If you need spend a weekend quiet, Parma it can be your solution: the center and its rich surroundings are perfect for devoting some time to yourself (but allowing yourself some cheating on your diet). There city it's enough small, perfect for walking or cycling. A tip is to come by train, or leave your car in one of the free parking outside the center, then taking the buses as the more central ones are far from cheap. Having said that relax and enjoy petit Paris from Emilia.
Where to eat:
Three of the most famous trattorias in the city are located within easy reach of each other, in the area between via Farini and via Università. You will be spoiled for choice: al Court, as in the Trattoria Couriers and at the tavern The Blackbirds, you can taste the real dishes of the Parmesan tradition (do not miss the fried pie with culatello and raw ham.), the prices are not particularly low cost, but still average.
Also The Macchione offers a typical cuisine, theenvironment è rustic and homely and is located just outside the city, here you can also find evenings with live music.A little gem is theOsteria della Gatta Matta which offers a variable menu, which starts from the typical Parmesan traditions to arrive at more particular and elaborate dishes, all in one intimate setting and great attention to detail. If you prefer one simple but good pizza A place in the sun, with its cheerful atmosphere, is for you, as well as La Duchess which is located in the center.
Bar and aperitifs:
If you want to save without sacrificing quality Kikko, in via D'Azeglio, is the best solution: a small bar / wine bar that offers tasty sandwiches and rich salads for lunch and dinner, as well as wonderful cold cuts platters, cheeses and various specialties, to be accompanied with a good glass of wine or perhaps with one of the many beers available.
The aperitif is also absolutely worth trying. Less typical but still cheap and perfect for when you are almost broke Watery bar which you can find both in via d'Azeglio and in the brand new Piazza Ghiaia: after 18 you will find an aperitif with a rich buffet. For more chic aperitifs you must certainly venture to via Farini. You prefer to relax by making one snack between the greenery of the Ducal Park or the Citadel?
You will certainly find bakeries on every corner that always offer fried cake and erbazzone as well as i delicious tortelli desserts made of shortcrust pastry filled with plum jam. And if you have come to the city to learn more about the famous delicacies of the area, there is also the possibility of taking part in one of the tours organized by Food Valley, specialized precisely in itineraries that follow the production and the renowned culinary traditions of Parma.
Out of town, Castles: the city can also be a foothold for meeting the numerous castles of the Duchy of Parma and Piacenza which are nearby, also taking advantage of the numerous events that will take place there throughout the summer. Some can be reached by public transport from the center, such as the beautiful one Torrechiara.
spa: if you want to dedicate a few hours of pampering, unplugging completely, from Parma you can reach without problems (and also by public transport) Monticelli Terme which is located just a few km outside the center, or the most famous (but also a little further away) Salsomaggiore Terme. In both spas you can indulge yourself by choosing from numerous routes and packages that are often also offered in promotion.
