Ravenna

We stayed two nights at this beautiful bed and breakfast run by two super sweet ladies. The property is charming with thoughtful decorations, large rooms, and a delicious breakfast. The property is close to all of the main attractions, restaurants, and the mercato coperto. We would stay here again in a heartbeat. Definitely book in advance as it seems to fill up fast!

If you walk down to the south end of the historic city center, you’ll run into the Porta Sisi - a beautiful city gate. Located very near the Porta Sisi, you’ll come to Ristorante Alexander. The first thing you’ll notice is the building itself - it’s striking. Before opening in 2006, the building served many purposes, including a church and a cinema. Once inside and seated, you’ll know you’ve arrived at one of the premier restaurants in town. They have a variety of choices for how to experience their food, and you can’t go wrong! We recommend the fish tasting menu, as being so close to the water you can basically taste the freshness. One of our favorites was so delicious, we started digging in before remembering to document it - the Soaso was one of the best white fish we’ve ever had!

We stumbled upon this restaurant/fish market/shop while attempting to have lunch at Il Portolano Trattoria (which we believe is owned by the same people). They were fully booked for lunch so we followed the guy that was rolling a cart from the market to the restaurant back to the market! It is a casual spot for a quick bite! We were craving fried calamari and it did not disappoint. One of the best we’ve ever had. The weather was stellar that day so we dined al fresco.

Located in Piazza Kennedy, Mordenti Gelato offers a wide variety of traditional flavors of gelato, vegan and dairy-free options, and everything available is 100% gluten free. They use fresh, high-quality ingredients and the flavors are rich and incredible. They also sell cannoli, ice cream bars, and affogato if you’re in the mood for something other than a cup (or cone) of gelato!

The Basilica di San Vitale in Ravenna is a masterpiece of early Byzantine art, built in the 6th century. Its unique octagonal design and dazzling mosaics make it one of the most important churches in Europe. Inside, golden scenes of Emperor Justinian, Empress Theodora, and biblical stories shimmer with intricate detail, blending faith and imperial power. Today, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-see for anyone visiting Ravenna.

The Basilica di Sant’Apollinare Nuovo in Ravenna, built in the early 6th century by Theodoric the Great, is renowned for its long walls lined with glittering Byzantine mosaics. Inside, rows of saints, martyrs, and biblical scenes stretch toward the apse, offering one of the most vivid windows into early Christian art. Today, it stands as a UNESCO World Heritage site and a stunning testament to Ravenna’s golden age.

A Piadina Romagnola is a traditional Italian flatbread from the Emilia-Romagna region,that is thin, soft, and slightly chewy. While there are many different options for filling, a traditional combo is prosciutto crudo and a soft, creamy cheese called Squacquerone. It’s a street food staple in this region, making it a quick and delicious bite while exploring Italy.

Trebbiano is a crisp white wine commonly found in Emilia-Romagna, especially near Ravenna. Its light, refreshing flavor makes it perfect for pairing with local cuisine — from fresh seafood dishes to simple pastas and appetizers. It’s a versatile white wine we highly recommend trying during your visit to the region, especially if you’re exploring the coastal towns near Ravenna.