The best places to stay in Ravenna in Northeast Italy are in or close to its historical core. Though the city is not that big, it has quite distinct neighborhoods.
Ravenna combines the old and the new beautifully. It was the capital of the Roman Empire and Byzantine Italy in the 8th Century. In fact, 8 monuments in the city are UNESCO listed.
However, the University of Bologna is all over the place. Thus, Ravenna’s young and vibrant atmosphere. You will travel in time, enjoy the real dolce vita and fall in love with one of Italy’s prettiest cities.
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Around the Basilica of San Vitale
The area around the Basilica of San Vitale is all about culture. We usually stay here, in the heart of the city.
The Basilica is one the nicest churches you’ll see in your life. The marble work and the mosaics inside will take your breath away. We have to be honest, the area is packed during the day.
However, since most tourist go on a day trip to Ravenna, the area is wonderful at night. Go for a bite at the Mercato Coperto. Ice cream we always have at Papilla, next to the Popolo Square.
We Recommend These Hotels around the Basilica of San Vitale:
Le Case Di San Vitale
The best hotel in Ravenna is Le Case Di San Vitale. We love it! It’s a historic property in front of the Basilica. It’s got antique furniture, wooden floors and beams, frescoes, and a lovely garden.
Hotel Sant’Andrea
Hotel Sant’Andrea is 300 feet (100 m) from the temple. The rooms are big and comfy. Most open to a beautiful garden with lounges and chairs. The service is warm and professional.
Around the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo
The Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo is one the places you have to visit. The UNESCO listed temple is a 15 minute walk from the center.
The area is full of gardens and quiet. In particular along Via di Roma, where the Ravenna Art Museum is. In the summer, we always go to chill in the lush Public Gardens behind the museum.
The train station connecting you to Bologna, Ferrara, Modena and Parma is behind the temple. This area is lively. The best pastry shop in Ravenna is 3 Sorelle, overlooking Garibaldi Square.
We Recommend These Hotels around the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo:
Palazzo Bezzi
Palazzo Bezzi is one of the best hotels in the city. The 4 star property has a spa, a sauna, and a rooftop terrace with memorable views over the city. The complimentary breakfast is delish.
Palazzo Galletti Abbiosi
If you have the money to splurge, stay at the Palazzo Galletti Abbiosi, in front of the Basilica. The rooms are huge and have original frescoes. The historic property is all about class.
Around the Cathedral
Stay around Ravenna’s Cathedral if you are into authentic neighborhoods. The University of Bologna is here, so you will mingle with the locals. Our favorite pasta restaurant is near, Trattoria La Rustica.
We strongly recommend having pizza and beer in Pizzeria Vesuvia, a place visited mostly by locals. For a fancy dinner in a historic mansion, go to Ca’ de Vèn, near Dante’s Tomb.
Yes, Italy’s most celebrated poet is buried in Ravenna in a building over Rinaldo da Concorezzo garden. The same ticket gives you access to the tomb, house and nearby museum.
We Recommend These Hotels around the Cathedral:
Exclusive Aparthotel La Reunion
If you are traveling with friends or family, book a unit at the La Reunion, in front of Dante’s tomb. Every unit comes with a fully equipped kitchen.
Apartment Hotel Marchesini
Considering its class and location Apartment Hotel Marchesini is great value for money. The apartments are big and fully equipped. There’s an onsite restaurant and a shop selling all types of local delicacies.
Outside Ravenna
A 15 minute bus ride from Ravenna’s center takes you to Lido Adriano on the coast. The seaside resort has a long sandy beach with blue water. There’s an organized section and a free public one.
Though you can go for the day, Lido Adriano is a great place to experience an authentic Italian beach. There aren’t many foreigners and there are eateries of all types.
If you haven’t had enough of UNESCO listed wonders, we strongly recommend the Basilica di Saint’ Apollinare in Classe, just a 15 minute train ride from Ravenna. It’s a residential super quiet suburb.
We Recommend These Hotels Outside Ravenna:
Hotel Residence Le Dune
If you are a beach bunny, stay at Hotel Residence Le Dune directly on the beach. The rooms are big. Breakfast included and a pretty good onsite restaurant.
Hotel Classensis
If you are looking for peace and quiet book a room at Hotel Classensis, in front of the Basilica. The hotel has ample parking and an onsite restaurant.
How Long to Stay in Ravenna
Most tourist spend just a couple of hours in Ravenna and continue to other nearby places. We believe this is a mistake. You need at least one full day in Ravenna to cover the basics.
You will have to rush but you will see all of the city’s attractions. That said, trust us and spend at least one night. Ravenna is gorgeous in the evening.
If you have more time and are visiting in the summer, spend two nights in Ravenna so you can visit Classe and then head to the beach.
Moving Around Ravenna
The best way of moving around Ravenna is walking. The city is not that big and most attractions are close to each other. Biking is another option.
However, it’s hard to bike in the center, so tie your bike and walk from attraction to attraction. We usually bike to Classe and the beach. Avoid biking at noon in the summer.
There are buses that take you to the coast and Classe. Trains stop in Classe too. You can go to the other UNESCO listed cities in Emilia Romagna by train.
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