It may seem unassuming at first — picturesque, but not especially grand — but Ravenna’s treasures are on the inside, not the outside: its architecture is known for housing one of the world’s most incredible collections of mosaics, some of which can be found within rather simple looking terracotta-coloured churches. When the mosaics were laid down Ravenna was the capital of the Western Roman Empire, so it has quite a lot more historic sights to uncover, plus Dante’s resting place, and some seriously excellent places to eat and drink. The town is a good base for exploring the surrounding Emilia Romagna region and in our pick of the best places to stay in Ravenna we've found a good range from a traditional hotel to a charming B&B.

Those on the trail of Ravenna’s prize mosaics will find many of them within a collection of churches in the historic, and pedestrianised, heart of town, which is also where you’ll find many of the best places to stay in Ravenna. The detail and workmanship are exquisite, and worth spending time just staring at in amazement. In addition, Ravenna has a number of very good museums.

Many visitors try to fit Ravenna’s treasures into a day-trip, and though some regret it, it does benefit those visitors who do choose to stay in one of the best places to stay in Ravenna. The day-trippers arrive around eleven, and have to leave around four, after which the streets are pleasantly free from souvenir stalls, and populated with locals enjoying the excellent cafes, bars and restaurants — which are priced for local clients too.  Bologna and Ferrara are easy day trips on the train if you decide to use the best places to stay in Ravenna as a base. And Rimini is on a gorgeous stretch of sandy coastline and easily accessible by road or rail.

The Best Places to Stay in Ravenna

For Romantics

• Close to Ravenna’s Basilica, and within its network of traffic-free streets, you’ll find the Albergo Cappello, a traditional 19th Century hotel with seven romantic rooms. Each room has its own character, but you can expect high ceilings, frescoes, exposed beams, chandeliers and antiques. There is also an excellent, authentic Italian restaurant, and chic wine bar.

For Great Value

• Converted from a 15th century townhouse, within Ravenna’s pedestrianised centre, the M Club is a charming, four-room guesthouse. We like it for its original features — especially the bedrooms under the eaves — and for the care taken in decorating each of its rooms with individual antiques. Perfect for anyone looking for some local Italian hospitality.

Best B&Bs

• Santa Maria Foris is a charming B&B in the heart of Ravenna’s old town, with just six spacious rooms and suites, elegantly decorated with a contemporary, monochrome vision, against original terracotta tiles and Italian wallpaper. Each of the rooms has been individually decorated, and some have beautiful views — these are our Gurus’ favourites. The location, just five minutes from the main square and the Basilica, is perfect for sightseeing.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Villa?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Ravenna’s closest international airport is Bologna Airport, about an hour away by car or taxi, or about three hours away by public transport. Florence’s Amerigo Vespucci international airport may be worth considering too — it’s about an hour and three quarters by car or taxi, or about six hours by train. You can’t catch the train direct from Bologna to Ravenna, you have to travel via Rimini, which is just south of Ravenna on the coast.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• Because Ravenna isn’t right on the coast it doesn’t get the full benefit of the cooling sea breeze, and it can be pretty hot for visitors in the summer months. Though it is convenient for the beach, and if you’re here to see a bit of sand then you may want to tolerate the hot days sightseeing. If you’re using Ravenna as a base for exploring the Emilia Romagna region the best time to visit is probably April through June, or September - October. You may get a little rain during these periods, but spring travel means pleasant weather, and autumn travel means harvest time  and Emilia Romagna is a fantastic destination for foodies! Ravenna’s winter starts at the end of November and runs until March, and during this period some businesses close. The weather is comparatively mild, and Christmas is a beautiful celebration, but this is a quiet period to visit.

Still not sure where to stay?

• You could expand your search to include all the best places to stay in Emilia Romagna
• Consider one of the best places to stay in Rimini which is just along the coast to the south, or Pesaro, which is just a bit further south again
• Or consider staying further inland, in one of the best places to stay in Ferrara
• Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.