Itineraries for Your Trip to Modena
3 Days in Modena for Families
Italy’s smaller cities have always been a favorite getaway destination for our family. There’s just enough culture to fall into the “educational” category but without overwhelming younger travelers. Plus there are lots of squares to explore and at least one medieval bell tower to climb. Modena has all this, as well as the added perks of child-friendly food (kids are always game for tortellini), a couple of vroomy race car museums, and easy access to the surrounding countryside for outdoor fun.
If you want to experience a lively city without the crowds of Italy’s A-list destinations, Modena is ideal. Here’s how to spend a memorable three days in Modena with your family.
Expect sticky summer heat and misty winter cold thanks to the nearby Po river.
If you only have time for one thing, make it the Enzo Ferrari Museum.
Get your bearings in Modena’s compact old town. Begin in the pedestrian-only Piazza Grande where kids can run off some steam while you sip a cappuccino. Then, climb the Ghirlandina Tower for the view. Stop at the bustling Mercato Albinelli to buy a picnic lunch or afternoon snack.
Modena boasts two car museums within walking distance of the old town: Enzo Ferrari Museum and Maserati Showroom. Young auto enthusiasts can marvel at the collections of sports and race cars and experience the thrill of the road without a driver’s license with a turn on the test track simulators.
There’s no better spot for a family-friendly cooking class than Modena, home to one of Italy's most iconic cuisines. Shop for seasonal ingredients with your host at the morning market, and then roll out fresh pasta like a pro. End things with a home-cooked meal featuring the dishes you’ve prepared.
The area’s second Ferrari Museum is located in Maranello, Ferrari’s “company town” just a few minutes south of Modena by car. This modern museum is adjacent to the Ferrari factory and test track, and it offers budding gearheads a race car collection, track simulator, and pit stop experience.
Visit Emilia Romagna’s Food Valley to see how its famed gourmet specialties are made. Stop at a traditional dairy farm and watch as huge wheels of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese are formed. Then, pop by an acetaio to learn about balsamic vinegar and try it. Those with small kids will want to opt for a tour with transportation or drive.
Active families with older kids can add outdoor fun into their Food Valley tour by visiting the dairies and balsamic vinegar producers via e-bike. The gently rolling hills surrounding Modena are suitable for all ages, and assisted bikes make pedaling easy.
