Located in northern Italy between the popular cities of Milan and Bologna, Parma is a colourful city offering an authentic Italian experience and world class food. The city is found in the region of Emilia-Romagna, a district known for being a foodie haven. Parma itself is a destination that should make it onto every foodie’s bucket list and is famous for its Parma ham (prosciutto) and Parmesan cheese. It also produces high quality balsamic vinegar, excellent wine and, of course, delectable pasta. If food isn’t enough of a drawcard, Parma has a great art scene, beautiful architecture and streets that are just made for wandering.

The city dates back to the Bronze Age and has long been a thriving city in Italy. The location was chosen due to the access to water, the Parma River, which flows through the center of the city. Parma is also home to one of the oldest universities in the world, the University of Parma, which attracts many students to the area. Parma provides the perfect balance of metropolitan buzz and classic Italian charm, offering all the amenities of a large city with less hustle and bustle of its urban neighbors such as Bologna. 

Given that Parma is famous for its food, you’ll want to dine out at least a few times to sample local flavors. If the food doesn’t interest you, the city has plenty of other things to offer. It has museums, art galleries, history, culture, and a range of tourist sites that will fill your trip itinerary. If you need some inspiration, take a look at our list of things to do in Parma.

Admire the stunning interior of the Parma Baptistery

Do some shopping at Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi

Try some Parma ham or Parmesan cheese at one of the local eateries

Check out the exhibits at the National Archaeological Museum

View some masterpieces at The National Gallery of Parma

Take a cooking class to learn how to craft authentic Italian dishes


The colorful streets of Parma will be calling you from the moment you arrive in the city. Make sure you don’t waste a second – locate a Bounce storage facility and don’t worry waiting for your check-in or flight time. Drop off your bags at a secure Parma luggage storage site and continue enjoying the city. When it’s time to make your way to the hotel or airport, all you need to do is pick up your bags and you’ll be on your merry way. 

While Parma has enough to keep you captivated for your entire trip, the surrounding area also has a lot to offer. It is rich in beauty and produces many of the foods that the city is known for. If you can spare the time, it is definitely worth taking a day trip so you can experience the landscape for yourself. 

Foodie tour: Given the area is renowned for its produce, it should come as no surprise that food tours are among the most popular Parma day trips. There are a range of tours on offer, but whichever you choose is guaranteed to showcase the best of the Emilia Romagna region and allow you to sample the famous Parma ham and Parmesan cheese.

Torrechiara Castle tour: This 15th-century castle is an impressive structure perched atop a hill in the Parma province. It offers stunning views of the surrounding area overlooking the Parma River, which flows through the valley beneath the castle.

Ferrari and Lamborghini Museums tour: Are you a big car fan? This is one you won’t want to miss. This tour takes you to both the Ferrari museum and the Lamborghini museum, offering you a glimpse into each of the famous brands and how they have evolved through history.

Winery tour: The rolling hills of the Emilia Romagna region provide perfect growing conditions for vineyards. Take in the views by joining a winery tour where you can appreciate the environment and sample some of the local drops.

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