Parma in 3 Days: Fun, Food, and Culture

Discover the heart of Italy's food valley in Parma.

22 April 2023

A trip to Parma can provide an authentic Italian experience full of history, culture, and delicious cuisine. Visitors can explore the beautiful streets and landmarks of the city, including the magnificent Cathedral and the Renaissance-era Palazzo della Pilotta. And, of course, travelers should indulge in the famous Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and Parma ham, both made in the region, along with other gastronomical delights.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring Parma's Culinary Scene

  • Check in at the Hotel Toscanini, a stylish 4-star hotel in the heart of Parma
  • Start your gastronomic adventure at Mercato Albinelli, a bustling market featuring fresh produce and local delicacies
  • Indulge in a slice of Parma ham at Felino Salumi, one of the best cured meat shops in town
  • Enjoy a pasta dish at Trattoria Corrieri, a cozy restaurant that has been serving traditional Parmesan cuisine since 1800
  • End your evening with a glass of local wine at Enoteca Fontana, a wine bar with an impressive selection of Italian wines
Day 2

Art, History and Culture in Parma

  • Visit the beautiful Duomo di Parma, a Romanesque-Gothic cathedral with breathtaking frescoes by Correggio
  • Explore the Palazzo della Pilotta, a stunning complex that houses the Farnese Theatre, National Gallery, and Archaeological Museum
  • Discover the rich history of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese at the Cheese Museum, where you can see the cheese-making process and taste different varieties
  • Take a stroll in the Parco Ducale, a vast park with manicured gardens and historic palaces
  • Enjoy a concert at the Teatro Regio, a renowned opera house that has hosted some of the world's greatest singers and conductors
Day 3

Day Tripping from Parma

  • Take a day trip to the medieval town of Castell'Arquato, known for its charming cobbled streets, castle and Romanesque church
  • Visit the La Fontana di Lupo, a picturesque winery where you can taste organic wines and enjoy views of the countryside
  • Explore the charming village of Fontanellato, home to the stunning Rocca Sanvitale fortress and the quirky Labirinto della Masone maze
  • Stop by the Il Castellazzo cheese farm, where you can learn about the production of Parmigiano Reggiano and taste different cheeses
  • Have a farewell dinner at Ristorante Cocchi, a Michelin-starred restaurant that offers creative twists on traditional Parma dishes.
  • Note: Itinerary is subject to change based on weather and availability of attractions/restaurants.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Parma by plane is to fly into Parma Airport, also known as Giuseppe Verdi Airport, which is located just outside the city. Several airlines including Ryanair and Alitalia offer direct flights to Parma from major cities in Italy and throughout Europe.

Car

Parma can easily be reached by car, as it is located just off the A1 motorway which runs from Milan to Naples. The city offers several car rental options, and there are also numerous parking lots available in the city center.

Train

Parma is well connected to major cities throughout Italy by train. The city's main train station, Parma Centrale, is located in the city center and offers direct connections to cities such as Milan, Rome, and Florence.

Boat

As Parma is located inland, there are no boat options available for getting to the city.

Bus

Numerous bus companies operate routes to Parma from cities throughout Italy, including FlixBus and Baltour. The bus station in Parma is located in Piazzale della Pace, a short walk from the city center.

Destination

Parma

Welcome to the city that's not just famous for its ham, but also its cheese. You might just end up having more fun with Parmesan than with all those parmesan imitations you've been sprinkling on your pizza.

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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