Although Parma is renowned for its culinary delights and is often visited for its food rather than as a base for exploring Emilia-Romagna, it’s also an excellent starting point for several fantastic day trips.
Located approximately an hour northwest by train from the well-known city of Bologna, Parma is celebrated as the birthplace of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and Prosciutto di Parma. However, many visitors only experience these famous products briefly before moving on to the city’s historic center.
If you’re fortunate enough to spend more time in Parma and its surrounding areas, you’ll find plenty to reward your exploration, both for your senses and your travel spirit.
During our extended stay in Parma on our second visit, we grew increasingly enamored with the city’s stunning architecture, delectable food, serene ambiance, and prime location.
While Parma may not be as centrally located for day trips as Bologna, you’ll still discover numerous appealing destinations that could exceed your time constraints.
If you’re planning a stay in Parma for a few days or more, here are some of the best day trips from Parma to add to your itinerary!
Transportation Tips for Your Parma Day Trips
- Most of these day trips from Parma are conveniently reachable within 90 minutes by train, with some destinations being even quicker.
- For certain locations, renting a car, taking a bus, or booking an organized tour might be preferable, but generally, Parma offers excellent train travel options.
- We suggest checking transportation schedules and prices through Omio, which aggregates relevant companies and routes.
- For regional trains (marked as regionale), advance booking is generally unnecessary—you can usually purchase tickets at the station.
- High-speed trains, such as Frecciarossa, use dynamic pricing, so it’s best to book these tickets ahead of time.
- If a specific day trip catches your interest, researching train times and prices early will give you a clearer idea of your day’s plans.
- Looking for an adventure beyond the usual paths? We highly recommend a road trip through Emilia-Romagna—it’s a fantastic way to explore, as we did during our latest trip to Parma.
Fun Day Trips from Parma, Italy
Many travelers are drawn to Parma by the chance to visit a Parmigiano-Reggiano factory and witness the process of cheese aging.
While we’ve come to appreciate many aspects of Parma, touring Parmigiano-Reggiano and Prosciutto di Parma factories was one of our most memorable experiences in Italy.
Experiencing the traditional methods of producing these iconic products and sampling the cheese and ham made the day trip truly remarkable.
How to Travel from Parma to the Factories
The Parmigiano-Reggiano and Prosciutto di Parma factories are located in the countryside, so you’ll need to book a guided tour or arrange a visit with the factory directly and drive yourself.
Many tours include both a Parmigiano-Reggiano and a Prosciutto di Parma factory visit, which is a worthwhile experience.
Alternatively, if you’re more interested in cheese, a shorter tour focusing solely on cheese is also a great option.
1. Modena
Food enthusiasts know that traditional balsamic vinegar hails from Emilia-Romagna, specifically Modena.
If you’re a fan of balsamic vinegar, Modena should be at the top of your list of day trips from Parma.
Even if you’re not usually fond of vinegar, try the traditional version—it’s a luxurious syrup-like treat compared to grocery store varieties.
We fell in love with the flavor and returned to Modena specifically to purchase a bottle to take home.
How to Travel from Parma to Modena
Modena is a direct train ride from Parma, taking between 30 to 50 minutes.
2. Bologna
While day trips to Parma from Bologna are more common, the reverse is also a great option.
In one day, you can explore Bologna’s highlights and return to Parma for its tranquility and lower prices in the evening.
During your day in Bologna, consider climbing Asinelli Tower for panoramic views, exploring the city’s hidden canals, visiting the Anatomical Theatre and Library of Archiginnasio, and wandering through food markets.
As Bologna is known for its food, don’t miss the chance to sample dishes like tagliatelle al ragù, mortadella, and tortellini en brodo.
How to Travel from Parma to Bologna
The easiest way to get to Bologna from Parma is by train, which takes about an hour. Many trains operate throughout the day, with regional trains being slightly slower but more economical.
3. Castell’Arquato
Recognized as one of Italy’s “most beautiful villages,” Castell’Arquato is a perfect day trip for those wanting to escape the usual tourist routes.
We enjoyed our day here immensely, even though the town doesn’t offer a plethora of activities. The charm lies in its food, ambiance, and a few key sights.
Be sure to visit the Rocca Viscontea for its stunning views and the Collegiata di Castell’Arquato to see the frescoes in the Chapel of Santa Caterina.
How to Travel from Parma to Castell’Arquato
There is no train station in Castell’Arquato, so the best way to reach the town is by bus or car.
4. Reggio Emilia
While Parma is known for Parmigiano-Reggiano and Modena for balsamic vinegar, Reggio Emilia claims a part of this culinary heritage, offering a delightful day trip.
Less frequented than Modena or Parma, Reggio Emilia provides a relaxed atmosphere perfect for enjoying the local lifestyle for a day.
How to Travel from Parma to Reggio Emilia
Reggio Emilia is accessible from Parma by train in about 15 to 30 minutes, with both regional and high-speed trains taking similar times.
5. Cremona
Situated in southern Lombardy, Cremona is renowned for its violins. The city has a long-standing tradition of violin-making and is a UNESCO-recognized heritage site.
Visiting the Violin Museum is a top activity in Cremona, and don’t miss the Duomo, sometimes called the “Sistine Chapel of the North.”
Be sure to try some local torrone, a popular and delicious treat.
How to Travel from Parma to Cremona
Cremona is reachable from Parma in about an hour by either train or bus.
6. Milan
If you’re short on time and want a glimpse of Italy’s fashion and business hub, Milan is perfect for a day trip.
You can quickly visit key sights such as the Duomo, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Piazza del Duomo, and Sforzesco Castle.
Milan’s central train station is also a sight to behold, making your arrival an experience in itself.
How to Travel from Parma to Milan
The best way to reach Milan from Parma is by train, with the journey taking between 45 minutes and 2 hours depending on the type of train.
7. Piacenza
For a tranquil city that’s off the beaten path but still easily accessible, consider Piacenza.
Nestled between three rivers, including the Po River, Piacenza offers a stately charm and is uncrowded.
Explore the Piazza dei Cavalli, Palazzo Farnese, and the city’s beautiful churches, especially the Duomo and Basilica of Sant’Antonio.
How to Travel from Parma to Piacenza
Piacenza is easily reached from Parma by train, taking about 30 to 45 minutes, with frequent services throughout the day.
Other Parma Day Trip Ideas
While this guide highlights some of the best day trips from Parma, other Emilia-Romagna destinations such as Ferrara, Ravenna, Comacchio, and Brisighella are also accessible, particularly if you’re driving.
Beyond Emilia-Romagna, Verona, Sirmione on Lake Garda, San Marino, and Cinque Terre are potential day trips if you have a car.
Trains to these destinations generally require transfers, making driving a more practical option.
If you’re slowly exploring Emilia-Romagna, remember that Parma is well-positioned for many intriguing day trips, offering a variety of options both popular and less traveled.
