One Week in Ferrara, Italy: A Perfect Cultural and Culinary Journey

Day 1: Arrival and City Center

Ferrara, Italy on April 16, 2025

9:00AM

Breakfast at Pasticceria Dondi

Start your day with classic Italian pastries and coffee at this well-loved local bakery, perfect for energizing before your walking tour.
EUR6, 1 hour

10:00AM

Walking tour of Ferrara city center

Explore the medieval streets, admire Renaissance architecture, and get your bearings in the heart of Ferrara with stops at Piazza Trento e Trieste and the historic Via delle Volte.
Free, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Osteria il Nottolone

Enjoy traditional Ferrarese dishes such as cappellacci di zucca in a cozy restaurant known for its authentic flavors.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit the Palazzo dei Diamanti

This Renaissance palace, famous for its diamond-pointed façade, hosts fantastic art exhibitions featuring Italian masters and contemporary works.
EUR10, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Trattoria da Noemi

Savor local specialties in an inviting atmosphere with dishes like salama da sugo, a Ferrara traditional pork sausage stew.
EUR30, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Castles and History

Ferrara, Italy on April 17, 2025

8:30AM

Breakfast at Caffè del Teatro

Enjoy a cappuccino and fresh pastry at this elegant café near the Castello Estense.
EUR7, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Castello Estense

Explore Ferrara’s iconic moated castle with its towers, dungeons, and art-filled halls reflecting the Este family’s legacy.
EUR12, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Osteria degli Spiriti

Try rich regional cuisine like pasta with ragù or fresh river fish prepared with a modern twist.
EUR28, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Palazzo Schifanoia

Visit this Renaissance palace famous for its enchanting frescoes illustrating the months of the year, open until 7PM on weekdays.
EUR8, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Ristorante La Cucina

Dine on creative Italian dishes made with local ingredients in a refined setting.
EUR35, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Cathedral & Jewish Heritage

Ferrara, Italy on April 18, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pasticceria Pironi

Fuel up with fresh coffee and pastries at this beloved local spot close to the Jewish Ghetto.
EUR6, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Ferrara Cathedral (Cattedrale di San Giorgio)

Tour the beautiful Romanesque-Gothic cathedral, admiring its façade, interior artworks, and sculptures.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Explore the Jewish Ghetto

Walk through the historical Jewish Quarter to learn about Ferrara’s rich Jewish heritage and see synagogues and traditional streets.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Antica Osteria Al Cappello

Feast on hearty Emilian dishes with a warm and traditional ambiance.
EUR30, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Museo della Cattedrale

Discover medieval and renaissance religious art and artifacts related to the cathedral, open until 6PM.
EUR7, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Locanda del Feudo

Enjoy a delightful dinner featuring local wines and seasonal dishes.
EUR40, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Cycling & Museums

Ferrara, Italy on April 19, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at a local café

Start the day with a light Italian breakfast: espresso and a cornetto.
EUR5, 1 hour

9:00AM

Bike Tour on Ferrara’s city walls

Rent a bike and cycle around the impressive Renaissance city walls for scenic views and relaxed fresh air.
EUR12, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Trattoria La Romantica

Try homemade pasta dishes in a charming setting to rejuvenate after the bike ride.
EUR26, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Estense University & Biblioteca Ariostea

Explore this historic university building and its impressive library, which shows Renaissance educational heritage.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Ristorante La Compagnia del Cavatappi

Relish a gourmet dinner featuring local wine pairings and seasonal ingredients.
EUR45, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Day Trips Nearby

Ferrara, Italy on April 20, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast in Ferrara

Enjoy a quick Italian breakfast of espresso and fresh pastry before your day trip.
EUR5, 1 hour

9:00AM

Day Trip to Voghiera and Comacchio

Visit Voghiera’s medieval charm and then explore Comacchio’s unique canals and lagoon area, called 'Little Venice'.
Transport approx EUR15, 6 hours

3:30PM

Return to Ferrara and light snack

Grab a gelato or light snack at Gelateria Alaska to refresh after the excursion.
EUR5, 30 minutes

7:00PM

Dinner at Hostaria del Ciak

Indulge in local dishes with a focus on fresh fish and traditional herbs in an elegant atmosphere.
EUR40, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Leisure and Parks

Ferrara, Italy on April 21, 2025

8:30AM

Breakfast at Pasticceria Dondi

Relish a leisurely breakfast with fresh pastries and coffee at one of Ferrara’s most popular bakeries.
EUR6, 1 hour

10:00AM

Stroll through Parco Massari

Relax in this lovely city park with fountains, sculptures, and shaded walking paths. Ideal for a peaceful morning.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Antica Osteria Le Mura

Sample farm-fresh Catalan-inspired dishes with a local twist in a rustic ambiance near the city walls.
EUR28, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Leisure time for shopping or museum visits

Spend your afternoon exploring local artisan shops or revisit favorite museums at your own pace.
Variable, 3 hours

7:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Ristorante Iseppo

Celebrate your final evening with exquisite Ferrara cuisine and a great selection of wines in a refined, welcoming environment.
EUR50, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Departure Day

Ferrara, Italy on April 22, 2025

8:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel or local bakery

Enjoy a relaxed final Italian breakfast of espresso and pastries before packing up.
EUR5, 1 hour

10:00AM

Last stroll in the city center

Take a peaceful walk through your favorite corners of Ferrara to savor the last moments of your visit.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Check-out and departure

Head to your next destination or airport with wonderful memories from Ferrara.
Variable, Variable
View Hotel Availability