetables, meat, bars, and restaurants.

Do try out the signature pasta such as tortellini and lasagne, which are some of the food Bologna, Italy, is known for. Most of these shops have been handed down from generation to generation and some of them have even kept their historic architecture and furnishings. There are also lots of walking tours you can participate in if you wish to find out more about the history of this old town.

Quadrilatero

Address: Clavature & via Pescherie Vecchie, 40124 Bologna, Italy

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3. Mercato Ritrovato


Mercato Ritrovato (farmers’ market) is an open-air outdoor market where you can get things like cheese, butter, seasonal fruits and vegetables, bread, and more. You might want to try the famous tigelle with Mora Romagnola cured meat or pesto Modenese. You can expect top quality and freshness here as the products are all sourced within a 40-kilometer (24-mile) radius.

At times, there are even cooking classes, live concerts, and other events happening at this Saturday market in Bologna. If you’re coming here with young children, there is also a play area for kids to have fun!

Mercato Ritrovato

Address: Via Azzo Gardino, 65, 40122 Bologna BO, Italy

Website: Mercato Ritrovato

Opening hours: Sat: 9am - 2pm (closed from Sun - Fri)

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4. Mercato del Novale


Mercato del Novale is a street food market in Bologna situated close to the Piazza Carducci. It makes for a good lunch spot after your morning sightseeing activities in the area. This market got its name from the Nobel prize-winning poet who lived in the vicinity in front of the market. This is the go-to place for seasonal fruits and vegetables which are from slow food producers, meaning that their quality and freshness are very high.

The popular food items at this Sunday market in Bologna are porcini or Galletti mushrooms, chestnuts, fresh cheeses, wine, and organic meat. While you’re here, do get some bread from the best bakeries in the area like Molino Urbano.

Mercato del Novale

Address: Viale Giosuè Carducci, 40125 Bologna BO, Italy

Website: Mercato del Novale

Opening hours: Sun: 8:30am - 1:30pm (closed from Mon - Sat)

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5. Mercato delle Erbe

Mercato delle erbe 1
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Fabio Di Francesco used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Exploring Mercato delle Erbe in Bologna is a vibrant and sensory-rich experience that immerses you in the city’s culinary traditions. Located in the heart of Bologna, this historic market is a food lover’s paradise, offering an array of fresh produce, local delicacies, and bustling food stalls.

Mercato delle Erbe is a place to shop for fresh produce and a gathering spot for locals and visitors alike. You can enjoy a quick espresso at a café, savor a freshly prepared meal at one of the market’s food stands, or soak in the vibrant atmosphere as you interact with the vendors.

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6. Mercato Albani

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Situated in the lively neighborhood of Albani, Mercato Albani is a bustling market that offers an authentic and immersive experience for food enthusiasts. The market is known for its fresh and high-quality products, ranging from seasonal fruits and vegetables to fragrant herbs and aromatic spices.

What sets Mercato Albani apart is its emphasis on local and traditional products. Here, you’ll find a wide range of regional specialties, such as artisanal cheeses, cured meats, homemade pasta, and freshly baked bread. In addition to the delicious food offerings, the market may have charming stalls selling flowers, clothing, and household items, creating a lively and diverse shopping experience.

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7. Mercato di Mezzo (from USD 109.0)

Mercato di Mezzo is the first covered market in Italy and is best known for its food and wine products and local delicacies. There are lots of stalls selling delectable local delights which are made fresh to order. You can get things like salads, coffee, pastries, ragu, tortellini, and platters of meat and cheese. The dishes here are highly sought after and you can enjoy your hot meals in the seating areas upstairs. If you’re unsure of what to eat and see, you can join in the walking tour where the guide will bring you through famous local cuisine, while passing by landmarks like Basilica di San Petronio, Basilica - Santuario di Santo Stefano and more! It also includes food and wine tasting.

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Bologna Food Tour with Wine Tasting & Guided Sightseeing of Top Attractions

Duration: 3 hours

1 review

Living life as a local

If you’re tired of visiting the touristy areas and falling into tourist traps like eating at overly hyped and pricey restaurants, the farmer’s market is just the thing you need! Immerse yourself in the history and culture of the city by doing as the locals do at the farmer’s market. You can also be assured that you’ll be getting a bang for your buck with all these freshly produced food items that are locally sourced.

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Frequently asked questions about the must-visit food markets in Bologna, Italy


Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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Faith embarked on a transformative odyssey as a freelance writer and avid traveler. Her wanderlust ignited during a memorable exchange program in Lund, Sweden, where creativity and the passion for...Read more

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