Not Your Typical Travel Guide
I’m not here to tell you where to go, what to see, or what to eat. Instead, I want to share a story—how I unexpectedly ended up in Parma, Italy, and had the absolute best time of my life. Maybe it will inspire you to visit Parma, or at the very least, remind you that sometimes the best travel experiences come from the unexpected.
When travel plans don’t pan out, last-minute decisions can lead to the most incredible adventures. It’s all about how you embrace the situation and what you make of it.
The Backstory: Where Everything Went Wrong (Or So I Thought)
Parma was never on my radar. In fact, I had never planned to visit it at all.
Back in 2019, I bought a ticket to one of the biggest concerts I would ever attend: UNA. NESSUNA. CENTOMILA. It was set to take place at RCF Arena in Reggio Emilia, the largest outdoor music venue in Europe, with a capacity of over 100,000 people. For those unfamiliar, concerts and live events in Italy are on another level—absolutely electrifying.
Growing up Italian and traveling to Italy frequently, I developed a deep love for Italian music. So, imagine a concert featuring Emma Marrone, Elisa, Gianna Nannini, Laura Pausini, Alessandra Amoroso, Fiorella Mannoia, Giorgia, and special guests. Would I go? You better believe it!
I splurged on a VIP GOLD Package ticket for 250 Euros, which included:
- Exclusive back entrance with parking
- Designated area right in front of the stage
- Private washrooms (a concert luxury!)
- An Aperitivo station behind the stage with food, beverages, wine, and Prosecco
I was ready. No one was going to stop me from experiencing this concert. Except… COVID happened.
The concert was postponed from 2020 to 2022. So, when June 2022 rolled around, I re-planned my entire trip around this event.
From Portugal to Italy: The Journey Begins
That summer, I flew from Toronto to Portugal for a week, then hopped over to Italy to stay with friends in Sirmione, Lago Di Garda (by the way, I wrote a blog about that—such a stunning place, read it!). Everything was going smoothly. I was calm, cool, and collected.
Except, I had overlooked one tiny detail: I hadn’t booked a place to stay in Reggio Emilia, where the concert was happening.
Turns out, the entire town was fully booked. Every hotel, Airbnb, guesthouse—gone. Why? Because cities all over Italy had organized buses bringing people to this concert. I didn’t realize how massive this event was.
Since I was traveling by train, I needed to stay somewhere with a station that connected to Reggio Emilia. That’s how I ended up in Parma—the next town over.
At first, I thought: What the heck am I going to do in Parma? Well, let me tell you… Parma blew me away.
Parma: A Hidden Italian Gem
Yes, Parma is known for ham and cheese. But no matter how many meals I’ve had in Italy, nothing could have prepared me for the food I was about to eat here.
Beyond the cuisine, the social life, the people, the atmosphere—it was something else. Parma was one of those places that caught me off guard in the best way possible.
Why Visit Parma?
Parma is ideal for couples, mature travelers, and food lovers. If you’re not into wine tours but love food tours, put Parma on your list.
- It’s perfect for a weekend stopover
- A great place to drop in for dinner if you’re staying in Bologna
- If you’re a foodie, stay a few days—there are so many amazing restaurants to try!
Let me just say—when I eat a truly spectacular meal, I tend to bang the table and moan out loud. My friends and family can vouch for this. I even have videos as proof. But in Parma? I took things to another level.
One phrase I found myself saying constantly: MAMMA MIAAAAA!!!
What to Do in Parma
Parma isn’t a huge city. You don’t need a map—you can just wander and discover incredible places on your own. That’s my top travel tip for Italy: walk everywhere.
Parma at Night: A Social Scene Like No Other
Parma has one of the most vibrant social scenes I’ve ever witnessed. But not in the way you might expect.
Forget about the wild party scene filled with 20-somethings—Parma is where the 40+ crowd thrives! The nightlife here is elegant, sophisticated, and full of life.
One of my favorite things about Italy? Dining isn’t just about eating—it’s an experience. Italians eat late, usually after 7:30 or 8 pm, and dinner is a full-blown social event.
A Perfect Evening in Parma:
- Start with an Aperitivo at 7 pm
- Take a leisurely walk (passeggiata) before dinner
- Head to a restaurant for an unforgettable meal
- Finish the night at a local bar for a nightcap
- Before you know it, it’s midnight… or 3 am!
Time in Italy just hits differently.
Concert Day: The Best Concert of My Life!
On the day of the concert, I took the train from Parma to Reggio Emilia. And guess what? The train was packed with people heading to the same event.
Picture this: an entire train filled with Italians singing the whole way there. The energy was unreal!
When I arrived at the Reggio Emilia train station, I expected to walk to the venue alone. Nope. The streets were flooded with people heading in the same direction.
And the concert? Absolutely insane. It started at 7 pm and ended at 1:30 am—a full six-hour show.
But here’s the kicker: when I got back to the train station to return to Parma, the night trains had stopped running. So, me and 1,000 other people had to wait outside until the first train at 6 am. Not fun.
A Perfect Ending
When I finally got back to my hotel in Parma, I went down for breakfast—and ran into the same ladies I had met at the concert the night before! Turns out, we were staying in the same hotel all along. We ended up having breakfast together, reminiscing about the night before.
This trip was one of the best experiences of my life. Looking back, I wouldn’t have chosen any other place than Parma.
Parma gave me one of my top favorite memories in Italy, and I know that if you visit, you’ll love it too. And if you do go—please, eat all the food. I still can’t stop thinking about it!
Safe travels & Ciao for now!
P.S. Thinking about traveling to Italy? Check out my blog ‘Things You Should Know Before Traveling to Italy’ for essential tips on Italian etiquette, restaurant service, and travel hacks!
Leave a Reply