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Parma sits at the epicenter of Emilia-Romagna’s Food Valley, the birthplace of many of Italy’s culinary superstars. Great wheels of aged Parmigiano Reggiano cheese are made here, as is sweet Prosciutto di Parma ham, fizzy Lambrusco wine, and aromatic balsamic vinegar—the city is a mecca for food tours, cooking classes, and other culinary adventures. Between tucking into plates piled high with charcuterie, visitors explore the pretty (and pedestrian-only) old town, home to historic cafés, an imposing cathedral complex, and a sumptuous opera house where local composer Verdi once directed performances.
Dodge the summer heat and vacation hordes by visiting Parma during the shoulder seasons (mid-April to mid-June and mid-September to October)—but be aware that nights can be cool in the spring and October. Parma celebrates its most famous son, composer Giuseppe Verdi, at the Festival Verdi in late September and October; catching a performance in the spectacular Teatro Regio di Parma is a must-do for opera lovers.
Parma’s historic center is compact and walkable—and it’s less than a 1-mile (1.5-kilometer) stroll from the train station. The city also has a decent public bus network, though you’ll want to check the official Tep website rather than your map app for accurate info. Parma’s most popular areas only allow car access for residents, public transit, emergency vehicles, and permit holders: It’s often easiest and cheapest to leave your car in an out-of-town parking lot and ride the bus into the city.
Parma gave a grateful world not only prosciutto di Parma (Parma ham) but Parmigiano-Reggiano (the authentic Parmesan cheese). Buy the picnic to end all picnics at La Prosciutteria, where serried ranks of fine, aged ham hang above a wealth of local cheeses, or Casa del Formaggio, which usually offers over 100 cheeses. Casa del Formaggio is closed on Sundays and Mondays, while La Prosciutteria is closed on Sunday afternoons; note that during the rest of the week, both shut their doors around lunchtime and reopen in the late afternoon.
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Yes, the city of Parma is worth visiting. For foodies, the home of Parmesan cheese (Parmigiano Reggiano) and Parma ham is a no-brainer. But Parma also boasts a gorgeous historic center, a rich opera culture, and a gallery that’s home to works by Leonardo da Vinci, Fra Angelico, and more.
...MoreSpend the morning strolling the historic center: Don’t miss the Baptistry (Battistero di Parma). Lunch on fresh tortelli di erbette pasta, then tour the National Gallery and the spectacular baroque theater, Teatro Farnese. Taste local specialties—cold cuts, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, and Lambrusco wine—before heading to the opera (when in season).
...MoreOne day in Parma is enough for most travelers, but foodies and culture vultures should stay longer. Foodies should not miss the ham museum (Museo del Prosciutto e dei Salumi) and the cheese museum (Museo del Parmigiano-Reggiano). Outside town, Labirinto della Masone hosts epic art and one of the planet’s largest mazes.
...MoreThe city of Parma is famous for its prosciutto (Parma ham) and Parmigiano Reggiano (Parmesan cheese). Opera fans know Parma for its Verdi Festival—the Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi was born nearby. Architecture buffs prize the historic center, from the baroque theater Teatro Farnese to the rosy marble Baptistery (Battistero di Parma).
...MoreSeptember is a great month to visit Parma. The city hosts the Verdi Festival every year in September and October, and the weather is much warmer and drier than during the main opera season (December through March). The European school vacation season is largely over by this time, so nearby attractions will be less crowded.
...MoreThat depends. As a base for exploring the Emilia-Romagna region, Bologna is more centrally positioned than Parma—it’s closer to Ferrara and coastal cities like Ravenna and Rimini. Bologna is a bigger and busier city, but Parma has lots of charm and can make for a quieter, more relaxing stay.
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