Things to Do in Parma, Italy, With One Delicious Day

The city of Parma, Italy, shows off everything that’s so great about the country. It’s easy to navigate, full of warm people, history, and culture, and boasts some of the best food in the country.

No, seriously. I still think about the perfect platter of Parma ham and cheese we housed on our last trip there. I was forever changed.

The best part is that many of the best things to do in Parma don’t need a ton of pre-planning. You can just roll up in this place and have a delicious time, even if you only have the day.

That’s how much time we had in the Italian town, and everything I’ll share with you here was part of our itinerary for one day in Parma.

Where is Parma?

Parma is located in northern Italy in the Emilia-Romagna region. It’s bordered by the Apennine Mountains to the south and the Po, the longest river in Italy, to the north.

What is Parma famous for?

Parma is famous for its food, much like other towns like Modena within the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. 

This is where you’ll find Parma ham, or prosciutto di Parma, the prized salumi culatello, and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. These are three heavy hitters when it comes to foods you should travel the world for, not to mention Italy.

Note: You may also see horse meat on the menu while in Parma, likely in the form of a minced tartare (pesto di cavallo). 

Brian is especially good about trying all of the local goodies, but that one just felt a bit more taboo than most. I don’t even think it’s the horses as pets argument, as we’ve both eaten cuy, or guinea pigs, in Peru.

It was just off-putting. It’s a normal part of the cuisine here, though.  

You can do Parma in a day.

One day is enough to see the highlights of what to do in Parma. That’s how much time we had, and we didn’t feel like we were missing out.

With more time, you can spend some time further afield in the food factories that make this region so important on a culinary scale. You could also dive into Parma’s nightlife with overnight stays before you hit the road.

Best Things to Do in Parma

Everything I’ll list here is doable with one day in Parma, as that’s how much time we had on a day trip from Bologna. I’ll include some ideas for what to do with more time in Parma based on my own bucket list for the region.

Stop 1: Piazza Ghiaia

This market by the river has been operating in some way since 1232. Back in the day, you could find fresh fruits, veggies, and gallows here, but it’s a much gentler experience today. 

I’m including this stop to kick things off as you’ll likely pass by this area on your way from the train. We accidentally discovered an archaeological dig site underneath the piazza on our way to the center, so you should do the same. 

You’ll see tunnels, archways, and a report of flood damage that dates back to the 12th century. It just speaks to how likely it is that there’s something incredible happening underneath your feet in this very old Italian town.

It’ll be a while until you get a nosh today, by the way. If you didn’t grab something en route to Parma, Cafè Tano is close to the Piazza Ghiaia and a great stop for a quick espresso and savory snack.

Stop 2: The Parma

You’ll likely see the Parma, the stream that runs along the main bridge into the city center, on your way to all of the main attractions in Parma from the train station. Don’t call her a river, especially if you visit in the fall as we did. 

There won’t be much going on in the way of water down there.

The views as you walk along the “river” are still lovely, and the best way to get yourself acquainted with the colors and vibrancy of the city of Parma.

Stop 3: Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi

This piazza and historic center, often shortened to Piazza Garibaldi, is one of the busiest spots in Parma.

There are all kinds of coffee shops and eateries that surround the main square, but the highlights are the big yellow building in front of you and the bronze statue of Garibaldi.

I’m not some Italian scholar so definitely had to research the guy to understand why he deserved so much recognition. 

Fun fact: Garibaldi was an Italian patriot, revolutionary, and the country’s most well-known hero. He’s considered by many locals as one of the greatest generals ever who helped unify the country through his military campaigns.   

Let’s move on to the big yellow building I mentioned. That’s the 13th-century Governor’s Palace, an event space for contemporary art exhibitions today. In its heyday, this was the seat of local government.

Take note of the bell tower and the solar sundial, especially if your phone dies and you need a quick time check. (Also, pack those portable chargers, people!) 

READ MORE: Love a good tower? Visit the most recognizable one in Pisa next!

Stop 4: Diocesan Museum of Parma (Museo Diocesano)

This small museum of religious statues and artifacts isn’t that exciting when it comes to Parma’s best sights, but you’ll need to go here for tickets to the Baptistery of Parma.

That’s the very impressive octagonal building that’ll catch your eye on the way over here.

You may as well get your money’s worth since your ticket includes the museum. Spend some time getting to know the creepy stone prophets that lurk down below.

Stop 5: The Baptistery of Parma (Battistero di Parma)

The 1196 Baptistery of Parma, or Parma Baptistery, is incredible. It’s a small room as you enter until you look up, and then all of a sudden it opens up with eyes looking upward at a painted ceiling. 

Spend some time checking out the statues that surround the interior. They represent each month of the year. 

Find your birthday month and see what their depiction says about you. One of them is two-faced, so that may require some self-reflection on your part.

Stop 6: Parma Cathedral (Cattedrale di Parma)

This church dedicated to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is right across the street from the baptistery.

While this one, the Duomo di Parma, isn’t as well-known as some of the other cathedrals across Italy, it’s a stunner. Construction on this one began in 1059.

I urge you to take a look, even if you’re feeling Italy church fatigue.

There was a mass happening during our trip, but we were still able to take a look at the impressive fresco on the main dome. If you learn anything from your Italy trip, it’s that you should always look up when you’re inside a church in these parts. That’s where the goods are.​​ 

Note: I hear the ceiling views at Camera di San Paolo are lovely, too, but haven’t visited the convent myself.

Stop 7: House of Sound (Casa del Suono)

The House of Sound was a surprisingly fun stop with free admission to learn about the history of music, musical instruments, and sound reproduction. You may even see your old iPod in here.

The building itself is beautiful, too. The museum operates out of an old church, which means tall ceilings and perfect acoustics if you’re here for a demonstration.

Stop 8: House of Music (Casa della Musica)

Keep things on theme with a quick visit to the House of Music, if only to snap a mansplaining-style photo out front with Giuseppe Fortunino Francesco Verdi.

Verde was an Italian composer known for his operas…and his mansplaining. I’m kidding about that last part.

If you have more time in Parma, the House of Music is a historical museum devoted to opera. It hosts live classical music performances, too, but you’ll likely need to overnight for that. 

If you’d like to linger a bit, the church across the street here is the Chiesa di San Francesco del Prato, a Gothic-style church built in the 13th century.

The Shrine of Santa Maria della Steccata in the city center is another impressive Renaissance option if you’re here for all of the churches.

Stop 9: Lunch in Parma

I highly recommend getting all of the best things to eat in Parma in one go with a meat and cheese board at Salumeria Garibaldi.

The very friendly, English-speaking staff will take care of choosing what you should snack on when it comes to their charcuterie. 

They knew exactly what I needed, which was logs of real Parmesan cheese. Seriously, don’t miss Parma cheese.

They also have a variety of fresh prepped pasta for you to taste. Say “yes” to whatever you’re offered at this stop, or just ask for a warmed-up bowl of whatever looks good that day.

It was their anolini in a meat sauce for us. You won’t be disappointed.

Stop 10: Monumento a Giuseppe Verdi

This is a quick photo stop at a very intense monument and altar dedicated to the Italian composer. I’m highlighting it here as it’s close to the Palazzo della Pilotta, a must-see in Parma, and it’s the site of some historical significance. 

What you see here today is just a fragment of the full monument that once stood at the main railway station in town. It was bombed during World War II, along with the statues that surrounded it, before its relocation here.

Stop 11: Palazzo della Pilotta

You’ll spend quite a bit of time at the Palazzo della Pilotta, or Pilotta Palace, moving through everything this place has to offer.

The sites here are spectacular, so if you think you may run short on time with everything that’s happened on the front end, feel free to move things around and prioritize this one.

There is only one route for you to move through once you get your combo ticket. We had no trouble showing up and getting tickets, but tickets are also available online. 

If you want to visit the National Archeological Museum of Parma as part of your tour, you’ll need to let the ticket office know that you’re interested. You can only visit that section with a guide, and you’ll have to time your visit at half past the hour. 

In any case, you’ll start in the Teatro Farnese, an incredible Renaissance theater made entirely out of wood.

If you’ve done much travel, you know that many historic buildings have been lost to fires over the years, so it’s kind of a miracle this one is still standing.

The place was built in 1618, so think about that as you work your way through. 

From here, you’ll move into the National Gallery of Parma. The highlight in the art gallery is La Scapigliata, an unfinished work by Leonardo da Vinci.

It’s haunting and beautiful and you can walk right up to it. Take that, Mona Lisa.

There’s only one route to go through the art museum. There will be docents moving you along and keeping you on track as you stroll through the rooms of art.

You’ll make it to the library next. This was my favorite spot.

Biblioteca Palatina, or the Palatina Library, is divided into three separate halls: the Marie Louise Hall, the Dante Hall, and the Petitot Gallery.

Fun fact: Its antique bookcases hold rare manuscripts and the private library of royals within the House of Bourbon-Parma.

Rich royals get all of the fancy things.

Old books notwithstanding, the rooms here are spectacular.

Spend some time taking in that library smell and imagining yourself on those rolling ladders, plucking your faves off the top shelf like Belle in Beauty and the Beast.

The archaeology museum was our last stop in this complex. The museum is small and probably the least impressive stop on this leg of your Parma day trip, but it all felt a little bit like a secret because you enter through a hidden door. 

Again, you’ll need to time this part right and let the ticket office know that you’d like to visit this section. They will not wait for you if you miss your time.

Stop 12: Ducal Park (Parco Ducale)

Ducal Park is a lovely gathering spot for a rest or padding what I imagine is an aggressive step count already. 

It’s home to a variety of fountains, sculptures, and the Ducal Palace of Colorno, built by Francesco Farnese, the Duke of Parma in the early 18th century.

We didn’t visit inside, but you can see some of the royal rooms on a guided tour. Whether you tour the historic building or not, “The Garden” is a lovely place to relax for a bit. You’ll find quite a few locals doing the same.

Stop 13: Parma Wine

We went hunting for wine in Parma during a weird time of day, but have no regrets about where we landed. We had a couple of glasses at a wine bar called 1980s Max e Gio. I’m not sure why the name is the way it is, but it was all delicious. 

You’ll get the obligatory plain chips for a dose of sodium with your reds. I’m not complaining.  

If you’d like to try another, Enoteca Tabarro was the wine bar on our list. It just wasn’t opened yet when we strolled by.

Stop 14: Parma Street Food

I’m not asking you to survive on charcuterie boards alone. You’re probably hungry after all of that culture in the Palazzo della Pilotta. A big ol’ panini should do the trick. 

Da Pepèn is Italian street food at its finest.

Order a sandwich featuring one of Parma’s finest cured meats or sample one of their veg options. Take your treats to go for a picnic in the park of your own making. 

If you love street food, Carpe Diem Ristopizza Da Asporto Di Chabbi Mohamed Said is a mouthful but full of flavor for those seeking kebabs.

READ MORE: Pizza lovers, I’ve got you. Read my guide to Naples!

Restaurants in Parma

We hit the train after this point so we wouldn’t get back to Bologna too late, but with more time, there are all kinds of indulgences available in Parma.

Here are a few Parma restaurants that were on my list:

• I Tri Siochett: This family-run trattoria is known for its tortelli. If you haven’t tried the tortelli d’erbetta alla Parmigiana yet while in Parma, do that here. It’s integral to the local cuisine.
• Osteria del 36: This osteria in the city center has a long tradition of making the best flan in Parma. Don’t knock the jiggly dessert before you try it with real Parmesan cheese. Reservations for this one are available online.
• Ristorante Cocchi 1925: Class it up with Parma specialties and an excellent wine list at this eatery in the Hotel Daniel. Try any of their truffled tortelli if you’re feeling fancy.

More Parma Attractions

With more time in Parma, you can dive into the Italian city’s food scene and see its charm in more detail.

Here are a few more places to visit in Parma if you have more time in this beautiful town:

• Tour the Museo Glauco Lombardi and its exhibits of items that belonged to Napoleon’s wife, Empress Marie-Louise.
• Walk the gardens of Orto Botanico di Parma, a green space maintained by the University of Parma.
• See a show at the ornate Teatro Regio di Parma, an opera venue in Parma.
• Grab a nightcap at Vecchie Maniere, known as one of the best spots in town for a cocktail.
• Take a day trip to Torrechiara Castle, a 15th-century hilltop castle that sure does photograph well as one of the best places to visit near Parma.
• Visit one of the best Parma cheese factories, an activity that tops my list for next time.

I’d make it easy on myself and just book a guided Parma cheese tour. Some of them include stops at Parma ham factories, too. I don’t hate it.

Here are a few great options:

How to Get to Parma

We arrived in Parma on a day trip from Bologna, but you’ll need to get to Bologna first.

Bologna is a little over an hour away from Parma via train. Public transportation is so easy from Bologna that I wouldn’t recommend visiting Parma in any other way.

Parma is also a popular day trip from Milan, another great hub for cheap flights from the United States and beyond. The train ride from Milan to Parma is around 90 minutes.

You can book your tickets to Parma at the station you’re arriving from or get advance tickets online. We’re of the cautious sort so usually arrive at the train with tickets in hand, but we didn’t book our return tickets until we knew when we wanted to leave Parma the evening of our day trip.

The Trenitalia app is an excellent tool if you’d like to be just as mobile.

Once you’re in Parma, you won’t need much outside of comfortable shoes to get around the city. Everything I’ve listed in this Parma itinerary was within walking distance from the train. 

If you’re interested in a guided experience, I have a few highly-rated options for you below that include Parma food tours:

Hotels in Parma

We visited Parma on a day trip from Bologna, so we didn’t need accommodations in Parma. If you’d like to stay overnight, I support you. The historic Palazzo Dalla Rosa Prati would be at the top of my list for a return visit.

Use the map below to explore more of the best Parma accommodations:

Is Parma worth visiting?

Parma is worth visiting for tasting authentic Parma ham alone, but it’s also a great escape for travel folk who want a break from the larger Italian cities that surround it. 

While my list of Italian destinations to visit remains quite long, I bet I’ll find myself back here at some point. I enjoyed it that much!