Best Things to Do in Modena, Italy

things to do in modena

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Modena is a breathtaking gem in the heart of the Emilia-Romagna region in northern Italy. It’s a melting pot of culture, rich history, stunning architecture, Italian sports cars, and mouthwatering food. So, when discovering all of the best things to do in Modena, you’ll be spoiled for choice.

Modena’s Italian cuisine is the first thing to explore. You can enjoy all sorts of dishes – from traditional balsamic vinegar to Tortellini covered in Parmigiano Reggiano – by trying food tours or visiting the world’s best restaurants. Then, consider a quick visit to the best cultural sights, like the Modena Cathedral, or museums like the Ferrari Museum, dedicated to the pinnacle of luxury cars.

Whatever you decide, you certainly won’t be left wanting. So, without further ado, here is everything you can get up to that makes Modena worth visiting.

READ NEXT: Grab your Emilia-Romagna travel guide to start planning your next trip.

Indulge in Local Cuisine

local cuisine modena

You can’t visit Modena without getting involved in the culinary scene. From the Albinelli Market, where you can purchase tasty local produce, to the best restaurant in the world, here are the top experiences for food enthusiasts. 

Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena

balsamic vinegar modena

One of the first things to do in Modena is to try a balsamic tasting. The traditional balsamic vinegar of Modena is a specific variety produced following Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) rules. For starters, the grapes used must be local to the Modena and Reggio Emilia provinces in the Emilia-Romagna region. The balsamic vinegar must undergo a lengthy aging process of at least twelve years.

The aging process and high-quality grape must all result in a thick, dark liquid with a robust flavor profile. The final product has sweet and sour notes, so it can pair with many things, like bruschetta, or as a dressing over salads. 

Mercato Albinelli

tomatoes at market

Another way to sample Modenese cuisine is by visiting a market like Mercato Albinelli. The Albinelli Market in Piazza Grande has been around since 1931, making it one of the oldest covered markets in Modena. The square features an Art Nouveau design and intricate art pieces throughout, like the sculpture of the fruit bearer by Giuseppe Graziosi in the very center. 

Mercato Albinelli has over 100 stalls, shops, butcheries, and restaurants, selling everything you can imagine – from wines and sweet pastries to fresh produce, pasta, and cheeses. Be sure to visit places like Bar Schiavoni, Salsedine, or the Forno delle Rose bakery to treat yourself.

TOP TIP: There are a lot of places to visit, so take a detailed look at the market stalls to see what’s available and make sure not to miss anything Mercato Albinelli has to offer.

Go on a Food Tour

food tour modena

It’s no secret that Emilia-Romagna produces some of Italy’s best foods, including Parmigiano Reggiano and classic cured meats like Prosciutto di Parma and Mortadella Bologna. With so many options, figuring out the best of the best might be challenging.

A food tour will help you discover Modena’s tastiest local treats with the help of well-seasoned locals taking you to the best hidden gems and food spots. Here are some recommended tours:

  • Balsamic Lunch with Vinegar Cellar Tour and Tasting: This is a good option for trying the balsamic vinegar mentioned earlier. It includes a tour of a traditional vinegar cellar, a lunch featuring local delicacies, and a balsamic tasting.
  • Food Walking Tour: Indulge in a gastronomic experience, stopping at five locations and tasting various of the city’s traditional dishes, like Gnocco Fritto or Tortellini.
  • Lambrusco Wine Tasting and Cellar Tour: This includes a museum tour and a detailed history of the wine-making process. It finishes with a delicious lunch and a refreshing tasting of three local wines, like a Lambrusco Spumante Metodo Classico.

LISTEN: To our podcast on Dishes to try in the Emilia region.

Visit a Modena Restaurant

restaurants modena

The perfect accompaniment to any vacation is trying local restaurants, and the same goes when you visit Modena. It is home to plenty of excellent restaurants, so it might be challenging to pick a favorite. Here are just four of the best places to give a try:

  • Osteria Francescana – Osteria Francescana has three Michelin stars and was voted the best restaurant in the world in 2016 and 2018. Chef Massimo Bottura, who appears on the Netflix series “Chef’s Table,” is the creative mind who opened the spot in 1995. Since then, he has provided food blending bold flavors and artistic plating. You can try anything from Parmigiano Reggiano custard to lobster in a sweet and acidic sauce to a lemon tart for dessert.
  • Franceschetta 58 – Next, try the slightly more casual but no less inviting sister restaurant to Osteria Francescana, Franceschetta 58. Chef Massimo intended the restaurant to be a less luxurious eatery with a more affordable menu that still provides exceptional quality food. Grab a bite of gnocchi with sage butter sauce, traditional tortellini with cream made of parmesan cheese, or a sweet apricot Semifreddo for dessert.
  • Osteria di Rubbiara – Since 1862, the Pedroni family has run Osteria di Rubbiara, a gorgeous restaurant in Nonantola just under seven miles outside Modena city center. It truly epitomizes the authenticity of Modenese cuisine. The restaurant offers hearty and comforting dishes, including roast meats with baked potatoes and the family’s special Lambrusco chicken.
  • Trattoria Aldina – Lastly, consider a visit to Trattoria Aldina. While unassuming on the outside, this restaurant is a local favorite. This establishment has a warm and welcoming family feel and specializes, unsurprisingly, in classic dishes from Emilia-Romagna. Try anything from tortellini to butter and bacon ravioli and even a sweet crostata di marine for dessert.

EXPLORE: The region’s best dishes in What to eat in Emilia Romagna.

Prestige Motor Experiences

motor experiences modena

Modena is the center of luxury car brands and motorsports in Italy, and each is celebrated in a series of museums and locations in Motor Valley. Sports car fans planning what to see in Modena can’t miss out on these motor experiences.

Ferrari Museum (Maranello)

ferrari museum modena

Museo Ferrari is just over 10 miles from Modena city center and is one of two Ferrari museums dedicated to everything about the legendary brand. It showcases the history of road cars, hypercars, F1 cars, and even prototypes, dating back to when Enzo Ferrari founded the brand in 1939.

The Ferrari Museum has plenty of exhibits, including the evolution of supercars and the history of the Scuderia’s 90 years in F1. Some halls are also dedicated to legendary racing drivers, like Michael Schumacher, and the team’s victories and earned trophies in motorsport.

You can find unique experiences, whether you want to go on a Ferrari Factory tour and see how these cars are made or test drive one for yourself. You can even take a shuttle bus tour around the Fiorano Circuit. For tickets, go to the official site or opt for a more inclusive VIP experience, which includes a tour, test drive, and lunch at Ristorante Cavallino.

Enzo Ferrari Museum (Modena)

enzo ferrari museum modena

The second of the Ferrari museums is the Museo Enzo Ferrari, or Enzo Ferrari Museum, in Modena, which opened more recently in 2012. It consists of two parts – Enzo Ferrari’s home and birthplace, as well as the more modern building and gallery surrounding the house.

The restored home of Enzo Ferrari now contains memoirs, mementos, short films, and other memorabilia of his life and history. The modern section of the Enzo Ferrari Museum is quite different, with curved glass sides and a bright “Modena yellow” colored roof. Inside, it houses a stunning collection of cars and exhibits showcasing the history of motorsport and car development, including the Motori exhibit.

You can purchase tickets to the Enzo Ferrari Museum on the official site or get an alternative entry ticket like this one. To see even more, you can try a combined tour of several museums in Motor Valley.

Ducati Museum

ducati museum modena

The Ducati factory in Bologna was first built in 1936. The Ducati Museum followed in 1998 and was later fully revamped in 2016, which you can visit from Modena with a quick train ride (about 20 minutes). Now, it houses an impressive collection of exhibitions focusing on the history of the Ducati motorcycle brand, from the first bike in 1926 to present-day models.

The museum’s exhibits are found along four routes. They focus on the brand’s evolution, the founder, Antonio Cavalieri Ducati, the history of road motorcycles, and more. You can see displays of impressive motorcycles and halls filled with trophies and awards won through motorsport competitions throughout the years.

The Ducati official site lets you book experiences straight from there, but you can also opt for a day trip to the Ducati and Pagani factories and museums.

Lamborghini Museum

lamborghini musuem modena

Another must-visit spot in Bologna is the Lamborghini Museum, which was established in 2001 and dedicated to the history and development of this luxury car brand. The museum offers a bright white and pristine interior, where visitors can admire each car model in all its glory.

You can view the history of the brand car models, from the first-ever prototype to modern-day hybrids. The walls provide a detailed history of the brand’s evolution beside each display. You can even view the factory where Lamborghini models are made and try your hand at the new driving simulator.

Booking tickets from the official site gives a few choices. A single ticket can get you access to the museum or a guided tour of factory production lines and the museum. You can also try a separate entrance ticket.

CONSIDER: A visit to Modena on a Day trip from Bologna.

Maserati Factory and Umberto Panini Motor Museum

maserati modena

The last of Modena’s most famous car brands is Maserati. Founded in 1914 by the Maserati brothers, it has become a popular brand of incredibly-designed sedans, SUVs, and supercars. The best Maserati experiences include the Maserati Factory and the Panini Motor Museum.

The Panini Motor Museum was first established in 1997 by Umberto Panini on what he named “Hombre farm.” The museum houses the most complete and impressive collection of Maserati cars, ranging from classics to modern models and even motorcycles.

If you book a Maserati factory tour, you’ll have two options. First, you can enjoy a 90-minute factory tour showcasing the production line and the attention to detail that goes into producing these phenomenal cars. Then, you can also try a 40-minute showroom tour, showing off various car models.

Architecture, Art, and Culture

statue modena

Modena is among the most popular cities in Italy for its historic buildings, art galleries, and cultural sights. Whether it’s Modena Cathedral or the Palazzo Ducale, each boasts intricate designs, histories, and a sheer brilliance you simply can’t miss seeing.

Duomo di Modena and Museum

duomo modena

The Duomo di Modena, or Modena Cathedral, is a marvel of stunning Romanesque architecture that began construction in 1099 and was a massive innovation at the time. Along with the Ghirlandina Bell Tower and Piazza Grande, it was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.

The bright and intricate facades, both inside and at the front of the cathedral, are adorned with detailed sculptures by Wiligelmo depicting various scenes of human life and mythical creatures. You can also find the Cathedral Museum, holding ancient Roman artifacts, unearthed sculptures, paintings, and more, dating back as early as the 4th century.

The cathedral’s entrance is free, but the museum requires a small fee (€6.00). Ticket information is available on the official site and can be bought at the ticket office. You might also enjoy a more comprehensive Modena private walking tour with a tour guide.

Ghirlandina Tower (Torre Civica)

ghirlandina tower modena

The Ghirlandina Bell Tower is the second UNESCO World Heritage site in Piazza Grande, next to the Duomo di Modena. The five-story structure, reaching around 282 feet tall, was completed in 1319 but has undergone changes and reconstructions through fires and battles over the centuries.

Ghirlandina Tower now stands tall and showcases one of Modena’s most impressive buildings. The bright exterior walls are covered in intricately designed stone arches and cornerstones with animals and human figures sculpted into them. Inside are tiled ceilings with brilliant patterns, as well as the Stanza dei Torresani on the fifth floor, where the bell tower custodians once lived.

TOP TIP: Reservations are required to visit Ghirlandina Tower, so here is more information on how to book a tour.

Piazza Grande

piazza grande modena

Among the charming streets of Modena are several piazzas, but Piazza Grande is undoubtedly one of the best. It was first built in the 12th century and was once the central heart of the city’s local government. In the present day, it’s a social hub, often hosting events like the Carnival in Modena.

Piazza Grande holds the Modena Duomo, the Ghirlandina Tower, and the Palazzo Comunale town hall, each an architectural marvel for any tourist wanting gorgeous snapshots. At the corner of Palazzo Comunale is a lovely statue called La Bonissima, a symbol of the city and the Modenese. While visiting the piazza, it’s also worthwhile checking out some of the quaint shops and restaurants, like Caffè Concerto.

Casa Museo Luciano Pavarotti (Pavarotti Museum)

opera modena

Anyone and everyone knows the talent of Luciano Pavarotti, one of the most famous opera singers to come from Italy. The renowned singer built this large house to entertain guests and happily lived there for the final years of his life. Casa Museo Luciano Pavarotti was opened in 2005 and now stands as a testament to his life and memory.

Inside the Pavarotti Museum are photos, paintings, memorabilia, and old costumes that the maestro used to wear during his performances. There are even letters on display that he received from well-known friends, like Frank Sinatra and Princess Diana. Once you’re done exploring there, you can visit the museum store for some keepsakes.

Tickets can be purchased from the official site, with a complimentary audio guide, but you can also opt for this skip-the-line entry ticket.

Palazzo Ducale di Modena

palazzo ducale modena

The impressive and imposing Palazzo Ducale stands proud in Piazza Roma. The Baroque structure was designed by Bartolomeo Avanzini and began construction in 1634. It was also home to the Estense Court for around 200 years but is now the site of the Italian Military Academy.

The palace includes an exquisite courtyard and an incomparable interior. It’s breathtaking, from the frescoed ceilings to golden wood-laminated walls and chandeliers. The palace also holds the Military Academy History Museum, the Honour Court, the Noble Apartment, and other opulent rooms.

Palazzo Ducale isn’t open to the public on weekdays, so the only way to get inside is through a tour guide organized by the tourist office, and only on weekends. Here is more information on guided tours to Palazzo Ducale that can help you plan your visit.

Palazzo dei Musei

musei modena

Lovers of the arts visiting Modena will adore visiting Palazzo dei Musei. It was constructed in the center of Piazza Sant’Agostino between 1764 and 1771 by Duke Francis III d’Este. The palace underwent several cycles, including a care facility for the poor, a family armory, and a military residence.

In the late 1800s, the palace was transformed into a center for the arts, housing seven museums. These include the Lapidary Museum, the Archeology and Ethnology Museum, Etense Library, and Galleria Entense, but more on that one later. These museums have everything from paintings, sculptures, and artifacts to rare history books and pamphlets.

There is also a bookshop and cafeteria to visit while you’re visiting. As an added bonus, all museums in the palace, except Galleria Estense, are free to enter.

Galleria Estense

galleria sign

As mentioned earlier, one of the best museums within the Palazzo dei Musei is Galleria Estense, which has been housed in the palace since 1894. It occupies four halls and 16 rooms in the grand palace and showcases an extensive collection of art from the d’Este family.

The museum has pieces collected between the 14th and 18th centuries, including sculptures, paintings, drawings, pottery, and musical instruments. While each piece is worth seeing, some, like El Greco’s “Modena Triptych” or Guido Reni’s “Crucifixion,” are the most well-known.

The official website has everything you need to know about purchasing tickets and offers informative guided tours and workshops.

What to Do in Modena, Italy – Wrapped Up

things to do in modena

So, is Modena, Italy, worth visiting? The answer is absolutely! There are plenty of exciting things to do in Modena to add to your itinerary. Whether that be a road trip through Motor Valley, exploring the prestigious world of luxury car brands, or admiring Modena Cathedral. Visiting Modena in northern Italy is a must for any traveler planning a trip to Italy

And if you haven’t had your fill of Emilia Romagna yet, why not check out the best things to do in Parma next?

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