Visit Ferrara Italy: Top Things to Do and Must-See Activities

Tired of the usual trail? Visit Ferrara, a Renaissance beauty where cobblestone streets, castle towers, and golden-hued pastas come together in perfect harmony. Tucked into the heart of Emilia-Romagna, this UNESCO-listed stunner was once ruled by the powerful Este family. You can still feel their legacy echo through the city’s majestic palaces and frescoed halls. Time moves slower, the cappellacci di zucca is sweeter, and every glass of local Lambrusco or Pignoletto tastes like a secret well-kept. From cycling along ancient city walls to diving into Jewish heritage and Etruscan roots, Ferrara has layers of charm waiting to be unwrapped. And if you’re into Italy wine tours, you’re in the right region, think earthy reds, refined whites, and cellar doors that welcome you like family. Ready for a quieter, cooler Italian escape? Ferrara might just become your favorite stop.

Visit Ferrara: Best things to do

Explore the majesty of Castello Estense

Right in the center of town, you’ll spot Ferrara’s boldest show-off, the Estense Castle, complete with a moat, drawbridge, and just the right amount of drama. Once home to the Este family (think Renaissance royalty with flair), this 14th-century fortress looks straight out of a movie set. Step inside to wander frescoed halls, climb a tower for rooftop views, and maybe even daydream a bit about ruling your own duchy.

Wander through Palazzo dei Diamanti

The Palazzo dei Diamanti isn’t just a name, this place literally sparkles. Covered in over 8,000 carved marble blocks shaped like diamonds, its façade alone is worth the walk. But step inside and you’ll find one of Ferrara’s coolest art spaces, where exhibitions mix Renaissance flair with bold modern creativity. If you’ve got a soft spot for 15th-century masterpieces or just love a good visual surprise, this is where Ferrara’s artistic soul really shines.

Step into the Palazzo Schifanoia

Nicknamed the “Pleasure Palace” for good reason, Palazzo Schifanoia was where the Este family went to escape courtly stress (we get it). But what really steals the show is the Hall of the Months, a jaw-dropping fresco cycle blending zodiac signs, daily life, and noble fantasies into one magical, Renaissance kaleidoscope. It’s one of Northern Italy’s true hidden gems, and honestly, the name alone makes it worth a peek.

Walk the city walls

Ferrara’s ancient walls wrap around the city like a storybook loop, except this one stretches over 5.5 miles and is perfect for a scenic stroll or bike ride. Whether you’re coasting under the trees or pausing to spot a medieval tower peeking through, this route is less about fortifications and more about falling in love with the city’s quieter corners.

Visit the Ferrara Cathedral

The Cathedral dedicated to Saint George is a feast for the eyes. Its Romanesque roots and Gothic flair make the façade look like it was built for an epic film set, dramatic, detailed, and absolutely photo-worthy. Step inside and you’re surrounded by centuries of faith, frescoes, and Ferrara’s creative spirit. History buffs, art lovers, and architecture fans: this one’s a must.

Stroll through the charming Piazza Trento e Trieste

At the center of it all, this buzzing piazza is the perfect spot to sip a sunset Spritz and soak up the local vibe. With grand historic buildings as your backdrop, including an impressive cathedral and one of Italy’s oldest universities, it’s where everyday life and centuries of history meet for aperitivo hour. Pull up a chair, order something bubbly, and just enjoy the show.

Relax in the Rotonda Foschini

Tucked just behind the grand Teatro Comunale, the Rotonda Foschini is a little architectural surprise you won’t want to miss. This perfectly round courtyard has an almost cinematic feel, quiet, elegant, and full of charm. It’s the kind of spot that makes you pause, whether there’s a live string quartet echoing off the walls or just the soft hum of footsteps passing through.

Uncover the narrow streets

Uncover the narrow streets where time slows down and every corner feels like a hidden chapter of a novel. Lined with pastel façades, tiny trattorias, and ivy-draped balconies, these quiet alleys invite you to wander without a map. It’s in these tucked-away lanes that you’ll stumble upon old artisan workshops, secret courtyards, and maybe even the best gelato you’ve ever had.

Visit Ferrara: Best things to do around

Wander through the winescapes of Emilia-Romagna

Just an hour from town, the hills of Emilia-Romagna open up into a wine-lover’s playground. Here, vineyards stretch toward the horizon, and tasting Lambrusco or Pignoletto under the sun feels like the only thing that matters. Think rolling landscapes, family-run wineries, and guided tours where Sangiovese flows and stories are shared. Pair it all with cappellacci, the region’s signature stuffed pasta, and you’ve got a day that’s equal parts delicious and unforgettable.

Visit the mesmerizing wetlands of the Po Delta Park

About 45 minutes southeast, the Po Delta Park feels like a breath of fresh air, literally. A peaceful stretch of lagoons, canals, and trails, it’s one of Italy’s most surprising UNESCO sites. Birdwatchers, bikers, and slow-travel fans will love it here. Want a twist of history? Swing by Comacchio, nicknamed “Little Venice,” and wander its bridges and backstreets before diving into stories of ancient Spina and its Etruscan roots. It’s where nature meets archaeology, and they get along brilliantly.

Head to the lagoon town of Comacchio

Located just 50 minutes from Ferrara (around 37 miles), the charming town of Comacchio offers a picturesque escape dotted with canals, pastel buildings, and a relaxed waterfront vibe. Beyond its fishing roots and quiet monasteries, Comacchio is home to the acclaimed National Archaeological Museum, where treasures from the legendary Etruscan city of Spina take center stage. You’ll spot echoes of the Este-era artistic flair throughout, in everything from ancient friezes to frescos that still tell stories.

Dive into our latest guide, visit Comacchio Italy and heads up to the best things to do!

Explore the historic Bologna

Craving a city with a little more buzz? In just under an hour from Ferrara, Bologna brings the tempo up a notch. This university city isn’t just smart, it’s stylish, saturated with culture, and stuffed with tortellini. Wander under miles of porticos, climb medieval towers for panoramic views, or slip into Renaissance palaces turned art spaces. It’s the kind of place that pairs history with a side of tagliatelle al ragù and leaves you wanting more and maybe a wine tasting in Bologna.

Get inspired with our favorite things to do in Bologna, it’s more than just a lunch stop.

Good to Know before visiting Ferrara