Parma

Travel Guide
Parma showing heritage architecture and a church or cathedral
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) and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. Try the two together as an antipasto, or sample the prosciutto-stuffed pastries displayed in the windows of local bakeries. 

Parma is 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

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 Strada della Repubblica and Cathedral of Parma.

Parma City Centre
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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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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
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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

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 Ducale Park and Palazzo della Pilotta.

Oltretorrente
Sólo pienso en regresar. Un paisaje impresionante.

Pablo

When in Pablo, you can plan a visit to Ducale Park and Palazzo della Pilotta, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Pablo
CDH Hotel Villa Ducale
CDH Hotel Villa Ducale
4 out of 5
Viale Europa, 81-angolo Via del Popolo, Parma, PR
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NT$2,115 per night from Apr 14 to Apr 15
NT$2,115
per night
Apr 14 - Apr 15
Stay at this 4-star boutique hotel in Parma. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Ducale Park and Galleria Nazionale are located ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (454 reviews)
"Great spot!"

Reviewed on 2023/10/14

CDH Hotel Villa Ducale
Novotel Parma Centro
Novotel Parma Centro
4 out of 5
Via Trento 9, Parma, PR
The price is NT$2,788 per night from Apr 28 to Apr 29
NT$2,788
per night
Apr 28 - Apr 29
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Parma. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (403 reviews)
Excellent if air-con
"Really enjoyed the stay but air-con not so good."

Reviewed on 2024/3/25

Novotel Parma Centro
Starhotels Du Parc
Starhotels Du Parc
4 out of 5
Viale Piacenza 12/C, Parma, PR
The price is NT$3,143 per night from Apr 1 to Apr 2
NT$3,143
per night
Apr 1 - Apr 2
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Parma. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast. Popular attractions Ducale Park and Palazzo della Pilotta ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (946 reviews)
Spacious and elegant
"This hotel is great."

Reviewed on 2024/2/11

Starhotels Du Parc
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.
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, onsite parking, and an airport shuttle. Popular attractions Spezieria di San Giovanni and Chiesa di ...
7.8/10 Good! (172 reviews)
"Top location for me, good comms from Novotel."

Reviewed on 2023/5/10

Residence Liberty Hotel
Residenza Cavour
Residenza Cavour
via Cavour 16, Parma, PR
Stay at this residence in Parma. Enjoy a 24-hour front desk, an airport shuttle, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (218 reviews)
"This hotel is under the Novotel chain. Check in was at Novotel Parma Centro which is 300m from Parma Station. After getting the keys from there, we walked about 800m to the high-end shopping area Cavour where the Residenze Cavour is located smacked in the midst of the high-end shopping area, above ..."

Reviewed on 2023/12/10

Residenza Cavour
Piumaviola
Piumaviola
via monte corno, 10, Parma, Provincia di Parma
Stay at this aparthotel in Parma. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Popular attractions Galleria Nazionale and Palazzo della Pilotta are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (27 reviews)
Excellent
"You can’t find a thing here that is not perfect 100% will come back"

Reviewed on 2024/2/19

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

Reviews of Parma

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
16
" "5 - Excellent 47.05882352941177%
4 - Good
17
" "4 - Good 50%
3 - Okay
1
" "3 - Okay 2.9411764705882355%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Chris
Oct 13, 2019

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
Oct 7, 2019

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

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Sep 29, 2019

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
Sep 8, 2019

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
Jul 13, 2019

Several interesting historical attractions. Several excellent restaurants.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Jun 29, 2019

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