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.

People on the streets of Parma

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.

hotel suite

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.

Interior of gallery

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.

Interior of meat and cheese shop

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.

People sitting outside of a wine shop

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.

People eating on the patio of restaurants

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.

Parma Cathedral and Baptistery on right, Parma, Emilia Romagna, Italy

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.

People on the streets of Parma.

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.