When planning my trip through northern Italy, I wondered: Is Reggio Emilia worth visiting? After spending three nights there and using it as a base to explore both the town and nearby Parma and Modena, I’m happy to say it was a choice I didn’t regret.
Reggio Emilia offers a slower, more local experience compared to its neighbouring cities. I think I might have been the only visitor; even the hotel manager remarked that they don’t get many tourists staying in Reggio Emilia.
Of course, it’s not perfect—this isn’t a city packed with major tourist sites or crowds of fellow travellers, which might not suit everyone. It’s incredibly quiet at night, with not a lot to do. But if you’re looking for an authentic Italian town that will stop you in your tracks, Reggio Emilia is definitely worth considering. Here’s what I discovered during my stay.
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Why I Chose Reggio Emilia as My Base
When I started planning this part of my Italy trip, I knew I wanted to explore deeply the region of Emilia-Romagna. I decided to split my time between Bologna and a smaller city. Reggio Emilia caught my eye for a few reasons. It had the perfect central location between Parma and Modena, making it an ideal base to explore both cities without the hassle of constantly changing hotels.
Another big factor was finding a boutique hotel that immediately felt right—Locanda La Concia. It was a cool, thoughtfully designed place that offered the kind of style I look for in a place to stay. Sometimes, where you stay shapes your whole experience, and this hotel definitely added to the charm of my visit.
Practicality also played a part. Reggio Emilia is compact and walkable, with a small train station that made getting to Parma and Modena easy and stress-free. After days filled with sightseeing and day trips, coming back to a quieter town where life moved at a gentler pace felt like the right balance.
Reggio Emilia History and Its Unique Identity
One of the things I love about travelling to smaller Italian towns is how their history feels woven into everyday life, and Reggio Emilia was no exception.
Before arriving, I didn’t know much about the history of Reggio Emilia, but during my stay, I found it fascinating how much pride the town takes in its past.
Reggio Emilia is famously known as the birthplace of the Italian flag—the Tricolore. In fact, the first version of the flag was adopted here in 1797, and you can still feel that strong sense of identity when walking through Piazza Prampolini or visiting the Tricolore Museum. It’s a small but meaningful stop that gives you a glimpse into Italy’s fight for unification.
Beyond that, Reggio Emilia is also known for its contributions to education, especially the world-famous Reggio Emilia Approach for early childhood learning. Even if you’re not travelling with kids, it’s inspiring to see how deeply the town values creativity, community, and innovation—things that seem to carry into daily life here.
Highlights That Make Reggio Emilia Worth Visiting
Spending a few days in Reggio Emilia gave me time to settle in and notice the kinds of details you often miss when rushing through in a few hours, which is how I suspect most travellers might see this town.
One of my favourite ways to start the day was wandering through Piazza Prampolini, the town’s main square, where locals gathered for morning coffee or caught up with neighbours. Just a few steps away, Piazza San Prospero felt a little more tucked away.
While Reggio Emilia doesn’t have the big attractions like what I saw on my previous leg of my trip to Turin or Milan, that’s exactly what made it feel special. Visiting the Duomo and the Basilica di San Prospero, I loved how unpretentious and lived-in they felt—places still very much part of the community.
Food was another highlight. Sitting down at small trattorias where menus were handwritten and everyone seemed to know each other reminded me why Italian food always tastes better when it’s local and seasonal. Sampling Parmigiano Reggiano right where it’s produced added a whole new appreciation for something I’d eaten countless times before.
I spent most of my time just walking and exploring this quiet, gorgeous town, popping into a couple of smaller museums and galleries. None of them were overwhelming or spectacular, but after being in Italy now for over a month, this much slower pace was exactly what I was craving. Just like my camera lens, I fell in love with its beauty.
Day Trips to Parma and Modena: A Bonus of Staying in Reggio Emilia
One of the biggest perks of staying in Reggio Emilia was how easy it was to hop on a train and reach nearby cities.
Getting to Parma took about 20 minutes by train, and it was an easy walk from the station into the heart of the city. I spent the day wandering the piazzas and streets, admiring the colourful facades, popping in and out of its many beautiful churches, and of course enjoying a delicious lunch where the local Parmesan cheese was the star.
Parma has a bit more of a polished, aristocratic feel compared to Reggio Emilia’s everyday charm, which made for an interesting contrast and was well worth the visit.
Modena was another quick trip of 30 minutes by train, and I was in the city known for balsamic vinegar and fast cars. Modena had a different energy—still relaxed but with a little more buzz. I spent my time there exploring the food markets and soaking up the local life rather than rushing through museums.
Why It May Not Be A Destination for You
As much as I enjoyed my time in Reggio Emilia, it’s only fair to say it might not be for everyone. If you’re looking for a place packed with big-name attractions or a busy nightlife scene, Reggio Emilia feels too quiet.
It’s very much a family-centred, local town, where most visitors are Italian families enjoying a quiet holiday rather than international tourists passing through. At times, especially travelling solo, I did feel a bit lonely among the close-knit groups and the intimate local life.
After dinner, the streets tended to empty out quickly, and most evenings I was the only one walking about. It could have been the time of year (early October) and the weather (it was cool and rainy), but in some ways, I feel like it’s a representation of what this town is like.
Another thing to keep in mind is that English isn’t as widely spoken here compared to more touristy cities. In restaurants and shops, I found myself relying on a lot of gestures, basic Italian phrases, Google Translate and a friendly smile—which honestly, after travelling for so long now in Italy, felt a bit tiring trying to communicate.
Final Thoughts
Looking back on my month-long trip to Italy, my time in Reggio Emilia was exactly what I needed. After visiting some of Italy’s most popular and busier destinations like Tuscany, Verona, Lake Como, Milan, Genoa, and Turin, I was ready for a slower, more grounded experience. Staying in Reggio Emilia gave me a real sense of being part of a local, lived-in town rather than just passing through as a tourist.
If you’re looking for a similar experience and want help planning a trip to Italy that fits your travel style, I offer one-on-one travel consultations. Together, we can create a personalized itinerary that goes beyond the tourist trail and brings you closer to the heart of Italy. Click here to learn more about my consultation services!
