Gelateria

€3.50 scoops of real Italian gelato inside BLQ T1

Right in Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport’s T1 departures area, Gelateria sells proper Italian gelato by the scoop, with prices starting around €3.50 for a small cup or cone. It’s past security, so you can grab a quick dessert after clearing checks and before heading to Schengen gates.

Flavors rotate but usually include classics like pistachio, nocciola (hazelnut), stracciatella, and chocolate, plus a couple of fruit sorbets such as lemon or strawberry. Portions run on the generous side for an airport stand, and a two-flavor cup usually comes in around €4–€4.50, which is still cheaper than many sit-down spots in BLQ.

Service is counter-style, takeaway only, and you’ll often see a short line during afternoon departures between 14:00 and 18:00. Turnover is quick; most people are in and out in under 5 minutes, so it works even if your boarding time is in 20–30 minutes. Payment is typically both cash and card, including contactless.

Beyond standard scoops, Gelateria sometimes offers extras like panna (whipped cream) on top or small cones for kids, each adding about €0.50 to the bill. There’s no dedicated seating: you’ll end up walking back toward your gate or grabbing an empty seat at nearby T1 boarding areas. If your flight leaves from a remote stand, factor in the 10–15 minute walk from the central departures zone.

Portions are sweet and dense, so one small cup is usually enough, especially before a short intra-EU hop. If you’re sensitive to dairy, stick to the labeled sorbet flavors, which in Italy are typically milk-free, and confirm with staff when you order.

Practical tip: check your gate number on the screens just opposite the T1 central food area before joining the Gelateria line, so you’re not sprinting with a melting cone.