Rome, Florence, and Venice are fantastic, but they can get overwhelmingly crowded with tourists during the summer. It often feels like these popular Italian destinations are tailored just for visitors, with countless souvenir shops and overpriced restaurants.
Looking to dodge the crowds in Italy this summer? Consider visiting these two underrated, authentic Italian cities!
Bologna and Parma, located in the Emilia-Romagna region, were recently highlighted by National Geographic as top European destinations for 2024. These medium-sized cities share many similarities but also have their own unique charm.
**Why Visit Bologna and Parma?**
**Easy Train Connections**
Traveling to Bologna and Parma from other Italian cities is a breeze, making it easy to include them in a broader Italian itinerary. Fast train connections link Bologna and Parma to Venice, Milan, and Florence. Bologna is just a 40-minute train ride from Florence and 1.5 hours from Venice, while Parma is only 45 minutes from Milan by train. The two cities are also just 50 minutes apart by train, making them both convenient to visit. Although Bologna is the larger of the two, both cities are worth exploring.
**Foodie Paradise**
The real draw of Bologna and Parma is the food! While Italy is known for its culinary delights, Bologna and Parma stand out as two of the best foodie cities in the country. Bologna is a meat lover’s dream, famous for its mortadella sausages (known as baloney in the U.S.) and rich Bolognese sauce. Parma, on the other hand, is renowned for its Parma hams and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese (parmesan). A food tour in either city will provide a fantastic overview of their cuisines and highlight the best spots to eat.
**University Cities**
Both Bologna and Parma are historic university cities, adding to their vibrant atmospheres. Bologna, a stunning medieval city, is home to the oldest university in Europe, the University of Bologna, which has been operating since 1088. This gives the city a lively, youthful vibe. Similarly, Parma is centered around the University of Parma. Both cities are rich in history, featuring beautiful churches, fascinating museums, and incredible medieval architecture.
**Fewer Tourists**
While not completely off the beaten path, Bologna and Parma attract far fewer tourists than Italy’s more famous cities. Unlike Venice, which can sometimes feel like a theme park, or Florence and Rome, where crowds and long lines can be frustrating, Bologna and Parma offer a more relaxed experience. You rarely need to book museum tickets in advance, and long lines are uncommon. These cities feel authentic and lived-in, making them excellent alternatives if you want to avoid the summer crowds in Italy.