Mantua (Mantova) is one of the capitals of the Italian Renaissance and an art city to rediscover: in 2016 it was Italian Capital of Culture and today it’s listed among Europe’s coolest destinations for 2026. The city of the Gonzaga, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site together with nearby Sabbioneta, and is surrounded by three lakes formed by the river Mincio that give it a unique skyline suspended over the water. A concentrate of art, history and good food, all packed into an elegant, walkable centre.
The right area to stay is almost always the old town, to experience the city and its monuments on foot; those seeking the independence of an apartment or longer stays will find excellent options handy for the centre. Here are the best areas and recommended hotels.
The old town: between the Ducal Palace and the squares
The old town is the ideal choice for an art weekend: from here you can walk to Piazza Sordello with the Ducal Palace and the Bridal Chamber frescoed by Mantegna, the Basilica of Sant’Andrea by Alberti, the Rotonda di San Lorenzo and the Piazza delle Erbe and Broletto squares, the hub of city life. It’s an elegant, pedestrian area, where staying means having the city’s treasures and the best restaurants within reach.
Sleeping in the centre lets you enjoy Mantua early in the morning and in the evening, when the squares empty and the magic of the lit-up palaces remains. It’s the perfect base for those who want to experience the city at their own pace and savour its refined, suspended atmosphere.
B&B Casa del Teatro
In the pedestrian heart of Mantua, among UNESCO lanes and squares, a B&B with air-conditioned rooms and a very long line of loyal guests. Handy for everything, from the station to the monuments, it’s the practical, reliable choice for a first stay in the Gonzaga city.
La Cervetta
A small, charming B&B in a lane of the old town, carefully detailed and a step from the main squares. Ideal for couples seeking an intimate, refined retreat in the heart of Mantua, to experience the city on foot among art, workshops and excellent cuisine.
Palazzo Arrivabene B&B
A B&B set in a historic palace in the centre, with elegant spaces and the charm of Mantua’s noble houses. Perfect for those who love to breathe the city’s history even in their accommodation, a few steps from the Ducal Palace and the squares, in an unbeatable location.
Mantua on the water: what to see
Mantua is a city on the water: the three lakes — Superiore, di Mezzo and Inferiore — embrace it, giving one of the most evocative skylines in Italy, stunning at sunset and in summer, when the lotus flowers bloom. A lake cruise or a bike ride along the banks, perhaps on the cycle path towards Peschiera del Garda, are among the finest experiences to enjoy here.
In the city, besides the Ducal Palace, the ultimate masterpiece is Palazzo Te, Giulio Romano’s Renaissance villa with the astonishing Hall of the Giants. Don’t miss the Teatro Bibiena, an 18th-century jewel, and in September the famous Festivaletteratura, which livens up the squares. At the table, pumpkin tortelli, risotto alla pilota and the sbrisolona cake tell of a unique, indulgent tradition.
A few kilometres away, nearby Sabbioneta, the “ideal city” built by Vespasiano Gonzaga and a UNESCO site together with Mantua, is worth a trip for its perfect Renaissance layout and the Teatro all’Antica. No surprise that Mantua is now listed among Europe’s most fascinating cities: a still-uncrowded destination where art, water and good food intertwine in a suspended, refined atmosphere.
Apartments and convenience for exploring
Those seeking space and independence — for a family, a group or a longer stay — will find in Mantua excellent apartments and residences a step from the centre or handy for monuments like Palazzo Te. It’s the ideal solution for those who want the freedom of a home, perhaps with a kitchenette, and use the city as a base to explore the surrounding area too, from the Mincio to nearby Lake Garda.
These properties combine the convenience of a well-connected location with good value, often with parking — precious in a city with a pedestrian centre. A practical choice for enjoying Mantua at your own pace and setting off easily towards the other Lombard destinations.
Agorà Residenza
An aparthotel with apartments featuring a kitchenette in a central location, hugely appreciated by many guests. The residence formula is perfect for families and longer stays, with the space of a home and the convenience of having the old town and the monuments within walking distance.
Art & Books
A refined B&B a short distance from Palazzo Te, with well-kept rooms and an intimate atmosphere designed for art lovers. Its location, convenient by car too, makes it easy to reach the centre and enjoy Mantua at leisure, among museums and strolls on the water.
DOMUS 1435 – Iconic Suites
Charming suites in a historic building in the heart of Mantua, with elegant spaces and the independence of an apartment. Ideal for couples and small groups who want a space of their own in a very central location, to experience the Gonzaga city a step from its treasures.
This guide is part of our tour of the region: discover all the areas in Where to stay in Lombardy. Mantua pairs well with Lake Garda, very close by, and with a stay in Milan.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the questions we are asked most often about where to stay in Mantua.
What is the best area to stay in Mantua?
For a sightseeing weekend the best choice is the old town, to walk among the Ducal Palace, Piazza Sordello, Sant’Andrea and the Piazza delle Erbe and Broletto squares. It’s the loveliest and liveliest area, with monuments, shops and restaurants within reach. Those seeking the independence of an apartment or travelling as a family will find excellent options with a kitchenette and parking, handy for the centre or Palazzo Te. The city is compact and easy to explore on foot.
Is Mantua worth visiting?
Absolutely: Mantua is one of the capitals of the Renaissance, a UNESCO site together with Sabbioneta, and was Italian Capital of Culture in 2016. It offers masterpieces such as the Ducal Palace with Mantegna’s Bridal Chamber, Giulio Romano’s Palazzo Te, the Basilica of Sant’Andrea and the Teatro Bibiena, all in an elegant centre suspended over its three lakes. Add refined food and wine and you have one of the most fascinating and still-uncrowded art destinations in Italy.
What is there to see in Mantua?
Not to be missed: the Ducal Palace with the Bridal Chamber frescoed by Mantegna, the Basilica of Sant’Andrea by Alberti, the Rotonda di San Lorenzo, Piazza Sordello and the Piazza delle Erbe and Broletto squares, and south of the city Palazzo Te with the spectacular Hall of the Giants. Also worth it are the Teatro Bibiena and a lake cruise, stunning at sunset and in summer with the blooming lotus flowers. In September, the Festivaletteratura livens up the whole city.
How many days do you need to visit Mantua?
For the main sights — the Ducal Palace, Palazzo Te, Sant’Andrea and a tour of the squares — a full day or two relaxed ones are enough, to add a lake cruise and the minor museums. Mantua is also an excellent base for exploring the area: the Mincio Park, nearby Sabbioneta, the Renaissance “ideal city”, and Lake Garda, a few minutes away, are all easily reached on a day trip.
When should you go to Mantua?
Mantua is good to visit all year, but spring and autumn are the most pleasant, with mild weather and a lively city. Summer brings the spectacular bloom of the lotus flowers on the lakes and open-air evenings, though it can be hot and humid; September brings the Festivaletteratura, which livens up the squares and calls for booking ahead. Winter is quieter and wrapped in mist, which makes the skyline over the water even more evocative. For a good balance, April, May, June and September are ideal.
Is Mantua good for a cycling holiday?
Very much: Mantua is one of Italy’s most cycle-friendly cities, set in the Mincio Park and linked by scenic cycle paths, including the famous route connecting Mantua to Peschiera del Garda along the river. Cycling among the lakes, banks and villages of the Mincio is a wonderful way to experience the area. Many properties offer bike storage and rental, and the flat centre makes getting around easy in the city too.
