Ferrara or Parma as a day trip from Bologna?

We did not visit Ferrara so obviously I can't comment on Ferrara. However, we did spend one night in Parma, and I fell in love with Parma. I wish we had an extra night. Parma is a beautiful medieval city with narrow lanes, colorful buildings, the Parma River, a flea market along the river and some interesting small churches. We visited the Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta and the Battistero. We didn't have time to visit the museums at Palazzo della Pilotta. Parma is easily walkable, and it was not crowded at all last May.

You can't go wrong with either. The historical centre of Ferrara is quite compact which made it a relaxing place for strolling around, still with a lot to see. I'd choose whichever is easier logistically. Our impressions here:
https://slowtravelitalyspain.blogspot.com/2023/12/ferrara-trip-report.html

We've spent 4 nights in both towns, and enjoyed both, so I see your dilemma.

If I had to pick one, I'd pick Ferrara, partly because I just somehow liked the feel of the town more, partly because I liked the cuisine more (Cappellacci di zucca ferraresi!), partly because we found some unique things to see and do in Ferrara. Parma's baptistery has the Romanesque sculptures I love (but have seen in many other towns) and maybe you could squeeze in a bus/taxi trip to nearby Torrechiara castle with its "grotesque" (fanciful paintings based on ancient Roman ones) frescoes on its interior walls and its views.

Ferrara:

A different kind of cooking class with a group of friends who cook together with or without visitors at one of their apartments: https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g194760-d26337067-Private_Cooking_Class_of_Ferrarese_cuisine-Ferrara_Province_of_Ferrara_Emilia_Roma.html

Palazzo Schifanoia frescoes cover the walls in a huge room and were fantastic in every sense of the word: https://smarthistory.org/sala-dei-mesi-at-palazzo-schifanoia/ I think even someone with no interest in art would like to see these frescoes. Very entertaining.

Casa Romei had some beautiful frescoes in a 14th century merchant's house. If you have to pick one, though, see Schifanoia.

The Museo della Cattedrale had cool sculptures of the months and the activities done in each month.

https://notaboutthemiles.com/things-to-do-in-ferrara/

Monastero di Sant’Antonio. Three 14th century chapels covered in school-of-Giotto frescoes with the kind of uncommon details I like to see. My husband has had his fill of medieval and Renaissance art, but this monastery visit turned out to be one of his favorite experiences in Italy. You ring the monastery bell and ask to visit the frescoes. A little nun who is allowed to have contact with the public whispers her patter throughout the tour, which includes the dripping tomb of a nun (the holy water is collected in bottles and used for I-don’t-know-what). No photos. At the end, donate or buy some postcards. See: Monastero di Sant'Antonio in Polesine — Ferrara Terra e Acqua
https://iviaggidiraffaella.blogspot.com/2017/08/ferrara-gli-affreschi-del-monastero-di.html

We enjoyed eating at I Tri Scalin (recommended by my husband’s cooking class for traditional food) and Trattoria da Noemi.

Good town for just wandering.

Parma is one of my favorite stops in Italy. I’ve savored it twice and look forward to returning on a future trip. The museums at the Palazzo della Pilotta are excellent and visiting the beautiful Teatro Farnese is worth it. Both Parmigiano Reggiano and Prosciutto de Parma give the area an obligation to take a food tour. Sip a spritz at Piazza Giuseppe Garabaldi and then meander to a great dining experience at Trattoria del Tribunale at Vicolo Politi 5. If you want fantastic gelato, visit the nearby Gioelia Cremeria a short walk from the restaurant at Str. Luigi Carlo Farini, 29.

Hi Donna, no wrong choice between the two. I’ve stayed in both of them twice. I like Parma for the gorgeous interior of the Parma Cathedral - one of my favorites. My favorite restaurant there is La Forchetta which is very close to the cathedral.

But, Ferrara feels older, maybe more authentic & a little less glamorized, and the food that is amazing! I made one of the Ferrara pumpkin-filled homemade pasta dishes for my neighborhood dinner party, and everyone was raving about it. The castle in the center of the city completes the setting. And yes, to all of the places Nancys8 mentioned.

Thank you, all, for the thoughtful responses. For now, I think we will explore Ferrara as it is closer. However, another Italy trip to properly see both is on my list. Grazie Mille!

Since you're planning to go to Ferrara, which we really liked, I will add that you should consider taking a taxi from the train station into town. It's a long, uninteresting walk (at least the way we took).