What to do in Parma: a guide to explore the city

I'm sure you already know Parma. You met it in the unique taste of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese or in the sweetness of culatello and Parma ham.

But food, and our new Parma food tour that celebrates it, isn't the only masterpiece there.
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Parma, nestled in Italy's Emilia-Romagna region, is a city that seamlessly blends rich history, vibrant culture, and world-renowned gastronomy.

Visit Parma

Embarking on a journey to Parma is akin to stepping into a living museum where each corner narrates tales of its illustrious past.

The city's compact layout makes it an ideal destination for exploration on foot, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in its charm.

What to do in Parma

Parma boasts a plethora of attractions that cater to diverse interests, from art enthusiasts to food lovers.

Here's a curated guide to some of the city's must-visit sites:

Teatro Regio

Chubby men, dressed up in costumes, singing to each other instead of talking. It can look weird, I know.
But if it takes place in a theatre and the music is by Giuseppe Verdi, it becomes Aida, Nabucco or Rigoletto and the tickets get sold out in 20 minutes.

The Teatro Regio di Parma stands as a testament to the city's deep-rooted musical heritage. Established in the 19th century, this opera house has hosted numerous illustrious performances and remains a beacon for opera aficionados worldwide.

Attending a performance here offers a glimpse into Parma's rich operatic traditions.

If you visit Parma in October don't miss Festival Verdi: days of concerts, music and celebrations in different theatres around the area.

Why all this love for Giuseppe Verdi?

​The grumpy composer was born and lived here in the countryside.
It appears that he never wanted to leave Parma without a culatello in the suitcase, put next to the sheet music.

Info
Teatro Regio
Strada Giuseppe Garibaldi 16/A, 43121 Parma
Tel. +39 0521 203999
www.teatroregioparma.it

​Teatro Regio can be visited all year with guided tours, also the backstage.

Parma Cathedral

The Parma Cathedral, or Cattedrale di Parma, is a stunning example of Romanesque architecture.

When in 1522 the painter Correggio received the commission for the big Cathedral’s dome, he felt truly honoured.

It was the greatest undertaking he could ever go into, and he tried hard to do his best.
He created a crowd of angels climbing on the clouds, seen from beneath, all intertwined and dizzying.

But Parma citizens knew much more about food than art techniques. They couldn’t help to see just a tremendous, golden, swirling 'broth of frog legs'.

​Correggio never received another commission for a fresco after that, but the dome is still amazing.

Visitors can enter the cathedral free of charge; however, during religious services, access may be restricted.

Info
Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta
Piazza Duomo, 7, 43121, Parma
Tel: +39 0521 208699
www.piazzaduomoparma.com

The Baptistery

Adjacent to the cathedral lies the Baptistery of Parma, an architectural marvel constructed from pink Verona marble.

Its octagonal design and intricate interior frescoes make it a must-visit landmark. The Baptistery is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm, with entry permitted up to 15 minutes before closing.

Info
Baptistery of San Giovanni Battista
Piazza Duomo, 43121, Parma
Tel: +39 0521 208699
www.piazzaduomoparma.com

Pilotta Palace

The Palazzo della Pilotta is a vast complex housing several cultural institutions, including the National Gallery, the Palatine Library, and the Farnese Theatre.

The building changed its shape lots of times during the centuries.
It takes its name from the Spanish game of pelota.
Pilotta hosts a drawing by Leonardo da Vinci, called La Scapigliata.

On the first floor visit Teatro Farnese: a massive arms deposit turned into an 87-meter-long baroque theatre all covered in wood.

Info
Palazzo della Pilotta
Piazza della Pilotta, 3, 43121 Parma
Tel +39 0521 233309
complessopilotta.it

Museo Bodoniano

Dedicated to Giambattista Bodoni, a pioneering figure in typography, the Museo Bodoniano is the world's oldest museum of printing.

It showcases a vast array of Bodoni's works and offers a fascinating journey into the history of print.

Bodoni was an elegant typographer who made Parma the capital of printing in the late XVIII century.

Info
Museo Bodoniano - Biblioteca Palatina
Strada alla Pilotta, 3, 43100 Parma
Tel +39 0521 220411
www.museobodoniano.it

Oltretorrente

Get the best from your visit to Parma

Parma is a city that enchants visitors with its perfect blend of history, culture, and gastronomy.

If you're looking for inspiration on what to do in Parma, explore its historic landmarks, savor its world-renowned cuisine, and immerse yourself in its charming atmosphere.

To make your visit truly exceptional, book our Parma food tour today and experience the city's flavors and stories like never before!

[photos: Stefano Corrias, Adrian Scottow, Atsje Bosma-Prins​]