Should You Visit Ravenna?

Is Ravenna worth visiting?

Yes, Ravenna is definitely worth visiting for numerous reasons. Its a town that everyone should see, and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay here.

Whether you're a traveling as a family, a couple, or a backpacker, this town has a lot to offer. Any local will tell you what makes it special is the great museums and attractions and amazing food.

Ravenna is a charming Italian town that is often overlooked by visitors but well worth a visit. The town is filled with colorful mosaics with many historic buildings displaying the art. Visitors will appreciate walking around town and visiting the museums that are centered around the longstanding art scene.

5 Reasons to Visit Ravenna

1. Museums and Attractions

Most sights in town are centered around the the beautiful mosaics. Neonian Baptistery is a good place to begin your visit. Other highlights include San Vitale, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, and Sant'Apollinare Nuovo.

2. Food

The region is most known for its first course dishes, so pasta lovers will enjoy dining on homemade egg pasta dishes that are served with meat or cheese sauces. You'll also find lots of grilled meats and many great desserts.

3. Nightlife

You'll find most of the pubs and clubs in town around Marina di Ravenna. There are a couple of places that attract a crowd, but many are open only during the summer months.

4. Shopping

There are some nice shopping streets in town where you can buy locally made mosaics. You'll also find art studios and artisan shops, as well as your typical souvenir shops and clothing stores. Via Cavour, via Diaz, and via Cairoli are some of the most popular shopping streets.

5. Authenticity

Ravenna has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.




Is Ravenna worth visiting in the Summer?

The warm weather in summer is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 22°C (72°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 29°C (83°F).

The peak season for travel is summer in Ravenna, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is somewhat popular with travelers, and in the high season it's busier than usual.

Don't miss the small town charm during summer. Just take some time to wander through the local shops and see the historic landmarks around town when the weather is nice. You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable town, especially in the nice weather. This is a great time of year to soak up the small town charm, browse the museums, and take advantage of the local nightlife.


Summer Weather in Ravenna
Avg Temp
(°C/°F)
Avg Rain
(mm/inches)
July 22°C (72°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
August 22°C (72°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
September 19°C (66°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)

Is Ravenna worth visiting in the Autumn?

Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Ravenna. Even though Ravenna is fairly busy with tourists, in the shoulder season there will be smaller crowds and better prices.

You'll find the weather to be very nice here during autumn with average temperatures around 14°C (58°F).

Autumn is a great time of year to explore the numerous museums and landmarks around town. They are fun for the whole family as well great for couples. You'll find plenty to do during autumn, as you'll be able to spend time at the museums and take in the local charm.


Autumn Weather in Ravenna
Avg Temp
(°C/°F)
Avg Rain
(mm/inches)
October 14°C (58°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
November 8°C (46°F) 77 mm (3 in)
December 4°C (39°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)

Is Ravenna worth visiting in the Winter?

This is the low season for travel in Ravenna. This destination is fairly touristy, but in the low season you can find fewer crowds and better deals.

The weather in Ravenna can be quite cold during winter, and averages around 3°C (37°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.

During this season it's fun to experience the museums and landmarks, the cuisine, and the nightlife.


Winter Weather in Ravenna
Avg Temp
(°C/°F)
Avg Rain
(mm/inches)
January 3°C (37°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
February 5°C (41°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
March 8°C (47°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)

Is Ravenna worth visiting in the Spring?

You'll find the weather to be very nice here during spring with average temperatures around 11°C (53°F).

Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Ravenna, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. Even though Ravenna is fairly busy with tourists, in the shoulder season there will be smaller crowds and better prices.

This is a great time of year to browse the shops, wander through the museums, and explore the small town. Also, you can dance the night away.


Spring Weather in Ravenna
Avg Temp
(°C/°F)
Avg Rain
(mm/inches)
April 11°C (53°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
May 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
June 20°C (68°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)

Related

What is Ravenna most famous for?

Ravenna is most famous for its many stunning mosaics which date back to the early Christian and Byzantine empires. People visit this impressive town for its great museums and attractions and food. It's also known for nightlife and shopping. It is often described as historic, off-the-beaten-path, charming, and authentic.


What is the most famous sight in Ravenna?

The most popular sight in Ravenna is Basilica di San Vitale. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Ravenna on our travel costs page.

Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Basilica di San Vitale and other attractions here.

How touristy is Ravenna? Is it a popular town to visit?

Ravenna is more popular with local tourists than with international visitors. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)


  • Bologna: BLQ airport to Ravenna cruise terminal: $434
  • Cruise Terminal From/to Venice: $931

How long should I spend in Ravenna?

The ideal length of time for a trip to Ravenna is one to two days. Since Ravenna has activities such as museums and attractions and dining, many visit for up to two days.

If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Ravenna? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Ravenna?.

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