Things to do in Ferrara, Italy: One of Emilia Romagna’s most beautiful cities
The Emilia Romagna region in Italy is known for the Adriatic coast and cities such as Bologna and Rimini, but has many more beautiful places you should visit. And one of those beautiful, nice places is the city of Ferrara. Ferrara is an important student city in the region and although the city is nice and compact, it is certainly fun to visit during your holiday in Italy. Below we have listed some of the most beautiful places and sights in Ferrara and the best things to do in Ferrara, Italy.
#1. Discover Ferrara by bike
Don’t ask me exactly how, but Ferrara is often referred to as the cycling city of Italy. And when you wander through the city you will immediately see where this comes from. One Italian after another cycles past on his real city bike. A very special image during a holiday in Italy, because you will not see it in many other places. But because Ferrara is known as the cycling city in Italy, cycling is of course the way to discover the city. Also for tourists. You can rent a bicycle for less than ten euros at one of the many offices that you are guaranteed to find (at Piazza Repubblica, for example).
#2. Visit Castello Estense
One of the most important and most popular sights in Ferrara is without a doubt the enormous Castello Estense. The enormous building was built at the end of the fourteenth century as a fortress and later transformed into a palace. Nowadays Castello Estense is a museum that can be visited for € 12 per person (children up to 12 years have free entrance).
#3. Ferrara Cathedral
Another important and beautiful building in Ferrara is the imposing cathedral. The cathedral is built on one of the most beautiful squares in the city, Piazza Trento e Trieste and, next to Castello Estense, is the city’s eye-catcher.
#4. Drink wine in the oldest wine bar in Italy: Al Brindisi
Many pubs, shops, restaurants and other places are now labeled “the oldest of” so I never dare say things like this with certainty. But in Ferrara you seem to be able to drink wine at the oldest wine bar in Italy, Al Brindisi. The cozy, quintessential Al Brindisi bar is said to have been hugely popular around the year 1435 and is still a popular gathering place for locals. So taking a look certainly won’t hurt!
#5. Ferrara’s city walls
Ferrara is still largely enclosed by an old city wall with bastions. So when you are in Ferrara, take a nice walk on the city wall and mingle with the locals.
#6. Via delle Volte: The most beautiful street in the city
If you are looking for one of the most beautiful streets in Ferrara then you should definitely take a look at Via delle Volte. Via delle Volte was an important street for trade during the Middle Ages, but is now quiet itself. What makes the street so special? The many passages that connect buildings on one side of the street with buildings on the other side of the street are not to be missed and are the place to take the most amazing photos.
#7. Wander around the city center
Ferrara’s city center is in its entirety on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and with good reason. The center is compact, easy to explore on foot – or by bike – and consists of a succession of cozy, cozy squares. Make sure to explore and dive into the smallest, narrow alleys for the most beautiful spots in the city.
#8. A day trip to the beach
Ferrara is about a 45-minute drive from the Adriatic coast, so if you have enough time, I definitely recommend taking a dip in the sea. By the way, prepare yourself for the fact that the sea here is not azure blue, but that shouldn’t spoil the fun. An afternoon at the beach is always nice, right? Do you want to stop in a nice town along the way? Then make a stop in the beautiful, water-rich Commachio. This town is also called “Little Venice”.
#9. Combine Ferrara with a city trip to Bologna
Ferrara is located in the Emilia Romagna region and is a great city for a day trip. However, it is not the most exciting city in the region. Are you looking for an even better city trip destination in this region in Italy? Then spend a few days in the beautiful student city of Bologna. This is without a doubt one of our favorite cities in Italy.
Want to read more about Italy?
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