Parma: The Complete Guide

Parma

Parma’s early history as a Roman colony along the Via Aemilia has left little visible trace in the city today. The province of Parma, in Emilia-Romagna is known for its grand palaces, elegant squares, and its role as the seat of the powerful Farnese dukes. The city also bears a French legacy due to its ownership by Napoleon’s wife, Marie Louise. For food enthusiasts, Parma is renowned as the home of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, and a popular activity is to visit a dairy to witness the skilled cheese-makers turning milk into this famous cheese.

The 15th-century painter Antonio Allegri, known as Correggio, lived and worked in Parma, and his artworks can still be admired in the city’s churches and museums. Parma also boasts a musical heritage, with two famous native sons: opera composer Giuseppe Verdi, born in the nearby village of Roncole in 1813, and conductor Arturo Toscanini, born in Parma in 1867.

A great starting point to explore Parma is Piazza Garibaldi, where the 18th-century façade of the Palazzo del Governatore features an intricate astronomical clock. You can soak in the local atmosphere by grabbing a table in one of the cafés that line the square and enjoying a cappuccino while observing daily life in Parma.

Exploring Parma on foot is a delightful experience, given that many of the attractions are clustered around Piazza Duomo and Palazzo della Pilotta. The convenience is enhanced by the fact that these sights are easily reachable on foot from the train station, making it a seamless and enjoyable walking exploration of the city. You can either use our  Complete Walking Tour of Parma with Maps & Tips or for an in depth tour, with a local guide I recommend this 2 hour guided tour of Parma.

Visiting Parma for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Parma on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!

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11 Best places to See in Parma

This complete guide to Parma not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.

This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Parma and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!

Piazza Garibaldi, Parma

Palazzo Comune Parma
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Alice90
The beating heart of Parma can be found at the very center of the city, in the form of Piazza Garibaldi. This square is not only Parma’s central point but its essence, serving as a place for civic activities and gatherings of the townspeople. It is built atop the ancient Roman Forum, and remnants of […]
Location: Piazza Garibaldi, Parma, Province of Parma, Italy | Distance: 0.00km
Visiting Piazza Garibaldi, Parma

Basilica Santa Maria della Steccata

Santa Maria Della Steccata (Parma) - Dome
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Livioandronico2013
A prime example of the Renaissance in Parma, the Basilica Santa Maria della Steccata features a Bramante-style Greek cross central plan. Construction of this basilica, designed by Bernardino and Giovanni Francesco Zaccagni based on an unknown project, took place between 1521 and 1539. In the late 14th century, a painting depicting a breastfeeding Madonna was […]
Location: Basilica di Santa Maria della Steccata, Strada Giuseppe Garibaldi, Parma, Province of Parma, Italy | Hours: Daily from 7.30 to 12.00 and from 15.00 to 18.30. Functions from Monday to Friday at 8.00, 9.00, 10.00, 16.30 (except July and August); Saturday at 8.00, 9.00, 10.00, 16.30; Sunday at 8.00, 9.30, 11.00, 16.30. | Price: Free | Website | Distance: 0.10km
Visiting Basilica Santa Maria della Steccata

Regio Theatre

Parma - Teatro Regio
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Cartonimorti
The Regio Theatre, located in Parma, Italy, is a magnificent neoclassical opera house with a rich history. Commissioned by Maria Luigia and designed by architect Nicola Bettoli, the construction of the theater took place between 1821 and 1829. It was built on the site where the Benedictine convent of St. Alessandro once stood. The theater’s […]
Location: Teatro Regio, Strada Giuseppe Garibaldi, Parma, Province of Parma, Italy | Hours: from Tuesday to Saturday 9.30am – 12.30pm / 2.30pm – 5.30pm; Sunday 10am – 4pm. Starting of the tours every 60 minutes. Duration 30 minutes. | Price: € 7,00 | Website | Distance: 0.20km
Visiting Regio Theatre

Baptistery, Parma

Battistero Parma
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Stemerlo77
The pink marble Baptistery in Parma is a remarkable example of the transition from Romanesque to Gothic art in Italy. This octagonal baptistery is constructed from Verona marble and features four tiers of open loggias crowned by a row of blind arches and pinnacles. Construction of the baptistery began in 1196, with Lombard builders who […]
Location: Baptistery of Parma, Piazza Duomo, Parma, Province of Parma, Italy | Hours: Open every day from 10am to 6pm* (* last admission 5.30pm) | Price: € 12,00 Diocesan museum & Baptistery | Website | Distance: 0.30km
Visiting Baptistery, Parma

Santa Maria Assunta Cathedral, Parma

Cattedrale Di Parma, Italy
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Palickap
The Cattedrale di Parma, located in one of Parma’s main squares, has a rich history. Construction of this massive cathedral began in 1059 under the supervision of Bishop Cadalo and was consecrated in 1106. Over the centuries, it has been adorned with Romanesque sculptures and masterpieces from the Parma School of Painting. Two sculpted marble […]
Location: Cattedrale di Parma, Piazza Duomo, Parma, Province of Parma, Italy | Hours: Baptistery and Diocesan Museum open every day from 10 am to 6 pm | Price: Free | Website | Distance: 0.30km
Visiting Santa Maria Assunta Cathedral, Parma

Diocesan Museum, Parma

Parma, Museo Diocesano
CC BY-SA 3.0 / sailko
The archaeological excavations carried out for the 2000 Jubilee on the Cathedral square and at the Bishop’s palace yielded remarkable insights into the urban development of the northeastern part of the city during the Romanesque and Middle Ages. These discoveries were particularly significant for shedding light on the historical evolution of this area. Among the […]
Location: Museo Diocesano, Parma, Vicolo Vescovado, Parma, Province of Parma, Italy | Hours: Open every day from 10am to 6pm* (* last admission 5.30pm) | Price: € 12,00 Diocesan Museum and the Baptistery | Website | Distance: 0.30km
Visiting Diocesan Museum, Parma

Museums & the Pilotta palace

Palazzo Della Pilotta Parma
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Alice90
The Pilotta Palace, located in Parma, Italy, is a monumental complex that houses several remarkable cultural institutions. Originally commissioned by the powerful Farnese family, this palace is now home to the Archaeological Museum, the National Gallery, the Farnese Theatre, and the Palatina Library, offering visitors a rich and diverse cultural experience. The National Gallery, which […]
Location: Piazza della Pilotta, Parma, Province of Parma, Italy | Hours: Open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10.30am to 7pm (last entrance at 6pm). | Price: € 16.00 | Website | Distance: 0.40km
Visiting Museums & the Pilotta palace

Chamber of St. Paul and Cell of St. Catherine

Parma San Paolo Camera Del Correggio Soffitto
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Zairon
Visitors can now explore two rooms within the ancient Benedictine nuns’ monastery, rebuilt in the late 15th century. Access to these rooms, which once belonged to Abbess Giovanna da Piacenza, is gained through a tree-lined path. The two interconnected rooms represent the work of two distinct artists. Alessandro Araldi undertook the decoration of one room […]
Location: Camera di San Paolo e Cella di Santa Caterina, Strada Macedonio Melloni, Parma, Province of Parma, Italy | Hours: Opening hours: Monday, Thursday and Friday from 9.30am to 5.30pm (last entry at 5pm); Saturday, Sunday and holidays from 9.30am to 6.30pm (last entry at 6.00pm); closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Opening during public holidays for Easter and Easter Monday, 25 April, 1 May, 2 June 2023. Open on Tuesday 15 August and 31 October 2023. | Price: €8.00 | Distance: 0.40km
Visiting Chamber of St. Paul and Cell of St. Catherine

Monastery and church of San Giovanni Evangelista

Sain Giovanni Evangelista
GNU Free Documentation License / personnel
The monastic complex of San Giovanni Evangelista comprises the Church, the Cloister, and the Library of San Giovanni. Its origins can be traced back to the 10th century, but it is the baroque façade that characterizes its appearance. The bell tower on the right side was added in 1613. The church, rooted in classical heritage, […]
Location: San Giovanni Evangelista, Piazzale San Giovanni, Parma, Province of Parma, Italy | Distance: 0.40km
Visiting Monastery and church of San Giovanni Evangelista

Teatro Farnese

Teatro Farnese
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Sailko
Teatro Farnese is an exquisite Renaissance theater located within the Palazzo della Pilotta in Parma, Italy. Its construction was completed in 1618 under the direction of Giovanni Battista Aleotti. The vision for this grand theater originated from Ranuccio I Farnese, the Duke of Parma and Piacenza. Tragically, during World War II in 1944, the theatre […]
Location: Teatro Farnese, Piazza della Pilotta, Parma, Province of Parma, Italy | Distance: 0.40km
Visiting Teatro Farnese

Parco Ducale

Parco Ducale Di Parma
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Goethe100
The intricately designed green landscape of the Ducal Park was initially conceived in 1560 and later expanded during the 18th century. It features decorative sculptures by J.B. Boudard and was subsequently adapted to follow the French style of landscaping. Within the park, you’ll find the Ducal Palace and the Palazzetto Eucherio Sanvitale, constructed in Renaissance […]
Location: Parco Ducale, Largo Luca Ganzi, Parma, Province of Parma, Italy | Hours: November to March every day from 7am to 8pm. From April to October every day from 6am to 12am. | Website | Distance: 0.80km
Visiting Parco Ducale

Best Time to Visit Parma

Parma, located in the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy, is renowned for its rich culinary heritage, historical landmarks, and cultural treasures. Here’s a guide to the best time to visit Parma:

  1. Spring (March to May): Spring is a wonderful time to visit Parma as the weather begins to warm up, and the city bursts to life with blooming flowers and greenery. This season is ideal for exploring Parma’s historic center, strolling through its charming streets, and admiring its elegant architecture, including the iconic Parma Cathedral and the Palazzo della Pilotta. Spring also offers opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities such as picnics in the city’s parks and gardens.
  2. Summer (June to August): Summer is peak tourist season in Parma, with warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine. This is the best time to indulge in Parma’s culinary delights, including its famous Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, Prosciutto di Parma ham, and traditional balsamic vinegar. Summer also brings a variety of cultural events and festivals to Parma, such as the Verdi Festival, which celebrates the works of the renowned composer Giuseppe Verdi.
  3. Fall (September to November): Fall is another great time to visit Parma, as the weather remains pleasant, and the summer crowds begin to dissipate. This season is ideal for exploring Parma’s countryside, with its rolling hills, vineyards, and picturesque villages. Fall also offers opportunities to participate in food and wine tours, truffle hunting expeditions, and olive oil tastings in the surrounding area.
  4. Winter (December to February): Winter in Parma is relatively quiet, with fewer tourists and cooler temperatures. This season offers a more intimate experience for visitors, with the opportunity to explore the city’s museums, art galleries, and historic landmarks without the crowds. Winter is also a great time to sample hearty traditional dishes such as tortelli d’erbetta (herb-filled pasta), cappelletti in brodo (meat-filled pasta in broth), and zuppa inglese (a layered dessert).

Ultimately, the best time to visit Parma depends on your preferences for weather, crowds, and activities. Whether you’re interested in culinary experiences, cultural attractions, or exploring the beautiful countryside, Parma has something to offer for every traveler throughout the year.

Average Temperatures in Parma

  • January 10°C 7
  • February 13°C 10
  • March 18°C 8
  • April 21°C 10
  • May 26°C 13
  • June 32°C 10
  • July 35°C 8
  • August 34°C 9
  • September 29°C 10
  • October 24°C 10
  • November 15°C 13
  • December 10°C 8

How to get to Parma

Getting to Parma via Plane

Parma is conveniently accessible via several major airports such as Bologna (approximately 1.5 hours by car from Parma, covering a distance of 100 km), Milano Linate (about 2 hours by car from Parma, with a distance of 120 km) and Milano Malpensa (approximately 2.5 hours by car from Parma, spanning 170 km).

Getting to Parma via Train

The train station, located just a 10-minute walk from the historical centre on the Eastern bank of the river, is well-connected. Numerous trains arrive daily from both northern and central Italy, as well as some European cities. The train is often regarded as the most convenient and comfortable means of reaching Parma. You can check the timetables and train categories on the Trenitalia website. It’s advisable to purchase tickets in advance for long-distance trains (Intercity or Freccia) to benefit from lower costs. Tickets for regional trains are available for purchase at any time, and you can obtain them at the station ticket window between 6 am and 9 pm, with automated ticket machines also available.

Tours and Activities from Parma

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