Ferrara on a Budget: 4 Days of Charm & History

Discover Renaissance Italy on a budget in Ferrara.

21 June 2023

Ferrara in Italy is a charming city with a rich history and beautiful architecture. Despite being known for its luxury pastries and high-end shopping, it is possible to have an affordable trip to Ferrara with budget-friendly accommodation and delicious street food. The city offers several historic sites such as the impressive Este Castle and the Gothic Cathedral.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring the City Center

  • Check into Albergo Annunziata, a cozy hotel with a charming courtyard and affordable prices
  • Start at Castello Estense, a medieval castle that wows with its moat and drawbridge
  • Meander through the atmospheric cobblestone streets of the city center, admiring Renaissance architecture
  • Step inside the ornate Cathedral of Ferrara, filled with frescoes, sculptures, and other holy artifacts
  • Taste the town's namesake specialty at Osteria del Ghetto, slurping up a big bowl of cappellacci di zucca
Day 2

Renaissance Art and Rococo Delights

  • Visit the Pinacoteca Nazionale, a world-class museum showcasing Ferrara's Renaissance art collection
  • Walk to Palazzo dei Diamanti, an incredible diamond-shaped palace with over 8,000 diamonds on its façade
  • Enjoy a peaceful afternoon at Giardino Botanico dell'Università di Ferrara, filled with fragrant blooms in spring
  • Indulge in some gelato at Gelateria Grom, known for their artisanal flavors like fig and ricotta
  • In the evening, savor hand-crafted cocktails on the terrace of Spirito, a stylish bar in the heart of the city
Day 3

Biking and Wine-Tasting in the Countryside

  • Rent a bike from Cicli & Co and cycle along the flat and scenic Po delta
  • Stop for a wine and cheese tasting at Azienda Agricola Fiorini, a family-owned organic winery and farm
  • Take a guided tour of the Ferrara Holocaust Memorial, located in a beautiful park near the city center
  • Taste traditional Ferrara-style salami and cheese at Salumeria il Granaio, a hidden gem for foodies
  • Relax with an aperitivo at Clandestino, a funky bar with a secret speakeasy feel
Day 4

Castle-Hopping in the Surrounding Area

  • Drive to the nearby Castle of Mesola, a stunning fortress surrounded by acres of pristine nature
  • Continue to the Castle of Venus, a romantic folly set on a hilltop with panoramic views over the countryside
  • Sample some local craft beers at La Tana del Luppolo, a friendly pub with a chilled-out vibe
  • Take a gondola ride along the canals of Comacchio, a charming fishing town with colorful houses and vibrant markets
  • End the day with a farewell dinner at Quel Fantastico Giovedì, a cozy trattoria that serves up artfully crafted regional dishes.

Length of stay

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Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Ferrara, Italy by plane is to fly into Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ) and then take a train from Bologna Centrale station to Ferrara.

Car

The best way to get to Ferrara, Italy by car is to take the A13 motorway from Bologna to Padua and then take the Ferrara Sud exit.

Train

The best way to get to Ferrara, Italy by train is to take a high-speed train from Rome Termini station to Bologna Centrale station, and then transfer to a regional train to Ferrara.

Boat

There is no direct way to get to Ferrara, Italy by boat as it is an inland city. The closest port is Venice, but it would require taking a bus or train from Venice to Ferrara.

Bus

The best way to get to Ferrara, Italy by bus is to take a coach from Milan Central Station to Ferrara bus station.

Destination

Ferrara

Unlike its more colorful cousins Venice and Florence, Ferrara is often overlooked by tourists seeking a more vibrant experience. But if you're in the mood for a charming, peaceful retreat that doesn't involve dodging selfie sticks, then welcome to Ferrara!

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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Five Days of Family Fun: Explore Ferrara on a Budget!

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