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Things to do in Ferrara

Our most recommended things to do in Ferrara

Ferrara: City Highlights Walking Tour with Local Guide

1. Ferrara: City Highlights Walking Tour with Local Guide

Let's start from the Estense Castle, symbol of the city, from which we can admire Corso Ercole I d'Este, the road that connects the Castle to the north gate of the walls, crossing the Renaissance Addition commissioned from Ercole I d'Este and realized by the Ferrarese architect Biagio Rossetti. We continue in the medieval square where we find the Romanesque-Gothic Cathedral dedicated to San Giorgio and the Palazzo Ducale, the first Estense residence and today the Town Hall. Crossing the ancient streets of San Romano and Delle Volte we will arrive to the evocative Jewish Ghetto with its Synagogues, still today a point of reference for the Jewish community of Ferrara.

Medieval Ferrara and the Jewish Ghetto Walking Tour

2. Medieval Ferrara and the Jewish Ghetto Walking Tour

Begin your fantastic walking tour in the courtyard of the Castello Estense. Learn about the rich history of the area and its landmarks from your professional local guide. Pass by the Frescobaldi Music Conservatory before making a stop at the mid-15th century S. Anna hospital cloister. Glimpse into the garden of the early 16th century Palazzo Roverella, before heading to the 18th century oval Theatre Square where the statue of the Ferrarese friar Savonarola lies. Walk between the archbishop's palace and the former Ducal Palace to the cathedral and town hall which features a beautiful brick laid square. Finish your exciting tour by visiting the medieval business lanes and the historic Jewish ghetto before ending in front of the intricate 15th century Italian Synagogue.

Ferrara: 2-Hour City Center Walking Tour

3. Ferrara: 2-Hour City Center Walking Tour

Discover the fascinating city of Ferrara on this 2-hour walking tour that will show you the highlights of this unique city. On your tour, you will see the interesting urban planning of this Renaissance city, which is the first city in Europe to have a modern layout still used to design cities today. Your tour starts with viewing the Renaissance Herculean addition and the inner courtyard of Palazzo dei Diamanti. While walking down Corso Ercole I D'Este, you will visit the inner courtyard of Estense Castle and then continue your stroll through Piazza Castello, Piazza Savonarola and Corso Martiri della Liberta.  Next, you will arrive at Piazza Cattedrale, which hosts the Romanesque-Gothic Saint George Cathedral. In front of the Cathedral, you will discover Piazza del Municipio, the inner courtyard of the former Ducal palace. On your walk through San Romano, you will see the old Medieval streets of Ferrara, some of which became the old Jewish Ghetto at the beginning of the 17th century. Join this fascinating tour of Ferrara to dive into the history of the city and learn what makes Ferrara so special!

Ferrara: Guided City Highlights Walking Tour

4. Ferrara: Guided City Highlights Walking Tour

A private tour to discover the historical and artistic Ferrara. With this private guided tour you will admire Renaissance marvels, the Romanesque-Gothic Cathedral, the majesty Estense Castle and much more.

Ferrara: Private Walking Tour w/ a Local Guide

5. Ferrara: Private Walking Tour w/ a Local Guide

Ferrara is a splendid city of art, ideal to be enjoyed walking through its streets and discovering its Renaissance character, revealed on every corner. The famous Este family governed here for three centuries and gave the city the appearance it has today: a uniquely planned city, which harmoniously fuses the mediaeval and Renaissance styles and represents Europe's first modern city. Thanks to these characteristics, Ferrara gained its UNESCO World Heritage status. Through this guided walking tour led by your private guide, you'll get to see the main and most important sites in town, like the famous Este Castle (the castle of the historic Este family), Piazza Savonarola, Palazzo Arcivescovile, the harmonious Romanesque and Gothic Cathedral of Ferrara, Palazzo Marchionale, the particular Jewish ghetto (the region's largest and oldest, which prevailed from 1627 until 1859) and Via delle Volte.  Get ready to take great pictures of this hidden Italian gem.

Ferrara highlights by bike: green and monumental

6. Ferrara highlights by bike: green and monumental

The tour will start inside the ancient court yard of the Estense Ducal Palace and move to the Cathedral, the Castle, the Theatre's Rotonda Foschini, the Renaissance Palazzo dei Diamanti, followed by the shady 15th c. city Walls, the Carthusian monastery, the Palio square Piazza Ariostea and finally take you to the former Jewish ghetto back to the Medieval town. On the monumental corso Ercole d'Este you will enjoy the inner roofed square of the former Palazzo Borsa, the terracotta fassade of Palazzo Gulinelli and Palazzo Giulio. You will pass the imaginary "Garden of the Finzi Continis" and the University Botanic Garden, enter the peaceful green of via della Certosa and ride through a city farm.

Transfer between Florence and Venice with Sightseeing Stops

7. Transfer between Florence and Venice with Sightseeing Stops

Choose this ideal way to transfer between the popular Italian destinations of Florence and Venice. Travel at a pace that ensures an enjoyable journey through scenic landscapes and discover another corner of Italy on the way. On this 6-hour transfer you’ll travel by deluxe car or van with a professional English-speaking driver/guide. You’ll get helpful insights on the places you decide to visit. You can visit any point of interest along the way, with up to a 3-hour stop. Some of the suggested stops on this transfer are Bologna, Ferrara, Padova, or Ravenna. All of these popular cities are appealing for their history, culture, and culinary offerings. There will be time for lunch at local restaurant before continuing on to your final destination. The transfer can begin at either Florence or Venice and the service is door-to-door.

Other Sightseeing Options in Ferrara

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What people are saying about Ferrara

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 45 reviews

Our guide Manuela was perfect. Already the previous evening he sent us a message indicating the meeting place with photos, so it was very easy to find ourselves. He adapted the tour to our pace and completed the tour with anecdotes that made us discover this beautiful city to the fullest. Thank you

The guide was a very knowledgeable lady who made the visit of the city really interesting. Preferable early afternoon or morning. We have spent the evening due to lack of other availability and we were already tired but very beautiful and interesting. Thanks

A wonderful introduction to the city. Well informed, interesting stories and great tips. Definitely worth doing!

Elisabetta was a very knowledgable and amenable guide

This was a wonderful tour - we highly recommend it.