The capital of Emilia-Romagna and of Italian food: tagliatelle al ragù, tortellini, mortadella, with Parma (ham, Parmigiano) and Modena (balsamic vinegar, Ferrari museums) under an hour away. Kilometres of UNESCO-listed porticoes, the Two Towers and Piazza Maggiore; the Asinelli tower climb has been shut while the leaning Garisenda is made safe. A rail junction 37 minutes from Florence and an hour from Milan.
Highlights
- Food tour of the Quadrilatero
- Pasta-making class
- Porticoes walk to San Luca
- Piazza Maggiore and the Archiginnasio
- Parmigiano dairy and Parma ham day trip
- Ferrari museums in Maranello and Modena
Things to do
- Food tour of the Quadrilatero market streetsMorning · 3h
- Fresh pasta-making classAfternoon · 3h
- Portico walk up to San LucaMorning · 3h
- Parma and Modena food-producer day tripMorning · 8h
- Ferrari Museum at MaranelloAfternoon · 4h
Tours & tickets
Tourisma may earn a small commission if you book — it never changes your price.
When to go
Best time: April – June, September – November
Heads up
Ferragosto: Cities Half-Closed in August
Around Ferragosto (15 August, a national holiday) and for much of August, Italians take their holidays: many family restaurants, bakeries and small shops in the cities close for one to three weeks, and Sunday-style hours spread across the week. Museums and the main sights stay open. Book restaurants and check opening days before you go.
Heads up
Summer Heat
July and August regularly bring heatwaves of 35-40 °C to Rome, Florence, the south and Sicily. Sightsee early and late, rest in the afternoon, carry water (Rome's street fountains are drinkable), and book rooms with air-conditioning. Churches still require covered shoulders and knees, so carry a light scarf.
- Ferragosto — The Assumption holiday and the peak of the Italian summer holiday: beaches, lakes and islands are at their fullest and dearest, many city shops and restaurants close for the week either side, and there are fireworks and beach parties on the coast. Book everything well ahead.