Things to do in Ferrara: must-see attractions 2026

Ferrara, the City of the Este: An Intact Renaissance Gem in Emilia-Romagna

Some cities seem to have struck a secret deal with time. Ferrara is one of them. Its 15th-century grid of streets, Renaissance palaces built of burnt-sienna brick, and a castle with a water-filled moat all still stand, occupied and thriving in an Italian provincial city where bicycles outnumber tourists. That is exactly what makes it so distinct.

Is this destination for you?

Ferrara is a perfect fit for travelers looking for an Italian city with character, minus the pressure of the major tourist hubs. You will not find massive crowds blocking monuments, menus translated into ten languages, or souvenir shops every few feet. The city caters to those who appreciate Renaissance architecture in a living, breathing context, cycling as a natural way to get around, and Emilian gastronomy in all its richness.

On the other hand, if you are expecting a high-octane nightlife, a dense selection of international hotels, or world-class museums, Ferrara might feel too quiet. This is a city for residents, not visitors.

Budget: Reasonable for a UNESCO-listed Italian city

Ferrara remains significantly more affordable than Florence or Venice, with prices that reflect an Emilian provincial city rather than a top-tier tourist destination.

Indicative prices subject to change

Practical realities

Ferrara is a very safe city, pleasant to explore solo or with family. The historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1995, is compact and entirely walkable or bikeable. Language barriers can occur in local shops. English is less common here than in Rome or Milan, but the locals compensate with their direct, genuine hospitality.

The historic center is largely a restricted traffic zone (ZTL). If you are driving, plan to park on the immediate outskirts and reach the center on foot or by bike. Local public transport is functional but rarely needed for visitors. Everything is done on foot or two wheels.

The Castello Estense and the medieval heart

The Castello Estense, with its four towers and moat still filled with water, dominates the city center with a theatrical presence. Built at the end of the 14th century by the powerful Este family, it now houses ducal apartments decorated with frescoes, underground dungeons, and a private chapel. The visit takes one to two hours and includes a few surprises, such as the ducal kitchens, hanging gardens, and the view from the towers over the city's Renaissance grid.

Around the castle, Piazza della Repubblica and Via San Romano form the bustling, commercial heart of town. The Duomo de Ferrara, with its Romanesque-Gothic facade and cathedral museum, is worth a serious stop. The bas-reliefs on the south portal and the Flemish tapestries in the museum are of rare quality.

Friendly tip: Climb to the rooftop terrace of the Duomo (paid access, separate entrance) for an unobstructed view of the tiled roofs and towers. Few visitors do it, yet it is one of the best vantage points in Ferrara.

The Addizione Erculea: Renaissance urban planning

North of the castle lies a district unique in Europe: the Addizione Erculea, an urban extension commissioned by Ercole I d'Este at the end of the 15th century and designed by architect Biagio Rossetti. It is one of the first examples of planned Renaissance urbanism, featuring wide streets, calculated perspectives, and integrated gardens. Five centuries later, the result is a strangely airy, almost silent district where noble palaces line the Corso Ercole I d'Este.

At the end of this avenue, the Palazzo dei Diamanti gets its name from the 8,500 diamond-cut marble blocks covering its facade. Inside, the temporary exhibitions of Renaissance and modern art are among the best in the region. This is where we would head first if we only had half a day.

The city walls and the Jewish quarter

The remparts de Ferrara (Ferrara city walls), built between the 15th and 17th centuries, form a nine-kilometer green belt around the city. Fully accessible by bike or on foot, they offer a timeless walk with views of the moats, private gardens, and the Po Valley countryside. This is the Ferrara of the residents, not the tour guides.

The ghetto ebraico, one of the oldest in Italy, occupies a network of narrow alleys between Via Mazzini and Via Contrari. The Jewish community of Ferrara was long one of the most important and influential on the peninsula, before the persecutions of the 20th century. The Museo Nazionale dell'Ebraismo Italiano e della Shoah (MEIS), opened in 2017, pays a documented, sober tribute to this history.

Where to eat and drink in Ferrara?

Ferrara's cuisine is one of the most unique in Emilia-Romagna. The cappellacci di zucca, pasta stuffed with pumpkin and amaretti cookies, is the signature dish. The sweet and savory flavor is confusing at first, but unforgettable once you get it. The salama da sugo, a fermented sausage that is slow-cooked for hours, is more rustic and rare. Look for it in the trattorias of the old center.

For daily needs, the covered Mercato Comunale on Via del Mercato offers cold cuts, cheeses, and local products in a provincial market atmosphere far from tourist folklore. Caffè Europa, on Piazza Trento Trieste, has been the go-to spot for locals to have an aperitivo for decades.

Where to sleep in Ferrara?

The best strategy is to stay in the historic center, within walking distance of the Castello Estense. The selection of B&Bs and guesthouses in old palaces is good for a city of this size. International hotel chains are virtually absent. It is a family-run structure or nothing. If you are looking for more comfort or variety, Bologna is 45 minutes away by train and can serve as a base.

How to get to Ferrara?

Ferrara does not have an airport. The most practical option from the US or Europe is to fly into Bologna (BLQ), which is 45 minutes away by direct regional train. Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) is a viable alternative, with a 1 hour 15 minute to 1 hour 30 minute train ride via Padua. From Paris by train, the journey goes through Milan or Turin with a connection in Bologna, totaling about 6 to 7 hours.

Friendly tip: Regional trains between Bologna and Ferrara are frequent and inexpensive (less than 5 € / about $5.50). They depart from Bologna's central station and arrive right in the center of Ferrara. It is by far the easiest solution, even with luggage.

How to get around in Ferrara?

The short answer: by bike. Ferrara is flat, the center is compact, and bike paths cover almost the entire city. Bike rental shops are located in the immediate vicinity of the train station and the castle. It is the locals' primary mode of transport, and there is no reason to do otherwise.

For the city walls or peripheral neighborhoods, the TPER urban bus network covers the whole city. Taxis exist but are rarely used in a center this walkable.

When to go?

Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) are the best times. You will find mild temperatures, favorable light, and reasonable crowds. The Ferraran summer can be heavy and humid, with peaks hitting 35 °C (95 °F).

Winter is cold and misty, with the Po Valley generating thick fog from November to February. However, the city takes on a specific, almost melancholic atmosphere that some travelers seek out.

The month of May hosts the Palio di Ferrara, a lively historical reenactment in the city center.