Estense Castle on a sunny day in Ferrara, Italy

Things to do in  Ferrara

Back to the Renaissance

Built by the Renaissance rulers of the Este family, Estense Castle dominates the center of Ferrara—an oft-overlooked town on the Po River in the Emiglia-Romagna region of northeast Italy. The Estes also built Diamanti Palace, and everywhere you walk, bike, or Segway in this pedestrian-friendly town, you’ll find marvelous medieval and Renaissance architecture (as well as plenty of things to do). In fact, the entire town, from its historic center to surrounding medieval walls, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Top 2 attractions in Ferrara

#1

Este Castle (Castello Estense)

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A medieval gem in the UNESCO-listed Renaissance art city of Ferrara, the Estense Castle (Castello Estense ticks all the right boxes, with towers, dungeons, a moat and drawbridge, and the restored and renovated royal suites to explore. The most impressive sight in the city, this colossal castle is a must-see when visiting Ferrara.More
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#2

Diamond Palace (Palazzo dei Diamanti)

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The 15th-century Palazzo dei Diamanti (Diamond Palace) is one of the top places for art in the Renaissance city of Ferrara, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The palace is home to two of Ferrara’s most important art museums and holds temporary art shows throughout the year.More
Tours & Tickets

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Top activities in Ferrara

Private Van Shopping Tour to the Mall

Private Van Shopping Tour to the Mall

From
$688.37
per group
Ferrara City Center Private Walking Tour with a Local Guide

Ferrara City Center Private Walking Tour with a Local Guide

From
$206.51
Ferrara Private Walking Tour

Ferrara Private Walking Tour

star-5
2
From
$152.97
San Gimignano and Volterra Tour by Private Luxury Van

San Gimignano and Volterra Tour by Private Luxury Van

star-5
3
From
$819.49
per group
Ferrara Tour of Must-See Attractions with Local Top Rated Guide

Ferrara Tour of Must-See Attractions with Local Top Rated Guide

star-5
6
From
$288.46
Ferrara Highlights Kids Tour with a Local Guide

Ferrara Highlights Kids Tour with a Local Guide

star-5
1
From
$206.51
Private Transfer from Ferrara to Bologna (BLQ) Airport

Private Transfer from Ferrara to Bologna (BLQ) Airport

From
$183.57
per group
Ferrara Highlights Private Tour by Night

Ferrara Highlights Private Tour by Night

star-5
1
From
$187.94
CSTRents - Ferrara Segway PT Authorized Tour

CSTRents - Ferrara Segway PT Authorized Tour

From
$136.58
Private Transfer from Ferrara to Rimini (RMI) Airport

Private Transfer from Ferrara to Rimini (RMI) Airport

From
$639.20
per group
Private Ferrara Tour of City Highlights by Night

Private Ferrara Tour of City Highlights by Night

star-5
1
From
$262.24
Private Cooking Class of Ferrarese cuisine

Private Cooking Class of Ferrarese cuisine

star-5
5
From
$87.41
Cesarine: Home Cooking Class & Meal with a Local in Ferrara

Cesarine: Home Cooking Class & Meal with a Local in Ferrara

star-5
2
From
$158.44
Cesarine: Dining & Cooking Demo at Local's Home in Ferrara

Cesarine: Dining & Cooking Demo at Local's Home in Ferrara

star-5
5
From
$92.88
Private Guided E-bike Tour in Ferrara

Private Guided E-bike Tour in Ferrara

From
$49.17
Discover Ferrara, City of the Renaissance

Discover Ferrara, City of the Renaissance

star-5
7
From
$114.73
per group
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All about Ferrara

When to visit

It's best to visit Ferrara during spring and summer (March through September), when you can take advantage of the warm weather by riding bikes around town, visiting the Po Delta Park, or heading to beaches near Comacchio and Ravenna. Seasonal events to remember include the Palio in late May, the Busker’s Festival in late August, and the International Festival, which draws journalists and writers from all over the world in early fall.

Getting around

Signs around town announce that Ferrara is la città delle biciclette, or the "City of Bicycles." And it's true: Ferrara is among the most bike-friendly cities in Europe. Biking and walking are your best options for getting around the historic center and surrounding medieval walls. Otherwise, TPER (Trasporto Passeggeri Emilia-Romagna) buses serve the city and region, but driving is more convenient—though much of the city center is not accessible by car.

Traveler tips

Visiting Ferrara during the Palio is a treat. Usually held through most of May, the special event remains largely as it was in the 13th century. It's a month-long celebration with parades, races, and games between the town's eight rival contrade (districts) to win the banner of Saint George, the town's patron saint. Highlights include the procession of hundreds of traditionally-costumed locals to the Estense Castle in mid-month, and the Palio races held toward the end of May.

Attractions
2
Tours
15
Reviews
30
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People Also Ask

Is Ferrara worth visiting?

Yes, Ferrara is worth visiting. Don't overlook this Renaissance heavyweight nestled between Bologna and Venice—it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe's most bike-friendly cities. In addition to housing masterpieces of medieval and Renaissance architecture, Ferrara hosts one of the top Palio races and festivals outside of Siena.

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Is Ferrara a big city?

Not really. Ferrara is smaller than Bologna and Venice, and compact even by Italian standards, with a mid-sized population of about 132,000 living mostly in the historic center. It's more of a university town than a metro center and is among the most walkable and bikeable cities in Europe.

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What happened in Ferrara during the Renaissance?

During the Renaissance, Ferrara blossomed into one of the cultural centers of Europe, renowned for architecture, literature, music, and arts. Under the patronage of the Este family, the city entered a golden age, developing urban planning projects that laid the foundation for its selection as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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What is the oldest restaurant in Ferrara?

Technically a wine bar, Enoteca al Brindisi serves food and is the oldest restaurant in Ferrara, allegedly opened in 1435. Some sources say it opened in the 12th century to serve the laborers building the Ferrara Cathedral. Today, the wine bar and osteria sits in the historic center on Via Adelardi.

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What is the Umbrella Street in Ferrara?

Via Giuseppe Manzini—named after one of the Italian Risorgimento's central figures—hosted a public art exhibit called Un Cielo di Ombrelli (A Sky of Umbrellas), which hoisted a series of Instagram-worthy umbrellas above the medieval street in 2016. The umbrellas were taken down, but they return from time to time.

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What is the treasure room in the Archeological Museum of Ferrara?

The treasure room in the Archeological Museum of Ferrara is known for its ceiling fresco painted by Benvenuto Tisi, also called Il Garofalo, in the early 16th century. The ceiling fresco depicts an open sky and figures leaning over a false balcony symbolizing the appreciation of music, art, and poetry.

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