The Ultimate Itinerary to Visit Parma Italy

If you’re chasing a slice of Northern Italy that pairs rich culture with unforgettable flavors, Parma should be at the top of your list. Tucked between Bologna and Milan in the heart of Emilia-Romagna, this elegant city is a feast for the senses, from Renaissance frescoes to the salty bite of freshly shaved Parmigiano Reggiano. Famed worldwide for its Parmigiano and Prosciutto di Parma, Parma is also a dream destination for foodies and wine lovers alike. Wander through Romanesque cathedrals, sip local wines on a shaded piazza, or explore Emilia-Romagna wineries in the surrounding countryside where rolling vineyards hide some of the region’s best-kept secrets.

Visit Parma: What are the best things to do?

Visit the Parma Cathedral

No visit to Parma is complete without standing beneath the soaring dome of the Parma Cathedral. This Romanesque masterpiece feels serene from the outside, but step in, and you’re greeted by one of the most breathtaking surprises in Italy: Correggio’s Assumption of the Virgin, swirling above you in a cascade of light and color. The detail, drama, and illusion are pure magic.

Admire the Baptistery

Right next to the Cathedral, the Baptistery of Parma catches your eye with its rosy Verona marble and octagonal shape, basically medieval architecture showing off. It’s where Romanesque meets Gothic in the most Instagrammable way, inside and out. Step inside, admire the stunning frescoes and intricately carved sculptures that have wowed visitors since the 13th century.

Explore the Palazzo della Pilotta

What was once the lavish palace of the powerful Farnese family is now one of Parma’s richest cultural hubs, the Palazzo della Pilotta. This sprawling complex packs a punch: wander through the Galleria Nazionale, dive into ancient artifacts at the Archaeological Museum, and don’t miss the stunning Teatro Farnese, a 17th-century wooden theatre that looks straight out of a historical drama.

Wander the historic center and Piazza Garibaldi

Wandering through Parma’s old town feels like stepping into a storybook, cobbled alleys, pastel façades, and that effortless Italian vibe everywhere you look. At the heart of it all is Piazza Garibaldi, a lively square buzzing with locals, espresso aromas, and timeless charm. Grab a seat at a café, sip something strong, and enjoy the rhythm of the city under the watchful eye of the Garibaldi clocktower.

Take a food tour

When in Parma, eating isn’t just a pleasure, it’s a rite of passage. Join a guided food tour and step behind the scenes of the city’s two most famous exports: Parmigiano Reggiano and Prosciutto di Parma. From steamy cheese vats to aromatic curing cellars, you’ll see (and smell) exactly how these iconic delicacies are crafted. It’s more than a tasting, it’s a full-on flavor journey that brings Parma’s culinary soul to life, one bite at a time.

Walk to Teatro Regio di Parma

Step into the velvet-draped world of Teatro Regio, Parma’s crown jewel of culture and the beating heart of Italian opera. Built in the 19th century and known for its sublime acoustics, this elegant theatre honors the legacy of Giuseppe Verdi, the maestro born just outside the city. Catching a performance, or visiting during the Festival Verdi in the fall, is a must for music lovers and anyone craving a dramatic night out with a side of history.

Go beyond the food in the Church of San Giovanni Evangelista

Slip behind the Parma Cathedral and you’ll stumble upon San Giovanni Evangelista, a quiet escape with a whole lot of soul. It’s the kind of place where you walk in, look up, and forget where you were headed. Between soft light, faded frescoes, and peaceful silence, it feels more like a whispered secret than a famous landmark.

Experience an opera at Teatro Farnese

Tucked inside the grand halls of the Pilotta complex, Teatro Farnese is a showstopper, even when the curtain’s down. Built entirely of wood in the 1600s, this massive theater feels like stepping onto a movie set from centuries ago. It’s quiet now, but you can almost hear the echo of trumpets and courtly applause.

Visit Parma: What are the best things to do around?

Explore the vineyards of the region

Wine lovers, this one’s for you. Just outside Parma in Collecchio’s Colli di Parma hills, Monte delle Vigne is a family-run, organic winery where tradition meets intentional flair. Walk among 40 hectares of Sangiovese, Malvasia, and Lambrusco vines, then descend into the gravity-flow cellar to learn how each grape finds its voice in their craft. Finally, settle into the cozy tasting room to savor three standout wines, perhaps a velvety Nabucco red or crisp Callas white, paired with local treats.

Sip organic Sangiovese on the hills of Parma

Imagine wandering through sun-drenched vineyards framed by rolling hills and a breeze that carries the scent of ripening grapes. Just outside Parma, this family-run organic winery invites you to stroll among rows of Sangiovese and Malvasia, learning ancient techniques handed down through generations. After exploring the hillside vines, retreat to their cozy tasting room to enjoy a flight of elegant reds and crisp whites, each sip revealing the essence of Parma’s terroir.

Visit Modena

Just under an hour from Parma, about 31 miles by train or car, Modena is a classy mix of fine food, fast cars, and historic charm. This polished city is world-renowned for its traditional balsamic vinegar, Ferrari heritage, and a UNESCO-listed Romanesque cathedral that anchors its vibrant Piazza Grande. After a stroll through the historic center and your visit to Modena wineries, treat yourself to an Emilian lunch featuring Parmigiano Reggiano, and prosciutto, and the region’s legendary balsamico tradizionale.

Looking for more ways to enjoy this gourmet getaway? Check out our insider tips to visit Modena Italy and craft your perfect food-and-culture combo.

Wander through the streets of Reggio Emilia

20 miles from Parma, Reggio Emilia is an easy 30-minute train ride that delivers big on charm with none of the crowds. Often flying under the radar, this laid-back city blends cultural richness, a solid food scene, and a warm, local vibe. Wander through Piazza Prampolini, peek into frescoed churches, and pop into the elegant Teatro Municipale, a tribute to Italy’s opera obsession. As one of the quieter corners of Emilia-Romagna, Reggio Emilia is also proud of its deep connection to Parmigiano Reggiano production and its Reggio Emilia wineries.

Venture to Bologna for a vibrant cultural fix

Just about an hour east of Parma by train or car, Bologna delivers a vibrant mix of food, history, and buzzing city life. Often crowned Italy’s culinary capital, it’s the place to indulge in silky tagliatelle al ragù, explore ancient porticoes, and climb medieval towers for unbeatable city views. From Piazza Maggiore to the quiet beauty of its Romanesque churches, Bologna feels like a feast, for your senses and your camera roll but also for your gut with a wine tasting in Bologna.

If you’re planning to swing between these two foodie capitals, our guide to the best things to do in Bologna will help you soak in every slice of culture (and every bite of pasta).

Good to Know before visiting Parma