Top 9 Best Things To Do in Ravenna

Discover the best things to do in Ravenna and plan your perfect Emilia-Romagna getaway. With its glowing mosaics and peaceful piazzas, Ravenna will dazzle you with its grandeur. Let this list guide you to the city’s masterpieces, centuries-old churches, and streets that quietly echo with the stories of emperors and artists.

Just a short drive from the Adriatic Sea, Ravenna is one of those cities that leaves a lasting impression. If you're planning a trip through Italy, this gem in the heart of the Emilia-Romagna region deserves a top spot on your list. It helps to know there’s a wide range of activities in Ravenna, from guided walks to hands-on mosaic workshops. 

Ravenna holds a rare title: eight of its monuments are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These stunning works of art were created after the year 313, mostly during the 5th and 6th centuries. That was when Emperor Constantine gave Christians the freedom to worship. 

Step inside these ancient buildings, and you’ll find glittering scenes made from tiny pieces of coloured stone and glass. They’re a breathtaking reminder of Ravenna’s early Christian roots and rich artistic soul.

If you're short on time to plan a detailed trip (or you simply prefer to skip the hassle), top vacation packages in Ravenna take care of everything for you. These packages include a selection of the best Ravenna accommodations, placing you a few steps away from the city’s most iconic sights and experiences.

This city is full of surprises, and it’s waiting for you. Keep reading to discover the best things to do in Ravenna.

9. Visit the Tomb of Dante Alighieri

A must-see in Ravenna, the Tomb of Dante Alighieri is a quiet but powerful stop in the city’s historic center. It’s small and modest, but it holds the remains of one of Italy’s most important figures. You should have this place on your list of Ravenna attractions to visit. 

Dante wasn’t just a poet. He was the mind behind The Divine Comedy, a story that takes readers through Hell, Purgatory, and Paradise. More than that, he helped shape the Italian language at a time when local dialects made it hard for people to understand each other.

This simple marble tomb may take only a few minutes to visit, but for many travelers, it’s one of the most meaningful Ravenna attractions. Florence may have a grand memorial in his honor, but it’s Ravenna that holds his true resting place.

If you're curious to follow more of his story, a self-guided tour of Dante’s Ravenna is a fun way to explore the places connected to his time here. You can also visit Museo Dante, located just steps from the tomb. This small museum offers a closer look at his life, his legacy, and the world he lived in. 

If you’re short on time but want to see the highlights, a tour of Ravenna’s Mosaic and Dante’s Tomb is a great choice. Explore this historic site and the city’s stunning mosaics in one easy, well-paced outing.

8. Go On a Road Trip to Nearby Cities

Looking for fun things to do in Ravenna that go beyond city streets? Hitting the road is a great way to see more of the city and its neighbors. Ravenna sits in the heart of Emilia-Romagna, a region known not just for its food and culture, but also for its scenic road trip routes.

You can easily rent the best ride from car rentals in Ravenna and take off on an adventure to nearby cities. Bologna is 57 miles (93 kilometers) away and is a paradise for food lovers. At Bologna, grab a plate of fresh pasta and stroll through its historic piazzas and churches.

Want to add another stamp to your travel diary? Head to San Marino, one of the world’s oldest republics. Its medieval towers, hillside views, and quiet charm make it one of the best places to visit when in Ravenna. And since there are no border checks between San Marino and Italy, all you have to do is hop in the car and drive.

If you’re up for a longer journey, Florence is also within reach. A few hours behind the wheel will bring you to one of Italy’s most beautiful cities, packed with Renaissance art and stunning architecture.

For a full itinerary with all the best stops, an 8-day self-drive road trip in Emilia-Romagna is a perfect choice. It’s a ready-made adventure that lets you experience the region’s highlights without missing a beat.

7. Explore Ravenna’s Culinary Scene

When thinking about things to do in Ravenna, don’t stop at mosaics and basilicas. Make room for the food! This city has deep culinary roots shaped by the rural traditions of the Emilia-Romagna region, and tasting your way through it is one of the most fun things to do in Ravenna.

Fresh pasta is at the heart of local cuisine. You’ll find rich, comforting dishes like passatelli and cappelletti, often served in a savory meat broth or topped with a hearty ragu. If you’re more into handheld bites, try the beloved piadina. This soft flatbread is usually stuffed with cheese, cured meats, or vegetables and makes the perfect on-the-go meal.

For meat lovers, don’t miss castrato, succulent, slow-cooked sheep meat known for its tender texture and delicate flavor. It’s a traditional favorite that offers something a little different from the usual Italian fare.

Ravenna has plenty of restaurants, especially close to the town center, but if you want to taste the city’s food at its most real and down-to-earth, head to the local markets. Great spots to check out include the markets at Piazza Zaccagnini, Piazza Andrea Costa, and Piazza Medaglie d’Oro.

Want to take your culinary experience up a notch? Join a private cooking class in Ravenna and learn to make pasta the local way. Or let someone else do the cooking on a delicious Ravenna food tour with wine tasting, where you’ll sip and savor your way through local specialties.

6. Relax at Marina di Ravenna

If you're looking to mix sun, fun, and a bit of nature into your Ravenna sightseeing, head straight to Marina di Ravenna. Just a short drive from the city center, this seaside escape is where locals and visitors go to unwind by the Adriatic.

By day, the golden sand is dotted with colorful umbrellas, families playing in the surf, and friends enjoying games under the sun. Behind the beach, a lush pine forest creates a peaceful backdrop, perfect for a walk or a shaded break. With beach volleyball, soccer, and even beach tennis—known locally as “racchettoni”—there’s always something going on if you're feeling active.

But Marina di Ravenna isn’t just about laid-back afternoons. When the sun sets, the beach transforms. Live music, open-air parties, and free events light up the coastline, giving it a festive energy that’s hard to resist.

This spot is one of the most exciting Ravenna attractions and a great addition to your itinerary. If you're planning beach vacations in Ravenna, be sure to drop by the marina for a refreshing change of pace.

5. See Ravenna’s Majestic Mosaics

A visit to Ravenna wouldn’t be complete without stepping into its glittering world of mosaics, a key highlight of Ravenna sightseeing. This art form isn't just decorative, it's the soul of the city. Created between the 5th and 7th centuries, these stunning works are among the most important in the world, turning Ravenna into a living museum of early Christian and Byzantine art.

Back when Ravenna was the capital of the Western Roman Empire and later a major center of the Byzantine Empire, its churches and mausoleums became canvases for skilled artisans. The mosaics they left behind still shimmer today, telling stories of faith, power, and beauty. These glittering masterpieces are a must-see in Ravenna.

Some of the most iconic mosaics are found inside the Basilica of San Vitale (more about this below), where Emperor Justinian and Empress Theodora appear in dazzling scenes of royal splendor. Nearby, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia may be small in size, but its interior is unforgettable. The ceiling glows with golden stars set in a deep blue sky, creating an almost otherworldly effect.

Want to explore them with the help of an expert? Join a UNESCO monuments and mosaics tour in Ravenna and dive deeper into the stories behind the tiles.

4. Discover the Neoniano Baptistry

Tucked beside Ravenna Cathedral, the Neoniano Baptistry, also called the Orthodox Baptistry, is one of the oldest early Christian monuments in the city. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996, it’s a brilliant example of Ravenna’s layered religious and artistic history.

Step inside, and you’ll understand why this small octagonal building has amazed visitors for centuries. Even Carl Gustav Jung, the famed psychoanalyst, once described his visit here as a dazzling “hallucination.” That’s the kind of impression these mosaics leave.

The interior features two levels of arcades, and the decoration flows upward in three distinct bands: marble at the base, delicate stucco work in the middle, and gleaming mosaics at the top. The upper scenes, influenced by Greek and Roman styles, create a radiant dome that captures both light and imagination.

If you're ticking off the most iconic Ravenna attractions, this is one you can't skip. Many city sightseeing tours in Ravenna make a stop here, and for good reason. It’s one of the most mesmerizing things to see in Ravenna, and a perfect example of the city’s early Christian artistry at its finest.

The Neoniano Baptistry is open from 10:00 to 17:00 between November and March, and from 9:00 to 19:00 between March and November. For updated schedules, possible changes, and visitor information, you can also check the official Opera di Religione della Diocesi di Ravenna website.

3. Cycle the Pineta di Classe

Looking for a change of pace after a full-day Ravenna tour? One of the most refreshing fun things to do in Ravenna is to hop on a bike and pedal through the peaceful Pineta di Classe.

Located just 11 miles (17 kilometers) from the city center, this ancient pine grove is part of Emilia-Romagna’s lush green landscape. Pineta di Classe is part of the Po Delta Park, a great spot for birdwatching, so don’t forget to bring binoculars!

It once stretched endlessly in both directions, and its beauty even inspired Dante’s vision of the Garden of Eden in “The Divine Comedy.” Today, the forest is a mix of dry clearings, freshwater pools, and saltwater wetlands, home to all kinds of Mediterranean plant life.

You’ll ride past towering holly oaks in the drier parts and English oaks where the soil is moist. Keep an eye out for the famous “Dante’s Oaks” as you go. They’re not the only treasures hiding in the woods, you can also reach the serene Pineta dell’Ortazzino pine grove and the Ortazzo salt marsh, where the Bevano River meets the sea.

This is the perfect escape when you need a break from museums, mosaics, and all the sightseeing in Ravenna. It’s also a fun way to see different perspectives on the region’s natural beauty and literary legacy. Just make sure you visit in the afternoon when the light is softer and the trails are quieter. 

2. Stroll Through Piazza del Popolo

When visiting Ravenna, you can’t miss Piazza del Popolo, the city’s beating heart for more than 700 years. This is where locals gather, where conversations linger over coffee, and where Ravenna’s past and present meet.

Originally built in the 13th century under the Da Polenta family, the square was later transformed during Venetian rule in the late 1400s. Those changes gave it the elegant shape it still holds today. On all sides, you’ll spot historic buildings like the Town Hall and the Prefecture, which once housed the Papal Legation.

What makes this square truly shine, though, is its energy. Piazza del Popolo is a natural crossroads, where several city streets meet. At any hour, you’ll find locals and visitors mingling in the open-air cafes, pausing for a gelato, or simply soaking up the city’s atmosphere. It’s one of those Ravenna attractions that draws you in without needing much effort.

If you're joining a Ravenna top sights tour, this lively square will be among the stops. This square is among the best things to see in Ravenna, and you’ll understand why the moment you arrive.

1. Marvel at the Mosaics in Basilica di San Vitale

The Basilica di San Vitale is one of the most awe-inspiring Ravenna attractions, and a must for anyone curious about early Christian art. Just a short walk from the old town’s most iconic sites, this UNESCO-listed treasure showcases Ravenna’s unmatched mosaic legacy.

Built at the height of the Byzantine Empire, the basilica was designed to showcase its wealth and power, particularly during the reign of Emperor Justinian. Plan to spend at least an hour exploring the intricate interior and rich history.

Vibrant mosaic scenes fill the apse (the semicircular, vaulted area at the front of the church) and presbytery (the section around the altar where the clergy perform their duties), glowing with color and gold. You’ll see figures from the Old and New Testament, imperial portraits, and decorative patterns that feel both otherworldly and deeply human.

While the artwork stuns, the basilica’s design is just as unique. Unlike the typical basilica layout, San Vitale has an octagonal shape that echoes churches in Constantinople. This makes it one of the most fascinating things to see in Ravenna, not only for its beauty, but also for the story it tells about the city’s ties to the Eastern Roman world.

If you’re planning to join Ravenna walking tours, the  Mausoleum of Galla Placidia or the Domus of the Stone Carpets will most likely be part of your itinerary. They're all within minutes of each other, and together, they paint a vivid picture of Ravenna’s golden age. 

Basilica di San Vitale is open from 10:00 to 17:00 between November and March, and from 9:00 to 19:00 from March to November. Since it’s an active place of worship, be sure to dress modestly during your visit.

What can I do in Ravenna for a day?

If you only have one day in Ravenna, start by exploring its stunning mosaics at the Basilica di San Vitale and Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Stroll through the lively Piazza del Popolo and enjoy its cafes, then visit the Tomb of Dante Alighieri to pay respects to Italy’s legendary poet. 

The best way to save time while exploring these sites is to join a guided tour in Ravenna, which helps you make the most of your day. End your day by relaxing at Marina di Ravenna, where you can enjoy the beach and lively nightlife.

How long do I need to spend in Ravenna?

At least three days is recommended to fully enjoy the best things to do in Ravenna from its stunning mosaics to its lively piazzas. The city’s top vacation packages range from short stays like a 3-day city break in Ravenna to week-long itineraries, allowing you to explore at your own pace while covering all the must-see spots.

Is Ravenna walkable?

Yes, Ravenna is a very walkable city. Many of the top Ravenna attractions, including the Basilica di San Vitale, Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, and Piazza del Popolo, are within walking distance of each other. Public transport is also readily available, so getting around is always easy, whether you prefer to stroll or take a quick bus ride.