This will be our 4th trip to Italy, so I was wondering about Parma and Bologna. Is there enough to see and do there? How many days for each? We will have 2 weeks, and are planning Rome, Naples, Florence,each 1-2 days?? CT 3-4 days. Thanks for any info!!
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
Here's a link to a recent discussion of Bolgona http://www.ricksteves.com/graffiti/helpline/index.cfm/rurl/topic/28258/food-walking-tour-in-bologna.html
Posted by
Seattle, WA, U.S.A.
251 posts
For me, Parma's worth a daytrip or a stop in between towns. There's enough to keep you busy/entertained for a few hours at least. I was pleasantly surprised by the duomo, the baptistry, and the church of San Giovanni Evangelista which contain works by Corregio and Parmigianino. There's also a central palazzo, theater (best if you stay the night), and museum, along with a few other churches that could be worth a peek. So, if you're looking to expand your Italy experience, I think it could be worth a stop (depending upon your interests and preferences, of course).
I would also recommend Bologna, which would be worth a stop, maybe even a night's stay if you have the time. It's a relatively lively and youthful place with shops and bars lining the central streets. It has some nice churches, museums, as well as a few GREAT gelaterias. (They even have a Bologna Museum Card which covers the city's main sights and is worthwhile). But the city is a unique stop.
So I would recommend both if you have the time, to get a chance to expand upon your Italian destinations. If you have to choose just one between the two, I would probably say Bologna.
But enjoy your trip!
Posted by
Washington, DC, Washington, USA
110 posts
I would also recommend Bologna, especially if you are a foodie. Hotel Porta San Mamolo was a great hotel with a really nice courtyard. http://www.hotel-portasanmamolo.it/en/index.htm
It is on the bus line and about 7 euro taxi ride from train station and walking distance to main square.
Posted by
Los Angeles, CA, USA
1449 posts
Parma could easily take a day if you have a leisurely lunch, walk around, etc. Bologna is one of my favorite towns and one that RS and most other travel books don't send a lot of tourists to (a plus, actually). I'd spend 2 nites in Bologna, 3 if you use it as a base to do a day trip to Parma (easy on the train). In Bologna have some great meals, climb the tower, take the English-language walking tour from the TI (check days and times, its not every day), visit the church, stroll under the miles of covered sidewalks in a town that's been an important part of Italy since the Early Middle Ages.