Modern day Ferrara is a modest-sized city in the Emilia Romagna region, close to the Adriatic, but Ferrara’s Renaissance court was among the finest in Italy, and it is its glorious network of Renaissance, and medieval streets that has won Ferrara its World Heritage Listing. But surprisingly, not huge numbers of visitors! Ferrara’s elegant palazzos, and most impressive art collections are gathered close together in its historic heart, but the defensive walls around Ferrara are quite generously built, and not everything within the walls is set to impress. Whatever the reason for the lack of crowds, this relative peace will be a boon for many considering the best places to stay in Ferrara. Our Gurus have chosen a handful of beautiful, historic palazzo conversions, plus a converted hunting lodge and converted farmhouse outside the city proper, and a design hotel in town, in case you’ve had enough of historic architecture.

If you opt to stay in one of our recommendations in Ferrara’s historic heart you’ll be within a stroll of the Gothic Cattedrale, the 14th century Castello Estense — part fortress part castle — Palazzo Schifanoia, Palazzina Marisa d’Este, and the Palazzo Paradiso, which are some of Ferrara’s Heritage Listed highlights. The towns long list of attractions requires a lot of time to get through, or sifting over for your favourites. We recommend looking into combined tickets.

Ferrara can also be used as a base for exploring more of the Emilia Romagna region. It is on the train line connecting Bologna and Venice, with both cities around an hour away. Ravenna is also an easy train ride away, and from there it’s quite easy to visit the beach at Rimini. And the best places to stay in Ferrara represent excellent value in comparison to some of this region’s more show-stopper cities.

The Best Places to Stay in Ferrara

For a Special Occasion

• The Horti della Fasanara is a carefully renovated hunting lodge belonging to a castle estate. It has just four luxurious rooms and suites, with mezzanine levels and minimalist chic decor. Plus acres of beautiful parkland all around. Romantic and private.

For Central Ferrara

• The Hotel Annunziata is a design hotel perfectly situated within Ferrara’s pedestrianised area, just a short stroll from the city’s main sights. Its 27 rooms and suites offer contemporary design in a historic setting, with simple decor; the best have castle views. The hotel has a fleet of bikes if you want to expand your radius for exploration.

For Families

• Converted from a 15th century palace, Maxxim is still an elegant place to stay, but now entirely made-over with contemporary design and comfort in mind, and in a palette of soft greys. Amongst the 40 rooms and suites are family-sized options, with living space and outdoor terraces, as well as romantic choices. There’s no restaurant, but there is a bar, and they offer breakfast in a rather grand, vaulted breakfast room.

For Great Value

• You’ll find the Agriturismo alla Cedrara just outside Ferrara, a handsome sandstone farmhouse with eight lovely spacious rooms: some suites, some doubles and some triples. There are plenty of original features like stone floors and exposed beams, and lovely terraces opening out onto glorious gardens. Family friendly and very affordable.

For a Private apartment or villa

• If you’re looking for a self-catering option browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Ferrara’s closest international airport is Bologna Airport, which is only about half an hour away by car or taxi, and about an hour from central Ferrara by train. Alternatively, Venice’s Marco Polo Airport is about an hour and a quarter away by road, and under an hour and a half by train; Florence’s Amerigo Vespucci international airport is less than an hour and a half away by road, or about two hours and a half hours by train; and Milan Malpensa Airport, is about three hours away by car, or by public transport. Ferrera is on the rail line connecting Venice and Bologna, and there are plenty of trains between all three, with Ferrara’s main sights only about 20 minutes stroll from the station.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• There’s not really a bad time to plan a city break to Ferrara. During May the town holds a Palio, or traditional horse racing contest, which entails a lot of pageantry and entertainment. And around the end of August, there's a festival for buskers. Ferrara also hosts an antiques market on the first weekend of each month. If you’re hoping for pleasant weather conditions for your visit be aware that Ferrara can be hot and humid come summer. From mid-April onwards Ferrara enjoys plenty of sunshine to combat the cool breezes — plus spring blooms! While late autumn can be rainy, September and October are very mild and pleasant; this is plum time for food festivals, and Ferrara is close to both Modena and Parma. 

Still not sure where to stay?

• Expand your search to include all the best places to stay in Emilia Romagna
• Consider the best places to stay in Milan or neighbouring Bologna or Parma
• Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.