What to do in Parma, Italy | 1-Day Itinerary, Maps, and Tips

So, you’re wondering what to do in Parma, Italy? Let me save you some Googling: eat, look at some frescoes, eat some more, and then roll yourself back to your hotel. It’s not a huge city, but Parma is definitely worth visiting—a very satisfying combination of food, history, and a certain charm that makes you think, “Why don’t I live here?” (Narrator: “He'd never fit into his jeans again.”)

I recently spent 3 days in Parma with my girlfriend, and if there’s one word I’d use to describe it, it’s “rich”—in every sense. The aged wheels of cheese, the old churches dripping in gold, the intricate ceiling paintings, you name it—Parma serves up indulgence wherever and whenever it can. And okay, the air quality is terrible, but at least your lungs will get the waft of prosciutto with it.

 

Buongiorno! What to see in Parma you’re asking?

 

Fun facts: Parma is the second city of Northern Italy's Emilia-Romagna region, one of Europe’s wealthiest areas. It’s also a city with deep partisan roots, having resisted fascism during World War II. So yeah, Parma’s just as passionate as it is rich.

Learn more about Italy...

This guide consists of my ultimate ranking of 12 things to do in Parma, itinerary notes on what to do with one day in Parma, plus maps, travel tips, and answers to FAQs.

 

My top 12 things to do in Parma

 

1. Museum of Pasta
2. Parma Baptisery
3. Parma Cathedral
4. Farnese Theater at the Palazzo della Pilotta
5. Museum of Tomato
6. San Pier Damiani Dairy
7. Archeological Museum and Gallery of Parma at the Palazzo della Pilotta
8. Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Steccata
9. Torrechiara Castle
10. Castello dei Burattini
11. San Giovanni Evangelista
12. Museo del Prosciutto di Parma

 

And as always, it’s all based on my own adventures. So, buckle up (or actually, best loosen your belt) for this small-but-mighty city. Come for the ham, stay for the art, and leave with a new appreciation for tomatoes and pasta.

 

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One day in Parma city center: my itinerary

Experience your day in Parma

 

If you only have 1 day to spend, this is the best itinerary route that’ll ensure you hit all the best things to do in Parma city center. Trattoria Ai Due Platani is the only stop here not in the historic center, but I think you’ll agree it’s worth the very short drive to eat at one of the best restaurants in the whole of Italy.

 

1. Start at the Palazzo della Pilotta for the Archeological Museum, the Gallery of Parma, and the Farnese Theater (for 2 hours)
    
2. Head to the Parma Baptistery and Parma Cathedral, just 5 minutes’ walk away (for 1.5 hours)
    
3. Move on to Castello dei Burattini for all the puppet “fun” you could want (for 1 hour)
    
4. Head to the Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Steccata to pay your respects and take some mystical photos (for 1 hour)
    
5. Hit San Giovanni Evangelista—your third spectacular church of the day (for 1 hour)
    
6. Drive to Trattoria Ai Due Platani for dinner, 5 minutes away from Parma city center (for 2 hours)

 

 

Here is the Google Maps link for this exact route. And when you’re planning your trip, be sure to check out my pointers for visiting Italy in general:

 

 

Visiting Parma: my top tips

 

• Italians are surprisingly polite drivers these days. It must be a generational thing...
   
• Park at the Parcheggio Toschi lot (Google Maps link). It’s big, central, and reasonably priced. Within the city center, everything is totally walkable. Why stress unnecessarily in the land of la dolce vita?
   
• When outside the city center, I recommend using the EasyPark app. It’s super useful for finding and paying for parking.

 

We’ve been to Parma in November, and it was great

 

• Surprisingly, November is a good time for visiting Parma because it’s the season for mushroom foraging and truffle fairs.
   
• In restaurants, you can’t get away without paying a small coperto (“cover charge”—essentially a cost for the table). BUT you might be able to cheapen it by refusing the complimentary-seeming bread.
   
• Speaking of fees, just be prepared for them all over the place. If you step one foot onto any cultural site, it’ll probably cost you EUR 20.
   
• Never order a cappuccino with a meal. They’re strictly for mornings—that’s the Italian way, whether you like it or not.
   
• Eat spaghetti/linguine/any other long pasta with a fork only. On an Italian table, the spoon is for soup. Good luck...!
   
• Tipping isn’t technically obligatory, but it’s a thing. Don’t be a cheapskate.

 

There are a lot of interesting museums in Parma. This one is Palazzo della Pilotta

 

• If you feel you have too much time to spend in Parma, day trips to Modena and Bologna are definitely worth doing. For more inspiration, check out my article on things to do in Modena!
   
• You can’t leave the Parma area without dining at Trattoria Ai Due Platani. It’s been ranked as the 29^th best restaurant in the country. Fancy? Yes. A gastronomical experience to remember? Absolutely.
   
• Finally, my hotel recommendation is RMH Modena Raffaello. A new-ish place (certainly very “Moden”!) with free parking, massive rooms, and even a pillow menu for picky sleepers. It's located right off the highway that connects Parma and Modena, so it’s perfect for road trippers.

 

 

Tourist maps of Parma, Italy

Partial map of Parma city center, pinpointing the best things to do

 

Map of the Parma area, pinpointing the best things to do

 

1. Museum of Pasta

Do you want to know how real Italian pasta is made? Then the Museum of Pasta is a must

 

• Price: EUR 5
   
• Opening hours: 10 am–6 pm Saturday, Sunday and public holidays (March–December); closed December–March)
   
• Hotel recommendation: RMH Modena Raffaello

 

If you're a carb enthusiast (who isn't?), the Museum of Pasta is one of Parma’s must-visits. This gem offers a fascinating deep dive into the world of pasta, charting its journey from ancient times to the global culinary superstar it is today. I thought the experience was going to be too predictable as an Italian tourist attraction, but actually, I left feeling very learned and enlightened.

Imagine this: humans were harvesting wheat as long ago as 30,000 years, and pasta—Italy's pride—evolved from those humble beginnings into hundreds of shapes and sizes. Lasagna is the OG pasta, and macaroni has been making people happy since 1654. Even pasta wheels—yes, those adorable edible cartwheels—have roots way back in the 1500s.

 

All you could ever want to know about pasta

 

But this museum doesn’t just stop at history, oh no. It delves into the science and craftsmanship of pasta-making, from stone-ground wheat to the industrial machines that revolutionized production. We saw vintage pasta-making equipment and learned about the laws that protect pasta's authenticity in Italy. (These people don’t half take themselves seriously, do they?)

The museum also features interactive displays and timelines (my heaven), and even videos in sign language for all the deaf pasta fans. To sum up, this place is all about culture, tradition, and a love for food that transcends borders. Trust me—after a visit, you’ll never look at pasta dishes the same way again.

 

Very interesting, very detailed

 

Small print: This museum is brought to you by Barilla, the world’s largest pasta manufacturer. (Of course.)

 

2. Parma Baptisery

The Battistero di Parma. Currently under reconstruction

 

• Price: EUR 12
   
• Opening hours: 10 am–6 pm daily

 

The Battistero di Parma is a masterpiece of medieval architecture, and visiting it feels like you’re stepping into a picture book. We paid just EUR 12 for access to this wondrous pink landmark as well as the neighboring Diocesan Museum, which I thought was good value.

Built in 1196 when most of Europe was stuck in the Middle Ages, this structure is a testament to Italy’s early flirtation with Renaissance artistry. The building’s exterior is crafted from Verona’s pink marble and produces an almost ethereal glow in the sunlight. God’s obviously given this place his stamp of approval (and in the form of UNESCO World Heritage status, apparently)!

 

I was amazed by the architecture of the Baptisery

 

Inside, the octagonal dome kind of reminded me of the Pantheon in Rome. The walls are adorned with intricate zodiac-sign sculptures, though mysteriously, there are only seven of them. Maybe the artist simply ran out of patience for creating such hippy propaganda...

If you’re a history buff like me, an architecture nerd, or even if you’re just desperate for Instagram content, the Parma Baptisery is one of the things to do in Parma you really shouldn’t skip. As a bonus, I can’t deny that being surrounded by pink does put you in a better mood...

 

3. Parma Cathedral—the historic center’s most gorgeous landmark

Parma Cathedral

 

• Price: free
   
• Opening hours: 7:45 am–7:20 pm daily (oddly specific—Catholics be Catholics)

 

If you thought the Baptisery was breathtaking, wait until you see this absolute mother just across the Piazza del Duomo. The Duomo di Parma is the crown jewel of the city center and has an indescribably beauty that leaves visitors awestruck. At least, it certainly left us awestruck.

Step inside and crane your neck to take in the mind-blowing ceiling frescoes. The Assumption of the Virgin, a total masterpiece by Antonio da Correggio, turns the dome into an illusionary swirl of clouds and bodies. I was practically tripping, feeling that I was floating alongside them.

Fun fact: The cathedral's lavish decoration reflects Parma’s historic wealth. You can always tell how rich a city was by how embellished its churches are. You heard it here first!

 

Check out the frescoes on the ceiling!

 

Pro tip: Don’t expect any helpful signage inside—pack some Wikipedia-level research if you want any context. And don’t forget to pause outside for a full view of the facade, where the stonework has met its match in centuries of weathering.

 

4. Farnese Theater at the Palazzo della Pilotta

Farnese Theater

 

• Price: EUR 18—also includes entry to the Archeological Museum, Gallery of Parma, Palatine Library and Bodoni Museum
   
• Opening hours: 10:30 am–7:00 pm Tuesday–Sunday

 

Prepare to be floored (literally!) when you step into the Palazzo della Pilotta’s Teatro Farnese, one of Parma’s most unique attractions. This colossal horseshoe-shaped auditorium is almost entirely made of wood, built in the 17^th century to seat 4,500 spectators. Okay, it was partly destroyed in World War II and rebuilt in 1962, but it’s still mighty impressive.

Commissioned in 1618, the theater is both a historical gem and an architectural oddity—I just had to see it with my own eyes. It was originally designed for extravagant performances, including mock naval battles (yep, they flooded the stage—just think of all the water damage on that wood...). Today, it stands as a testament to the resilience of both Parma and its artistry.

 

Alt text: Palazzo della Pilotta in Parma, Italy, photos by Next Level of Travel

The theater can be found at Palazzo della Pilotta

 

Tip: While you’re there, watch the short acoustics video, which showcases the theater’s phenomenal sound quality. Just 20 minutes of your time for a fun physics lesson—it’s a no-brainer!

 

5. Museum of Tomato

Another great museum of Parma, this time about tomatoes

 

• Price: EUR 5
   
• Opening hours: 10 am–6 pm Saturday, Sunday and public holidays (March–December); closed December–March

 

The Museum of Tomato is pretty much an extension to the Museum of Pasta, because who wants to eat plain pasta? Spoiler: Parma’s also home to museums dedicated to Parmesan cheese, salami, and Parma ham. Seriously, you don’t want to mess with these very proud people.

Anyway, what I liked about the Museum of Tomato is that the exhibits are rich in detail. Much like at the pasta counterpart, they cover everything from tomato farming and preservation to their link with the invention of canned food, a game-changer for global food supply. We even saw some retro marketing campaigns from the early 20th century that made tomatoes a household staple.

 

This museum complements the Museum of Pasta

 

Fun fact: The etymology of the word “tomato” is Aztec: tomatl; and the thing itself originates from Central America. And so, we have the Spanish colonizers to thank for bringing tomatoes to Europe!

Fast forward several centuries and in case, somehow, you didn’t get the memo, the humble pomodoro is now the foundation of Italian cuisine. Allocate at least an hour to spend here, after the Museum of Pasta, to get a deeper understanding of its importance.

 

6. San Pier Damiani Dairy

See www.sanpierdamiani.com for more photos

 

• Price: EUR 25
   
• Opening hours: 8:30 am–12:30 pm Monday–Saturday; 08:30 am–1 pm Sunday

 

Sticking with the food tours, the brutal fact is this: if you’re in Parma and don’t visit a cheese factory, you’re not doing it right. We chose the San Pier Damiani Dairy, a small, family-run place that has been committed to the art of Parmesan—or Parmigiano Reggiano—for seven generations. So yeah, it’s fair to say they’re quite good at it by now.

For the best experience, take the comprehensive Parmigiano Reggiano factory tour to watch the magic, from milk to meal. Your guide is likely to be a member of the cheesemaking family and will take you right through the process in just 90 minutes. And if you were still left wanting some sort of gimmick, there's a quirky tractor museum right off the tasting room!

 

The most perfect Parmesan I’d ever had!

 

Fun fact: Parmigiano Reggiano comes from Parma’s prized brown cows. It's their high-fat milk that makes a more flavorful cheese. (As well as, y’know, the fact that it’s left to mature for a year after it’s made.)

But when it came to the tasting, I was bowled over. It was the most perfect Parmesan I’d ever had, especially when paired with balsamic vinegar or fruit jam. I was this close to investing in another suitcase to smuggle a wheel or two home.

Practical information: The “full experience” starts at 9 am and the partial “experience” starts at 11 am—every day. Book ahead to secure a spot at sanpierdamiani.com.

 

 

7. Archeological Museum and Gallery of Parma at the Palazzo della Pilotta

Now it’s time for the Archeological Museum and Gallery of Parma

 

• Price: EUR 18—also includes entry to the Farnese Theater, Palatine Library and Bodoni Museum
   
• Opening hours: 10:30 am–7:00 pm Tuesday–Sunday

 

The Palazzo della Pilotta, conveniently located in the city center, is a one-stop shop for culture lovers visiting Parma. And although my favorite thing on show there was the Farnese Theater, two of its other not-to-be-missed attractions are the Archeological Museum and the National Gallery.

First, I found the Archeological Museum to be a fascinating spot—for history buffs and casual visitors alike—that traces the region’s history back to 5700 BCE. Timelines (yass!) guided us through exhibits that included an impressive Etruscan collection, a rare and unexpectedly complete Egyptian... thing, and even a cheeky statue of Nero that sparked flashbacks of Monty Python’s “Biggus Dickus”.

 

So much to look at at Palazzo della Pilotta

 

Next, the National Gallery was a compact yet satisfying collection of art, spanning the Middle Ages to modernity. Highlights included a piece by Leonardo da Vinci and works from Flemish masters. And of course, there’s a heavy dose of religious art—Catholic klaxon!

Even the gallery’s layout itself is a unique experience, with paintings displayed across multiple levels, and some being connected by these strange bridges. All in all, it’s both intimate and grand—a perfect balance for those who appreciate art but don’t want to spend hours wandering through endless halls.

Bonus tip: I didn’t include it in this ranking because we only went in for five minutes, but it’s worth swinging by the Palatine Library on your way out... if only because its war-scarred past makes for great moody photos.

 

8. Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Steccata

Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Steccata 

 

• Price: free
   
• Opening hours: 7:30 am–12 pm and 3 pm–6:30 pm daily

 

Not one of the things to do in Parma that most easily rolls off the tongue, but the Basilica di Santa Maria della Steccata is another one of those typical Italian landmarks that effortlessly blends grandeur with tranquility. This Renaissance-era church doesn't get as much hype as the Cathedral, but trust me—it’s worth the visit.

The church gets its name from the steccata, or wooden barrier, originally used to protect an icon of the Virgin Mary. The barrier isn't there anymore, but the serenity and sense of respect remains. This is especially true when you look up at the amazing frescoes by Parmigianino, one of Parma’s most celebrated artists.

 

The interior of the sanctuary

 

And if you ever needed more convincing that this is a place of respect and decorum for people so much more important than you, here is also where lots of dukes from the House of Farnese have been laid to rest. Basically, these were the big shots of Parma between the 14^th and 16^th centuries.

Pro tip: Visit in the afternoon when the light streams through the windows, illuminating all the intricate gold decoration to have your camera working overtime.

 

9. Torrechiara Castle

Torrechiara Castle

 

• Price: EUR 5
   
• Opening hours: 9 am–7 pm Tuesday–Saturday; 10 am–4 pm Sunday

 

Just a short drive south of the city center, on a hilltop with panoramic views of the Parma Valley, the 15th-century Castello Di Torrechiara is a perfect blend of military might and romantic charm. By that, I mean it was built by Pier Maria Rossi as both a defensive stronghold and a love nest for his mistress, Bianca Pellegrini. Now this was a man who could multitask!

But to looking at the outside, you can absolutely tell a man did it. To be honest, it’s not exactly the daintiest building I’ve ever seen; it’s the kind of over-simplistic castle that an 8-year-old kid would draw.

 

It looks better on the inside than it does on the outside, I promise

 

Don’t worry—it gets better inside as you wander through frescoed halls. The highlight for me was the Camera d’Oro (“Golden Room”), where gilded ceilings and bright murals immortalize Pier and Bianca’s forbidden love story. Talk about wearing your heart on your sleeve...

Pro tip: Wear comfy shoes. The cobblestone paths and uneven staircases add to the charm, but I’d imagine they’d be murder in heels, especially over the couple of hours that it takes to explore the castle properly.

 

10. Castello dei Burattini

Visit www.castellodeiburattini.it

 

• Price: free
   
• Opening hours: 10 am–5:30 pm Monday, Wednesday–Friday; 10:30 am–6:30 pm Saturday – Sunday

 

I’ll be straight with you: this place is the stuff of nightmares. But it’s interesting, unconventional, and free of charge, so I’ve got to include it in my list of what to do in Parma, Italy. You’ll find it on the same street as the Camera di San Paolo.

The Castello dei Burattini (“Castle of Puppets”) is dedicated to Italy’s rich tradition of puppetry, showcasing the craftsmanship and creepy charm of this old art form. They have an impressive collection of elaborate puppets, marionettes, and miniature stage sets that date back centuries. Each one tells a story, and while some are stunning works of art, others will freak you the hell out.

In particular, this museum celebrates the work of the Ferrari family, legendary puppet masters. (They have no relation to the car people, although they were also from Emilia-Romagna—fun fact!) Through the displays, we learned how puppetry wasn’t just entertainment, but a cultural commentary, bringing satire and drama to life in a pre-TV world. It was pretty cool to think about.

Tip: Catch one of the live puppet shows if you can. It’s a quick 30 minutes, and nothing beats seeing these handcrafted creations spring to life—creepy or not!

 

11. San Giovanni Evangelista

San Giovanni Evangelista

 

• Price: free
   
• Opening hours: 8:30 am–12 pm and 3:30 pm–7:30 pm daily

 

I really enjoy looking at churches, and especially when in Italy, it’d be rude not to. But I promise—this is the last church on this list. Just a short walk from the Duomo, the San Giovanni Evangelista church-and-monastery package deal has stood tall and proud since 980 CE. (Okay, but it was also restored after a fire in the late 1400s.)

Fun fact: This church was a favorite hangout for Renaissance artists, and it’s part of the reason Parma became an artistic hub.

 

Just another beautiful church in Parma

 

Inside, prepare to crane your neck like the clichéd tourist you are, to take in some more jaw-dropping frescoes. The showstopper here is the dome painted by Correggio, a famous Parma artist. His masterpiece, the Vision of St. John the Evangelist, is another swirling celestial scene that gets you all trippy. And you don’t have to pay a penny for it!

Tip: Don’t skip the monastery cloisters (open only in the morning, Monday–Wednesday and Friday–Saturday). They’re a serene escape and perfect for a quiet moment after all that neck stretching.

 

12. Museo del Prosciutto di Parma

Photo from prosciuttodiparma.museidelcibo.it

 

• Price: EUR 5
   
• Opening hours: 10 am–6 pm Saturday, Sunday and public holidays (March–December); closed December–March)

 

Finally, you knew it was coming—no food tour of Parma would be complete without the ham bit. The Museo del Prosciutto di Parma (“Parma Ham Museum”) is in Langhirano, close to Torrechiara Castle. You know what this means: meat factory tour in the morning, some guy’s romantic projections on a wall in the afternoon. The ultimate combo...!

If you’re just that uncultured, Parma ham is a world-renowned delicacy that’s practically a religion in these parts of Italy. It's paper-thin and has an almost gummy texture. And it rocks.

The museum experience starts with a deep dive into how this cured ham is made, from the region’s unique climate to the centuries-old techniques still used today. We also learned about other local cured meats like salami and pancetta, from displays of traditional tools and processes. It’s a good thing we visited in the late morning as we only got hungrier and hungrier...

 

This museum will make you very hungry

 

The tasting is the highlight, and of course, you need to wait until the end of the tour for it. The ham is so tender, it melted in my mouth like butter! We sure had our priorities straight as we stocked up on the stuff for our suitcases at the museum shop. Who needs clothes, anyway?

Pro tips: Bring cash for the tasting (around EUR 3) and try to get an English audio guide at the start. This museum is self-guided, but most of the written descriptions are in Italian only.

 

FAQ 1: Is Parma worth visiting?

Yes, Parma is totally worth visiting. Renowned for its culinary excellence, the city is the birthplace of Parmigiano Reggiano and Prosciutto di Parma, making it a great destination for food enthusiasts. And despite its compact size, Parma also boasts rich history, stunning architecture, and artistic treasures, including the frescoes of Correggio and landmarks like the Duomo and Baptistery.

 

We very much enjoyed our one day in Parma

 

FAQ 2: What is Parma in Italy famous for?
 

Parma, Italy is famous for its world-class cuisine and cultural heritage. Parmesan cheese and Parma ham, two of Italy’s most iconic culinary exports, were invented here. The city is also celebrated for its rich artistic legacy, including the grandeur of the Palazzo della Pilotta, and esteemed Renaissance painters such as Correggio and Parmigianino.

 

FAQ 3: How long should I spend in Parma?

It is possible to spend just one day in Parma and see all the best sites, since it's a small city. However, if you also want to visit all the top attractions in the wider area, you should allocate at least one more day to your stay —if not 3 days in total—and hire a car to get around.
 

 

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