Complete Guide to Emilia-Romagna (2025)

Bologna, a captivating city, holds the distinction of being the capital and largest city of the Emilia-Romagna region. Renowned by many Italians as the second most beautiful city after Venice, it boasts a rich heritage and a vibrant atmosphere. Bologna’s charm lies in its relaxed and stress-free lifestyle, accompanied by a warm and lively ambiance. Its historic center, one of the largest and best-preserved in Italy, showcases remarkable architecture characterized by extensive porticos—a feature that is uniquely well-maintained in Europe. The cityscape is adorned with brick buildings crowned by terracotta tiles, presenting a breathtaking array of reds and oranges.

Within Bologna’s boundaries lies the oldest university in Europe, established in the 11th century. With a significant portion of its population comprising university students, the city exudes a vibrant energy that contributes to its lively atmosphere, thriving nightlife, and theatrical offerings. Bologna holds the title of the Italian hub for rock and alternative music, hosting nearly 100 concerts annually featuring internationally renowned bands.

Often hailed as the culinary capital of Italy, Bologna’s gastronomy is a source of great pride. It is famous for its delectable specialties such as Parma ham, balsamic vinegar, parmesan cheese, lasagne, and spaghetti Bolognese, all originating from this vibrant city.

Parma’s early history as a Roman colony along the Via Aemilia has left little visible trace in the city today. The province of Parma, in Emilia-Romagna is known for its grand palaces, elegant squares, and its role as the seat of the powerful Farnese dukes. The city also bears a French legacy due to its ownership by Napoleon’s wife, Marie Louise. For food enthusiasts, Parma is renowned as the home of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, and a popular activity is to visit a dairy to witness the skilled cheese-makers turning milk into this famous cheese.

The 15th-century painter Antonio Allegri, known as Correggio, lived and worked in Parma, and his artworks can still be admired in the city’s churches and museums. Parma also boasts a musical heritage, with two famous native sons: opera composer Giuseppe Verdi, born in the nearby village of Roncole in 1813, and conductor Arturo Toscanini, born in Parma in 1867.

A great starting point to explore Parma is Piazza Garibaldi, where the 18th-century façade of the Palazzo del Governatore features an intricate astronomical clock. You can soak in the local atmosphere by grabbing a table in one of the cafés that line the square and enjoying a cappuccino while observing daily life in Parma.

Exploring Parma on foot is a delightful experience, given that many of the attractions are clustered around Piazza Duomo and Palazzo della Pilotta. The convenience is enhanced by the fact that these sights are easily reachable on foot from the train station, making it a seamless and enjoyable walking exploration of the city. You can either use our  Complete Walking Tour of Parma with Maps & Tips or for an in depth tour, with a local guide I recommend this 2 hour guided tour of Parma.

Nestled in the heart of the Emilia-Romagna region in northern Italy, Modena is renowned for its delectable cuisine, a reputation rooted in its barrel-aged balsamic vinegar and exquisite cheeses. Culinary enthusiasts journey to this medieval city to savor tastes that embody the region’s unique flavors. Yet, the city’s allure goes beyond its gastronomic delights. Its center, a captivating blend of history, boasts a 12th-century duomo (cathedral), the Torre della Ghirlandina gothic bell tower, and the vibrant Piazza Grande. This trio forms a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering an unforgettable experience. Modena holds a special place in the world of opera, being the hometown of the late tenor Luciano Pavarotti, and is also associated with the legendary carmaker Enzo Ferrari, attracting opera aficionados and sports car enthusiasts alike.

Situated on the eastern coast of Italy, nestled between San Marino and Bologna, Ravenna serves as the capital of the Ravenna province and stands as one of the larger cities in the Emilia-Romagna region. Throughout its illustrious history, Ravenna has held a position of great importance under various empires, including serving as the capital of the Western Roman Empire and later becoming the capital of the Kingdom of the Ostrogoths.

Due to this rich historical legacy, Ravenna boasts an abundance of remarkable ancient structures and has earned recognition with several UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The city is particularly renowned for its well-preserved Byzantine-era architecture and mosaics, making it a focal point for cultural enthusiasts. Additionally, its proximity to Bologna, Florence, and the Adriatic Sea, along with access to splendid coastal resorts, ensures that Ravenna remains a highly sought-after destination for tourists, offering a wealth of captivating attractions.

In the heart of the city, visitors can explore an array of ornate churches and basilicas, stroll through impressive squares, and even pay homage at the tomb of the legendary writer Dante Alighieri. Furthermore, the Ravenna Marina presents an enticing coastal retreat, providing an opportunity to unwind and bask in the radiant Adriatic sun.

TIP: If you are visiting Ravenna for just a day and want to make the most of your visit, you may want to consider taking a walking tour with a local guide.
This is one of the most complete and best-rated city tours that covers Ravenna’s UNESCO Monuments and Mosaics in about 3 hours.
If you prefer exploring at your own pace read our Complete Guide to Ravenna’ eight UNESCO Mosaic sites!.

Located in the Emilia-Romagna region, Rimini boasts a rich history dating back to its Roman foundation in 268 BC. This coastal gem spans over 15 kilometers of pristine beaches, rendering it a favoured destination for seaside enthusiasts. Notably, the renowned filmmaker Federico Fellini hailed from this city, which is celebrated for its lively nightlife and historic landmarks, including the iconic Arch of Augustus and the storied Tiberius Bridge. Rimini flourished during the rule of the Malatesta family, evolving into a vibrant centre of Renaissance culture.

One of Rimini’s distinguishing features is its affordability, offering travellers a wallet-friendly Italian vacation experience. The city presents lower costs for accommodations, dining, and transportation compared to many other Italian urban centres. With a population of 149,211 residents as of 2023, Rimini exhibits a diverse demographic with an average age of 48, reflecting a mix of generations.

Rimini is renowned for its vibrant nightlife, especially during the summer months. The city comes alive with a plethora of bars, clubs, and beachfront parties, ensuring an exhilarating experience for night owls. Benefiting from a Mediterranean climate, Rimini enjoys hot summers and mild winters. For the best weather and fewer crowds, plan your visit during the pleasant months of May, June, or September.

Stretching across 15 kilometres of coastline, Rimini offers a variety of both private and public beaches. The shallow and safe waters make these beaches an ideal choice for families seeking relaxation and aquatic fun. Rimini, with its fascinating history, affordable charm, and lively atmosphere, beckons travellers to explore its sunny shores and vibrant culture.

Exploring Rimini on Foot

Below we have listed the top attractions to visit. We have put together a Complete Self Guided Walking Tour of Rimini with Maps & Tips for you. If you prefer a guided tour the best we have come across is this 2 hour Guided Tour of Rimini Historic City Centre.

Ferrara is a city located in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, situated near the eastern Adriatic coast and positioned at the top of Italy’s boot-shaped peninsula. This charming city is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. For a period of three centuries, Ferrara was under the rule of the Este family, whose Renaissance court was renowned as one of the finest in Italy. This court attracted notable artists and writers, including Ludovico Ariosto, the author of Orlando Furioso.

Ferrara is still surrounded by its well-preserved 6-mile-long defensive wall, making it an excellent route for cycling or walking, with green parks located outside the walls. However, not all parts of the city within the walls share the same historical significance. If you enter Ferrara through the broad Viale Cavour, you might wonder where the historic buildings are located. But by taking a side street, you’ll find yourself in the city’s intricate network of medieval and Renaissance streets. Exploring with a map, available from the tourist information office in the courtyard of the Castello Estense, is advisable, as these picturesque streets extend for quite a distance. While only a few lanes are pedestrianized, many of Ferrara’s residents prefer to navigate the city on old bicycles, even on its cobblestone streets.

This is complete guide is for first-time visitors to Ferrara and is ideal for those who are looking to plan activities for their one day in Ferrara. To make the most of your visit to Ferrara, I recommend this 3 hour walking tour of Ferrara with a local guide.