FICO World Eataly is a food theme park on Via Paolo Canali, on the edge of Bologna. It opened in 2017 and covers about 100,000 square meters. The park follows Italian food from field to plate. It has farmland and stables with more than 200 animals, around 40 small factories making cheese, meat, pasta, olive oil and sweets, food stands, regional restaurants and a large market. A rooftop terrace looks over the countryside and suits a glass of local wine with a few small plates. Food, exhibits and activities are paid for separately, so choose what you want to do before you go.
What FICO World Eataly is
FICO World Eataly was created as a partnership between the Agri-Food Center of Bologna and Oscar Farinetti, the founder of Eataly. Its stated purpose is to teach visitors about the heritage and production of Italian food. The complex opened in 2017 and covers roughly 100,000 square meters, with the idea of showing the whole chain from the field to the dish.
The outdoor part is a working-style farm of about two hectares, with fields and stables holding more than 200 animals. Inside, around 40 small factories produce fish, cheese, meat, pasta, olive oil and sweets. Alongside them are food stands, a large food market, classrooms, kitchens and theaters that host events and cooking classes.
Eating and drinking
The restaurants are arranged around the regional cuisines of Italy. They include places for Emilia-Romagna, Lazio and Sardinia cooking and a pizzeria, and some of the menus lean towards seafood. The food stands and market let you buy ingredients and packaged products to take home.
On the rooftop terrace you can sample local wines and small bites while looking out over the surrounding countryside. The choice for vegetarians and vegans is narrower than for meat and fish eaters, so it helps to look at menus first and share a few plates if you want to taste more.
Activities and families
The park is built to be enjoyed by more than adults with an appetite. There are six amusement rides, some of them food-themed, and play exhibits where children can, for example, measure themselves against animal heights. Some exhibits need a separate ticket.
Other activities include an indoor go-kart circuit, a paintball area and a bookshop with toys to play with. Outside there is an adventure park with high ropes and nets over a simple minigolf course, plus a beach area with inflatable castles and seating among trees. Some of the children's arcade machines may be out of order, and the quieter areas of the park mean there is usually room to move.
Getting there and getting around
FICO World Eataly stands at Via Paolo Canali 8, on the outskirts of Bologna, away from the old center. A dedicated bus line connects it with the train station. If you drive, the car park is free and street parking nearby is free as well.
The site is large, so many visitors get around by bike. Bikes and baby wagons are lent free of charge against a passport deposit. The building is modern, air-conditioned and green-certified, and it has a wheelchair accessible entrance and accessible parking. Dogs are welcome. A full visit with meals and a few activities can easily take more than four hours.
Häufige Fragen
How long do you need at FICO World Eataly?
Allow at least three to four hours. A group that wants to taste a wide range of food can spend more than four hours, and some visitors give it a full day.
How do you get to FICO World Eataly from Bologna?
A dedicated bus line runs from the train station and has cost 7 euros round trip. By car, the park has a large free car park.
Can you bring a dog?
Yes, the park is dog friendly, so you can bring your dog along.
Can you rent a bike at FICO World Eataly?
Yes. Bikes and baby wagons can be borrowed free of charge, and staff ask for your passport as a deposit.
Is FICO World Eataly good for vegetarians?
Choices are limited. Many dishes are based on meat or seafood, so look at the menus before choosing where to eat.
Is FICO World Eataly good for children?
Yes. There are amusement rides, play exhibits, a treetop ropes course, minigolf, go-karts and a beach area with inflatable castles. Some activities and exhibits are paid separately.
