Modena, Italy: 15 Best Things to Do and See

It never occurred to me that I would taste the best cacio e pepe pasta of my life in Modena, a city in northern Italy known for balsamic vinegar and Ferrari. We only stopped there by chance during our adventurous campervan trip to Sicily. In the end, we regretted not having more time for Modena. In this guide I will share with you Modena, Italy: 15 Best Things to Do and See.

It was May, the morning sun warmed the colorful facades, and we walked through almost deserted streets with our one-year-old in a stroller. We couldn’t understand why there weren’t crowds of tourists here like in Venice or Florence. Modena is amazing, full of color, history, and, most importantly, great food and coffee.

TL;DR

• Taste cacio e pepe at Bistrot Santa Margherita; you won’t pay astronomical sums, and you’ll eat like royalty.
• Visit the colorful Mercato Albinelli market
• Visit the Enzo Ferrari Museum, where you’ll also find F1 car models.
• Stroll through the historic center with its UNESCO World Heritage sites, where you’ll also find the local leaning tower.
• Plan your visit for May or September – pleasant temperatures, fewer tourists, and a great atmosphere.
• Buy local balsamic vinegar for salads as a souvenir; the city is renowned for it.

Where to Stay in Modena: Hotel Tips

In Modena, it’s best to stay right in the center so you don’t have to walk far. We typically use booking.com to find accommodation; check out the special offers. If you like apartments, this one is among the best in Modena: Appartamento in Pomposa, nel cuore della città.

When to Visit Modena

The most pleasant time to visit Modena is in spring (April–June) or autumn (September–October), when temperatures are around 20-25 °C. Autumn is also the season for harvest and festivals – the grape harvest begins, and there are markets with truffles, pumpkins, or chestnuts.

In summer (July–August), temperatures are typically over 30 °C; locals go on holiday, and some smaller shops may close in August.

Winter isn’t harsh (averaging around 0-5 °C), but days are short, and the city quiets down after Christmas.

January 31 is the feast day of the city’s patron saint, St. Geminianus – a traditional pilgrimage, fair, and running race take place through the city streets. If you want to see something special, this is your opportunity.

Sights, Museums, and Interesting Places to See in Modena

We love Italy, and after Portugal, it’s probably the country we visit most often. Except for the year Jonáš was born, we’ve probably visited Italy every year. Modena didn’t disappoint us; it truly has everything you want from an Italian city: excellent food, coffee, beautiful historic buildings, and museums where you won’t get bored. Oh, and fast cars.

Modena Cathedral (Duomo Di Modena)

The romantic Modena Cathedral (Duomo di Modena), together with the Torre Ghirlandina tower and Piazza Grande, forms a complex of UNESCO World Heritage sites that represent the pinnacle of European Romanesque architecture. The 12th-century cathedral captivates with its white facade, adorned with rich reliefs by sculptor Wiligelmo.

Torre Ghirlandina

Next to the cathedral stands the 88-meter-high Ghirlandina Tower, a symbol of the city. For a few euros (admission approx. €3), you can climb up and enjoy a panoramic view of Modena’s rooftops. Opening hours are usually 9:30 AM-1:30 PM and 2:30 PM-7:00 PM, in winter until 6:00 PM. I recommend going early in the morning to avoid harsh light and, most importantly, to avoid crowds. In summer, it can already be very busy.

Mercato Albinelli – Historic Market

The heart of Modenese gastronomy is undoubtedly the Mercato Albinelli, which has been operating since 1931. Under the Art Nouveau roof, you’ll find stalls overflowing with fresh fruit, homemade pasta, cheeses, cured meats, and baked goods.

The market is an ideal place for families with children – spacious aisles between stalls allow easy passage with a stroller, and Italian vendors love children (Italians generally love children). Admission is free, and the market is open from Monday to Saturday (7:00 AM-3:00 PM, on Fridays until 7:00 PM). Stalls start to close slowly around noon, so I recommend coming here first thing in the morning.

In the evening, open-air bars open in front of the market entrance, where you can have a glass of Lambrusco and enjoy the authentic Italian atmosphere.

Practical tip: Buy picnic ingredients at the market and head to one of the city parks.

Enzo Ferrari Museum (MEF)

If you love fast cars or F1, you can’t miss this place. Right in Modena stands a futuristic museum dedicated to the life and work of Enzo Ferrari. The modern building with a yellow curved roof (the work of Czech architect Jan Kaplický) resembles the hood of a sports car and houses a fascinating exhibition of historic and contemporary Ferrari cars.

The museum entertained our one-year-old Jonáš too; he turned the steering wheel there and toddled around the entire museum. Older children (over 150 cm) can try the Formula 1 simulator. It’s open daily year-round from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM (until 7:00 PM in summer), and basic admission is €16 for adults, with children under 5 entering for free.

For true enthusiasts, the Ferrari Museum in Maranello, about 18 km from Modena, is also worth a visit. It’s advantageous to purchase a combined ticket for both museums for €26.

Practical tip: Tourist buses for Discover Ferrari & Pavarotti Land shuttle between Modena and Maranello. You can find timetables online or at the tourist information center. If you don’t want to queue for tickets during peak season, buy them online on GetYourGuide.

Palazzo Ducale and Giardini Ducali

The Ducal Palace (Palazzo Ducale) is an impressive Baroque building that now serves as a military academy. The interiors are rarely accessible, but the palace is worth seeing even from the outside.

Behind the palace lie the former Ducal Gardens (Giardini Ducali), now a public park. In summer, you can relax here, find shade, fountains, and plenty of space for children to run around. Admission is free, and the park is open every day from morning until evening.

Practical tip: In summer, bring insect repellent to the park – just like in many Italian parks, mosquitoes can appear here in the evening.

Traditional Balsamic Vinegar Producers

Modena is world-renowned for its balsamic vinegar, which has been produced here for centuries. Traditional Balsamic Vinegar (Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena DOP) ages in wooden barrels for at least 12 years and has nothing in common with ordinary supermarket balsamic vinegar.

Several traditional family-run acetaias (vinegar producers) offer tours with tastings. The most famous are Acetaia Giusti (the oldest producer, reservation required) and Acetaia di Giorgio (€15 for a detailed tour, reservation required). In the city center, you can visit the specialized shop La Consorteria 1966 on Piazza Mazzini, where they offer dozens of types of traditional balsamic vinegar in one place.

Tip: Check out GetYourGuide and book a vinegar factory tour from the comfort of your phone. Italy can be chaotic, and things don’t always work as they should; official websites rarely function, which is why we prefer to use GetYourGuide in Italy. It even saved us in Rome, where their official websites and ticket machines weren’t working.

True traditional balsamic vinegar is a great (though more expensive) souvenir from Modena. It is sold in characteristic round 100 ml bottles, with prices starting at €50 for 12-year-old and €80 for 25-year-old balsamic vinegar.

Piazza Grande and Town Hall

Piazza Grande is the city center and, together with the cathedral and tower, forms a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Town Hall, Palazzo Comunale, stands in the square; originally a medieval palace, it was later rebuilt in Renaissance style, with elegant arcades and a clock tower.

It’s great to have a coffee in an adjacent cafe in the square and just watch what’s happening. That’s exactly what we did.

Cremeria Gioelia – Ice Cream with Liquid Chocolate

Italy without ice cream isn’t Italy, and Modena certainly didn’t disappoint in this regard. The renowned Gioelia Cremeria on Piazza Giuseppe Mazzini offers excellent gelato with a unique bonus – they pour liquid chocolate into your cone before adding the ice cream.

Prices are quite normal for Italy (a small cone around €2.50). Pistachio, chocolate, and stracciatella are excellent.

If you want to taste more flavors, ask for an “assaggio” – they’ll let you taste before you choose.

Museum of Collector Cards (Museo Della Figurina)

One of the most interesting (and rather unconventional) museums in Modena – the Museo della Figurina – presents a unique collection of historic collector cards and images.. The museum was founded thanks to the passionate collecting activity of Giuseppe Panini, the founder of the famous company producing stickers and cards.

The collection contains over 500,000 items, of which about 2,500 are displayed in six large “cabinets” conceived as giant albums. From old prints to Liebig advertising cards to modern sports cards.

The museum is housed in the charming Palazzo Santa Margherita, admission is free, and it is open:

• from Wednesday to Friday from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM and from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
• and on Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM (closed on Monday and Tuesday).

Practical tip: The museum often organizes special workshops for children – inquire in advance on their website or at the tourist information center.

Motor Valley Fest – Automotive Festival

If you plan to visit Modena in May, you might coincide with the Motor Valley Fest. During this multi-day festival, parades of sports cars, vintage cars, and racing simulators take place in the city streets.

Admission to outdoor events is free, and for car fans, it’s heaven – Maserati, Ferrari, and Pagani display their masterpieces directly in the streets. The program also includes conferences, workshops, and accompanying cultural events throughout the city.

Practical tip: During the festival, the city is usually more crowded than usual, so book your accommodation in advance on booking.com.

Where to Eat in Modena

Modena is a paradise for food lovers. Besides balsamic vinegar, the region is also famous for Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, Prosciutto di Modena cured ham, and tagliatelle al ragù.

You’ll also find the Michelin-starred restaurant Osteria Francescana by chef Massimo Bottura (3 Michelin stars) here, where reservations are required months in advance, and you should expect a tasting menu for approximately €300.

More affordable alternatives include bistro Franceschetta 58 or Trattoria Aldina above the old bakery. We recommend Bistrot Santa Margherita, where you can eat affordably, and we had the best pasta of our lives there – cacio e pepe.

Practical tip: Italian restaurants open later than in our country (around 12:00 PM) and have an afternoon break (siesta) – kitchens usually close around 2:00 PM-3:00 PM and reopen around 7:00 PM.

Day Trips from Modena

Modena has a rather strategic location, so you can take advantage of it and plan a longer vacation with trips to the surrounding area.

Bologna

Just 45 km east of Modena (30 minutes by train) lies Bologna with its leaning towers of Asinelli and Garisenda. Bologna is like Modena’s older, slightly hipster sister – endless porticoes, the oldest university in Europe, and the best tagliatelle al ragù (yes, the real “Bolognese” sauce).

Maranello

Less than 20 km south, you’ll find this Mecca of motoring. You can see the Ferrari factory (unfortunately only from the outside), the Fiorano test track, and especially the Museo Ferrari Maranello with an exhibition of racing cars. If you’re lucky and have a heavy wallet, you can pay for a test drive in a Ferrari here (from €100 for 10 minutes).

Parmesan Farms

Not far from Modena, you can visit a traditional Parmigiano Reggiano cheese factory. If you want to see how this “king of cheeses” is made, you have to be an early bird – production starts as early as 5 AM (if you have a small child, that won’t be such a problem).

For example, the 4 Madonne Caseificio dell’Emilia farm is popular, where you’ll see the entire process from milk heating to cheese wheel aging, and of course, taste cheeses of various ages.

Reggio Emilia

30 km west of Modena lies a charming city where the Italian national flag originated (you can visit the Tricolor Museum). It’s a quieter, less touristy place with beautiful squares like Prampolini and Fontanesi. In summer, there are open-air cafes and aperitivo bars where locals linger until late at night. If you’re lucky, you might stumble upon one of the local markets.

Mud Volcanoes and other Natural Phenomena

South of Modena, the first hills of the Apennines rise. It’s definitely worth visiting the Salse di Nirano reserve near the village of Fiorano – here you’ll find “mud volcanoes”, small cones of bubbling mud that look like miniature volcanoes.

Transportation in Modena and Surroundings

Modena’s historic center is compact, and all sights are within walking distance. For longer distances, you can use public transport – buses run regularly, and a ticket costs €1.50 (available at newsstands or vending machines).

If you come by car, beware of restricted traffic zones (ZTL) in the historic center. It’s best to leave your car in one of the parking lots on the outskirts of the center, for example, in the modern parking garage Novi Park (near Novi Sad Park), which is affordable (approx. €0.40 per hour) and about a 10-minute walk from the cathedral.

Frequently Asked Questions about Modena