Italy is known for its delectable food. Who doesn’t like pizza, pasta, gelato, and espresso? The Italians are so proud of their cuisine that there’s a theme park in Bologna for food lovers. The FICO Eataly World is the largest of its kind in the world, a paradise for those who want to satisfy their taste buds.
It has 45 restaurants within its complex, some of which have Michelin-starred chefs. It’s the real deal as it also has factories, gardens, animal farms, and other agri-food exhibits. Everything is fresh in this unique landmark, so tourists’ cravings are sure to be satisfied.
Tourists are highly encouraged to drop by this unique destination because it’s a place where food is not just good, it’s an experience. It’s called a theme park for nothing: it has delectable dishes and the ideal hangout spots after filling the tummy. At FICO Eataly World, food lovers will fall in love deeper with gastronomy.
Plan The Visit
Those visiting Italy must try their best to drop by FICO Eataly World in Bologna because only here can they experience this kind of food adventure. After all, the city is the food capital of the European country.
- The park is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. every Thursday, Friday, and Sunday and until midnight every Saturday.
- From February to March, it's open until 11 p.m. every Saturday and until 6 p.m. every Sunday.
- The admission fee is €8 (around $8), and an additional €2 for admission to Luna Farm. Evening entrance costs €5.
- A guided tour with a tasting costs €19. Tours inclusive of food-making activities cost €13.
The Attractions
The 25-acre theme park is filled to the brim with palatable experiences that even foodies won’t know what to taste first. That’s fine, though, because they can spend their whole day checking out all the attractions. It’s a yummy day.
The Factories
There are at least 13 factories and laboratories in the park where tourists can take a peek at how their favorite Italian dishes are made. It’s an exciting experience to check out the behind-the-scenes moments of some of the most delicious Italian food.
There’s an open kitchen where tourists can observe how the Bolognese create pasta the traditional way. Match that with the sauce kitchen and Delizioso! Guests can also be nosy about how mortadella, a type of sausage, is made. Beer lovers, meanwhile, can enjoy the smell of the brewery, while pastry enthusiasts can visit the bakery. There's also an area for making preserves and wheat pasta. Not to be overlooked, too, are the laboratories where sugared almonds and truffles can be had.
The Rides
The food and the good times. That’s what FICO Eataly World is all about. It’s an ideal spot for family getaways because as the adults chow down on some treats, the kids can enjoy playing on the rides. It’s a win-win situation, and everyone has a full tummy at that.
Aside from the game area, kids will have a fun time playing on food-themed roundabouts with cheese, pasta, wine, oil, and sweets decorations. Other popular attractions include the House of Bubbles and the mini-golf area. Meanwhile, adults who want to be in touch with their playful side can enjoy the rides of Luna Farm, where there’s a roller coaster, monorail, bumper cars, and Ferris wheel.
The Animals
From the farm to the fork, that’s what this theme park is offering foodies. It’s not just a phrase for them because when tourists enter the destination, they can drop by stables and barns where animals reside.
Kids will have an enjoyable moment hearing the moos of the Friesian, brown, white, and red-breed cows. Cute rabbits and playful goats can also be checked out; some of the latter freely roam the park. Aside from horses, there are also donkeys in the barn – all nice but some of them noisy. Not all pigs are pink, and in the park, tourists can touch the black ones. Other farm animals include loud geese and fluffy sheep.
Where To Eat
The point is to munch on something at FICO Eataly World, and there are a lot of options even the fickle-minded and picky eaters won’t have a problem choosing. The park might even have the most amazing restaurants in all of Europe.
Pasta is the star of the show, and those prepared the traditional way can be tried at SfogliAmo. Truffle lovers should try those at The Truffle, while seafood aficionados are in for a treat at Peschereccio Italia. There's also a place for hamburger fans, and pizza lovers can call the park home. Vegetarians need not worry because there are choices for them, too. Wines, beers, and coffee abound, too, best matched with classic Italian desserts.
Shops
Those who can’t get enough of the delicious food they have tried can always take out their favorite. The park has shops where guests can buy regional ingredients, candies, and rice. There’s also a library, souvenir store, and flower shop.
Outdoor Fun
As an agribusiness, farms are also present in the park. Alongside trees, plants, and the animal area, FICO Eataly World wants to let guests feel that the food they eat here is safe and made with love.
The area where olives thrive is the ideal place to meditate. The orchard, meanwhile, has swings if kids are yet to be satisfied by the indoor rides. The place where truffles are grown is ideal for mellow talks with adults. Wine connoisseurs should check out the grapevines, while botany lovers must enter the greenhouse.
Who would’ve thought that food can be enjoyed this way? FICO Eataly World made sure that a gastronomical adventure is not limited to the taste buds and the tummy.