Parma

Travel Guide

Parma showing a bridge and a river or creek
Parma showing heritage architecture and a church or cathedral
Parma showing outdoor art and cycling as well as a family
Parma featuring heritage architecture
Parma showing 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. Savor 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 symbolize 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 kilometers) northwest of Reggio. It can be reached by train from Bologna, Piacenza, Modena and Milan.

Where to stay in Parma

Province of Parma

Parma City Centre

4.5/5(34 area reviews)

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

Parma City Centre
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Cittadella

4/5(1 area review)

Though Cittadella might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Ennio Tardini Stadium and Barilla Center.

Cittadella

Oltretorrente

5/5(2 area reviews)

While Oltretorrente might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Teatro Regio di Parma and Piazza Garibaldi.

Oltretorrente
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San Leonardo

While San Leonardo might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Auditorium Niccolo Paganini and Cathedral of Parma.

San Leonardo
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San Lazzaro

Though San Lazzaro might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Auditorium Niccolo Paganini and Barilla Center.

San Lazzaro
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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
$73 nightly
The price is $90 total per night from Aug 1 to Aug 2
$90 total
Aug 1 - Aug 2
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star boutique hotel in Parma. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (592 reviews)
"Great hotel an great people!!!"

Reviewed on Jun 25, 2025

Hotel Villa Ducale
Starhotels Du Parc
Starhotels Du Parc
4 out of 5
Viale Piacenza 12/C, Parma, PR
$93 nightly
The price is $112 total per night from Jul 7 to Jul 8
$112 total
Jul 7 - Jul 8
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Parma. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (943 reviews)
"."

Reviewed on Jun 8, 2025

Starhotels Du Parc
Century Hotel
Century Hotel
3 out of 5
Piazzale Alberto Dalla Chiesa 5, Parma, PR
$88 nightly
The price is $103 total per night from Jul 19 to Jul 20
$103 total
Jul 19 - Jul 20
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Parma. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (296 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 Jun 24, 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 WiFi and free parking. Popular attractions Ennio Tardini Stadium and Barilla Center are located nearby.
8.6/10 Excellent! (28 reviews)
"Excellent communication throughout my stay including a taxi being ordered for me early in the morning on the day I left"

Reviewed on Apr 11, 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 WiFi, parking (surcharge), and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions Spezieria di San Giovanni ...
7.6/10 Good! (191 reviews)
"very nice little apartment,,,, felt safe"

Reviewed on Jun 13, 2025

Residence Liberty Hotel
Piumaviola
Piumaviola
via monte corno, 10, Parma, PR
Stay at this aparthotel in Parma. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Galleria Nazionale and Palazzo della Pilotta ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (68 reviews)
"The property/room was wonderful! Clean, spacious, walkable to train, park, visitor highlights. On check out we saw the reception area and it was super cute with coffee, cozy seating for breakfast and relaxing. Please be aware that the alley to enter the property is a bit dark at night so I’d recommend ..."

Reviewed on Jun 25, 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

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
16
5 - Excellent 47%
4 - Good
17
4 - Good 50%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 3%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Chris

Getting a taxi at the train station is confusing as its not out the main exit. Go to -0 Level.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

It was a stop by so didn't get to explore

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Would recommend a visit to Parma, easy to do in 1 day. Lots of historical sights and easy to get around on foot.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Great food experience. Easy to get about using the central bus system for transportation to and from the train station.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Several interesting historical attractions. Several excellent restaurants.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Beautiful Church and Baptistry. Lovely walkable downtown with many shopping and dining choices.

Cities near Parma