7 fun things to do in Modena in 1 day

It was 9.15am when we arrived in the center of Modena.

Traffic was minimal for the time of the morning, and there wasn’t a cloud in sight, just blue skies above. 

After spending 1 day (and night) in neighboring Parma, we were all set to visit our second city in Emilia-Romagna. 

Our itinerary in hand, we were ready to tick off the best things to do in Modena in 1 day.

Ideal material for your Italy bucket list, use this post to help plan your Italy trip.

What is Modena famous for?

Modena is famous for many things, but the standard answer can differ depending on who you ask. Foodie travelers and epicureans are more likely to answer balsamic vinegar, while sports car-loving motorheads will surely say Ferrari.

Emilia-Romagna in general is renowned for being one of the best food destinations in Italy. And, when you add Modena’s reputation for producing the best balsamic vinegar, it’s one city you can’t miss. 

Cool riders

The Museum Enzo Ferrari in Modena is the place to indulge your race car driving dreams. Its founder, Enzo Ferrari, was born in the city, and the museum exhibits an impressive collection of Ferrari cars, past and present.

The museum also offers unique experiences, including factory and track tours. An interesting attraction, whether you’re into sports cars or not, the outdoor museum makes for a fun day trip.

Where should I go in Modena?

Modena’s historic center is small enough, in that you can see everything in 1 day. However, like our 1-day trip to Ravenna, you may prefer to stay overnight and enjoy a slower form of travel.

7 fun things to do in Modena

1. Begin at the Duomo in Modena

You may have read this before in my other Italy posts, so apologies if this comes across as déjà vu. 

When visiting a city, or small town, in Italy, more often than not, the Duomo’s a good place to start. It’s because it’s where you’ll also find other buildings/attractions of significance importance.

For first-time visitors, the Duomo is also a helpful landmark for getting your bearings of a new city. 

The Duomo in Modena is surrounded by 2 piazzas: Piazza Duomo and Piazza Grande. Together with the Duomo and Torre Ghirlandina, they are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

As its name suggests, the latter piazza’s the larger of the two, with plenty of open space to move around.

Piazza Grande’s home to the Duomo, as well as the local town hall with its iconic clock tower. Beneath the arches surrounding Piazza Grande are shops, bars and restaurants.

The smaller piazza

On the other side of the Duomo is its namesake piazza. It’s here that you’ll find the main entrance — and exit — to/from the church.

An impressive structure on the inside and out, Modena’s cathedral deserves a decent amount of your time. Built in Romanesque style, the 12th century cathedral delights in impressive detail.

From the façade of the main gate, to the storytelling and symbolism on the pulpit, it’s captivating from start to finish.  

Duomo di Modena, Corso Duomo

2. Get to the top of Torre Ghirlandina

Put on your most comfortable walking shoes, grab a bottle of water and prepare to climb Torre Ghirlandina. 

The tower was originally built as the bell tower for the cathedral, but it was also used for other functions. This included signalling the opening of the city gates to warning citizens of any danger. Torre Ghirlandina was an important, and central, part of Modena daily life. 

Today, the tower’s a popular attraction, and one that offers visitors sky-high views of Modena and beyond. There are 200 steps to climb, which because of its medieval design, can feel cramped at times. 

Tickets at the time of visiting* cost €3 ($3.5 /£2.5) per person. Tickets cost €2 ($2.3 /£1.7) for children and students (aged 6 to 26), people over 65+ and groups of 10 or more. 

You can buy tickets for Torre Ghirlandina online, or at the office as you enter the tower. 

Torre Ghirlandina, Piazza della Torre

3. Stop by Palazzo Ducale di Modena 

I think my heart skipped a beat when I laid eyes on the Palazzo Ducale di Modena for the first time.

One of the most spectacular baroque palaces in Europe, its scale will make every hair on your body stand upright.

The 13th century structure was built on the site of an ancient castle, where beneath still lies a series of canals. The mastermind behind the palace was the Duke of Modena, Francesco I. He hired some of the famous architects of the period, including Rainaldi, Bernini and Borromini, to create an architectural masterpiece.  

No entry

Today, Palazzo Ducale di Modena houses not the nobility, but one of the best military academies in Italy. 

Because of this, there are restricted days and times when you can visit Palazzo Ducale di Modena. The palace is open to visitors on the weekend — mornings and afternoons — but only as part of a guided tour.

Palazzo Ducale di Modena is closed when ceremonies are taking place, and when public holidays fall on a Sunday. It’s also closed on Christmas Day, Easter Sunday and the whole month of August.

Reservations are required by the Wednesday before your tour takes place. You can do this at the Tourist Information and Reception Office (IAT) at Piazza Grande 14. 

Book ahead

I highly recommend booking ahead to avoid disappointment. We didn’t realize the restrictions for Palazzo Ducale di Modena and were unable to visit. 

Inside, are historic rooms like the baroque gold drawing room and ballroom. 

Fortunately, we were still able to see the magnificent courtyard from behind the gates. The quadrangular yard is surrounded by Doric and Ionic arches, designed in Palladian style.

One of the best things to do in Modena don't miss your chance to visit Palazzo Ducale.

Palazzo Ducale di Modena, Piazza Roma 15

Map: things to do in Modena in 1 day

4. Have lunch at Mercato Storico Albinelli 

After a busy morning of walking and sightseeing around Modena, it was time to recharge our batteries. And, when I heard that there was a historic market with an outdoor restaurant, my foodie senses began to tingle.

Mercato Storico Albinelli is an easy 1-minute walk from Piazza Grande. The market was inaugurated in 1931, quickly becoming a popular place for the Modenese to shop. Today, Mercato Storico Albinelli still retains many of its original structural detail. 

The market reminded me of my visits to Mahane Yehuda in Jerusalem and St Lawrence Market in Toronto. While the produce may be different, the market’s function is the same.

These food markets represent much more than a place to shop. They’re a vital part of the community, something that’s evident as you wander around.

Market with outdoors dining — what is Modena Italy like? 

The market’s restaurant serves up freshly cooked seasonal dishes using its own produce. Look for the row of tables and chairs lined up outside the market’s entrance on Via Luigi Albinelli.

There’s no need to make a reservation, even at the peak lunch hour (1pm). Informal and relaxed, we grabbed a table and waited for our waitress. 

Lunch was light, fresh and with a traditional Modenese touch. A stack of perfectly sweet ripened tomatoes with mozzarella and basil, served with freshly baked tigelle.

These round breads come from the Apennines in Modena and make the perfect accompaniment to any meal.  

We ordered our tigelle plain, but you could also choose from other fillings. 

Mercato Storico Albinelli, Via Luigi Albinelli 13

5. Get your balsamic vinegar fix

If you’re reading this and thinking, all balsamic vinegars are the same, think again.

Modena and balsamic vinegar go hand in hand, and when visiting the city, there’s one brand that reigns supreme. 

Giuseppe Giusti is a historic producer of the finest balsamic vinegar in Modena. A family tradition that goes back 400 years, the quality of the vinegar reflects in its flawless taste. 

The company has a museum just outside Modena if you’re interested in doing a vinegar tasting and tour.

More in the store

Because of our close proximity to Piazza Grande, we settled to see what the store had to offer. Little did we know that what was supposed to be a quick visit would turn into a full-on tasting.

Our tastebuds were tantalized as we tried everything from aged balsamic vinegars to innovative creations.

By the end of our visit, we left with 3 bottles of balsamic vinegar, ‘caviar’ style pearls and some chocolates. I’ll admit, that at the start, I was reluctant to enter Giuseppe Giusti, but I’m so glad we did. 

Acetaia Giusti - Bottega di Piazza Grande, Piazza Grande (shop)
Acetaia Giusti - Dal 1605, Strada delle Quattro Ville (museum)

6. Swing by the oldest pasticceria in Modena

I couldn’t let myself, or my sweet tooth, pass up the opportunity to visit Modena’s oldest pasticceria. 

Antica Pasticceria San Biagio is a small shop with a big selection. Sources say that the shop opened towards the latter part of the 19th century. Family run, the shop’s a popular destination for locals as well as visitors to Modena. 

Inside, you’ll find traditional Modenese sweets like Torta Barozzi and amaretti di San Geminiano alongside apple strudel.

The owners are friendly, knowledgeable and make you feel like you want to try one of everything. 

Antica Pasticceria San Biagio, Via Emilia 77

7. Sample the Modena restaurant scene 

As a general rule of thumb, it’s very hard to eat badly anywhere in Italy. But, given Emilia-Romagna’s reputation for its superb food scene, you’re in completely safe hands in Modena.

If the word budget doesn’t exist in your vocabulary, you should consider booking at Osteria Francescana. This 3 Michelin star restaurant is probably the most famous in Modena headed by Modenese native, Massimo Bottura. 

Spaces are extremely limited with just 12 tables. Saying that, booking ahead, not just weeks, but sometimes months in advance, is essential.

Osteria Francescana, Via Stella 22

Where to eat in Modena

If your budget doesn’t quite stretch to Osteria Francescana, the following are equally good choices, sans the Michelin stars. 

Ristorante Antica Moka, Via Emilia Est, 1496 
Trattoria Il Fantino, Via Donzi 7
Osteria Ermes, Via Ganaceto 89

Because of the situation at the time of visiting Modena, many of our first choices were closed. Luckily, we found Osteria Santa Chiara, a charming restaurant, just a minute’s walk from the historic centre. 

So memorable was our dining experience, that it felt like a Michelin starred evening. The food, wine and service were excellent and I’d recommend it to anyone visiting Modena. 

Osteria Santa Chiara, Via Ruggera 3

Where to sleep in Modena

For a 1-night trip to Modena, staying in, or close to, the city center is a must. The beautiful Salotto delle Arti has elegant rooms, antique furnishings and is just 5 minutes from the Duomo. 

An alternative for Modena is Emilia Studios. This aparthotel has rooms fitted with all the mod cons and facilities for a comfortable stay. Palazzo Ducale di Modena is also close by at just 400km from the property. 

Is Modena worth visiting?

Modena had been on our list for some time, and I’m glad that we finally got the chance to visit. For a small city, there’s plenty here to hold your attention. 

Aside from its attractions, Modena is also worth visiting because of its laidback vibe. More local in feel, no one asked us where we were from, and wherever we went we blended right in.  

All in all, Modena is a city we’d 100% like to revisit again. And, who knows, maybe next time we’ll even get to try Osteria Francescana. 

What do you think about this travel guide of these fun things to do in Modena? Is it somewhere you’d like to visit in Italy? Let me know in the comments below. 

*correct at the time of visiting 

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