Hotels in Ferrara: Where to Stay in 2025
Updated 25 September 2026 · 155 real hotels
The historic center of Ferrara is the top choice for most visitors, placing you within walking distance of the Este Castle, the cathedral, and the city's famous cycling lanes. For a quieter stay with easy road access, the broader Ferrara urban area offers solid mid-range options without the premium of the centro storico.
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| Hotel | Area | Rating | Price / night |
|---|---|---|---|
| UNA Hotels Bologna San Lazzaro ★★★★ | — | ★ 4.5 | 69 €/nuit |
| Student's Hostel Estense | Addizione Erculea | ★ 3.5 | 73 €/nuit |
| lastminute | Addizione Erculea | ★ 4.2 | 77 €/nuit |
| Best Western Palace Inn Hotel ★★★★ | Ferrara | ★ 4.3 | 81 €/nuit |
| ESTENSIA Room&Suite | Centre Historique | ★ 5 | 81 €/nuit |
| NH Bologna Villanova ★★★★ | — | ★ 4.3 | 86 €/nuit |
| Avanguardia Art Club | Addizione Erculea | ★ 4.6 | 87 €/nuit |
| Ecorooms | Centre Historique | ★ 4.5 | 87 €/nuit |
| Meditur Hotel Bologna ★★★★ | — | ★ 4.4 | 92 €/nuit |
Ferrara is one of northern Italy's most underrated cities. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995, its Renaissance urban plan remains almost intact: wide porticoed streets, a moated castle at the heart of the city, and medieval walls that now serve as a cycling path. It sits in the Po Delta region of Emilia-Romagna, roughly 50 kilometers north of Bologna, and it receives far fewer crowds than Florence or Venice while offering a comparable density of history and architecture.
Staying in Ferrara means slowing down. The city is flat, compact, and built for walking or cycling. Most of what you want to see, including the Castello Estense, the Palazzo dei Diamanti, the Duomo, and the Jewish Quarter, is within a 15-minute walk from anywhere in the historic center. Restaurants here serve honest Emilian cuisine: cappellacci di zucca, salama da sugo, and local Bosco Eliceo wines. The pace is Italian but calm, and the city genuinely rewards travelers who take time to explore on two wheels.
Which area to stay in Ferrare?
- Centro Storico (Historic Center): The best base for most travelers. Hotels here are steps from the Castello Estense, the cathedral, and the main pedestrian streets. Options range from the well-rated Borgoleoni 18 (147 euros/night, rated 4.8/5) and Al Castello (94 euros/night, rated 4.8/5) to the upscale Casa d'Este (254 euros/night, rated 4.3/5). Parking is limited in this ZTL zone, so arrive prepared if driving.
- Around Corso Ercole I d'Este: This grand Renaissance boulevard connects the castle to the northern city walls. Staying near here gives you access to the Palazzo dei Diamanti and a quieter, more residential feel while remaining central. It suits architecture enthusiasts and repeat visitors.
- Giardino / Porta Po area: The western edge of the historic center, close to the city walls and the river Po plain. A calmer pocket with local bars and fewer tourists. Good for visitors who prefer a neighborhood feel over a central location.
- Ferrara urban periphery: Areas just outside the historic walls, served by the Radisson Hotel Ferrara (120 euros/night, rated 4.4/5) and the Best Western Palace Inn Hotel (86 euros/night, rated 4.3/5). Better for drivers or business travelers, and generally more affordable. Cycling or taking a bus into the center is straightforward.
- Quartiere Ebraico (Jewish Quarter): A historically significant pocket inside the centro storico, with narrow lanes and preserved medieval architecture. Staying nearby offers an intimate, less trafficked version of the city center. Best suited to travelers interested in history and heritage.
Good to know
- Rent a bicycle on arrival: Ferrara has one of the highest rates of bicycle use per capita in Italy. Most hotels can arrange rentals, and dedicated lanes cover the city extensively. It is the single most efficient way to move around, including along the top of the Renaissance walls.
- Book the centro storico early for weekends and spring: The historic center has a limited number of rooms. Ferrara hosts several festivals (including Buskers Festival in late August and Palio di Ferrara in May), during which availability drops fast and prices rise. Booking two to three weeks ahead is advisable in peak periods.
- Driving into the ZTL: Much of the historic center is a Zona a Traffico Limitato. If you arrive by car, confirm with your hotel whether they have a permit arrangement or designated parking nearby. Fines for unauthorized entry are common and processed automatically.
- Getting from Bologna: Ferrara is served by regional trains from Bologna Centrale (approximately 30 to 40 minutes). There is no major commercial airport in Ferrara itself. Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport is the most practical gateway, followed by a train or taxi transfer to Ferrara.
- Best season to visit: Spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October) offer mild temperatures and manageable crowds. July and August are hot and humid due to the Po Delta climate. Winter is cold and foggy but atmospheric, and hotel rates drop noticeably outside festival periods.
What to know about hotels in Ferrare?
What is the best area to stay in Ferrara?+
The historic center is the best base for most visitors. It keeps you within walking distance of every major landmark and puts the city's restaurant and cafe scene at your doorstep. If budget is a priority, the urban periphery offers decent four-star options at lower rates, with easy access to the center by bicycle or bus.
When is the best time to visit Ferrara?+
April through June and September through October are the most comfortable months, with mild weather and a full calendar of events. August is hot and humid but lively, particularly during the Ferrara Buskers Festival. Winter sees fewer tourists and lower prices, though fog and cold are common.
How do I get from Bologna Airport to Ferrara?+
The most common route is a combination of the airport shuttle or taxi to Bologna Centrale station, followed by a regional train to Ferrara (around 30 to 40 minutes). Direct taxis or private transfers from the airport to Ferrara are also available and take roughly 45 to 60 minutes depending on traffic.
What is the average hotel budget for Ferrara?+
Based on available options, mid-range stays in Ferrara run between 86 and 147 euros per night. Centrally located four-star hotels typically fall between 120 and 254 euros. Some highly rated smaller properties in the historic center, such as Al Castello at 94 euros/night, offer strong value relative to their quality scores.
Is Ferrara easy to explore without a car?+
Yes, Ferrara is one of the most car-free-friendly cities in Italy. The historic center is compact and flat, and bicycles are available for rent throughout the city. Walking covers all major sites comfortably, and much of the centro storico is pedestrianized or restricted to residents, making it both safe and pleasant on foot.
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