14 Things to Do in Ravenna, Italy | 1-Day Itinerary and Map

What are the main things to do in Ravenna? I mean, is Ravenna even worth visiting? It’s debatable—it’s a small city in northwest Italy and frankly, if you find history boring, this isn’t the destination for you. BUT for the more cultured and educated, Ravenna is fantastic.

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I visited Ravenna in November 2024 with my girlfriend, and previously in 2020 and 2017. The total time I’ve spent in Ravenna and the surrounding area amounts to about two weeks, and now I've finally drawn up a ranking of the best attractions in Ravenna based on my own experience and judgment.

Read on for practical information and my blunt, fluff-less opinions on 12 popular things to see and do in Ravenna, plus two bonus day trip options. I’ve also included a city map, general travel tips, and a one day in Ravenna itinerary—because that’s all the time you really need to get around the good bits. You’ll certainly need the day trip suggestions if you’re planning to stay any longer!
 

Let me show you the top things to do in Ravenna
 

You might also be interested in:

 

 

My ranking of the best attractions in Ravenna:

1. Basilica of San Vitale
2. Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo
3. Arian Baptistery
4. Mausoleum of Galla Placidia
5. Neonian Baptistery
6. Archiepiscopal Chapel
7. Mausoleum of Theodoric
8. Basilica of Sant’Apollinare in Classe
9. Ravenna Cathedral
10. Basilica of San Francesco and Dante's Tomb
11. Domus of the Stone Carpets in the Church of Saint Euphemia
12. Classis Ravenna
13. DAY TRIP: Italy in Miniature
14. DAY TRIP: San Marino

Italy in Miniature

 

City center map of Ravenna, Italy

Map of Ravenna city center, pinpointing the best things to see (Google Maps route)

 

Go on a journey of mosaics at Ravenna’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites

The beautiful mosaics in Ravenna

 

If there’s one thing that’s good to know about Ravenna, it’s that it goes hard on the mosaic game. Every church, every basilica—mosaics on the walls and the ceilings. I was surprised the parking meters weren’t also decorated with it!

Ravenna is like Rome’s lesser-known cousin with a cooler backstory. In 402 CE, Ravenna became the capital of the Western Roman Empire. Later, the Ostrogoths also and the Byzantine Empire left their marks. And today, this clash of eastern and western cultures is preserved in its architecture; in particular, with lots of mosaic-y bling.

Eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites (that’s more than some entire countries have!) show off this staggering stuff in Ravenna. We toured around them all, and I can confirm that the mosaics are insane. Seriously—I had zero expectations, but these intricate stories embedded in 1,500-year-old art just blew me away.

 

Take your time exploring all 8 attractions

 

Practical information: You might think it’d take a long time to get around eight attractions in Ravenna, but at busy times, you might be limited to just five minutes at each site. Nevertheless, allow at least 3–4 hours to see everything.

Pro tip: Get a “combo ticket" from getyourguide.com and you’ll get into most of the sites for a cool EUR 12.50.

Hotel tip: Relais Villa Margherita is where we stayed, and I can wholeheartedly recommend it.  

 

Here’s my brief lowdown on each one of Ravenna’s UNESCO-listed formal boasting sites...
 

1. Basilica of San Vitale

Me and the Basilica of San Vitale

 

• Opening hours: 10 am–5 pm daily
   

Built in 525 CE (a whole millennium before most cathedrals you and I have visited), this is nothing short of a masterpiece—the mosaics here are mind-blowing. Apparently, Charlemagne stole ideas from this basilica for Aachen Cathedral. Respect, I guess.

 

2. Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo

Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo

 

• Opening hours: 10 am–5 pm daily
   

I did say “Wow!” the moment I entered, although the interior is more muted in color compared to the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare in Classe, its older counterpart. The mosaics are still off-the-charts stunning—an epic blend of late antiquity and baroque vibes.

 

3. Arian Baptistery

Arian Baptistery

 

• Opening hours: 9 am–12 pm Monday–Thursday; 9 am–12 pm and 2 pm–5 pm Friday–Sunday and public holidays
   

This one’s small but it still packs a punch. The mosaic ceiling commands most of your attention, depicting Jesus getting baptized in the Jordan River. It’s understated compared to Ravenna’s other sites, but its charm and unique exterior style (read: what it’d look like if you stretched out an image of a watchtower in MS Paint) make it a quick, worthwhile stop.

 

4. Mausoleum of Galla Placidia

Mausoleum of Galla Placidia

 

• Opening hours: 10 am–5 pm daily
   

From the outside, it looks meh—just kind of like a big house—but I soon shut up once I stepped over the threshold! The mosaics here are so vivid, it’s like they were made yesterday. Fun fact: Galla Placidia never actually got to use the mausoleum herself.

 

5. Neonian Baptistery

Neonian Baptistery

 

• Opening hours: 10 am–5 pm daily
   

Originally a Roman bathhouse, this stop now features a mosaic ceiling so vibrant and detailed, I almost got a neck cramp from staring up at it for too long. The vivid depiction of Christ’s baptism (yep, another one) is 1,500 years old and still flawless.

 

6. Archiepiscopal Chapel

Archiepiscopal Chapel

 

• Opening hours: 10 am–5 pm daily
   

This place is tucked inside the Archiepiscopal Museum. Like the Arian Baptistery, it’s small but ridiculously impressive, its 6th-century mosaics an immersive art show for anyone willing to step inside. It’s so mesmerizing and intimate, I even briefly forgot that the other sites existed...

Tip: Don't miss the world-famous Throne of Maximian in the museum itself, carved from ivory. The detail is crazy, but it doesn’t look very comfortable.

 

7. Mausoleum of Theodoric

Mausoleum of Theodoric

 

• Opening hours: 8:30 am–1:30 pm Monday–Wednesday; 8:30 am–4:30 pm Thursday–Sunday
   

The grumpy uncle to the other seven bright and beautiful sites, the Mausoleum of Theodoric is all “I’m too cool for both the Romans and the Ostrogoths—I’m a blend of both.” Its massive, 230-tonne (253-ton) roof was designed to resist lightning because Theodoric the Great was paranoid about being zapped to death. Spoiler: lightning wasn’t what got him.

Another spoiler: this is the only one of Ravenna’s World Heritage Sites with no mosaics. But I promise, it’s still worth a look!

One more thing—if you have kids, be aware that you get one fierce echo out of this structure.

 

8. Basilica of Sant’Apollinare in Classe

Basilica of Sant’Apollinare in Classe

 

• Opening hours: 8:30 am–7:30 pm Monday–Saturday; 1:30 pm–7:30 pm Sunday and religious holidays
   

The old Basilica of Sant’Apollinare is around 5 km (3.1 mi) outside of the city center in the village of Classe, so this is the only one you’ll want to jump in the car or on public transport to see. And trust me, it’s totally worth the journey.

This ancient masterpiece was built in 549 CE and it’s colossal for its time, complete with a 37-meter (121-foot) tower and of course, more of those spectacular mosaics. Forget the drab iconography you usually associate with Catholicism; these mosaics are vibrant, detailed, and timeless.

 

Other things to do in Ravenna

What more is there?

 

This might surprise you, but there’s more to what to see in Ravenna than its UNESCO-listed bait. Here are four more popular picks—most of which I got on board with, but one... not so much.

 

9. Ravenna Cathedral

Duomo di Ravenna

 

• Opening hours: 7:30 am–5 pm daily
   

Duomo di Ravenna is a quick, free stop that won’t take more than 15 minutes of your time. Now, take it from me: don’t expect the intense awe you’ll get from Ravenna’s older basilicas.

It was built in the 17th century—a long 1,200 years after the likes of San Vitale or Sant’Apollinare in Classe. And this cathedral is, well, relatively modern and lacks the ancient magic that makes the rest of the city so extraordinary. Sure, it’s nice to look at, but compared to Italy’s vast lineup of breathtaking cathedrals? Underwhelming.

If you’re on a tight schedule, this one’s an easy skip. But if you happen to be nearby, it’s worth a peek just to round out your visit.

 

10. Basilica of San Francesco and Dante's Tomb

Basilica of San Francesco (on the right) and Dante's Tomb (on the left)

 

• Opening hours (Basilica of San Francesco): 7 am–12 pm and 3 pm–7 pm Monday–Friday; 7 am–7 pm Saturday–Sunday
   
• Opening hours (Dante’s Tomb): 10 am–6 pm daily, November–April; 10 am–7 pm daily, April–November
   

These two spots, conveniently next to each other, make for a perfect little history-packed detour in Ravenna. (A nice break from, y’know... all the super modern stuff you’ve been looking at so far.)

The basilica itself is modest compared to the city’s UNESCO superstars, but it has a fascinating quirk—a flooded crypt where you can spot fish swimming around ancient columns. Yes, fish. If that’s not enough to lure you in, it's connection to Dante certainly should be...

Dante’s Tomb is a small but iconic tribute to one of Italy’s greatest minds. Dante Alighieri wrote The Divine Comedy, and he essentially invented modern Italian with his poetic genius. I can’t lie—standing at his final resting place, paying my respects even though I’m not Italian, made me feel quite good about myself.

 

Dante’s Tomb from the outside

 

There’s also a small museum nearby, though sadly, it was closed when we were there.

Tip: If you’re not booked for any specific times on your UNESCO tour, stop by here on your way in (or out) of Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo as it’s just around the corner.

 

11. Domus of the Stone Carpets in the Church of Saint Euphemia

Domus of the Stone Carpets

 

• Opening hours: 10 am–5 pm daily
   

Now, you know I hate the phrase “hidden gem”, but if I'm being totally fair, this place really is one. And it’s great—even just for 30 minutes or so.

The Domus of the Stone Carpets is kept discreetly beneath the Church of Saint Euphemia. It reveals the full excavations of an ancient Roman villa(!), complete with more mosaics—including a beautiful depiction of Saint Peter.

Honestly, I wasn’t expecting much—I didn’t even know it was there at first—but it was so fascinating. The site gives you a real glimpse into how Romans lived, and as ever, the mosaics are incredibly well-preserved.

The church itself dates to the 5th-6th centuries (no surprise here; pretty much like all the churches in Ravenna), and it adds another layer to the Stone Carpets experience. I felt like I’d stepped into a time capsule that took me right through the Roman times and early Christianity, and I have to say, it left me with a whole new appreciation for Roman craftsmanship.

 

 12. Classis Ravenna

Classis Ravenna

 

• Opening hours: 10 am–5 pm daily
   

I really recommend this museum—one of the unmissable things to do in Ravenna—for a crash course in the city’s incredible history. It's modern (woah), well-designed, and it walks you through everything—from Ravenna’s founding by the Greeks and Etruscans to its peak during Roman and Byzantine rule.

It’s packed with interactive exhibits and plenty of ancient artifacts, making it a paradise for history nerds like me who actually read all the plaques. My personal highlight? The reconstructions of Roman villas that give you a peek into daily life, right here, 2,000 years ago.

Pro tip: Start your one day in Ravenna here (before moving on to the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare in Classe, which is nearby). It gives you the perfect historical foundation to be able to appreciate the mosaics fully, as well as the ancient sites scattered across the city. Plus, it’s a great way to cushion any potential mosaic overload early in the day!

 

The reconstructions of Roman villas on a map

 

One day in Ravenna: itinerary

This is how you should do Ravenna if you only have one day to explore. These stops are the very best of what to see in Ravenna, put in an order that makes sense both practically, and for the sake of your cultural and historical learning. Take it from me—the self-proclaimed champion of planning.

• Stop 1: Classis Ravenna (for 1 hour)
• Stop 2: Basilica of Sant’Apollinare in Classe (for 45 minutes)
• Stop 3: Mausoleum of Theodoric (for 15 minutes)
• Stop 4: Basilica of San Vitale (for 20 minutes)
• Stop 5: Mausoleum of Galla Placidia (for 5 minutes—there might well be a restriction)
• Stop 6: Domus of the Stone Carpets in the Church of Saint Euphemia (for 30 minutes)
• Stop 7: Neonian Baptistery (for 10 minutes)
• Stop 8: Archiepiscopal Chapel (for 45 minutes)
• Stop 9: Basilica of San Francesco and Dante's Tomb (for 20 minutes)
• Stop 10: Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo (for 20 minutes)

 

Basilica of San Vitale

 

But what can you do with 2–3 days in Ravenna...?

Okay, so Ravenna’s cool—there’s a treasure trove of stuff for history buffs, at least. But it is small, and chances are, as we were, you’ll be on vacation to explore the wider area, too. Got a couple more days in Ravenna and wondering what to do with yourself? I’ve got two words for you: day trip.

Below are my top two suggestions for easy day trips from Ravenna. One is a country in miniature; the other is... well, a country in miniature!

 

13. Italy in Miniature (day trip)

The Italy in Miniature was amazing

 

• Opening hours: Erratic all year round—see the calendar on italiainminiatura.com.
   

If you’re in Ravenna, Italy in Miniature is an absolute blast—for little kids and big kids (like me). The drive from the city is less than an hour; here’s the Google Maps link to the route.

Entry is EUR 19, parking is just EUR 4 for the day, and we somehow lucked out by visiting on the only open day in November—call us blessed! Bonus: no crowds.

This place was obviously created with young families in mind, but it’s a wonderful novelty for adults, too. The entire park is shaped like Italy (genius) so you can navigate from the Alps in the north to Sicily in the south. It’s incredibly well done, with miniature rivers, lakes, and landmarks that highlight just why Italy is one of the most visited countries in the world.

 

In a few tens of minutes you can walk through the whole of Italy

 

The details are insane, and every region is packed with fun facts and iconic buildings, like Bologna’s Two Towers to Florence’s Duomo. Seeing it all laid out like this really put Italy’s size and diversity into perspective for me. They also have a “mini Europe”, but it looks hilariously tiny compared to Italy.

My favorite bit was the “mini Venice”, where we got to go on an actual gondola! The ride is surprisingly long—10 minutes of floating through tiny canals, which would be the perfect warm-up for a real Venice trip.

 

Mini gondola cruise around mini Venice

 

By the end of our visit, this park left me inspired to visit even more places in Italy. The map layout makes it easy to navigate (as long as you know basic Italian geography). All in all, whether you have kids or not, it’s an entertaining, educational, and enjoyable way to spend a day in the Ravenna area.

 

14. San Marino (day trip)

San Marino is close to Ravenna so you shouldn’t skip the trip!

 

If you’re going on vacation in Ravenna, you simply can’t pass up the opportunity to visit Europe’s third-smallest country! Let me tell you this: I went in expecting nothing from such an insignificant microstate, and it completely over-delivered.

Practical information: It takes just under 1.5 hours to drive to San Marino from Ravenna (Google Maps link). As you might expect from a place so small in area, parking is chaotic, so make a SPECIFIC note of where you leave your car. And prepare for lots of uphill walking. Unless you're secretly a mountain goat, be sure to bring comfy shoes.

 

Why San Marino is worth visiting

First of all, it’s a frickin’ medieval city-state perched on a mountain. That’s already a win. The views from Mount Titano are insane, and the vibe is super refreshing—especially if you’ve just been through a load of Tuscan and Emilia-Romagna cities. Bonus points: the people are ridiculously friendly, and the shopping is tax-free.

 

There are some nice things to do in San Marino

 

However, it’s not as good as Italy. Italy’s just got so much more to offer, of course.

For just EUR 11, you can visit all the Three Towers of San Marino:

• Torre Guaita (First Tower): Archetypal fairytale castle. The sheer cliffs will make your palms sweat, but the views are worth it. Inside, there’s a small museum about the tower’s history.
   
• Torre Cesta (Second Tower): The highest point on Mount Titano (and therefore the highest point in the country), this tower houses a medieval weapons museum. Some of the pieces, like a 6th-century sword, are so rare, I did a double-take. The views from here are even better than from the First Tower.
   
• Torre Montale (Third Tower): A short walk through some woods leads you to this one. It’s closed to visitors, but the views of the other two towers are postcard-perfect.

 

This view is from Torre Guaita

 

Other highlights of our day trip included:

• Basilica of San Marino: Small but free, so why not?
   
• Palazzo Pubblico: The city’s government building with dramatic medieval overtones.
   
• Funivia (cable car): If you’re feeling lazy, you can take the cable car up to the city for more panoramic views. This is one of the more fun things to do in San Marino.
   
• San Marino Outlet Experience: With goods being free of VAT, this place is a total temptress. An “experience” indeed.
   
• La Terrazza: My mind was blown by this restaurant’s gorgeous views and fancy food, all for a relatively reasonable price. I had a golden egg. Literally—one egg covered in gold, the other in truffle shavings. Who knew that something so precious could be so delicious?
   

Fun facts: San Marino has an area of just 61 km² (23.6 mi²), making it smaller than the vast majority of the world’s cities, and meaning there’s always one tourist here for every local. It’s also one of four non-EU countries to use the euro.

 

There's something about the evening views, too.

 

Tip: While the epic views (San Marino’s main attraction) are obviously better during the day, try also to spend some time here in the evening. It’s a completely different vibe at night—the Christmas lights that were up when we were there made it even more beautiful.

Lastly, to address a common question: do you need a visa to enter San Marino? The answer is no, at least, not unless you also need a visa to enter Italy anyway. You can only enter San Marino by road from Italy and there are no border checks.

Having said this, if you’re the sort of traveler who likes to have a record of everywhere they’ve been, you can get a souvenir San Marino passport stamp from the official tourist office.

 

My quick tips for visiting Ravenna

Last photo from San Marino, where we enjoyed romantic walks and views. What are my tips for visiting Ravenna?

 

• Ravenna is almost too walkable. Seriously, the maximum you’ll ever walk from A to B is about 20 minutes.
   
• BUT when driving around in the wider area, I recommend using the EasyPark app. It’s super useful for finding and paying for parking.
   
• Speaking of which, unlike most Italian cities where parking will cost you your soul, Ravenna is refreshingly affordable!
   
• Italians are surprisingly polite drivers these days. It must be a generational thing...
• In restaurants, you can’t get away without paying a small coperto (“cover charge”—essentially a cost for the table). BUT you might be able to cheapen it by refusing the bread that the waiter will bring to you.
   
• Never order a cappuccino with a meal. They’re strictly for mornings—that’s the Italian way, no arguments.
   
• Eat spaghetti/tagliatelle/any other long pasta with a fork only. On an Italian table, the spoon is for soup.
   
• Scarpetta is the art of mopping up the sauce from your plate with a piece of bread. In this part of the world, it’s not only accepted; it’s mandatory.
   
• Tipping isn’t technically obligatory, but it’s a thing. Don’t be a cheapskate.
   
• Time your trip to Ravenna wisely. The best time to go isn’t necessarily the summer because it’ll be heaving with tourists, and remember, it’s only a little place.
   
• November is actually a good time to visit Ravenna (and Emilia-Romagna in general) because it’s the season for mushroom foraging and truffle fairs.
   
• If you’ve done Ravenna, Italy in Miniature, and San Marino AND you still have time left in Emilia-Romagna, check out my guide to Parma and my guide to Modena for bonus inspiration.
   
• Finally, my hotel recommendation in the area is Relais Villa Margherita, just outside the village of Longiano. You get an amazing view of Mount Titano over in San Marino from the garden. The rooms are pristine, the parking facilities are good, but the fine-dining restaurant is a bit pricey. Still, the view and location alone are worth staying for!

 

Palazzo della Pilotta in Parma

 

Is Ravenna, Italy worth visiting?

Absolutely, Ravenna is worth visiting, particularly if you’re interested in history. It’s an underrated gem packed with stunning architecture (eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites) and mind-blowing mosaics. Its blend of Roman, Gothic, and Byzantine influences is unique; plus, it’s walkable, affordable, and less visited by tourists than the bigger Italian cities.

 

Can you swim in Ravenna, Italy?

You can swim near Ravenna, as the city is close (around 10 km [6.2 mi]) to the Adriatic coastline. Popular beaches like Marina di Ravenna and Punta Marina offer opportunities for swimming and sunbathing. While Ravenna itself is more known for its historic sites, its nearby coastal areas provide a relaxing break from sightseeing.

You can go for a swim in Ravenna

Is Ravenna a walkable city?

Ravenna is extremely walkable, as the historic city center only measures a few kilometers across. You won’t need a car to explore central Ravenna, but two top attractions that are outside this area —the Classis Ravenna and the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare in Classe—are a five-minute drive away to the southeast.

Why is Ravenna famous?

What’s interesting about Ravenna is its incredible history as one of the capitals of the Western Roman Empire, and later the Byzantine Empire. In turn, it’s famous for its world-class mosaics—some of the finest anywhere—and its eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Can you walk to the beach from Ravenna cruise port?

It’s feasible to walk to the beaches from Ravenna cruise port, but only those on the Porto Corsini (north) side of the canal. To get to Marina di Ravenna, the most popular beach town on the south side, you’d ideally take a taxi or a shuttle service, which includes a short ferry ride.

 

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