Things to do in Ravenna for self travelers
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The Domus of "Tappeti di Pietra" in Ravenna is a testament to the city's rich cultural heritage and artistic prowess. Located amidst the cobblestone streets and historic buildings, this archaeological site offers a glimpse into the ancient art of mosaic-making. As soon as you step into the Domus, you will be amazed by a display of vibrant colors and intricate patterns meticulously crafted from stone tesserae. Each mosaic floor tells a unique story, showcasing scenes from daily life, mythological tales, and religious motifs, reflecting the diverse influences that shaped Ravenna's history. Admire the precision and skill of the artisans who labored over these stone carpets centuries ago. From the geometric designs to delicate details of flora and fauna, every inch of the mosaic floors exudes a sense of craftsmanship and artistic mastery.
Welcome to a self-guided audio tour that invites history enthusiasts and cultural explorers to delve into Ravenna's storied past. Discover the city's architectural marvels and artistic treasures, as you navigate through eras that shaped the Western world. Ideal for solo adventurers or anyone with a penchant for history, this tour will illuminate Ravenna's role as a crucible of empire and faith. The journey begins at the discreet yet opulent Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, meanders through the exquisite Basilica of San Vitale, and concludes at the Basilica of San Francesco, a place of serene simplicity. This carefully curated route connects awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage sites with enchanting streets, inviting you to trace the timeline of Ravenna's illustrious identity. Experience the final resting place of Dante Alighieri and picture the lives intertwined with these historic locales. The tour promises memorable encounters with the grace of early Christian monuments and the vitality of a city forever in dialogue with its rich heritage. Revel in the quiet legacy of Dante's tomb, and feel the echo of epochs in the piazza that bears the name of Italy's unifying hero, Garibaldi. Your discovery of Ravenna is a walk through time, where every step brings you closer to the splendors of art, the whispers of history, and the silent stories of stones
With an area the size of 11 football fields and over 50 high-octane attractions, Mirabilandia is one of Italy's largest amusement parks. Grab a Mirabilandia ticket and see it all from six themed areas – from atop Europe's second-tallest Ferris wheel, take a spin on Europe's longest inverted roller coaster, and rev your adrenaline engine in a massive Ducati-themed minipark. With gentler rides for the tots, awesome live shows, and imaginative themed areas, there's something for everyone with a high tolerance for fun.
Step into a world of fun that's the size of 11 football fields! Mirabilandia, one of Italy's largest amusement parks, beckons you with more than 50 high-thrill attractions. And that's not all, the ticket also includes access to Mirabeach, the park's very own water wonderland. Snap up a ticket to Mirabilandia and unravel a universe of excitement spread across six themed areas. Soar above the park from the dizzying heights of Europe's second-tallest Ferris wheel or hold your breath as you ride on Europe's longest inverted roller coaster. Get your pulse racing in the massive Ducati-themed mini park. Make a splash in the sparkling waters of Mirabeach and have a ball on the winding slides and other attractions. Keep the party going with your ticket that is valid for two whole days!
In Ravenna, Italy, Safari Ravenna offers a unique wildlife park experience. This park brings a piece of the African savannah to life, letting you see animals like giraffes, lions, and elephants in habitats that resemble their natural homes. Learn about the animals and conservation efforts through informational signs and exhibits around the park. Beyond the safari, the park features interactive presentations and playgrounds for all ages. Safari Ravenna is also dedicated to wildlife conservation, with breeding programs and educational initiatives aimed at protecting endangered species.
Delve into the world of shimmering tiles and ancient stories with this self-guided audio tour of Ravenna, a city renowned for its breath-taking mosaics. Ideal for history enthusiasts and art lovers, this tour is a deep dive into the soul of this UNESCO World Heritage city, revealing its most significant treasures along the way. Your exploration begins at the tranquil Basilica of San Francesco and leads through a labyrinth of narrow streets up to the majestic Basilica of Saint John the Evangelist, known for its resilience and restoration. Between these points, you'll encounter Dante's Tomb, the resplendent Ravenna Cathedral, the otherworldly Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, and the grand Basilica of San Vitale. Don't miss the Archiepiscopal Museum and Chapel with its ancient mosaics and the timeless Baptistery of Neon. Next on this route is the Basilica of Sant' Apollinare Nuovo, where stories are told in tesserae, concluding with a moment of quiet reflection at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. The journey is full of awe-inspiring sights where the past meets the present through the medium of mosaic art. Admire the unrivalled blend of colors at the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, experience the narrative power of the mosaics in the Basilica of San Vitale, and feel the spiritual atmosphere in the octagonal Baptistery of Neon. This walkable mosaic adventure ensures a memorable experience in Ravenna, where every corner offers a new piece of history to discover.
About Ravenna
The best tours to do in Ravenna with kids are:
The best indoor tours in Ravenna for rainy days are:
The must-see attractions in Ravenna for a first visit are:
The best walking tours to do in Ravenna are:
Insider tips for visiting Ravenna
WeGoTrip Inc is a local guide who has been publishing tours since for your discovery of hidden gems and local specialities of Ravenna on their personal guide page (view profile). Explore their expert tips planning trip to Ravenna.
When I’m in Ravenna with family, I always recommend starting at the Basilica of San Vitale and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, then breaking it up with a walk or bike ride through the quiet paths of Parco della Rocca Brancaleone. It’s one of the most relaxed things to do in Ravenna because kids get space to run while adults still get that sense of history Ravenna does so well. Locals know the mosaics are best seen early, before little ones get restless. If you’re wondering what to see in Ravenna, I’d mix these with the park rather than pack in too many tours in Ravenna or big attractions in Ravenna all at once.
I recommend staying at least 2 nights in Ravenna. That gives me one full day for the UNESCO mosaics—San Vitale, Galla Placidia, and Sant’Apollinare Nuovo—and another to slow down and enjoy Ravenna beyond the monuments. When I visit Ravenna, I like to linger in the pedestrian center around Piazza del Popolo, then bike out toward Classe if the weather is good. In any travel guide Ravenna often looks like a quick stop, but locals know the city feels best once the day-trippers leave. If you want to truly visit Ravenna and enjoy the best things to do in Ravenna, 2–3 days is ideal.
When I want quieter attractions in Ravenna, I slip into the Arian Baptistery, which many people miss after the bigger mosaic sites. I also love the Domus dei Tappeti di Pietra, an underground Roman house with intricate floor mosaics that feels surprisingly intimate. In Ravenna, locals often head to the Basilica di Sant’Agata Maggiore for a calmer, lived-in atmosphere rather than the headline monuments. If you’re deciding what to see in Ravenna, I’d add a walk through the Zona del Silenzio around Dante’s Tomb early in the morning, when Ravenna is almost still. Even people focused on tours in Ravenna often overlook these quieter corners.
I’d time a visit Ravenna around the Ravenna Festival in late spring and summer. When I’m in Ravenna then, I love how performances spill into historic venues and even unexpected spaces, which makes the city feel more alive after dark. For something more local, the Notte d’Oro in October brings concerts, late museum openings, and a festive mood through the center of Ravenna. In my travel guide Ravenna notes, these are the events that change the rhythm of the city, not just fill a calendar. If you’re planning things to do in Ravenna, both are worth building your dates around.
When I’m in Ravenna as a couple, I always choose an early evening walk through the Zona del Silenzio near Dante’s Tomb, then linger over the glowing mosaics at the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia if timing works. It’s one of the most intimate things to do in Ravenna because Ravenna becomes noticeably quieter once the day crowds thin out. I’d pair that with dinner in the historic center, where the small lanes feel more romantic than the busier attractions in Ravenna by day. If you’re deciding what to see in Ravenna, I’d focus less on rushing through tours in Ravenna and more on savoring the city’s calm, luminous corners.
In my travel guide Ravenna advice, I always say the center of Ravenna is best explored on foot, with a bike for anything farther out. When I visit Ravenna, I walk between the mosaic sites because the historic center is compact, flat, and full of small details you miss from a car—quiet courtyards, old brick facades, and little bars tucked near Piazza del Popolo. For Sant’Apollinare in Classe or the pine forest area, I’d rent a bike rather than drive. If you want to really visit Ravenna and enjoy the best things to do in Ravenna, slow movement suits the city much better than rushing between stops.
When I want to explore beyond the center, I head from Ravenna to Classe for Sant’Apollinare in Classe, then continue toward the pine forest near Punta Marina or Marina di Ravenna for a completely different side of Ravenna. It’s one of my favorite ways to balance the historic attractions in Ravenna with nature and sea air. Locals know the area around the old port and coastline gives you context for why Ravenna mattered for centuries. If you’re deciding what to see in Ravenna, I’d mix the mosaics with a bike ride or short drive outward rather than stay only in the center. Even many tours in Ravenna miss that contrast.
When I visit Ravenna, I usually eat around the historic center between Piazza del Popolo and the lanes near Via Cavour, where you’ll find a good mix of traditional Romagnolo cooking and more casual spots locals actually use. I also like the area around Mercato Coperto di Ravenna for a more everyday feel and easy lunch stops. If you want to visit Ravenna for food, I’d stay away from the streets right beside the busiest monuments and go a block or two deeper into the center. In my travel guide Ravenna notes, that’s where Ravenna feels more authentic, and food becomes one of the best things to do in Ravenna.