6 Best Things to Do in Ferrara: A Self-Guided Walking Tour + Map

We stopped in Ferrara on our way to Venice to enjoy a quiet evening away from the heavy crowds. If you are looking for the best things to do in Ferrara, this compact city offers a beautifully preserved medieval old town that is perfect for exploring on foot. Let’s put on some comfortable shoes and walk through my favorite self-guided Ferrara walking tour itinerary, complete with a custom map and practical logistics.

Coming from a busy city like Florence, the relaxed atmosphere in Ferrara at sunset was exactly what we needed. To help you plan your own perfect stop, I’ve put together a practical, step-by-step Ferrara walking tour route. This guide highlights the best things to do in Ferrara if you are short on time, taking you from the southern medieval gates straight to the historic heart of town.

What to Expect on a Ferrara Walking Tour?

I found Ferrara to be off the beaten path and loved the fewer crowds especially at sunset times. When visiting Ferrara you can always expect a beautifully kept medieval old town with fewer tourist crowds which provide a great walking experience.

If you are figuring out what to see in Ferrara in one day, a focused route through the old town is the best approach. Because the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you get incredible history without the overwhelming tourist crowds found in Venice or Florence.

Self-guided Ferrara walking tour map
Yellow: Start, Red: Attractions, Blue: Walking route

Stay in Ferrara. We loved staying at Hotel Europa as it was centrally located right by the castle.
Book a local tour. Explore Ferrara with this local walking tour including food tasting and local highlights.

With my walking map of Ferrara in hand let’s explore what to do in Ferrara Italy. In this article we will walk old town Ferrara from the South, coming through Porta Paola and the medieval wall and making our way to the center of town at Estense Castle. If you’re starting in the middle of town, you can adjust your route accordingly so you can take in the best things to see in Ferrara.

1. Start at Porta Paola and the Medieval Walls

Porta Paola in Ferrara.
photo by Lungoleno

Porta Paola is a significant historical structure and the perfect starting point for our Ferrara walking tour. It’s a Baroque-style city gate built in 1612 by architect Giovanni Battista Aleott. The gate was named in honor of Pope Paul V and served as a southern entry control point to the city. During the French occupation, it was briefly renamed Porta Reno, but the original name was restored, and both names are still associated with the gate today2.

The medieval walls of Ferrara are an integral part of the city’s heritage. They were first constructed in the 12th century and expanded over time to accommodate urban growth. These walls are a testament to the city’s history and are considered one of the most famous examples of Italian military architecture, marking the transition from vertical defenses to horizontal bastion defenses suitable for firearms. The walls, along with the urban planning schemes implemented from the 14th to 16th centuries, make Ferrara a prime example of Renaissance city development and have influenced modern town planning.

2. Walk the Arched Alley of Via delle Volte

Via delle Volte in Ferrara
photo by Palickap

Secondly on our route is walking the old streets of Ferrara, specifically on Via delle Volte (Street of the Arches). Via delle Volte, a historic street in Ferrara, is a testament to the city’s medieval past. With its cobblestone path and characteristic arches and vaults dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries, it offers a glimpse into the life of ancient times.

Once the heart of Ferrara’s commerce, where goods were transported from the river’s edge to the shops and homes, today it invites visitors to wander and imagine the bustling activity that once filled this axis of trade. The street’s romantic and mysterious atmosphere is further accentuated by the fog that often envelops the city, creating a magical setting for a walk through history.

3. Estense Castle: The Heart of Our Ferrara Walking Tour

Estense Castle seen at sunset.
See my photos from Ferrara

Book a local tour. Explore Ferrara with this local walking tour including food tasting and local highlights.

The Estense Castle represents the center of Ferrara and the entire city has developed around this impressive castle. The Estense Castle, or Castello Estense, is a fortress of medieval origins that has stood the test of time. Built in 1385, it was initially constructed to protect the ruling Este family from civil unrest. Today, it serves as a museum and a testament to Ferrara’s rich history. Visitors can marvel at the castle’s moat, the grandiose rooms, and the dungeons. The castle also hosts various cultural events throughout the year, making it a living piece of history.

A walk through the castle is a journey back in time, offering insights into the lives of the Este family and the evolution of Italian fortifications. Visiting Estense Castle should be the main stop on our Ferrara walking tour.

Renée of France

Renée, Duchess of Ferrara and daughter of King Louis XII of France, was a remarkable figure of the Reformation. Despite her royal status, she used her court at Estense Castle as a secret sanctuary for Protestant reformers and thinkers, including John Calvin. Her refusal to conform led to a famous heresy trial and temporary imprisonment within the castle walls, leaving a lasting legacy of religious courage in the heart of Catholic Italy.

Girolamo Savonarola

Born in Ferrara, Savonarola became a powerful Dominican friar and a key figure in Renaissance Florence. Known for his fiery sermons against corruption, he eventually led Florence after the Medici family was overthrown. Though his radical reforms and prophecies led to his eventual execution, he remains one of Ferrara’s most famous and controversial historical exports.

4. Cathedral of San Giorgio

Ferrara Cathedral at night.
See my photos from Ferrara

The Cathedral of San Giorgio, also known as Ferrara Cathedral, is a masterpiece of Romanesque and Gothic styles. As it comes top on my Ferrara walking tour itinerary, this large cathedral is well worth your time to visit. Its construction began in the 12th century, and it has since been a focal point of religious life in Ferrara. The cathedral’s façade is adorned with intricate sculptures and a stunning rose window. Inside, the cathedral houses an array of art, including frescoes and altarpieces that capture the spiritual essence of the city.

The cathedral is not just a place of worship but also a cultural hub that reflects the city’s artistic heritage. The connection between the cathedral and the adjacent Archbishop’s Palace via a covered passage underscores the historical importance of the church in Ferrara’s social and political life.

5. Piazza Trento: Top Things to Do in Ferrara

Narrow alley leading away from Piazza Trento.
See my photos from Ferrara

Piazza Trento e Trieste, the main square of Ferrara, Italy, is a place rich in history and culture. Dating back to the Middle Ages, it has been the center of political, economic, and religious life in the city. The square is home to the Cathedral of San Giorgio, a remarkable example of Romanesque architecture, and the unfinished bell tower attributed to Leon Battista Alberti. With its vibrant atmosphere and historical buildings, Piazza Trento e Trieste continues to be the beating heart of Ferrara and should definitely make it on your self-guided Ferrara walking tour itinerary.

6. Best Shopping on Your Ferrara Walking Tour

Covered staircase leading to the main shopping street.
See my photos from Ferrara

Ferrara’s main shopping area is a vibrant mix of the old and the new and should definitely belong on your Ferrara walking tour itinerary. The streets are lined with a variety of shops, from high-fashion boutiques to traditional artisanal stores. Via Mazzini and Via Garibaldi are particularly famous for their eclectic mix of retail offerings. Shoppers can find everything from the latest fashion trends to unique local crafts that make for perfect souvenirs.

The shopping experience in Ferrara is not just about the purchases—it’s about the atmosphere. The historic buildings that house modern stores create a unique shopping environment. The area is also home to cafes and gelaterias, where shoppers can take a break and enjoy some of the best flavors Italy has to offer.

Plan Your Ferrara Walking Tour: FAQ

Planning a stop during a road trip requires clear logistics so you don’t waste time looking for parking or wandering off the route. Below are the answers to the most common practical questions, including where to find hassle-free Ferrara parking, where to stay, and how to maximize your time in the historic old town.

Where is the best place to park in Ferrara?

For hassle-free Ferrara parking, use the Historical Center parking lot. From there, it is a quick 5-minute walk past Porta Paola and along Corso Porta Reno, which leads you directly into the heart of the city.

Where should I stay in Ferrara?

To stay right on the walking route, I recommend Hotel Europa. It’s a beautiful historic building centrally located near the Estense Castle, making it the perfect base for exploring.

How long does this Ferrara walking tour take?

The route itself takes about 2 to 3 hours at a relaxed pace. If you plan to tour the inside of the Estense Castle or spend time shopping on Via Mazzini, allow for a full half-day.

What is the best time to visit?

I loved visiting Ferrara in the late afternoon. The sunset over the castle moat is stunning, and the city is much calmer than nearby Florence or Venice, offering a truly relaxing atmosphere.

Should you visit Ferrara?

If you are short on time in Venice, then skip Ferrara. If you have visited Venice before and want a relaxing and beautiful day, walking through medieval streets, then Ferrara will be a great stop for you.

Is Ferrara Worth Visiting?

If you are wondering is Ferrara worth visiting for a quick stop, the answer is absolutely yes – especially if you want to escape the midday crowds. Spending just an afternoon and evening here left us completely relaxed and ready to head into Venice the next day.

More Self-Guided Italy Tours

• Tuscany Itinerary
• Pisa Walking Tour
• Florence Walking Tour
• Siena Walking Tour
• San Gimignano Walking Tour
• Lucca Walking Tour
• Volterra Walking Tour