Northern Italian Gem: A Refined Stay in Mantua

Mantua is a city that rewards slow travel. It’s not one of the big-name stops in Italy, which is exactly what makes it so special. You won’t find tour buses or queues here — instead, you get a beautifully preserved Renaissance city that invites you to explore at your own pace. It’s ideal for travelers who want cultural depth, walkability and a bit of quiet magic. Think romantic getaway, solo cultural immersion or a relaxed stop for design and food lovers.

I stayed at Grand Hotel San Lorenzo, which I highly recommend for its unbeatable location right behind the main piazza. The staff were warm and attentive, and even small gestures like offering a complimentary drink on arrival made the stay feel personal. For travelers who value location, charm and a low-key sense of luxury, this hotel is a great fit. You’re steps away from everything, and the experience feels charming without trying too hard.

Palazzo Te — Giulio Romano fresco

Culturally, Mantua punches far above its weight. It was home to the Gonzaga family, who turned the city into a powerhouse of Renaissance art and architecture — something you’ll see firsthand in both Palazzo Ducale and Palazzo Te. I highly recommend booking private guided tours of both (around €150 per person). With timed entries and a knowledgeable guide, we had entire frescoed rooms to ourselves. It felt like being let in on a secret. Between tours, a boat ride along the lakes or Mincio River is a perfect way to slow down and take in the scenery.

Basilica di Sant'Andrea

Mantua is also the birthplace of Virgil, the Roman poet, and a new interactive museum inside Palazzo del Podestà pays tribute to his legacy. Opera fans will recognize Mantua as the setting of Verdi’s "Rigoletto," and the city’s deep ties to music and literature are everywhere if you know where to look. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, thanks to its intact Renaissance layout and architectural heritage.

Piazza Ducale

Food here is both traditional and full of personality. My top restaurant picks are Osteria dell’Oca and Leoncino Rosso — you’ll need to call ahead and speak a bit of Italian to secure a table. For something more casual, stop by Scaravelli Forneria for fresh pasta, regional pastries like sbrisolona and their famous mostarda di frutta. For gelato, Gelateria Loggetta is the spot. And for a quiet coffee or aperitivo, Bar Caravatti, open since 1865, is full of charm. The city also has great local shopping, especially along Via Giuseppe Garibaldi and nearby side streets, with a mix of artisan boutiques, homewares and interior design shops.

Mostarda di frutta at Scaravelli Forneria

If you're in town over the weekend, keep an eye out for live music events — Mantua has a low-key but vibrant cultural calendar. If you're looking for a stylish nightlife spot, Libenter is a solid choice. The location is fantastic — right in the center, but gently tucked away on a quiet street so it still feels intimate. When we went, there was live music and a DJ set, which gave the evening a really fun, unexpected vibe. Ideal for couples, groups of friends or solo travelers who want a memorable night out that feels local, not touristy.

Courtyard inside Palazzo Ducale

Mantua is perfect for travelers who appreciate culture and design and want a slower, more intimate experience of Italy. It’s stylish without being flashy, historic without being frozen in time. A place that stays with you long after you leave.

Mantua is easy to reach by train from Verona, Milan or Venice, making it an ideal stop on a northern Italy itinerary. The train station is walkable to the historic center (or a quick taxi if you have luggage). You can also drive in, especially if you're combining Mantua with other countryside destinations like Lake Garda or Modena — parking is available just outside the old town or at the hotel's parking space if you ask in advance.

Wear comfortable shoes. Mantua is very walkable, but many streets are cobbled.

If you're visiting in spring or autumn, you'll get the best weather and smaller crowds. Summer can be very hot and quiet, as many locals leave town.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Italy page.