If you love your culture with a side of tortelli and a splash of sparkling Lambrusco, Parma delivers in style. This is a city where Renaissance grandeur meets café culture, where you can bed down in a frescoed palazzo, a countryside villa, or even a romantic hilltop castle. The best places to stay in Parma reflect the city’s flair for beauty and balance — from central charmers to restful rural retreats just outside town.

Staying centrally puts you within arm’s reach of Parma’s star sights — from the fresco-laden Duomo and pink-hued Baptistery to the grand arcades of Palazzo della Pilotta. Art lovers will want to linger at the Galleria Nazionale, while opera fans can follow in Verdi’s footsteps to the gilded Teatro Regio. If shopping’s your thing, check out the stylish boutiques around Strada della Repubblica, or browse La Galleria near the city’s sleekest modern hotel. For food lovers, this is hallowed ground: tuck into buttery anolini, sample prosciutto at source, and chase it with local wines at a sun-dappled trattoria.

Quieter spots near the river and Parco Ducale offer laid-back properties with easy access to it all. And if you’re craving countryside calm, just outside the city you’ll find ivy-clad villas, whimsical B&Bs, and castle estates that feel worlds away — but are only minutes from town. Whatever brings you here, finding the right base will shape your stay. Use our guide to the best places to stay in Parma and start planning!

The Best Places to Stay in Parma

For Romantics

• The Antico Borgo di Tabiano Castello is a wonderfully romantic castle-hotel nestled in the hills just outside Parma. The castle has 40 elegant rooms and suites, all individually decorated with antiques and details in keeping with the heritage atmosphere — expect exposed beams, dark wood and beautiful original floors. You can also enjoy wonderful views from the castle’s many terraces, plus there's a pool, a hammam, and an excellent restaurant serving local specialities.

For Great Value

• The Palazzo Dalla Rosa Prati is an elegant guesthouse ideally located in the medieval centre of town. Its accommodation includes both hotel rooms and suites, and larger apartments, which are ideal for families. Each of the 11 options has been uniquely designed and decorated, but they all have well-chosen furnishings and magical views of Parma.

For Luxury

• The elegant Grand Hotel de La Ville brings modern 5-star comfort to a quiet spot near the La Galleria shopping complex. Sleek, stylish rooms and suites are matched with a gourmet restaurant and an excellent fitness centre. You’re a 10-minute stroll from the city centre, but in a calm, refined setting.
• A stately 19th-century villa turned hotel, the Grand Hotel di Parma blends old-world architecture with contemporary luxury. Spacious rooms, a garden terrace and a historic atmosphere make it a sophisticated city base. This is a grand stay in every sense of the word.

Just Outside Parma

• Set in a restored country villa south of the city, Villino di Porporano is ideal for couples seeking peace and charm. Think elegant period décor, a tranquil garden and a seasonal pool perfect for lazy summer afternoons. The secluded setting and intimate vibe make this one of the area’s most romantic stays.
• With themed rooms and a storybook garden, La Luna nel Pozzo offers a dreamlike escape a short drive from central Parma. Expect whimsical interiors, homemade breakfasts and a truly personal welcome. It’s a peaceful, creative retreat that’s perfect for a romantic break.

For a Private apartment or villa

• If you’re looking for a self-catering option browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Parma’s closest international airport is Bologna Airport, which is under an hour away by car or taxi, and about an hour and a half from central Parma by train. Alternatively, Florence’s Amerigo Vespucci international airport is only about an hour and a half away by road, or about two and a half hours by train; and Milan Malpensa Airport, is about two hours away by car, or two and a half by public transport.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• There’s no bad time to plan a city break to Parma, but the most popular months for visitors are June, July and August. Being inland, Parma gets the same intense summer heat as Florence, and humidity as Venice, so it can be hot and damp during the summer, as well as busy. For these reasons, you might want to consider visiting slightly earlier or later. From mid-April onwards Parma enjoys plenty of sunshine to combat the cool breezes — plus spring blooms! While late autumn can be rainy, September and October are very mild and pleasant, and this is peak time for food festivals, both in Parma and in the hill towns that surround it.

Still not sure where to stay?

• You could expand your search to include all the best places to stay in Emilia Romagna
• Consider the best places to stay in Milan or neighbouring Bologna or Modena
• Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.