19 Best Things to Do in Ravenna, Italy (2024)

Are you looking for the best things to do in Ravenna, Italy? We spent one week in the “City of Mosaics,” and we’re sharing all you need to know for your trip.

This beautiful city is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites featuring 5th & 6th century Byzantine mosaics. People from all of the world come to see these masterpieces up close.

In addition to the mosaics, Ravenna has many other attractions, such as Dante’s Tomb, art museums, amazing food, and gorgeous beaches.

In this guide, we are sharing our Ravenna mosaics itinerary, our favorite restaurants, a hotel guide, and some of the city’s best hidden gems.

Read on to discover the 19 best things to do in Ravenna, Italy.

Ravenna’s History & 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Ravenna rose to prominence as the capital of the Western Roman Empire in the early 5th century, strategically chosen due to its defense advantages.

However, as the Roman Empire collapsed in the late 5th century, Ravenna witnessed a shift in political dynamics when it fell under rule of the Ostrogothic Kingdom. This kingdom was led by Theodoric the Great.

This period witnessed the construction of notable structures, including the grand Mausoleum of Theodoric, which stands as a testament to the Ostrogothic presence in Ravenna. The Sant’Apollinare Nuovo church and Arian Baptistry were also built during this time.

Later in the 6th century, Ravenna experienced another significant shift in power and cultural influence when it became the capital of the Byzantine Empire. Emperor Justinian I, sought to reclaim Italy, and conquered Ravenna in the year 540.

This era saw the construction of several magnificent Byzantine-inspired structures, including the renowned Basilica of San Vitale and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia.

These architectural gems display intricate Byzantine mosaics that blend eastern and western artistic styles, showcasing Ravenna’s importance as a cultural center.

Today, you can discover the city’s historical and cultural heritage by visiting many of these significant monuments around Ravenna.

These are the 8 UNESCO sites in Ravenna:

1. Mausoleum of Galla Placidia*
2. Neonian Baptistery*
3. Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo
4. Arian Baptistery
5. Archiepiscopal Chapel
6. Mausoleum of Theodoric
7. Church of San Vitale
8. Basilica of Sant’Apollinare in Classe

All 8 UNESCO sites are open to visitors. You must pay a fee to visit them, and the two with an asterisk require a time slot reserved in advance. It is possible to visit all sites in one day.

19 Best Things to Do in Ravenna, Italy

1. Basilica di San Vitale

This 6th century basilica and UNESCO World Heritage Site is the most famous out all of the monuments in Ravenna. Basilica di San Vitale is renowned for its intricate mosaics depicting religious scenes from the Bible and of Byzantine and Roman rulers.

The most well-known mosaics inside of the church are that of Empress Theodora, a Byzantine empress, and Emperor Justinian of the Eastern Roman Empire.

Empress Theodora, an especially important figure in Byzantine history, played a pivotal role in advocating for women’s rights during her time. As the wife of Emperor Justinian I, Theodora utilized her position of power to challenge societal norms and promote equality for women.

The mosaic in the Basilica of San Vitale is one of the best representations of her in the entire world.

You can easily spend an hour here admiring all of the incredible details and learning about the stories behind each of the mosaics.

PRACTICAL INFO: The Basilica di San Vitale is open daily from 9:00am – 7:00pm from March to October. From November to February, it’s open from 10:00am – 5:00pm. Check out the official website for more information on tickets an opening times.

2. Mausoleo di Galla Placidia

Mausoleo di Galla Placidia is a 5th century Roman mausoleum located next to the Basilica of San Vitale. The mausoleum is named after Galla Placidia, the daughter of Teodisius The Great, a Roman emperor in the 4th century.

Galla Placidia eventually became regent of the Roman Empire and was supposed to be buried inside of the mausoleum in Ravenna. However, it’s believed that she was actually buried in Rome.

The standout feature inside of the mausoleum are the intricate mosaic stars that cover the entire ceiling. You feel as if you’ve walked into a heavenly scene, which evoke a sense of eternity.

The building is shaped as a cross and features the four Evangelists in each of the four corners: Saint Mark, Saint Matthew, Saint John, and Saint Luke.

PRACTICAL INFO: The Mausoleo di Galla Placidia is open daily from 9:00am- 7:00pm from March to October. From November to February, it’s open from 10:00am – 5:00pm. A time slot must be reserved in advance. Learn more about reservations and tickets on the official website.

3. Basilica di Sant’Apollinare Nuovo

Basilica di Sant’Apollinare Nuovo was built between 493 and 526 AD by Theodoric, King of the Ostrogoths, as a royal chapel for his palace. 

The walls are decorated with impressive mosaics that show some of the most important events from Jesus’ life, as well as other stories from the New Testament.

The left side of the church depicts the thirteen miracles and the right side features stories that happened after Christ’s death. You’ll want to spend a decent amount of time here taking in all the details.

PRACTICAL INFO: The Basilica di Sant’Apollinare Nuovo is open daily from 9:00am – 7:00pm from March to October. From November to February, it’s open from 10:00am – 5:00pm. Check out the official website for more information on tickets an opening times.

Want to visit the mosaics with an expert guide? Check out this 5-star rated mosaic walking tour in Ravenna. We’ve done this tour ourselves and highly recommend it!

4. Battistero Neoniano

The Battistero Neoniano is located directly opposite the Sant’Andrea Cathedral. It was once a baptistery built in the 5th century and today stands as an important historical monument.

The baptismal building is the best preserved one in the world! It features exceptional architectural structure and interior decorations including marbles, stuccos, and mosaics. The walls and ceiling are adorned with colorful and detailed mosaics with intricate friezes framing the windows. In the center is a large octagonal pool with a fountain. 

PRACTICAL INFO: The Battistero Neoniano is open daily from 9:00am – 7:00pm from March to October. From November to February, it’s open from 10:00am – 5:00pm. Check out the official website for more information on tickets an opening times.

5. Battistero degli Ariani

The Battistero degli Ariani (Arian Baptistry) is a small baptismal building that dates back to the 5th and 6th centuries.

This octagonal shaped building has quite a fascinating history. It was built during the reign of King Theodoric when Arianism was the official religion. However, less than 100 years later it became an Orthodox baptistery under the rule of Emperor Justinian in the 6th century.

Since then, it has had multiple caretakers and owners. From monks to private owners and finally it became a heritage site in the early 20th century.

The dome is beautifully decorated with a mosaic that shows the baptism of Christ. Originally, the entire interior would have been a work of art with walls covered in vibrant frescoes.

PRACTICAL INFO: You can purchase tickets outside of the baptistry from a ticket machine. Entry is €2 but it’s free on the first Sunday of every month.

It’s open seven days a week. From Monday to Friday, the hours are 9:00am – 12:00pm. Saturday and Sunday, it’s open from 9:00am – 12:00pm and then again from 2:00pm – 5:00pm.

6. Capella di Sant’Andrea & Museo Arcivescovile 

The Capella di Sant’Andrea (St. Andrew’s Chapel) & Museo Arcivescovile (Archiepiscopal Musem) is an absolute treasure trove of religious artifacts. 

The chapel is located inside of the Archiepiscopal museum in Ravenna and is the smallest of all of the UNESCO monuments. It’s also the only Orthodox building that was built during the time of King Theodoric’s Arianism.

In the museum, be sure to visit the 13th-century crypt, which contains funerary monuments from the 15th and 16th centuries. There is also a collection of religious objects including coins, medals, and vestments. 

The museum also houses an impressive collection of works by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, a Venetian painter from the 18th century. You can take tours of the museum to get an in-depth introduction to the history behind these incredible pieces. 

PRACTICAL INFO: The museum is open daily from 9:00am – 7:00pm from March to October. From November to February, it’s open from 10:00am – 5:00pm. Check out the official website for more information on tickets an opening times.

7. Basilica Sant’Apollinare in Classe

Built between 534 and 549, this is the oldest church in Ravenna and one of the most important examples of early Christian religious architecture. 

Inside you find some stunning pieces of mosaic artwork, including the walls depicting the life of Jesus Christ and scenes from the Old Testament. You can also visit the crypt containing the remains of Bishop Ursicino, who was buried here in 856. 

Two spectacular marble-clad altars from the 11th century show Saint Apollinaris receiving Communion from Jesus Christ and Virgin Mary surrounded by Angels.

GETTING THERE: This basilica is located 8km from the center of Ravenna. It can be reached by bike, bus, or car. Our apartment rental had bikes available to us, so we rode our bikes to the basilica and it was a blast! If you have the time, we highly recommend renting bikes, as it’s a great way to enjoy the countryside.

You can rent bikes from Ve.Ra. in the city center.

If you prefer to take public transportation, then take either bus #4 or #44 from the train station or from Piazza dei Caduti. You can purchase your tickets at a local tobacco shop in advance.

PRACTICAL INFO: The Basilica Sant’Apollinare in Classe is open Monday to Saturday from 8:30am – 7:00pm, and on Sundays from 1:30pm-7:00pm. Entry is €6, but it’s free on the first Sunday of every month.  Learn more on the official website.

8. Mausoleo di Teodorico

This impressive monument in Ravenna was built by king Theodoric the Great to commemorate his rule. The mausoleum was originally intended to be his burial site; however, historians are unsure where is remains are today.

The mausoleum was constructed in the year 520 and is made up of two floors. The lower floor is a decagonal shape and was possibly used as a place of worship.

The upper floor is round in shape and features a red porphyry tub. The most impressive part of the monument is the dome structure on the upper floor. This dome is made of a single monolithic Istrian stone and weighs a whopping 230 tons.

The Mausoleo di Teodorico is located in Teodorico Park surrounded by beautiful trees and green grass. In 1996, it became a UNESCO world heritage monument. 

PRACTICAL INFO: You can view it from the outside 24 hours a day 7 days a week. If you want to take a peek inside, then you can visit Monday to Thursday from 8:30am – 1:30pm, or Friday to Sunday from 8:30am – 7:00pm. Tickets cost €5 per person. Check out the official website for more info.

9. National Museum of Ravenna

This museum houses one of the largest collections of Roman and Byzantine artifacts in Italy, with many pieces dating back to the 5th century. This includes mosaic floors from churches, sculptures, coins, furniture, and more.

The museum is located on the San Vitale complex and is spread across five floors.

PRACTICAL INFO: It’s open from 8:30am – 7:30 pm Tuesday to Friday, and 8:30 am – 1.30 pm on the weekends. It’s closed on Mondays. Entry is €7. Learn more on the official website.

10. Basilica di San Francesco

Basilica di San Francesco was built in the 5th century and was also the location of Dante’s funeral. While the interior is nothing compared to the UNESCO sites around the city, it’s worth a quick visit to see the underwater crypt.

The crypt is located below the apse and is from the original church that was demolished in the 9th century. It features a beautiful mosaic floor and is completely submerged under water. For a euro or two, you can pay to light up the crypt for the best view of the tiled floor.

PRACTICAL INFO: The Basilica di San Francesco is open from 7:00am – 7:00pm on Saturdays and Sundays. On weekdays, it’s open from 7:00am – 12:00pm, and then again from 3:00pm – 7:00pm. It’s free to enter.

11. Dante’s Tomb

Another popular attraction in Ravenna is the Tomb of Dante Alighieri. He was one of the pioneers of the modern Italian language. Dante, a poet from Florence, was exiled for a long time, preventing him from returning to his hometown. 

He passed away while under the hospitality of the Da Polenta family, who were the rulers of Ravenna at the time, and he was then laid to rest here.

The building that you see today was constructed from 1780 to 1782 as a beautiful Neoclassical monument to honor the poet who was once in the city. You can visit any day between 10:00am and 7:00pm, it’s free to visit it. 

12. Dante Museum

The Dante Museum was opened in 1921 to commemorate the 6th centenary of the poet’s death. It houses relics and mementos that belong to the Municipality.

The museum features several rooms that provide an emotional journey through history and images focusing on the life and artistic experience of Dante. The museum contains items such as the box that friars used to hide the poet’s remains and the chest they displayed the remains in after accidentally discovering them in 1865.

The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00am – 5:30pm. The admission fee is €6. Check out the official site for more information.

13. Piazza del Popolo

Piazza del Popolo is Ravenna’s central hub. This square has hosted the town hall for more than seven centuries and serves as a meeting point for all residents of the city.

The piazza is lively throughout the day due to its open-air cafes and central location where multiple streets intersect. The square is surrounded by a variety of stunning architecture, including buildings used for municipal administration, religious purposes, and other civic uses.

14. Wander the Streets

One of the best things to do in Ravenna is to wander around and explore the photogenic cobblestoned streets by foot.

Here are some of our favorite streets:

• Ravenna’s ‘umbrella street’ Via Mentana
• Piazza J.F. Kennedy
• Piazza XX Settembre
• Streets coming off the shopping area around Via Camillo Benso Cavour

15. Taste the Local Food

Ravenna is a city known for its delicious cuisine, with excellent traditional dishes and quick bites. You’ll find everything from classic Italian pasta dishes to succulent seafood and tasty grilled meats.

The local restaurants offer a wide variety of delicious options, from upscale gourmet eateries to cozy trattorias and wine bars. No matter what type of food you’re craving, you’ll find it in Ravenna!

We suggest trying some of these dishes.

• Piadina –  A thin Italian flatbread often filled with meats, salads, and cheese. Our personal favorite combo is sausage with onions and fontina cheese. It’s also one of the most affordable meals you can get in the city and perfect for lunch!
• Cappelletti – A hat-shaped stuffed pasta, that comes in a variety of fillings and toppings. Our personal favorite is cappelletti with mushrooms.  
• Fresh pasta with fish – Ravenna’s proximity to the Adriatic sea means there are plentiful fresh fish dishes available.

Read also: 13 Life-Changing Foods of Emilia Romagna

16. Museo d’Art Ravenna (MAR)

The Museo d’Art Ravenna (MAR) is the best place to learn about more of Ravenna’s rich cultural history. The museum houses a variety of artwork and artifacts from ancient and modern times, including sculptures, paintings, pottery, and more. 

PRACTICAL INFO: The museum is open from 9:00am – 6:00pm on Tuesday to Saturday, and then 10:00am – 7:00pm on Sundays. It’s closed on Mondays. Admission is €6. Check out the official website for more info.

17. Grab a Drink Along the Candiano Canal

The Candiano Canal dates back to the 5th century and is one of the oldest canals in Italy. It’s recently become an up-and-coming area in Ravenna with local breweries and bars popping up along the canal, such as Darsenale.

Take a leisurely stroll along the canal and if you’re lucky, you might even catch some live music performances from local musicians who often perform in front of the bars and cafes.

18. Check out the Ravenna Covered Market

The Ravenna covered market dates all the way back to the Middle Ages. Although the market may look a bit different today, it still serves the same purpose. It’s a local gathering spot where people come to chat, eat, shop for food, and enjoy an afternoon coffee.

Inside of the market, you’ll find a couple of restaurants, a grocery store, a cheese shop, a fresh pasta shop, and more. It’s a great spot to pick up a snack or to shop for some local delicacies, such as homemade stuffed tortelli.

The market is open daily from 9:00am to 10:00pm.

19. Relax at the Beaches in Ravenna

Ravenna boasts some of the best beaches in the area, with a variety of sandy shores and crystal-clear waters.

The Ravenna coastline consists of 15 different beaches, nine of them being beach resorts dotted along the coast of the Adriatic Sea. The Marina di Ravenna is one of the closest beach areas to the city center; however, we are sharing some additional beaches to check out below.

Here are our top suggestions for the best beaches in Ravenna:

• Lido Adriano – The beach has crystal turquoise water and golden sand. However, a large part of the beach is occupied by beach clubs with limited access – meaning the beach facilities are only available to visitors of the resort area. During the high season, a lifeguard is stationed at the beach for supervision.

• Lido di Dante – Lido DI Dante is a beach located 9.7 km away from the city of Ravenna and has no facilities. However, don’t let this put you off. What you do get is a beautiful straight coastline with turquoise water and golden sand. Visitors can enjoy various activities, including swimming, sunbathing, sup-surfing, sea kayaking, windsurfing, or kiteboarding.

• Lido di Classe – Lido di Classe is around 14.6 km away from the city of Ravenna.The beach features turquoise water and golden sand, but a significant portion is occupied by beach clubs. These facilities are only available to visitors to the resort area. This is the best place to go for boating; a daily boat rental service is available nearby. A lifeguard is on duty during the peak season.

• Lido di Savoie – This beach has turquoise water and pure golden fine sand, and a lifeguard supervises it during the high season. However, like with others on this list, a significant part of the beach is occupied by beach clubs with restricted access, and the beach facilities are only available to visitors of the resort area.

How to Purchase Tickets for the Ravenna Mosaics

The best way to purchase your tickets for the mosaics in Ravenna is online. Unless you book a guided walking tour, you’ll need to reserve your tickets and time slots yourself in advance.

Alternatively, you can purchase your tickets in person the day of at these two monuments: Basilica of St Apollinare Nuovo and Archiepiscopal Museum. This can easily be done during the low season (winter months); however, during the summer months, we suggest booking in advance online.

To visit the monuments, there is a combined ticket that costs €10.50 per adult and includes access to the Basilica of St.Vitale, the Basilica of St. Apollinare Nuovo, and the Archiepiscopal Museum.

For an additional €2.00 you can gain access to the Neonian Baptistery and Mausoleum of Galla Placidia as well – we highly recommend visiting them all.

For the Arian Baptistry and the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare in Classe, you’ll need to purchase those tickets separately at the time of arrival. They are not included in the combined ticket.

The ticket process online can be a bit confusing, so we’ll do our best to guide you through the process.

1. Go online to the official site of the Ravenna mosaics.
2. Select ‘tickets online’ and then choose the date you plan to visit the mosaics.
3. Select the day you want to visit the Basilica di Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, Museo e Cappella Arcivescovile, and Basilica di San Vitale. There is no specific time slot required for these sites.
4. Select a specific time and day for the Battistero Neoniano and Mausoleo Di Galla Placidia.
5. After this, you need to select the number of people visiting and finish the purchasing process.

We suggest starting your visit with the Mausoleo Di Galla Placidia and ending your visit with the Archiepiscopal museum. Hopefully this helps to make the booking process a bit easier for you!

Best Mosaic Walking Tour in Ravenna

During our week-long stay in Ravenna, one of the first things we did was take this walking tour of the mosaics, since we didn’t know much about the history prior to visiting. The 3-hour tour took us to 5 out of the 8 UNESCO World Heritage sites with an expert guide.

The tour was fantastic and informative, and we came away with an incredible amount of knowledge about the significance of these monuments.

This walking tour is one of the best things to do in Ravenna if you want to learn about the history of the Byzantine mosaics.

Map of things to do in Ravenna

Here is a map of all the things to do in Ravenna and places to eat to help you easily navigate your way around the city.

To download the map to Google Maps on your phone, click on the box on the right. For a list of everything tagged on the map, select the box with the arrow on the left.

How to get to Ravenna?

Getting to Ravenna in Italy is relatively easy as there are several options available. You can access the city via plane, car, or train. The best airport to arrive at is Bologna Airport which is about 80km west of Ravenna.

Getting to Ravenna by Train 

The train is the best and most convenient way to get to Ravenna. There are regular and direct trains to Ravenna from major cities like Rome, Bologna, Milan, and Venice. The closest major city is Bologna. Frequency, prices, and travel times vary depending on where you’re coming from. 

We’ve listed some of the most popular train routes:

• From Rome to Ravenna: The fastest train takes about 3hr 40 minutes, prices start at 19,90€
• From Milan to Ravenna: The fastest train takes about 2hr 30 minutes, prices start at 25,10€
• From Venice to Ravenna: The fastest train takes about 2hr 20 minutes, prices start at 16,00€
• From Bologna to Ravenna: The fastest train takes about 1hr 20 minutes, prices start at 8,00€

Book your train tickets online with Trenitalia – our go-to booking site for trains in Italy.

Getting to Ravenna by Car

Traveling by car to Ravenna gives you more flexibility compared to taking the train. You can take your own route and make stops, meaning you can explore different places on the way.

There are paid parking garages and lots available just outside the city center. This parking lot is located near the main sights and costs just a few euros for the day.

Book your rental car through Discover Cars, our go-to rental site for Italy.

Best Time to Visit Ravenna

We recommend visiting Ravenna anytime between May and October. We visited the city at the end of September and October and felt like we had the city to ourselves. The weather was also perfect during this time of the year.

Between June to August, temperatures are warm and sunny. The weather during these months is usually in the mid-20°C (70°F), and this is a great time to visit the beaches.

June and August also coincide with the high season, and although there is an abundance of events and festivals happening throughout the city it’s also the most crowded and expensive time to visit. 

If you’re looking for a budget trip, consider visiting during late spring or early autumn when prices are lower and crowds are smaller. Just be prepared for cooler temperatures and occasional rain.

How Much Time Do You Need in Ravenna

If you’re only interested in seeing the renowned mosaics of Ravenna, then one day is enough. You can easily do a day trip from Bologna, or you can opt to spend the night in the city.

However, if you want to experience the city and its surrounding areas, then we recommend spending at least two days. There’s an abundance of Ravenna, Italy tourist attractions to visit so two or more days give you the opportunity to explore the city in more depth. 

Getting Around Ravenna

The best way to get around Ravenna is by walking. The city is quite small and most of the attractions are concentrated in the historic center which can be easily reached on foot. Another reason we recommend walking around Ravenna is that it allows you to discover its hidden gems, charming alleyways, and cozy cafes tucked away in small corners.

You’ll be able to pick up a map of Ravenna, Italy from the tourist office located next to the Basilica di San Francesco. They will also suggest the best routes to take so you don’t miss out on any of the best Ravenna, Italy sights.

Another option is to rent a bike, especially if you want to get out and enjoy the surrounding countryside. 

Where to Eat In Ravenna

There’s no shortage of great places to eat in Ravenna. We ate in quite a few different restaurants and local spots, and these are our favorite ones. 

• Profumo di Piadina “Laboratorio del Palato” – Our favorite piadina spot in the city. They have endless flavors, but our personal favorites were the sausage (or mushrooms) with caramelized onions and fontina cheese. You can’t really go wrong with any flavor. Just make sure to get one with some sauce or cheese, otherwise, it can be quite dry.
  
• Antica Trattoria Al Gallo 1909 – We loved this restaurant so much that we ate here twice. Get the cappelletti and try a couple of their appetizers. Their menu changes depending on the season, but during the fall we got a squash blossom stuffed with fish and we still think about it.

• Osteria Del Tempo Perso – This is a local favorite that focuses on fish dishes. From pasta dishes to the catch of the day, you can’t go wrong here.
  
• Cucina del Condominio – This is a restaurant where you’ll mostly find locals eating here. We haven’t been here ourselves but a foodie friend in the area highly rcommends it. Come here for the cappelletti.

Where to Stay In Ravenna? 

Ravenna has loads of options for accommodation suitable for every budget. We recommend staying around the historical center which is close to a lot of the attractions we’ve listed, as well as near to shops, cafes, and restaurants. 

Here are a few hotels that we recommend:

Our top pick: Palazzo Galletti Abbiosi – A stunning hotel featuring 19th century frescoed ceilings and a fantastic buffet breakfast included in the price. The hotel is very reasonably priced for its amenities and location.

Best Bed & Breakfast: Casa Masoli – A charming bed & breakfast located within walking distance to Ravenna’s main attraction, the Basilica of Saint Vitale. The stay includes a daily breakfast, A/C, and Wifi.

Best Boutique hotel: Casa Gugù – This boutique hotel features beautifully decorated rooms and offers a daily breakfast. It is centrally located and within walking distance to all of the main sights.

Ravenna, Italy Frequently Asked Questions

More Information for your Italy Trip

BOLOGNA: If you’re planning to visit the capital of the Emilia Romagna region during your trip, check out our guide on the 25 Best Things to do in Bologna and our Bologna Food Guide. You may also like our article on the Best Gelato Shops in Bologna and a step-by-step guide to walking the Portico San Luca (the longest portico in the world)!

FLORENCE: Looking to stop by Florence for a day or two? Our 2-day Florence Itinerary can help you plan out your trip.