My wife and I are vacationing in Parma, and the Palazzo della Pilotta was easily one of the highlights of our trip. If you’re in the city, this is a must-see. The size and history of the place are incredible—you walk through its massive courtyards and immediately feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Inside, it’s packed with treasures. The National Gallery has masterpieces by Correggio, Parmigianino, Canaletto, and even Leonardo da Vinci. The Farnese Theatre is unforgettable—an enormous wooden Renaissance theatre built in 1618 and later rebuilt after WWII. It still feels dramatic just standing inside. We also really enjoyed the Archaeological Museum, which takes you from local finds all the way to ancient Egypt, and the Palatina Library, which holds thousands of priceless manuscripts. There’s even a Bodoni Museum dedicated to one of history’s greatest printers. A practical tip: the first Sunday of every month is free admission, which is when we went. The entire complex is open Tuesday through Sunday from morning until early evening, and it’s closed on Mondays. What makes the Pilotta special is that it isn’t just a palace—it’s a cultural world of its own. Art, history, books, theatre—it’s all here under one roof. For us, it was one of those “this is why we came to Italy” moments. If you’re in Parma, don’t miss it.

The architecture of the building is truly captivating, showcasing a rich history. Exploring its halls and courtyards is like stepping back in time to witness the grandeur of a bygone era. The intricate details and artistic elements throughout the structure are simply breathtaking. Moreover, the preservation efforts have ensured that its magnificence continues to inspire visitors. This landmark is an essential destination for anyone who appreciates beauty and historical significance.

Visiting the Palazzo della Pilotta in Parma was a remarkable experience. This vast complex houses an impressive art museum, brimming with rich and diverse artworks that span centuries. The collection, from paintings to sculptures, showcases an extraordinary depth of art, culture, and history. Each piece tells a story, immersing visitors in Parma’s artistic heritage. The grand architecture of the palace enhances the experience, creating a profound sense of awe. It’s a treasure trove for art enthusiasts and history lovers alike, making it an absolute must-visit. The Palazzo della Pilotta is a cultural gem that’s well worth exploring.

This was truly a wonderful experience! Starting from a call to check if visiting the museum with a newborn is doable and talking to one very kind lady, to being welcomed so warmly and taken care of the whole time I was inside the building and mesmerized by the incredible artworks and history, to closing the museum and sent out with such good wishes… You’ve got some amazing people, palazzo della Pilotta! Art is art and 3D mapping entertainment was great but relationships are what matter most, and employees are what made my fascinating visit even more special! About the spaces though… Very clean and very well maintained, including service areas. Baby strollers and handicap accessible, there’s baby changing pad, lifts, areas to sit down from time to time. Some halls were a little too cold but most were well heated and made the visit extra enjoyable. Taking pictures is allowed as long as a flash is not used. Starting from the biblioteca, I already wanted to remain in the museum not for hours but for days! And I’m not even a book warm 😄 Moving onto teatro Farnese and wonderfully surprised with the 3D mapping show I had a big smile on my face the entire day. As of the collections.., you must go and see them yourself as there are no words that could describe so many talents and “operas”! Look out the windows from time to time 🙃

The theater is especially amazing. The structure is nearly completely exposed. The engineering is incredible. A must see in Parma.

Such an interesting and huge museum which has so much to offer. The old theater alone is definitely worth it. Also loved to see the old library and the national gallery. Remember to plan accordingly since the museum is actually very very big. We spent around 2 - 3 hours inside.

Great experience. A very large museum for half a day of sightseeing.

Unfortunatelly the lake was being reconstructed, but that is not the reason for 3 stars...the parc itself is nice but I would never go there by myself as a woman. I did not feel save. Without my husband I would not have gone there and it was daytime...very, very sad as Parma is such a beautiful and cultural city. I do not think Italians appreciate it when people come to their country and make it unsave.

At the time of our visit, the fountain was dry and under construction. But we enjoyed a leisure afternoon there by walking among the chirping birds and falling leaves. The park was rather beautiful when the sun shined on.

This is a very larg park with many diffirent routs to walk. The entire park is almost in the shade because of all the trees. This makes it very nice to walk here. Here is a larg pond with turtles, ducks, fish and on the banks doves and other birds. It is a very popular area where parents bring theire childre to feed the animals. Here are many picnic spots but also benches under the trees if you just want to relax. The small kiosk provide several food items and beverages at a resonable price. They also have a seating area under the trees that make a sunday visit a relaxing outing.

I would avoid this area and the bridge from 4pm it's full of people doing shoddy businesses and trying to scam or rob you. At the bridge saw two kids under twenty try to scam a couple and when they turn away a guy in a scooter tried to pass and rob the couple after they had been distracted. Inside it felt very unsafe with a "lady" working and 5 gangs sitting around.

This park is full of trees and green. It has lots of wide green grass to play on with children. The statues and buildings are very nice to see and this is definitely a place to go to if you are visiting Parma.

A wonderful park near the city center to relax and have a picnic. Also the little café in the park will reward you with its refreshing beverages and delicious local snacks. Highly recommended! Hello from Greece.

Beautiful place for a relaxing walk or for a romantic one, a piece of nature in the heart of the city, worth a visit if you're in Parma!Don't miss it!

Beautiful baptistery made with red marbles and art work ceiling. Admission include the nearby museum… lots of tour will stop by here. Adjust your visit to avoid the crowd.

Impressive church and building! Sitting and drinking coffee or eating cake/ice cream in one of the nearby cafes with a view of this church is really special.

My goodness, breathtaking, as far as churches go. I love visiting churches in cities I go to, and this one was absolutely stunning inside. From the beautiful paintings to the intricacy of the actual craft, and even the lighting worked to serve a wonderful interior to this bellisimo church

Stunning interior and exterior. Shrine of Santa Maria della Steccata is a Greek-cross design Renaissance church in central Parma, Italy. The name derives from the fence or steccato used to corral the numerous devotees who visited a venerated image of the Madonna. A Nursing Madonna is enshrined within, crowned on 27 May 1601 by a Marian fanatic and devotee, Fray Giacomo di Forli of the Capuchin order.

A chic temple in the center of Parma. Masterpieces of painting, frescoes, statues... You just need to come and get great aesthetic pleasure

While staying in Parma for a month, my wife and I visited the Basilica di Santa Maria della Steccata. Like many churches in Europe, it is simply beautiful. Built in the early 1500s, the basilica is one of Parma’s finest examples of Renaissance architecture. The name “Steccata” comes from a wooden fence that once surrounded a small shrine to the Virgin Mary, a place where locals gathered to pray. Over time, that small shrine became a grand church filled with remarkable frescoes and sculptures, including work by the artist Parmigianino. Inside, the atmosphere is calm and reverent. Golden details, marble columns, and painted ceilings catch the light in ways that make you stop and look up. It feels timeless, like a space that has quietly watched centuries pass by. If you find yourself in Parma, take the time to step inside. Go early in the morning before it gets busy. The quiet makes it even more powerful, and the beauty speaks for itself.

Absolutely stunning. The tromp l'oeil paintings look so realistic. My husband didn't realize the carvings weren't real.

Instead of visiting one of the museums that Parma has to offer, this time, we opted for a guided visit to Teatro Regio. And we definitely don't regret it! This is a beautiful place, with a lot of interesting history. If you've never been to such an old opera house, a visit to Teatro Regio will blow your mind. Kudoos to our guide for doing a great job!

This is truly one of the most beautiful theaters we have ever seen. The Teatro Regio di Parma has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century when it was commissioned by Marie Louise, Duchess of Parma. The interior is stunning, with golden details, elegant red velvet, and a ceiling fresco that makes the entire space feel like a masterpiece. We felt very lucky during our visit as Americans to be able to witness a rehearsal of Otello taking place on stage. It was an unforgettable experience and gave us a glimpse of the incredible opera tradition that Parma is so famous for. This theater is a cultural gem and absolutely worth visiting if you are in the city.

Verdi Fest. We are here for Opera Fest! We saw 2 so far. The town is happy, the food is glorious and the people of Parma are just extraordinary!

Parma – A Hidden Gem Full of Charm and Culture Parma has truly won our hearts. This beautiful city in the Emilia-Romagna region is a perfect blend of rich culture, elegant architecture, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. With its cobbled streets, historic buildings, and preserved medieval charm, it’s a place that invites you to slow down and enjoy every moment. We happened to visit during part of the Festival Verdi, from September 23–28, 2025 — a special time of year when music fills the air. One of the highlights was an intimate opera concert held inside the café of Teatro Regio di Parma. It was a simple yet magical experience: free live arias from young opera singers while we enjoyed exquisite pastries in a relaxed, elegant setting. Such a lovely surprise, and so typically Parma — art and pleasure intertwined effortlessly. Beyond the music, Parma delights at every turn: world-class gastronomy (Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma), stylish shops, tranquil piazzas, and friendly locals. It’s a city that feels both sophisticated and deeply human. We highly recommend adding Parma to any Italian travel itinerary — and if you can come during Festival Verdi, even better. Pure joy.

We saw an orchestra presentation of Queen songs - a lot of fun! The theater is beautiful if a little challenging to understand the seating plan. Each balcony boxes holds 6-8 seat , with seat 1 & 2 across from one another closest to the front of the box

Unlike the hourly Italian version, the 30 min English tour took place at 3pm and cost me €7. This impressive theatre, built in 1829, almost 200 ago, should not be missed, considering all the churches are free to enter ☺. Don't forget to pose inside the royal box.

Pretty theatre. We were lucky to catch the rehearsals for Othello at a special price of €10 per ticket. The opera was in Italian but there were English subtitles. Staff were helpful and welcoming.

A nice restaurant outside of the center of Parma. Traditional Italian cuisine with traditional service and interior. It is a typical family restaurant but the more expensive one. This season they serve funghi in all sizes. The food is very nice, the menu itself is not so extensive. I especially liked the deserts. The value for money experience is less impressive. Expect to pay almost 50 euro for antipasto and primo and a glass of wine.

Elegant Setting but Disappointing Experience At first, we were very impressed by the refined atmosphere at Ristorante Cocchi – white tablecloths, an elegant dining room, and a well-dressed, mature Italian staff that gave the place a classic charm. Wanting to step outside my usual vegetarian choices, I ordered the veal with porcini mushrooms, which was the daily special. Unfortunately, it turned out to be a real disappointment. The portion was small, with more fat than meat, and I ended up leaving half of it on the plate. From the table next to us, the pasta with porcini looked far more appealing – perhaps that would have been the better choice. Dessert, a duchesse-style little cake, was overly sweet and unbalanced. Finally, when the bill arrived, the third disappointment: €94 for two veal dishes, a dessert, two glasses of wine, water, and coffee. For what we received, it felt very overpriced. Overall, Cocchi has the atmosphere and the service of a fine traditional restaurant, but the food and value fell far short of expectations.

Italian Class! Exceptional flavours, well made traditional recipes. Dont miss the duck ragu pasta and of course the bollito misto! I also felt in love with the polenta and mushrooms! Service was truly outstanding. Professionalism great suggestions and smile at all times! I wish we could experience such a lovely service more often! Cocchi belong to my heart from the very first moments. Cant wait to be back!

The restaurant has the best staff I've encountered so far in Parma. Friendly and polite personnel. I’m glad I was able to host my guest so well in Parma. The food was also very delicious, and the wine the waiter selected for us was exquisite. Grazie mille.

An excellent, classic old school restaurant. Formal waiters, excellent wine list, elegant atmosphere. We started with an assorted salami plate and chunks of aged parmesan cheese. The cheese is brought without asking and is 6 euro (which is worth it). The salami plate comes with the puffy fried rolls which I have heard referred to as gnocci rolls. Delicious. My partner then had the Bis di Tortelli (two types of stuffed pastas) while I had the traditional Anolini in Brodo (filled pasta in capon broth). We split a veal shoulder stuffed with Parmigian for our main. I would rate the primi and secondi as very good but not great. Overall, a very nice dinner.

Great authentic Parma food! Lovely family run place as well. Thoroughly enjoyed!

One of Parma's oldest restaurants is also one of it's best with delicious traditional food, great wine and friendly professional service. I love a table in the atmospheric wine cellar. In a town where virtually every meal starts with a plate of salumi, it's hard to find one that stands out – but the prosciutto, salami and pancetta here (all made from Parma's famed black pigs) – are the best I've had. Pasta is exceptional and the prosciutto-wrapped savarin with veal risotto is memorable too. Thin strips of beautifully rare Fassona beef are served simply with excellent roast potatoes and peperonata. And they do a good Torta della Duchesse (Parma's nut cake) for dessert.

A must visit in Parma. The selection of wines, prosciutto, and cheeses was astonishing — more than anything we’ve had anywhere in Italy. Also, the owner Marco is extremely helpful and really cares about his clients! What a pleasant experience. Better call or go early because the place tends to fill up quickly!

My daughter and I recently went to Tabarro for drinks and also enjoyed a meat and cheese tray. If you’ve ever been to Parma, then you know the Parmensi are incredibly proud (as well they should be) of the products that come from their world-famous region. Our server was no exception as he described the individual items on our tray and explained to us how they got their Parmesan cheese, goat cheese, sausage, and ham from local farmers. He took just as much pride in explaining Italian wines too. I went on to see him kiss an old lady and then congratulate a couple (who were obviously patrons of the bar) on the beautiful newborn baby girl they were wheeling in a stroller. He knew half the passersby on this charming Parma street, so of course he would know his farmer and know his food. All of the servers were happy and the atmosphere was fun. The seating arrangements with the barrels and rustic linens was so Italian and endearing. What I’m saying is, this place is obviously a local gem, and if I lived in Parma and they would have me, I would be proud to call Tabarro my bar.

Tabarro is a magical place! The owner and team are so incredibly hospitable and attentive! They take you on a journey which far exceeds a glass of wine! I feel like I’m being transported to the vineyard and enjoying the varietal in the home of each and every wine we chose. Love this place! Feels like family♥️ will return every single time I am in Parma💫💫💫

Great place, good food and drinks. Definitely one of the best places for an aperitif in Parma. People were amazingly friendly and even reserved a restaurant table for later for us. ❤️🎈

Great food and wine tasting! Very kind people, nice setting and decor and the best service. This is the place to go in Parma! We tried different wines, and the waiter gave us some information about the origin and taste of the wines. They know a lot about their wines! All wines tasted amazing. The food was also very good. We tried a platter of different meats (parma ofcouse) and cheeses. We also had the horse carpaccio, which was the best meat. It's a traditional dish, that's realy soft and tasty. We would definitely reccomend this place! They also gave us advice about our trip in Italy (La Spezia/Genova/Lecco) and where to go. Thanks for this experience!

Really friendly and helpful staff who were super knowledgeable about the wine, salumi, and cheese. He walked us through the sourcing of everything we ate and drank. The food was incredible and so inexpensive! We arrived around 5:45 and it was empty, but there was a line for a table by 7. Highly recommend!

Great little bar on the opening day of the Festival Verdi.

A truly special experience. If you’re lucky enough to get a reservation at Ai Due Platani, take it—and then clear your day. This is the kind of lunch that unfolds slowly and beautifully, where time is measured in courses and glasses of wine, not minutes. Don’t eat breakfast. Seriously. Come hungry, relaxed, and ready to surrender to the rhythm of the meal. Let the courses happen to you. The pasta is exceptional, the secondi are comforting and bold, and the house-made gelato is an absolute must. No matter how full you think you are, make room. The staff has a rare warmth—offering thoughtful wine pairings and even calling a taxi for you when it’s time to rejoin the real world. If you’re seated outdoors in July, dress for the heat—but don’t worry, the ambiance more than makes up for it. This is the kind of meal that reminds you why you came to Italy in the first place. Take your time. Enjoy the pace. Good luck.

Tortelli di zucca. Don't think about it. Just order this as many times as you can, and you will never get enough, or better. Known to make the best tortelli di zucca in the world, believe it or not

Delicious food and nice garden, but the rushed and impatient waiters, who ignore you for the most part and get annoyed easily at any requests (such as some Parmesan), completely kill the vibe.

It’s a locals place, which is fine, however, you don’t need to be rude about it. You can still be kind and support the locals without being abhorrent human beings towards those visiting Parma. There are so many wonderful people in Parma and a plethora of outstanding restaurants, there is absolutely no reason to waste your time with the likes of Ai Due Platani.

If your ever in the Parma area this Trattoria is 100% a must go to destination. Just had lunch there with some friends, We all had their top quality assortments of charcuterie with Torta fritta, fried polenta and Gorgonzola followed by various homemade pasta from Gnocchi with Italian sausage ragu, ultra light Tortelli with ricotta, spinach and Parmesan simply superb then stuffed Guinea fowl with fois gras and succulent tender Rabbit. For sweet we had their homemade ice cream with various toppings served at the table all homemade, we washed it all down with a very good Prosecco to start followed by their house Lambrusco which was also excellent. To finish espresso with oak aged grappa. Prices very reasonable for their quality and the service was excellent and very friendly. Highly recommend!

Smashing. So good yesterday, we drove an hour to come back today. Master of risotto, and I'm not exaggerating. Handmade pasta, amazing technique, traditional trattoria with heart. Good luck getting in on Saturday without a reservation!

It doesn’t look like much from the outside and it’s a bit out of the way... but don’t let that put you off. Really good typical Italian food - local produce, fresh and home made. Service was excellent, English was great and they went out of their way to explain / show things. Ice cream is a must. Don’t go near or past Parma without going here. We weren’t able to make a booking (tried calling several times but no answer), but showed up at 12pm on a Monday and got in ok.

This restaurant is amazing. The food is delicious the price well worth it. We tried different plates, pasta, risotto, also different kinds of cheese (parmigiano included) and all very very tasty. The service and atmosphere on top also. Recommend eating at this place after seeing the amazing city of Parma.

The food was really tasty and we liked it a lot. There where some dishes we liked more than the others but all in all we where happy. The atmosphere was really nice and the stuff was very kind and helpful. The only downside was that rhe food took a long time to be prepared. I suggest this place for sure!!

An very good place to have your lunch. A very traditional trattoria with a very local cozy decoration. The food was excellent, we took 4 primi piati (first dishes), an antipasto parmigiano reggiano, wine and the traditional fried bread. All were very good and tastefull. The staff was kind. I suggest it!

Best meal I ate in Parma!! This place gets busy so I’d recommend making a reservation if you can! The restaurant is very cute and charming and the service is good. The food is so delicious and rich. If looking to taste authentic, well-done Parma cuisine come here!

We visited after seeing lots of many good reviews on Google. First off—glad we double-checked the bill, as we were accidentally charged for ONE extra caffè (we were a table for 2). It was resolved after we raised the issue. We started with the Parma ham and melon, and it was absolutely delicious. The ham was incredibly soft and paired beautifully with the sweetness of the melon. I had the Risotto alla Parmigiana, which came absolutely blanketed in cheese. If you're a cheese lover, this might be heaven, but for me it was a bit too rich and heavy. Lovely atmosphere and clearly a popular spot, but next time I’d probably share a main or go lighter.

Everything was well prepared and super delicious! La jardiniera was a pleasant surprise of mild sweet pickle salad. Torta di Susana perfect and not too sweet

We decided to try this place because we wanted the authentic Parma cuisine from a place that wasn't a tourist trap. I would say that this place checked those boxes. The mixed salumi platter and Parmigiano were delicious as well as the torta fritta. I Wish they would've served more balsamic vinegar with the Parmigiano, but I guess you can always ask for more. The primi we ordered is where it gets iffy. While it was all very fresh I felt like the gnocchi was a little overcooked and the bolognese was on the drier side. Still very good. I'm glad we ordered the torta fritta because the bread wasn't really to our liking. What really boosted my review and kept it at a 5 star is that they are pup friendly. We were able to keep our little guy at the table with us and he gives the prosciutto, parmigiano, and bread two paws up. The prices were very reasonable also and the restaurant itself is very eye catching with history throughout. Enjoy!

Enjoyed dinner at this place. Tasty local food with a friendly waitress that told us a lot about the courses we ordered. Huge wine card and various high quality cocktails. The highlight was by far the ambiance which is very cute. Will definitely visit again!

Highly recommend this restaurant. We chose it because of the seafood heavy menu and it did not disappoint. We shared 3 courses and it was plentiful. We had the octopus with potatoes and pea puree, which was tender and so flavorful. We then had the black ravioli with shrimp. Again, lovely and not too heavy. Lastly we had the “sauteed” misto, which actually was steamed seafood in a clear plastic bag. Very delicious. Almost like a Bouillabaisse, but with Italian flair. It was delicious. The service was lovely and we enjoyed our evening. Reservations strongly recommended. We saw them turn people away.

The food was delicious. The service was also great. We were celebrating my sister's graduation, and they made a wonderful cake as well. Every detail of the evening was perfect.

Very fresh fish, practically leaping of the plate :) good cooking, welcoming lovely staff. Do book, can get busy. Food wise, a highlight.

A really nice find in the quiet streets of Parma. Made it worth visiting the city and will be sure to go again if I have the chance.

This is one of the best restaurants we’ve been at in our Italy trip so far. The staff was extremely kind and attentive. Everything we tasted was top notch quality and extremely delicious. Ambiance was wonderful. We will be back again before leaving Parma!!

We came here for dinner on Friday at 9pm and was lucky enough to get a table for 2 without reservation. The staff are very efficient, accommodating and attentive. I had the special white truffle raw prawn pasta which was a real delight. My partner had the veal and was perfectly done. Wine was top quality. We requested olive oil and balsamic vinegar for our bread and were served quickly. We totally enjoyed our late dinner at this gem in Parma, also realised that it’s on Michelin restaurant guide. 👍🏼