The 12 Best Day Trips from Parma

How far each place is, what to see there, and a plan for the day.

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There are 12 good day trips from Parma, Italy, led by Milan, Genoa, Bologna. The closest is Reggio nell'Emilia, about 40 min by car, and 2 of them fit into half a day. Below: drive times, distances, what to see, and a sample day plan.

Built from 12 nearby places, with sights from real traveler trips, on Packy AI. Last updated November 2026 by the Packy AI Travel Team.

Day trips from Parma

  1. 1

    Milan, Italy

    Full-day trip
    About 1 hr 50 min by car116 km north-west of Parma

    What travelers see in Milan

    • Duomo di Milano - Witness the stunning Gothic architecture of Milan's cathedral, a symbol of the city with breathtaking views from its rooftop.
    • Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II - Explore one of the world's oldest shopping malls, known for its stunning glass and iron architecture, upscale shops, and vibrant atmosphere.
    • Sforzesco Castle - Visit this impressive castle with rich history, surrounded by beautiful gardens and museums showcasing art and artifacts.
  2. 2

    Genoa, Italy

    Full-day trip
    About 1 hr 50 min by car118 km west of Parma
  3. 3

    Bologna, Italy

    Full-day trip
    About 1 hr 20 min by car87 km south-east of Parma
  4. 4

    Florence, Italy

    Full-day trip
    About 2 hr 5 min by car135 km south-east of Parma

    What travelers see in Florence

    • Uffizi Galleries - Home to a stunning collection of Renaissance art, the Uffizi offers a deep dive into the masterpieces of famous artists like Botticelli and Michelangelo.
    • Ponte Vecchio - This medieval stone bridge is famous for its jewelry shops and stunning views of the Arno River, embodying Florence's rich craftsmanship.
    • Boboli Gardens - These historic gardens behind the Pitti Palace offer lush greenery, stunning sculptures, and serene views of Florence, ideal for relaxation.
  5. 5

    Verona, Italy

    Full-day trip
    About 1 hr 25 min by car88 km north-east of Parma
  6. 6

    Padua, Italy

    Full-day trip
    About 2 hr 10 min by car140 km north-east of Parma
  7. 7

    Brescia, Italy

    Full-day trip
    About 1 hr 15 min by car82 km north of Parma
  8. 8

    Modena, Italy

    Half-day trip
    About 1 hr by car50 km east of Parma
  9. 9

    Reggio nell'Emilia, Italy

    Half-day trip
    About 40 min by car27 km south-east of Parma
  10. 10

    Livorno, Italy

    Full-day trip
    About 2 hr 10 min by car140 km south of Parma
  11. 11

    Ferrara, Italy

    Full-day trip
    About 1 hr 35 min by car102 km east of Parma
  12. 12

    Vicenza, Italy

    Full-day trip
    About 2 hr by car127 km north-east of Parma

A sample day: Parma to Milan

  1. 07:30Leave Parma
  2. 09:20Arrive in Milan (1 hr 50 min drive)
  3. 09:35Duomo di Milano
  4. 11:35Lunch
  5. 12:50Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
  6. 14:35Sforzesco Castle
  7. 16:05Head back to Parma
  8. 17:55Home in Parma

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

What are the best day trips from Parma?
The best day trips from Parma are Milan, Genoa, Bologna, Florence, Verona. The closest is Reggio nell'Emilia, about 40 min away by car.
What is the closest day trip from Parma?
Reggio nell'Emilia is the closest, 27 km south-east of Parma, roughly 40 min by car. Best as a half-day trip.
Where can I go within an hour of Parma?
2 places are within about an hour's drive of Parma: Reggio nell'Emilia (40 min), Modena (1 hr).
What is the biggest city near Parma for a day out?
Milan is the largest city in day-trip range, 116 km north-west of Parma and about 1 hr 50 min by car. With that much to see, start early or stay the night.
Where can I go for a weekend from Parma?
For a weekend away from Parma, pick the places far enough to be worth a night: Livorno (140 km, 2 hr 10 min), Padua (140 km, 2 hr 10 min), Florence (135 km, 2 hr 5 min), Vicenza (127 km, 2 hr). Closer places on this list work better as a single day.
How far is too far for a day trip from Parma?
Up to about two hours each way keeps the day relaxed. The farthest place on this list is Livorno at 140 km, around 2 hr 10 min by car.

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