A Fabulous One Day in Parma, Italy: What to See and Eat

Planning to spend one day in Parma, Italy? This charming city in the Emilia-Romagna region is easy to reach, about an hour from Bologna and two hours from Milan. With just one day, you can see the highlights, enjoy incredible food, and get a feel for Parma’s rich culture.

Parma is home to Parmigiano Reggiano and Prosciutto di Parma, the prized dry-cured ham you’ll find on menus across Italy, though nothing compares to tasting it here. We even noticed a big difference between the Prosciutto di Parma served in Emilia-Romagna and the versions we tried elsewhere.

Beyond the food, Parma’s historic center is full of beautiful architecture, lively piazzas, and museums worth exploring. It’s a university city with a relaxed, walkable vibe that makes it easy to fill a day.

When planning our visit, we debated between touring a Parmigiano Reggiano factory or exploring the city. Since we had already learned a lot about these specialties during food tours in Modena and Bologna, we chose to spend our day in Parma — and we’re glad we did.

In this article, we share how we spent a day in Parma, including what to see, where to eat, and tips for planning a day trip.

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One Day in Parma, Italy

What can you see in just one day in Parma? Here’s the itinerary we followed during our visit.

If you’re planning a day trip, try to visit when everything is open. Some museums close on Sundays or Mondays, so it’s worth double-checking hours ahead of time to make the most of your day.

Piazza Duomo is the heart of historic Parma, a quiet but powerful introduction to the city’s beauty and history. Here, you’ll find two of Parma’s most important landmarks side by side: the Duomo di Parma and the Battistero di Parma. It’s the perfect place to start your day, with centuries of art, architecture, and local life all coming together in one square.

Duomo di Parma (Cattedrale di Parma)

Step inside the Duomo di Parma and you’ll find one of the city’s true masterpieces.

Construction began in 1059 under Bishop Arnoldo, but the cathedral wasn’t completed until centuries later, after an earthquake destroyed the original structure. Today, it stands as a prime example of Romanesque architecture, with a few Gothic elements added over time.

The cathedral has two distinct facades — the Romanesque front from the 11th century and the Gothic-style bell tower built in the 14th century. Inside, the artwork is breathtaking. Take a seat and admire the intricate details, especially the stunning frescoes.

Don’t forget a few euro coins. You’ll need them to light up Correggio’s famous dome fresco, The Assumption of the Virgin Mary, which the cathedral is dedicated to.

The Duomo is closed daily from 12 PM to 3 PM.

Battistero di Parma

Next to the cathedral, you’ll find the Battistero di Parma, an octagonal building made from pink Verona marble. Construction started in 1196, and inside, you’ll find three levels filled with colorful frescoes, carvings, and artwork that tell biblical stories.

The Baptistery is stunning inside. From the detailed sculptures to the paintings that cover the walls and ceilings, there’s so much history and artistry to take in. It’s worth setting aside some time to walk around and really look closely at everything.

Tickets are sold at the Diocesan Museum entrance, located just across Piazza Duomo at Vicolo del Vescovado 3/a. Admission includes entry to both the Baptistery and the museum.

The Baptistery is open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM.

Eat Parmigiano Reggiano and Prosciutto di Parma

You can’t visit Parma without trying its two most famous specialties: Parmigiano Reggiano and Prosciutto di Parma. Order them at lunch, grab a snack, or stop into a local salumeria — just make sure you taste them fresh while you’re here.

During our food tours around Emilia-Romagna, we sampled Parmigiano Reggiano DOP at different ages. Still, when we ordered a plate of Parmigiano Reggiano and Prosciutto di Parma at La Forchetta, it was on a completely different level. Fresh, rich, and nothing like what you find at home.

If you have time, visit a salumeria in the city center. Salumeria Garibaldi came highly recommended to us, but it happened to be closed the day we were there.

You’ll find Parmigiano Reggiano sold as whole wheels, wedges, and pre-cut portions. Prosciutto di Parma is available sliced fresh or by the leg. If you plan to bring some home, make sure it’s vacuum-packed and packed in your checked luggage.

Tour Ideas:
Private Half-Day Parma Food Walking Tour [book here]

Wander Through Parma’s Historic Center

Parma’s historic center is beautiful and easy to explore on foot. We recommend wandering without a set plan. It is the best way to experience the colorful streets, quiet squares, and local landmarks that give Parma its relaxed charm.

As we walked around, we were surprised by how vibrant the city felt, with rows of pastel-colored buildings and hidden corners around almost every turn. You’ll come across more cathedrals, peaceful piazzas, and plenty of places to stop for a quick espresso or gelato.

One of our favorite ways to explore Parma was simply letting the streets lead us. It is the kind of city that invites you to slow down and enjoy whatever you find, especially on a nice afternoon.

Gelateria K2 is just behind the Baptistery, near the Church of San Giovanni Evangelista. We had heard they serve some of the best gelato in Parma, and it didn’t disappoint. The shop uses local and seasonal ingredients to make their gelato fresh every day.

The gelato was delicious, and they even shaped it like a flower, which was a fun and unexpected touch.

The Chamber of St. Paul (Camera di San Paolo) was one of the most interesting finds during our walk through Parma. It’s a small gem that’s easy to miss if you’re not looking for it, but well worth a stop if you appreciate history and art.

For a small entrance fee, you can take a quick self-guided tour through four rooms. As soon as you walk in, you are greeted by a copy of The Last Supper painted by Alessandro Araldi, which sets the tone for what is inside.

During your visit, you will also see Saint Catherine’s Cell, another small room decorated with earlier frescoes by Araldi. It is a nice introduction before stepping into the Chamber of St. Paul, where Correggio’s masterpiece covers the ceiling.

The real highlight is the Chamber itself, one of Parma’s most important historical treasures, painted by Antonio da Correggio in 1519. The artwork covers the vaulted ceiling with intricate frescoes and is considered one of Correggio’s earliest masterpieces from the Italian Renaissance.

It doesn’t take long to visit, but it leaves a lasting impression.

Tucked next to the Chamber of St. Paul, inside Castello dei Burattini, is one of Parma’s more unexpected finds: the Giordano Ferrari Museum.

Giordano Ferrari was a world-renowned Italian marionette maker, and the museum celebrates his family’s long tradition of puppetry. It started with his father, Italo Ferrari, who staged puppet shows with his wife. Giordano joined the performances when he was just nine years old, giving voice to the characters and eventually creating his own puppets and style. His work helped shape the history of Italian puppetry, and some of his handcrafted pieces are still on display here.

The museum is small, free to visit, and easy to explore in about 15 minutes. Even if you are not usually into puppets, it is a fun and memorable stop that adds something a little different to your day in Parma.

One of the top things we had planned for our one day in Parma was visiting Teatro Farnese, located inside Palazzo della Pilotta.

This incredible theater, dating back to 1618, was one of the first indoor theaters in the world. It is also one of the best-preserved examples of Baroque theater design, created by Giovan Battista Aleotti, one of the leading architects of the time.

Unfortunately, it was closed on the day we visited. Still, we highly recommend adding it to your itinerary. You could easily spend a couple of hours exploring Palazzo della Pilotta if you have the time.

Palazzo della Pilotta is home to several important sites, and your entry ticket includes access to:

• Teatro Farnes
• Galleria Nazionale di Parma (The National Art Museum)
• Biblioteca Palatina (historic library)
• Archaeological Museum

Spend Some Time at Parco Ducale

While exploring Parma, a visit to Parco Ducale is a great way to slow down and enjoy a quieter side of the city. It is one of the closest parks to the historic center, just across Ponte Verdi from Palazzo della Pilotta.

After crossing the bridge, you will spot the Palazzo Ducale, also known as Palazzo del Giardino, to your right. When we visited, local children were playing baseball outside the palace, bringing a lively energy to the peaceful setting.

Parco Ducale is a large, tree-filled park where locals come to walk, relax, and enjoy the day. During our October visit, autumn was at its peak. The leaves had turned golden, chestnuts covered the ground, and the whole park felt like it belonged in a postcard. \\

Later in the afternoon, we stopped at daMAT Chiosco, a small bar tucked into the center of the park. We ordered sparkling water and espresso while locals around us sipped Aperol Spritzes, chatting and unwinding during aperitivo hour. It was a nice way to relax and enjoy the atmosphere before moving on.

A Day Trip to Parma: How to Get There

A day trip to Parma, Italy, is possible from destinations like Modena, Bologna, and Milan. We took a day trip to Parma from Modena. It’s about a one-hour drive, but you can easily take a 30-minute train ride.

Option 1: Take the Train to Parma

• Day trip from Modena to Parma is a 30 min train ride one-way.
• Day trip from Bologna to Parma is a 1 hour train ride one-way.
• Day trip from Milan to Parma is a 1 hour 20 min train ride one-way.

Book your tickets in advance. Click here for train times and info.

Option 2: Rent a Car

Driving in Italy is not meant for everyone, but it is an option. One that gives you the freedom to explore the small villages and countryside that you otherwise would not have been able to experience.

We rented with Avis during our time in Italy.

Where to park in Parma? There are some parking lots in Parma, we found that Parcheggio Toschi was right by the historic center where we planned to spend our one day in Parma.

Parcheggio Toschi: Viale IV Novembre, 43121 Parma PR, Italy

Option 3: Book a day trip that includes the city of Parma or hire a private car.

Parma Foods to Eat

The food in Emilia-Romagna, where Parma is located, is some of the best in Italy. This region is widely known for its food culture, and there are foods in Parma you can try if you have the opportunity.

Sometimes, similar dishes are called something different from city to city.

One of the things to do in Parma during your visit is to try one or two of the typical Parma foods.

Parmigiano Reggiano

Parmigiano-Reggiano is one of the world’s most famous cheeses, and it’s made in the city of Parma. It’s a hard cheese made from unpasteurized cow’s milk. And authentic Parmigiano Reggiano is lactose-free.

The difference between the Parmigiano Reggiano you’ll find in Parma and the parmesan cheese you have at home is that one is a true artisan cheese that is regulated and aged between 1 to 3 years. While parmesan cheese is mass-produced, it’s not regulated; typically, the cheese is less than a year old.

You’ll find restaurants using Parmigiano Reggiano in dishes in a variety of ways. Hubby had the most amazing cheese foam over a poached egg and potatoes while in Parma.

Prosciutto di Parma

Regarding meats, prosciutto di Parma is one of the most famous. It’s a dry-cured ham produced in the city and the surrounding area. Like Parmigiano Reggiano, it’s a protected food product with strict guidelines.

You’ll find this cured meat in Parma and all over Italy. However, in Parma, you’ll likely have Prosciutto di Parma produced in the region. Without a doubt, it tasted so different from the prosciutto we had in Tuscany later on it.

It’s often sliced thinly and served as an appetizer with some torta fritta.

Culatello di Zibello

We learned about Culatello di Zibello during our day in Bologna, where the food tour guide introduced us to the best cut of meat from the pig. And you supposedly can ONLY find it either in Parma or surrounding areas. It is not something that is imported.

Culatello is a dry-cured ham made with a pig’s hindquarter. It’s one of the more expensive meats you can purchase, but it’s worth it! The taste is incomparable to any other ham out there.

Although, it did remind me of eating jamón during our trip to Spain.

Torta Fritta

Torta Fritta, as it is known in Parma. In Modena, they are called Gnocco Fritto. Pillows of fried flakey dough made of pig fat and then fried in lard. They are quite addicting.

This is a typical food of Emilia-Romagna. Pair it with some prosciutto, cheeses, or local spreads.

Tortelli

The first time we saw Tortelli on the menu, we thought it was a form of tortellini. Only to find out it is what they call a type of ravioli.

You’ll find Tortelli served with different fillings. One of the most comm Tortelli d’erbetta is an egg, ricotta, and spinach filling. Tortelli di Zucca is an autumn favorite that is filled with pumpkin.

Anolini in brodo

Anolini in brodo is tiny ravioli filled with cheese and served in a delicious broth. This is a traditional winter dish in Parma.

Lambrusco

Lambrusco is a sparkling red wine that is produced in the Emilia-Romagna region. It’s a light, fruity wine that perfectly pairs with food from the area.

Read more: Exploring the Food of Emilia-Romagna

Where to Eat in Parma, Italy

Finding delicious places to eat somewhere you’re visiting for the first time is sometimes a struggle, especially when you’re just spending one day in Parma. We usually share where we ate so that you can add it to your list, and hopefully, it makes it easier to decide where to eat and make reservations.

We had sit-down meals for lunch and dinner in Parma, Italy. If you’re looking for a delicious, traditional Italian experience in Parma, look no further than Ristorante La Forchetta and Ristorante Gallo d’Oro. Both restaurants offer fantastic food that will leave you wanting more. Save room for dessert at Gallo d’Oro – it’s worth it!

Ristorante La Forchetta

La Forchetta is in the city center of Parma, not far from Piazza Grande. The restaurant features indoor and outdoor seating. We visited at lunchtime without reservations, and they kindly sat us outside, but they were full. So if you can make reservations ahead of time, do so.

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We started with a primi of Parmigiano Reggiano of 36 months and prosciutto di parma because we could not visit Parma and not have our fill.

We had Tortelli di Zucca and Tortelli d’erbetta as our main meals, and it was some of the best pasta ravioli we’ve ever had.

Both fillings were so fresh and flavorful that you could taste the ingredients without being overpowered by sauce or over-seasoning.

The Tortelli was cooked perfectly and tossed in some butter and parmesan. So simple and yet so delicious.

La Forchetta | Borgo S. Biagio, 6/D, 43121 Parma | Google Map It

Ristorante Gallo d’Oro

We came across Gallo d’Oro while reading Lonely Planet and were lucky enough to find reservations on the same day we were in Parma on The Fork app.

Gallo d’Oro remains one of the highlights of restaurants in Emilia-Romagna. When we reminisce about the food, he always talks about his meal at this restaurant because it was a culinary experience.

We also recommended this restaurant to a group we met on a food tour in Modena the day after. Shockingly, we ran into them again on another food tour in Bologna the day after that, and they went on and on about the recommendation they took from us and how amazing the food was at Gallo d’Oro.

At Gallo d’Oro their menu has two different kinds of offerings. One is the classic typical menu items around Parma and the region. The other part of their menu has a gourmet side offering elevated dishes using the local ingredients of Parma. The gourmet side piqued our interest.

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For starters, if you love truffles, there is a primi that, is a poached egg with potatoes covered in a parmesan foam and truffle that was out of this world. Hubby wiped the plate clean.

If you want to stay within the theme of truffles, you can follow that with ravioli stuffed with parmesan cheese and topped with truffles.

For dessert, you must get “Sbrisolona Con Mousse allo Zabaione,” which was highly recommended by the waiter. The zabaione is an Italian dessert, a sweet cream made from sugar, eggs, and sometimes added liquor. They topped it with local cookies, Sbrisolona. It was marvelous!

Another cool part about this restaurant is its downstairs area. When you visit the restroom, you’ll see where the original restaurant started. While this part of the restaurant wasn’t in use that night, they still host people for dinner in this area on other nights. The waiter was so kind enough to give us a tour of it.

Gallo d’Oro | Borgo della Salina, 3, 43121 Parma | Google Map It

Tip: Download The Fork app before your trip to Italy. It is their version of Open Table and Resy. Just like it is here, you won't find all restaurants, but sometimes it does help in a pinch to get same-day reservations or farther in advance. We successfully found a couple of excellent restaurants here during our travels in Italy. 

FAQs

One day in Parma, Italy, was enough for us to see some sights, stroll around, and enjoy some delicious food this city offers. We hope this one-day itinerary in Parma helps you plan your trip and experience some of this city’s best offers.

We wouldn’t recommend making Parma a home base in Emilia-Romagna. We think it is worth the time to visit and explore. It’s not a city that should be easily skipped, but do use caution as you’re about the city.

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