Here’s everything you better know about planning a trip to Parma, Italy.
Located in Emilia-Romagna, about an hour from Bologna, Parma is at the heart of Italys Food Valley.
In fact, its recognized by UNESCO as a Creative City for Gastronomy.
Piazza Garibaldi in Parma, Italy.Credit:Laura Itzkowitz/Travel + Leisure
Under the Farnese dukes, the city became wealthy and powerful.
It regularly ranks among Italys most livable cities, according to anannual surveyby Italian newspaperIl Sole 24 Ore.
Compared to crowded cities like Rome,Florence, andVenice, Parma feels like a breath of fresh air.
Gust suite in Sina Maria Luigia.Courtesy of Sina Maria Luigia
Its bright, clean rooms are outfitted in contemporary furniture, and an ample buffet breakfast is provided.
It may not ooze personality, but its a great, affordable option for a brief stay.
Best Things to Do
Get cultured at the Palazzo della Pilotta museum complex.
Palazzo della Pilotta National Gallery in Parma, Italy.Laura Itzkowitz/Travel + Leisure
Just entering it and being enveloped in silence is enough to replenish you, says Brianti.
See Correggios frescoes in the Camera di San Paolo.
You may have it all to yourself, as I did when I visited.
La Prosciutteria Parma in Parma, Italy.Laura Itzkowitz/Travel + Leisure
Get lost in the charming streets of the centro storico.
Parmascentro storico(historic center) is full of narrow streets lined with boutiques, restaurants, and bars.
Visit a dairy to learn how Parmigiano-Reggiano is made.
Tabarro wine bar in Parma, Italy.Laura Itzkowitz/Travel + Leisure
Take a walk in the Parco Ducale.
Every adult from Parma ran around here as a kid and ate popcorn in the park, notes Brianti.
Gazzabuglio
Thispint-sized boutiquesells a highly curated selection of vintage designer bags, jewelry, and clothes.
Street scene in Parma, Italy.Laura Itzkowitz/Travel + Leisure
The owner seeks out hard-to-find pieces, such as vintage Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Hermes bags.
Ristorante Cocchi
Thisold-school, family-run restaurantattached to the Daniel Hotel has been satisfying diners since 1925.
With its colors, illuminated shop windows, and aperitivo outside, autumn is charming.
Duomo in Parma, Italy.Peter Adams/Getty Images
Parma hosts a number of events throughout the year that are worth planning a trip around, too.
Parma is also well connected to the rest ofItaly by train.
The city is flat, so locals often get around by bicycle.
Teatro Regio in Parma, Italy.Julian Elliott Photography/Getty Images
Buses:Trasporti Publici Parma runs a online grid of buses.
A single fare costs 1.70 and is valid for 80 minutes.
Taxi:Radio Taxi Parmais the citys taxi company.
Download theitTaxiapp or call +39.052.1252562 to hail a taxi.