1. not too big, not a too small city, just the pleasant size
2. There is a surprising amount of green space.
3. the cobbled streets of the old town - in sport's shoes!
4. best coffee in town is in "Torrefazione Anceschi" (Strada Garibaldi 46/M)
1. On Sunday afternoon, Parma becomes almost empty, thus a bit boring.
2. frequent terrible traffic jams on weekdays
Parma - j.k. photo
"They say somewhere that Parma is a lifestyle. You go to the opera, and come out whistling Verdi tunes, eat bread and cold cuts in the trattoria, walk the small streets of the center, have an aperitif, chat in the local dialect, cycle, take part in cultural events - which are the soul of this city. One of my favorite things was a sign put up outside an ice cream shop, saying it was closed for the summer holidays. Indeed, when should an ice cream parlor owner go on holiday if not in the high season? Not in the damn winter, that’s for sure! It was a beautiful day, and Parma really does impress. We were surprised, though, how just like in Modena, there are so many mostly African immigrants. Around the Palazzo della Pilotta, there was practically a tent city.” (2017)
Bikes
Parma is a bike-friendly city.
Parma - eBus - v.o. photo
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Parma - simple lunch - spaghetti with crude ham, and creamy sauce - j.k. photo
Parma - fried black pig sausage - j.k. photo
For shopping, there is a complex “Centro Torri” and “Euro Torri.” The two are connected, and there you’ll find a huge supermarket, bars, pizzerias, clothing stores, and big electronics stores.
There’s Eurasia, which is newer. If you want to go shopping, you can take a chance at Fidenza Village, a city nearby (45’ ride).
In Parma, try the market on Piazza Ghiaia, open on Wednesdays and Saturdays, from 8 a.m. till 1.30 p.m.
Parma - the famous Parma ham - j.k. photo
Parma is a fairly safe city for tourists. It is safe to walk in the streets even after dark.
Using and dealing with drugs is the main security issue. Avoid areas with drug addicts.
Parma - police
Parma - from above - j.k. photo
Parma is in the Province of Parma, in the Emilia-Romagna region of Northern Italy. Closest famous city: Bologna. Milan, Verona
Population (in 2020): 146,000 in the city area, 329,000 in the urban area
Parma is a university city with about 25,000 students.
Most of the foreign inhabitants are from Romania, Moldova, and The Philippines.
Average net monthly salary (in 2020): 1500 Euro
The link between Parma and food is so strong that the city is now home to the European Food Safety Authority's headquarters.
Parma has a mild and hot climate in summer and rainy and cold in autumn and winter. The least favorable period to visit the city is between October and March. October is the rainiest month of the year.
In spring and summer, you will benefit from the mild climate specific to the Po Valley. That will allow you to admire the green landscapes of Emilia Romagna and enjoy the seasonal products, which are very important to the local cuisine.
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Parma - Via Cavour, the walking street - j.k. photo
Cathedral
Parma - Cathedral (Cattedrale di Parma) - j.k. photo
Parma - Cathedral - j.k. photo
Other churches
Parma - The Baptistery of Parma (Battistero di Parma), an octagonal structure, in pink Verona marble - j.k. photo
Parma - Monastery and church of San Giovanni Evangelista - j.k. photo
Museums
Galleria Nazionale di Parma