Top Culture in Emilia-Romagna

Grab a gelato from a nearby shop before heading into the square. It’s the perfect treat while you admire the stunning architecture. I tried some amazing local flavors.

Set aside some time to sit on the steps of the Basilica of San Petronio. Just relax and people-watch; it’s an awesome vibe and one of the best ways to experience the local culture.

Be ready for some surprises – the surrounding streets are narrow and winding. Explore them! You might find cute cafes and shops that you’d miss if you just stick to the main plaza

If you want to soak in the history, bring a good pair of headphones and listen to a podcast about the architecture of the buildings. It really helps enhance the experience!

I recommend bringing a camera; the photo ops with the cars are amazing! I regretted not capturing more moments.

If you have time, check out the gift shop. I found some unique souvenirs that made great gifts, plus they were reasonably priced.

I suggest buying your tickets online in advance. It helped me avoid waiting in line, which can get pretty long during peak hours.

Try to squeeze in a visit to the nearby test track if you can. It adds a thrilling real-world experience to your museum tour

if you’re into photography, i recommend taking your shots from the little park nearby. the view of the towers is super cute, especially in the golden hour just before sunset.

I think it’s smart to check the weather beforehand. If it rains, the experience can be hindered and the view won't be nice. You don't want to climb just to see clouds, right?

If you're planning to climb up the Asinelli Tower, I suggest going around 9 AM right when it opens. It really helps to avoid long lines and you can enjoy the views with less crowd.

Bring some small change! There’s a lovely little café at the base of the towers, but they only accept cash. My advice is to grab a coffee there before or after your visit.

I think the best time to go is around 2 PM on a weekday. The crowds were way lighter, and I could really take my time enjoying everything without feeling rushed!

If you’re a big car enthusiast, try to join a special event or workshop if they're happening... I didn't find out until too late, but it looked like so much fun and a great way to learn more!

Make sure to explore the outdoor area, even if it’s just for a few minutes. The surrounding gardens are really pretty, and you can see some classic cars out there too—totally worth it!

My advice is to check out the little café inside the museum – they have some really tasty pastries and coffee. It’s a perfect spot for a break before heading back to the exhibits.

Things can get a bit slippery inside due to the marble floors. Wear comfortable shoes with a good grip to avoid any slip-ups while wandering around.

I suggest exploring the surrounding area after your visit; there are cute little cafes nearby where you can grab a coffee and soak in the vibes of Parma.

Don't miss the frescoes on the dome; they are breathtaking! Bring a small pair of binoculars if you have them for a closer look since it can be a bit hard to see all the details from below.

Check out the timing for the bells; they ring every hour but can be quite loud! I wasn't ready for the 12 PM chime and jumped out of my skin.

My advice is to grab a coffee at the café. It’s a cozy spot to relax, but be warned – it might take some extra time if there's a line

If you're a big car fan, spend some time shopping in the museum store, the merch is super cool. Just be ready to spend a bit, it’s a bit pricey but worth it.

Check out the guided tour! I thought I could do without it, but the detail they provided really enhanced the experience. I’ll do it for sure next time.