Unforgettable One Day in Parma: What to Eat, See, and Do
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If you’ve only got one day in Parma, Italy, don’t stress – you can still enjoy the best this little city in Emilia-Romagna has to offer without feeling rushed.
Known for its incredible Prosciutto di Parma and Parmigiano-Reggiano, Parma tends to get skipped over for flashier places like Bologna or Milan – but that’s exactly why you should go. It’s less crowded, easy to get to, and totally walkable.
On my third trip to Italy, I decided to spend a week here (mostly because I wanted to keep eating).
The town center is just 15 minutes from the train station, and even if you don’t pack your day with activities, you’ll still have an amazing time.
Wander the historic streets, pop into beautiful churches, and people-watch with the locals. Oh, and did I mention the food?
Whether you’ve got a full day in Parma or just an afternoon, here’s how I’d spend it.
👉 This Parmigiano Reggiano factory tour was one of the highlights of my trip—book early to secure your spot and experience Italy’s finest cheese and balsamic up close.
Morning in Parma: Tours or Leisurely Wandering (Your Choice!)
Your morning in Parma can go one of two ways, depending on your travel style.
The town is small, and its charm comes through easily, whether you’re popping into a café or strolling through its historic streets.
If you’re like me and love unique experiences, the town is small enough that you can easily combine a half-day tour with a few hours of wandering to soak in the local atmosphere.
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Enjoy One Day in Parma On Your Own
If you’re more of a do-it-yourself type, start your day like the locals with a leisurely breakfast at a café.
Italy is full of great coffee, so just stop by anywhere that looks busy—extra points if it has outdoor seating for optimal people-watching. Trust me, you can’t go wrong.
A typical Italian breakfast is light and simple—think cornetto (the Italian version of a croissant). You can get it plain or filled with pistachio, chocolate, or vanilla cream. Personally, I also love trying their savory pastries, so don’t hesitate to check out what they have and switch things up.
Here are a few spots in Parma I recommend:
- Gran Caffè Cavour: This is a classic, traditional café with a charming vibe right in the center of town. It’s just steps from the Cathedral, making it perfect for a quick coffee before exploring. Outdoor seating is available if you want to people-watch.
- Lino’s Coffee: Cozy and local, with just a few tables outside—great for a quiet start. Their coffee selection is larger than most, with a few snacks to get you going.
- Giulia: Another small café with outdoor seating. Great spot to grab a coffee and soak in Parma’s morning energy.
- Magnolia Café: This place has fantastic views of the Baptistery, making it a scenic spot for a morning coffee. Highly recommend it if you’re into quiet moments with a view.
Pro tip: In Italy, ordering a “coffee” means an espresso. If you want milk, go for a cappuccino (a mix of espresso and frothy milk, usually enjoyed only in the mornings), or a macchiato (espresso with a splash of frothy milk). If you’re craving something more like drip coffee, order a caffè Americano—it’s espresso with hot water added, which is about as close as you’ll get.
Whatever you choose, take your time and enjoy the morning vibes—there’s no rush in Parma!
👩🏻🍳 Taking a pasta-making class was one of the most fun experiences I had in Italy—imagine learning to make tortelli while sipping wine overlooking the hills. Reserve your spot now!
Or, Book One of These Parma Experiences
Personally, I would go with this option for your Parma one day itinerary.
These experiences are unique to the region and don’t take the whole day, so you’ll be able to make the most of your time.
👉 Parmiagiano-Reggiano Factory Tour + Balsamic Tasting:
If you’re a food lover, start your day with a Parmigiano Reggiano Factory Tour. This was, hands down, one of the best things I did in Parma!
You’ll get picked up at Reggio Emilia station early in the morning and head to a family-run Parmigiano factory to watch the magic happen—cheese wheels being hand-shaped and aged to perfection.
Plus, the balsamic vinegar tasting (with aged varieties) is next-level. The tour ends with prosciutto samples and even a chunk of aged parm to take home.
Technically, this tour isn’t in Parma—it’s just one quick train stop away (about 15 minutes). But don’t worry, you’ll still make it back to Parma with plenty of time to explore in the afternoon.
If your travel motto is “will travel for food,” the Parma Food Tour is your best bet.
You’ll hit five different stops, tasting Parma’s best meats, pastas, desserts, and, of course, wine.
The guides know all of Parma’s hidden gems, and it’s a great way to kick off your day while learning about the city’s culinary history. It’s a great way to meet other travelers too.
You’ll leave stuffed and satisfied, ready for a little light wandering in the afternoon.
Food tours are my absolute favorite way to get to know a new city. I’ve done them all over the world, from Italy to Thailand!
👉 Tasting and Biking Parma Tour:
For a more active morning, the Tasting and Biking Tour combines easy cycling with local food tastings.
You’ll visit a Parmigiano Reggiano factory, cycle through backroads, and finish with a delicious lunch at a local osteria.
It’s a great option if you want a bit of exercise before spending the rest of your day exploring Parma on foot.
No matter which way you go, you’ll have plenty of time to explore Parma afterward.
👉 A Parma food tour is the best way to dive into the local flavors—five gourmet stops and amazing guides that share the city’s hidden gems. Book now for an unforgettable experience!
Afternoon in Parma: Culture, Strolling, and (Obviously) Food
After your morning exploring or eating (or both), it’s time to dive into the best of Parma’s history and charm.
The town is small, so you can easily cover all the must-see spots without feeling like you need to sprint from one place to the next—and yes, there’s more food!
Grab Lunch: Parma is All About the Food
You’re in Parma, so you have to eat well—that’s kind of the point.
For lunch, whether you’ve just wrapped up a food tour or are exploring on your own, this is your chance to try the good stuff.
Try the torta fritta (fried dough served with cold cuts) and tortelli stuffed with ricotta. And of course, prosciutto. Always prosciutto.
For a great meal, you don’t need Michelin stars (though Parma has two!). Check out I Tri Siochètt, Trattoria Ai Due Platani, Cocchi, or Trattoria Rigoletto for authentic flavors. You may want to book ahead to be safe, especially on weekends! I got turned away from several restaurants without a reservation on the weekend.
Wander Around Palazzo della Pilotta
Once you’re full, make your way to Palazzo della Pilotta (you can’t miss it!).
Built by the powerful Farnese family in the late 16th century, it’s now home to some of the city’s most important cultural institutions. Whether you’re into history, art, or just want to wander through a massive palace, this spot has a little something for everyone.
With a €18 ($20 USD) ticket, you’ll get access to all the key sites inside, and the ticket is valid for two days, so you don’t have to cram it all in at once.
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:30AM–7PM (last entry at 6PM). Closed Mondays.
Cost: €18 ($20 USD) for a combined ticket to all museums, valid for two days.
The Teatro Farnese is hands down the showstopper here. Built in 1618, it’s an all-wooden theater that was designed to impress—think massive set pieces, special effects, and grand performances for royalty.
The space was almost completely destroyed during WWII, but it’s been painstakingly restored, and walking through it now feels like stepping into a time machine. Even if you’re not a theater person, the scale and history of this place make it a must-see.
Fun fact: It’s considered the world’s first “modern” theater because of its special effects and stage machinery. If you’re into dramatic spaces and history, you’ll love it.
For art lovers, the National Gallery (Galleria Nazionale) is packed with works by some of Italy’s biggest names.
We’re talking Leonardo da Vinci, Correggio, and Parmigianino. It’s a solid collection for such a small city, and if you’re a fan of Renaissance and Baroque art, you could easily spend a couple of hours here.
Personally, I’m not much into art, so I saved my museum money for another delicious meal.
The Archaeological Museum is another gem for history buffs, with artifacts dating all the way back to Roman times.
Parma has been around for centuries (it was founded in 183 BC!), and this museum gives you a glimpse into its ancient past.
The collection includes everything from Etruscan pottery to Roman sculptures. It’s not overwhelming, but it’s packed with enough cool pieces to make it worth a stop.
This is one of the more quirky offerings in the Palazzo, but the Bodoni Museum is fascinating if you’re into typography and printing (or just want to learn something unexpected).
It’s dedicated to Giambattista Bodoni, the guy who revolutionized the way books were printed in the 18th century. If you’ve ever geeked out over fonts, you’ll appreciate the history here. Even if you’re not, it’s a neat little stop to see how Parma left its mark on the world of publishing.
Pro tip: Even if you don’t go inside every museum, the Palazzo della Pilotta is a beautiful space to wander. Outside, you’ll find the Monument to Verdi, which was saved from the train station that was bombed in WWII, and plenty of spots to sit and soak in the grand atmosphere.
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Stroll Through Parco Ducale
Need to walk off lunch? Head across the river to Parco Ducale.
I love this park—it’s full of perfectly trimmed trees and fountains, and you’ll spot locals lounging on benches or cycling through. It’s also perfect for a little post-lunch relaxation. There’s a nice little cafe inside, too.
I spent a good hour people-watching and just enjoying the quiet. Plus, if you’ve been stuffing yourself how I spent my days in Parma), it’s a nice way to reset.
Hours: Open daily from 7AM to 9PM (or sunset).
Cost: Free.
Visit the Duomo, Baptistery, and Basilica di Santa Maria della Steccata
No trip to Parma is complete without popping into the Duomo di Parma and the San Giovanni Battista Baptistery.
Even if you’re not into churches (or you’ve seen so many in Italy that they’re all starting to look the same), trust me–the Duomo di Parma is worth it for the frescoes alone.
Correggio’s fresco of the Assumption of the Virgin on the dome is one of those “wow” moments. I’m not usually big on churches, but this one was special.
Right next door is the Baptistery, which might be even cooler from the outside with its pink Verona marble and intricate carvings.
Keep an eye out for the unicorns, griffins, and other mythological creatures hidden in the details.
A short walk away, the Basilica di Santa Maria della Steccata often gets overlooked, but it’s absolutely worth a stop.
The basilica started as a shrine around a miraculous Madonna painting, and the church itself was built to house it. The Parmigianino frescoes are stunning, and the peaceful vibe inside is perfect for taking a short break from sightseeing. I loved coming here to rest my feet and enjoy the Renaissance art—it’s free, too!
These three spots are all close to each other, so it’s easy to visit them without zigzagging across town. Whether you’re into history, art, or just like exploring beautiful spaces, they give you a real feel for Parma’s rich culture.
Duomo di Parma: Free entry. Open daily 7:45AM–7:20PM (closed during services).
Baptistery: €12 ($13 USD), combined ticket with the Diocesan Museum (valid for two days). Open daily 10AM–6PM (closed during services).
Basilica di Santa Maria della Steccata: Free entry. Open daily 8AM–12PM and 4PM–7PM.
Wander the Streets and Piazza Garibaldi
One of my favorite things to do in Parma is just wander.
The city is totally walkable, and you’ll stumble upon most of the main sights just by taking a casual stroll.
Parma’s cobblestone streets are packed with charm, and you never know what you’ll find—cute little cafes, hidden courtyards, or a salumeria calling your name with the smell of fresh prosciutto.
A great place to start your wandering is Borgo Giacomo Tommasini, one of the most picturesque streets in the city. It’s lined with quirky shops, and during my visit, it was strung with mirrors that sparkled in the sun—so you never know what kind of fun decor you’ll find.
Wander down Strada Cavour and Via Farini, which are filled with cafes, shops, and deli counters selling all the cheese, ham, and fresh pasta you could want.
At some point, you’ll find yourself in Piazza Garibaldi, the main square of Parma and the center of local life.
The piazza sits right where the ancient Roman forum used to be, and while it’s no longer full of toga-clad Romans, it’s still buzzing with locals. You’ll hear mostly Italian being spoken here, and it’s a great spot to sit with a coffee or a spritz and do some serious people-watching.
You can also check out the Palazzo del Governatore on the north side of the square, with its giant sundial clock—a pretty cool nod to Parma’s history.
Enjoy Some Gelato (Obviously)
You can’t end your one day in Parma without gelato. I mean, it’s Italy!
Parma has some amazing spots for the best gelato you’ve ever had.
My top pick is Ciacco for some bold, all-natural flavors. I’m a sucker for pistachio, and it paired perfectly with the butterscotch. My mouth is watering just thinking about it!
Gioelia Cremeria is another top spot for gelato in Parma.
And don’t forget, in Italy, you always get two flavors, even with the smallest cup. So go wild!
Evening in Parma: Aperitivo, Opera, and More
As your day in Parma winds down, it’s time to experience one of Italy’s best traditions—aperitivo.
If you’re unfamiliar, aperitivo is Italy’s answer to happy hour, where you can sip a refreshing cocktail (usually a spritz or glass of wine) and nibble on complimentary snacks before dinner. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a day of wandering Parma’s cobbled streets.
In Parma, some of the best spots for aperitivo are on Via Farini or near Piazza Garibaldi. Check out Enoteca Tabarro, Enoteca Fontana, and Enoteca Dal Lino for some tried and true spots.
Order a Hugo spritz (my favorite) or the classic Aperol spritz (which I also love), and you’ll get small plates of local goodies—cheese, olives, chips, maybe even some prosciutto. Think of it as the warm-up for dinner, which in Italy starts late, often around 9PM or later.
You won’t find yourself rushed, so take your time and enjoy the slow Italian evening vibes.
If you’re up for a bit of culture after your aperitivo, consider heading to Teatro Regio for an opera. Parma is Verdi’s hometown, and the theater is one of the most prestigious in Italy. Even if you’re not an opera fan, the experience of watching a performance here is special.
If you happen to visit during the Verdi Festival in September or October, you’re in for a treat—I was there for the festival, and every day at 1PM an opera singer performed an aria on the theater balcony! Italy magic.
If opera isn’t your thing, no worries—dinner is another great way to spend your evening in Parma.
Restaurants start filling up after 8PM, and you’ll want to savor every bite. Make sure to try the tortelli di erbette (a local spinach and ricotta-filled pasta) or indulge in prosciutto di Parma paired with Parmigiano-Reggiano.
Reservations are a good idea, especially on weekends.
Not ready to settle down just yet? Take one more evening stroll. Parma’s streets at night are perfect for a walk. They really come alive in the evening!
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Getting to Parma
Getting to Parma is super easy, especially by train.
You can catch frequent trains from Bologna (about 50 minutes away) and Modena (around 30 minutes), and both are quick and convenient.
A day trip to Parma from Milan is also doable. There are direct trains from Milan to Parma several times a day, ranging from 50 minutes to 1 hour and 40 minutes.
I always recommend checking the Omio app or Trenitalia app for schedules and buying your tickets in advance. Oh, and don’t forget to validate your ticket before hopping on board (doesn’t apply to electronic tickets)!
The nearest airport is Bologna, and from there, a direct train to Parma is the way to go—saves you the stress of renting a car.
If you’re planning to drive, be ready for some parking challenges in the city center. I’d suggest asking your hotel for tips or parking just outside the center and walking in. Blue parking spaces mean you’ll either have to pay or use a parking disc (check signs for details), or opt for a paid garage or lot.
Once you’re in Parma, you’re all set. The city center is compact and walkable, so you won’t need a car. If walking’s not your thing, you can rent a bike to explore like a local.
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Where to Stay in Parma
I personally loved staying right in the city center—it’s super walkable, and without a car (which you don’t need), that made things way easier.
Parma may not have tons of big hotels like some larger Italian cities, but that’s part of the charm. You’ll find plenty of cozy B&Bs and apartments that give you a more authentic Italian experience.
If you’re driving, staying in the countryside is another option, and it can be super peaceful—especially if you want to mix some relaxation into your trip.
Here are some top spots depending on your budget:
- The Host: Perfect for budget travelers. It’s a modern, clean hostel in the city center and quieter than most hostels I’ve stayed at. Location-wise, it’s hard to beat.
- Le Stanze di Rigoletto and Palazzo Gozzi Bed & Beauty: Both are great mid-range options, offering B&B charm and that classic Italian hospitality. Plus, they’re centrally located, with air conditioning (a must in the summer).
- Grand Hotel di Parma: This is a more traditional option, housed in a 19th-century building. It’s surprisingly affordable for what you get—lovely rooms, a great breakfast, and all just steps away from the city’s main sights.
No matter where you stay, Parma’s compact size makes it easy to explore without feeling like you’re wasting time in transit!
FAQs About A Day Trip to Parma
Is one day in Parma enough?
Yes, one day in Parma is enough to see the main sights and enjoy the incredible food. The city is compact and walkable, so you can explore highlights like the Duomo, Baptistery, and Palazzo della Pilotta, and still have time for a leisurely lunch and aperitivo.
Is Parma, Italy worth visiting?
Yes, Parma is definitely worth visiting! It’s smaller and quieter than Bologna, making it a more relaxed experience with fewer crowds. Known for its world-class food—Parmigiano Reggiano and Prosciutto di Parma—the city also has beautiful architecture and historic sites. If you only have time for one, Bologna is more popular, but Parma offers a charming, slower pace.
How much time to spend in Parma?
A full day in Parma is ideal—you can easily combine a half-day tour, like a visit to a Parmigiano Reggiano factory, with a few hours exploring the city’s main sights. Parma’s compact size makes it perfect for a day trip, but if you love food and history, staying a bit longer is even better!
Can I do Parma and Modena in one day?
Yes, you can visit both Parma and Modena in one day since they’re only 30 minutes apart by train. Start early in one city to explore key sights and enjoy lunch, then head to the other for an afternoon of sightseeing or a food tour.
Final Thoughts: Ultimate One Day Parma Itinerary
If you’re short on time in Italy, one day in Parma is all you need to experience the city’s famous flavors and history.
Between savoring Prosciutto di Parma and Parmigiano-Reggiano, exploring landmarks like the Duomo and Palazzo della Pilotta, and maybe even squeezing in a factory tour, you’ll leave satisfied without feeling rushed.
I get it—fitting everything into one day can feel overwhelming. But Parma’s walkability makes it easy to enjoy without a packed itinerary. And if you’re a foodie, you’re in the right place!
Got more time?
If you have more than one day in Parma, you can dive deeper into this delicious city. There’s even more to discover, from hidden gems to unforgettable meals!