What to see in Parma in two days: a ready-made itinerary

Two days in Parma are enough to see the main sights without an exhausting marathon of sightseeing. Group the attractions by neighbourhood, allow for a bit of leeway depending on the weather, and don’t plan to visit a specific attraction straight after arriving on a night bus.

Check opening times, events, accessibility and tickets on the official tourism portal: these details change more often than the attractions themselves.

Day one: the city’s main landmarks

Start with Parma Cathedral, then make your way to the Baptistery and the Teatro Regio. This route introduces you to the historic centre and leaves time for a leisurely lunch. For observation towers, palaces or popular museums, check ticket availability and closing times.

Day two: museums, water or panoramic views

On the second day, focus on the Palazzo della Pilotta, and afterwards allow time for the Parco Ducale. If one of the locations is far from the centre, don’t add another long excursion: travel time and queuing can easily take longer than the map suggests.

How to set a realistic pace

Plan one main ticketed attraction for half a day, and leave the rest of the time for the streets, parks and short stops. If a booking is required, take into account the journey from your previous location. After a long journey, it’s better to cut back on your itinerary than to rush through unfamiliar neighbourhoods.

Early or late arrival

Check in advance whether you can leave your luggage at your accommodation, and check the route from the exact bus stop. Start your morning itinerary with open spaces. If arriving in the evening, save the transport timetable, address and hotel contact details offline.

Transport and navigation

Download an offline map and mark the coach station, your accommodation and your return departure point. The city centre is often convenient for walking routes, but a museum or viewpoint further afield may require transport. Check the current fare for a day ticket with the local transport operator.

Budget and meals

Set aside a separate budget for transport, one or two paid attractions and any unexpected travel costs. For lunch, head away from the most touristy square and check the menu before ordering. Water and a light snack will help you avoid having to change your route because of queues.

Preparing for a coach journey

Keep your ticket, passport, mobile phone and any necessary medication in your hand luggage. Allow plenty of time for your return journey: the name of the town is no substitute for the exact address and platform. Check out our tips on offline maps and preparing your phone for a trip abroad.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a city tourist card?

It isn’t automatically worth it. Work out just which museums and trips you’ll actually have time for, and check the terms and conditions on the official website.

What should I do if it rains?

Keep one museum as a backup option, but don’t cram all your visits into a single day: you’ll still need to get around the city between them.