Itineraries for Your Trip to Modena
3 Days in Modena for First Timers
Modena is a concentration of the best of Emilia-Romagna in one enchanting town. There is some of Italy’s best dining here, plus world-class race car museums and chic boutique shopping. The pretty old town is a warren of porticoed lanes surrounding the main square, a cultural attraction by day and hub of the city’s aperitivo scene at nightfall.
This small city has drawn me many times over the years with its unbeatable dining and entertainment. Modena never disappoints, whether you’re a gourmand, gearhead, or simply looking for an authentic Italian city to explore. Here’s how to spend an unforgettable three days in Modena.
Like much of Northern Italy’s Po Valley, Modena is very humid in both summer and winter.
If you only have time for one thing, make it the Enzo Ferrari Museum on the edges of the old town.
Modena may be famous for its cuisine and cars, but the city doesn’t skimp on culture. Begin by getting the lay of the land with a walking tour through the handsome old town, beginning with the Piazza Grande and cathedral—both UNESCO World Heritage sites.
In the afternoon, make your way to the Enzo Ferrari Museum. This complex includes Enzo Ferrari’s original workshop, plus a futuristic pavilion housing a collection of vintage Ferrari cars, historic photos, and a theater that shows a short video presentation of the man and the company periodically throughout the day.
Dedicate your morning to a culinary adventure, whether a food tour through the old town, a market visit and dining experience with a local host, or a balsamic vinegar tasting at a traditional acetaio producer in the surrounding countryside.
Modena’s third claim to fame—after its cars and cuisine—is Luciano Pavarotti, one of the most famous operatic tenors of the 20th century, who was born here in 1935. His former home is now a museum documenting Pavarotti’s life and career with a collection of memorabilia. The museum is slightly outside the city, so you’ll need to hire a taxi to reach it.
Modena sits along the Via Emilia, an ancient Roman roadway that connects some of the most handsome small cities in northern Italy. Travel west by car, train, or e-bike to visit the gem-like towns of Reggio Emilia and Parma. Both have similarly charming old towns, excellent cuisine, and a cultural treasure or two to admire.
Alternatively, head east to Bologna, the largest city in Emilia-Romagna and home to the world’s oldest university. Visit its spectacular cathedral, wander the shop-lined lanes of the Quadrilatero district, and follow the porticoed walkway up to the Madonna di San Luca Sanctuary overlooking the city’s rooftops.
