Parma Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Parma showing a river or creek and a bridge
Parma featuring heritage architecture and a church or cathedral
Parma featuring outdoor art and cycling as well as a family
Parma which includes heritage architecture
Parma which includes a river or creek and a bridge

Experience the true meaning of “la dolce vita” in this historic and sophisticated Italian city, known for its fine local produce and serene religious buildings. 

Parma’s name is instantly recognizable as the birthplace of Parmesan, but there’s much more to this beautiful city than cheese. Parma is one of Italy’s most prosperous cities its pristine streets and piazzas are flanked with historic buildings and fantastic restaurants. Savour meals that include the local cheese and ham, see some of Italy’s finest artwork and listen to classical music in gorgeous opera houses.

Many of Parma’s palaces and churches were built between the 16th and 18th centuries, when the powerful Farnese family ruled the city. Although Parma suffered significant damage during World War II, most of its Renaissance-period buildings remain remarkably well preserved.

Admire beautiful frescos painted by famous Italian Mannerist artist Girolamo Francesco Maria Mazzola, more commonly known as Parmigianino, at the 16th-century Basilica di Santa Maria della Steccata. See valuable treasures in the 12th-century Duomo, including the Assunzione della Vergine (Assumption of the Virgin) painting decorating the cathedral’s octagonal cupola. Take a break in the elegant gardens of Parco Ducale to find peaceful paths, tranquil fountains and well-landscaped lawns.

Discover more of Parma’s artistic masterpieces in Galleria Nazionale, a 16th-century palace that once belonged to the ruling Farnese family. Highlights include La Scapigliata by Leonardo da Vinci and Correggio’s Madonna della Scodella, which shows Joseph and the Virgin Mary looking lovingly at the infant Jesus.

It’s almost impossible to miss the Battistero (Baptistry), with its striking mix of Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles. Construction of the Battistero began in 1196. The building’s distinct white-and-pink marble bands symbolise the purity and blood of Christ. Take a look at the 13th-century frescoes found inside, which depict seasons and zodiac signs.

Don’t leave Parma without sampling some of the city’s unique and delicious cuisine. Some of Parma’s most famous specialties include Parma ham (prosciutto) andParmigiano-Reggianocheese. Try the two together as an antipasto, or sample the prosciutto-stuffed pastries displayed in the windows of local bakeries.

Parmais located 17.4 miles (28 kilometres) northwest of Reggio. It can be reached by train from Bologna, Piacenza, Modena and Milan.

Where to stay in Parma

Default Image

Parma City Centre

4.5/5(11 area reviews)

Parma City Centre is noteworthy for its historical sites, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Duomo di Berceto and Cathedral of Parma.

Parma City Centre
Default Image

Cittadella

While Cittadella isn't home to many top sights, Ennio Tardini Stadium and Barilla Center are some notable places to visit nearby.

Cittadella

Oltretorrente

4/5(1 area review)

While there might not be top attractions in Oltretorrente, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Teatro Regio di Parma and Piazza Garibaldi.

Oltretorrente
Default Image

San Leonardo

2/5(1 area review)

San Leonardo might not have many top sights, but Auditorium Niccolo Paganini and Cathedral of Parma are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

San Leonardo
Default Image

San Lazzaro

4/5(1 area review)

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in San Lazzaro and surrounding area, you can visit Auditorium Niccolo Paganini and Barilla Center.

San Lazzaro
Default Image

Lubiana

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Lubiana and surrounding area, you can visit Ennio Tardini Stadium and Barilla Center.

Lubiana
Hotel Villa Ducale
Hotel Villa Ducale
4 out of 5
Viale Europa, 81-angolo Via del Popolo, Parma, PR
The price is £65 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
£65
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star boutique hotel in Parma. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (593 reviews)
"Great hotel an great people!!!"

Reviewed on 25 Jun 2025

Hotel Villa Ducale
Starhotels Du Parc
Starhotels Du Parc
4 out of 5
Viale Piacenza 12/C, Parma, PR
The price is £76 per night from 10 Jul to 11 Jul
£76
10 Jul - 11 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Parma. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (942 reviews)
"."

Reviewed on 8 Jun 2025

Starhotels Du Parc
Century Hotel
Century Hotel
3 out of 5
Piazzale Alberto Dalla Chiesa 5, Parma, PR
The price is £70 per night from 4 Jul to 5 Jul
£70
4 Jul - 5 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Parma. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (298 reviews)
"A short two minute walk from the Parma train station, this is a superb option especially for short stays or large luggage carriers. Lovely breakfast area and lobby. Comfortable beds. Superb staff."

Reviewed on 24 Jun 2025

Century Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Villa Donatella Rooms & Apartments
Villa Donatella Rooms & Apartments
Via Isacco Newton 12, Parma, PR
Stay at this apartment in Parma. Enjoy free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Ennio Tardini Stadium and Barilla Center are located nearby.
8.6/10 Excellent! (29 reviews)
"Excellent communication throughout my stay including a taxi being ordered for me early in the morning on the day I left"

Reviewed on 11 Apr 2025

Villa Donatella Rooms & Apartments
Residence Liberty Hotel
Residence Liberty Hotel
3 out of 5
Piazzale Salvo D'Acquisto 15, Parma, PR
Stay at this 3-star residence in Parma. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions Spezieria di San Giovanni ...
7.6/10 Good! (192 reviews)
"My stay was actually really nice I love everything about my in the hotel I had a wonderful visit thanks to Novotel."

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2025

Residence Liberty Hotel
Piumaviola
Piumaviola
via monte corno, 10, Parma, PR
Stay at this aparthotel in Parma. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Galleria Nazionale and Palazzo della Pilotta ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (69 reviews)
Good location near train station
"I booked one of the apartments and it was very nice and super convenient to the train station. The property is gated and feels very safe. There was a booklet on the desk with sightseeing and restaurant recommendations. The only issue for some people might be that the bed is upstairs and the bathroom ..."

Reviewed on 1 Jul 2025

Piumaviola
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Parma

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
7
5 - Excellent 64%
4 - Good
2
4 - Good 18%
3 - Okay
2
3 - Okay 18%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Parma compared to other towns/cities is quite dirty and rundown. The best experience was the Parmegiano Reggiano and Prosciutto di Parma factory tours.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Beautiful city. Recommend seeing the Cathedral and the Baptiste

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

We went to Busseto by train to visit the Verdi museums, Casa Barezzi where his patron lived, and to see the controversial theatre created against Verdi's wishes in a former castle. A great day.

5/5 - Excellent

Steve

Beautiful city with great food. 5 days maximum is probably enough to do everything.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

We really enjoyed Parma. It had a great buzz and good restaurants. There wasn't a huge amount to explore in terms of culture/historical sites but brilliant place to experience authentic local food and drinking at reasonable prices. Good for a night.