What to Buy in Bologna: 10 Best Authentic Souvenirs (2026 Guide)
If you leave Bologna with a fridge magnet made in China, you have failed.
Bologna is a city of artisans and flavors. The best souvenirs here aren’t things that sit on a shelf gathering dust; they are things you eat, drink, or use.
Since you are visiting the culinary capital of Italy, your suitcase should basically be a second pantry on the flight home. But be careful—customs rules (and luggage limits) can be tricky.
Here is your guide on what to buy in Bologna, where to find the authentic stuff, and how to get it home safely.
Visiting in December? Check our Christmas Market Guide for holiday gifts!
The “Holy Trinity” (Edible Souvenirs)
You’ve read our Ultimate Food Guide, so you know the big three. Here is how to bring them home.
1. Parmigiano Reggiano
You cannot buy this quality in a supermarket back home.
- What to buy: Look for “Vacche Rosse” (Red Cow) or “30 Mesi” (Aged 30 months). It is crystallized, nutty, and life-changing.
- Travel Tip: Ask the shop to “vacuum seal” (sottovuoto) the wedge. Hard cheese is allowed through customs in the USA and most countries.
- Where to buy: La Baita Vecchia Malga (Via Pescherie Vecchie).
2. Mortadella (The Tricky One)
- The Problem: You cannot bring fresh meat into the USA or Australia. It will be confiscated.
- The Solution: If you are traveling within the EU/UK, buy a whole baby Mortadella (about 1kg). It keeps well and makes you the most popular person at your next dinner party.
- Where to buy: Salumeria Simoni or Tamburini.
3. Traditional Balsamic Vinegar
Forget the watery salad dressing you buy at home. Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena DOP is aged for a minimum of 12 years (or 25 for “Extra Vecchio”). It is thick like syrup and comes in a special bulb-shaped bottle designed by Giugiaro (the car designer).
- Cost: Expect to pay €50–€100+ for a small bottle. It is liquid gold.
Buying at the Source: The best place to buy vinegar is directly from the producer in Modena. Book from Bologna: Parmesan Cheese & Balsamic Vinegar Tour with Lunch!
Sweet Treats & Pantry Staples
4. Majani Chocolate (The Fiat Cremino)
Bologna is home to Majani, a chocolate house founded in 1796.
- The Souvenir: The “Fiat Cremino.” In 1911, Fiat (the car company) asked Majani to create a chocolate to celebrate their new car. The result is a 4-layer hazelnut and almond cube that is iconic to the city.
- The “Scorza”: The first solid chocolate ever produced in Italy. It looks like tree bark (“scorza”) and has a crumbly texture.
5. Tortellini (Dried)
You can’t bring fresh raw pasta home easily, but you can buy high-quality dried Tortellini.
- Brand to look for: Look for artisan brands like Paolo Atti & Figli. Their boxes are beautiful and vintage-looking.
6. Amarena Fabbri Cherries
You’ve seen the white and blue ceramic jar. Fabbri is a Bolognese company famous for wild cherries preserved in syrup. They are perfect over gelato or in cocktails.
- The Jar: The ceramic jar itself is a beautiful souvenir once the cherries are gone.
Non-Edible Gifts
7. University Merch (Unibo)
Bologna has the oldest university in the Western world (founded in 1088).
- The Gear: The “Unibo Store” right under the Two Towers sells cool hoodies, mugs, and leather notebooks with the university seal (ALMA MATER STUDIORUM). It’s cooler than a Harvard hoodie.
8. Handmade Ceramics
Emilia-Romagna has a strong tradition of ceramics (Faenza style).
- Where: Look for small shops on Via San Felice or the markets selling hand-painted bowls and plates.
For a deeper dive into leather workshops and luxury boutiques, read our full Shopping in Bologna Guide.
Where to Shop (The Neighborhoods)
The Quadrilatero (The Foodie Zone)
The narrow streets behind Piazza Maggiore (Via Drapperie, Via Pescherie Vecchie) are souvenir heaven.
- Vibe: Chaotic, smelly (in a good way), and packed.
- Stop here for: Cheese, meat, and wine.
Via D’Azeglio (The Fancy Zone)
This is where you go for fashion, leather gloves, and high-end gifts.
Mercato delle Erbe
Less touristy than the Quadrilatero. Good for buying coffee beans and dried goods.
Shop with a Chef: The best way to find the highest quality products (and taste before you buy) is to join a shopping tour. Book here your “Bologna Guided Food Markets Tour”!
Packing Tips
- Liquids: Remember that Pignoletto wine, Balsamic Vinegar, and jarred sauces must go in checked luggage if they are over 100ml.
- Vacuum Seal: Always ask for sottovuoto. It protects your clothes from smelling like salami and keeps the food fresh.
- Customs: Hard cheese (Parmesan) and Chocolate/Pasta are generally safe worldwide. Meat and fresh fruit are usually banned outside the EU.
Summary: The Perfect Bologna Shopping List
- For the Foodie: A wedge of 30-month Parmigiano Reggiano.
- For the Sweet Tooth: A box of Majani Fiat Creminos.
- For the Chef: A bottle of Traditional Balsamic Vinegar DOP.
- For the Student: A University of Bologna hoodie.
Happy Shopping!
