Ultimate 3-Day Ravenna Itinerary: Best Things to Do & See

Start your Ravenna journey at the Basilica di San Vitale. This 6th-century masterpiece dazzles with its world-renowned Byzantine mosaics, depicting biblical scenes in breathtaking color and detail.

Basilica di San Vitale

Before leaving, step into the adjacent Mausoleo di Galla Placidia, a small but spectacular building whose star-studded mosaic ceilings are among Italy’s finest hidden gems.

Mausoleo di Galla Placidia

Wander to Basilica di Sant'Apollinare Nuovo, famed for its long nave lined with luminous mosaics depicting saints and scenes from the life of Christ.

Basilica di Sant'Apollinare Nuovo

Enjoy a laid-back lunch at Osteria del Tempo Perso, a local favorite where you can savor Romagnolo specialties like handmade cappelletti and piadina flatbread in a cozy setting.

Osteria del Tempo Perso

Stroll to Piazza del Popolo, Ravenna’s lively main square, and soak up the evening atmosphere with an aperitivo at one of the charming cafés as the city glows at dusk.

Piazza del Popolo

Begin at the Mausoleo di Dante, the simple yet poignant resting place of Italy’s beloved poet Dante Alighieri, surrounded by tranquil gardens and memorials.

Mausoleo di Dante

Next, marvel at the octagonal Battistero Neoniano (Neonian Baptistery), where intricate 5th-century mosaics depict the baptism of Christ surrounded by the Apostles.

Battistero Neoniano

Visit the elegant Basilica di San Francesco, with its stunning flooded crypt and tranquil atmosphere, where Dante’s funeral was held.

Basilica di San Francesco

For lunch, head to Ca' de Vèn, a historic wine tavern where vaulted ceilings and local wines accompany plates of tagliatelle al ragù and other regional favorites.

Ca' de Vèn

Discover the ornate Battistero degli Ariani, a unique Arian Baptistery whose dome mosaic of Christ’s baptism is a rare glimpse into early Christian art.

Battistero degli Ariani

Cap your day with a gelato or aperitif at Gelateria Papilla, beloved by locals for its creative flavors and creamy homemade scoops.

Gelateria Papilla

Take a short trip to the evocative Sant'Apollinare in Classe, located just outside Ravenna, to admire its vast basilica and the apse’s shimmering mosaics of Saint Apollinaris among a field of sheep.

Sant'Apollinare in Classe

Nearby, explore the fascinating Museo Classis Ravenna, which brings Ravenna’s ancient port city to life with hands-on exhibits and archaeological finds.

Museo Classis Ravenna

Return to town and have lunch at Trattoria La Rustica, a hidden gem run by locals, where you’ll find traditional homemade pastas and fresh seafood dishes in a relaxed, authentic setting.

Trattoria La Rustica

If you’re passionate about art, don’t miss the MAR - Museo d'Arte della città di Ravenna, home to ancient mosaics and innovative contemporary installations.

MAR - Museo d'Arte della città di Ravenna

End your adventures with a seaside stroll and dinner at Marina di Ravenna, where you can watch the sunset and indulge in fresh Adriatic seafood along the lively promenade.

Marina di Ravenna