Parmesan and Prosciutto -- sign me up! Romanesque buildings, newer modern architecture, and a youthful vibe from the University, make this place ultra special in my eyes. In fact, it's one of my favorite cities in Italy. Best feature -- it's not overrun with tourists.
Parma is a city in the northern Italian region of Emilia-Romagna, on the road between Milan and Bologna. Worthy of a 2-3 hour stop to eat and explore the tiny streets. It's charming as hell. If you can, stay for 2-3 days to get your fill. Get a city bike, there's lots of them around.
Things to do: 4/5
Safety: 5/5
Cleanliness: 4/5
PARM and PROSCIUTTO -- how can this be the home to both? Yes, and it's incredible. Try a dish of Tagliatelle with cream sauce, prosciutto, and lots of parm -- very rich, but unbelievable!
SPECIALTY SHOPS -- amazing little shops, retail, and lots of delis.
PARKING -- for a few hours, it's a little bit of an issue. No street parking or very limited without a parking pass. You have to find a paid parking lot and walk a little. If you are staying in a hotel, they'll have their own parking so it's not a problem.
OTHER -- it's the birthplace of Renaissance painter Correggio, the conductor Arturo Toscanini, one of the country's oldest universities - and is a center of engineering and design: Ferrari, Maserati, and Lamborghini all headquartered in the region. read more
