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Ferrara

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About Ferrara

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?

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Best Hotels in Ferrara

  • Agriturismo alla Cedrara Ferrara 8 rooms from $44

    Value chic  -  Excellent value.
    Traditional
    Local markets  -  Good for local colour.
    Sights nearby  -  Well located for major sights.
    GardenDisabled accessParking

    A sandstone farmhouse just outside Ferrara. Lovely spacious rooms, suites, and triples painted in creams with wooden beam ceilings, stone floors, and walk out terraces onto the garden. Good breakfasts, family friendly, and excellent value for local exploring. See More

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  • Horti della Fasanara Ferrara 4 rooms from $133

    Romantic Break  -  Beautiful surroundings and very luxurious interiors.
    Garden  -  Surrounded by 2.5 acres of stunning parkland.
    City Style
    Luxury
    Air conditioningGarden
    Recommended by  -  Great Small Hotels

    A hotel with a wow factor. A renovated hunting lodge on a castle estate. Surrounded by beautiful parkland and slightly set back from the Renaissance city Ferrara at its gates. Luxurious rooms and suites with mezzanine levels are minimal chic with four poster beds and all the mod cons. Very romantic. See More

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  • Hotel Annunziata Ferrara 27 rooms from $138

    City Style  -  Located in the city's pedestrian area, this is a fantastic spot from which to get to know Ferrara
    Local exploring  -  There's plenty of sightseeing available only a few minutes away by foot
    Sights nearby  -  A perfect spot for sightseeing located less than a kilometre from the Castle Estense, Ferrara Cathedral and Palazzo dei Diamanti
    Local markets  -  The open-air market every Saturday morning is especially worth a visit
    Pet friendlyDisabled accessParking
    Recommended by  -  Great Small Hotels

    Situated in Ferrara's pedestrian area just a short distance from the city's sights. Rooms and suites have a contemporary design, en suite bathrooms and some have views of the castle. A smart and central base perfect for experiencing all the city has to offer. See More

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  • Maxxim Ferrara 40 rooms from $145

    City Style  -  Set in a heritage property in a city renowned for its Renaissance architecture, this hotel has lots of local Ferrara charm
    Local exploring  -  Set in the heart of Ferrara, this hotel is the perfect starting point for your local sightseeing
    Families  -  Suites are perfect for a family stay, with space for children and family-sized living space
    Great walks  -  Explore this picturesque, UNESCO-listed city on a long walk through the centre, filled with Renaissance architecture
    Air conditioningDisabled accessParkingNo pets

    This hotel with loft suites is located in a striking 15th-century former palace in Ferrara. Contemporary guestrooms are dressed in a palette of soft greys and feature original exposed beams point to the hotel's heritage. Book a loft suite for family-sized living space and a pretty outdoor terrace. See More

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