modena day trip from bologna

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A modena day trip: how to see this italian gem in one day.

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Looking for a beautiful Italian city with great food and limited crowds? Consider a Modena day trip. Known for balsamic vinegar, Ferrari and the home of the best restaurant in the world. Modena is a wonderful addition to your northern Italy itinerary.

With one day in Modena you’ll get to see and experience the best this small city has to offer. However, there is not a huge list of things “to do” in Modena. For that reason, it is nowhere near as touristy as nearby cities such as Florence, Venice or even Bologna . Here you’ll spend a wonderful day in Modena wandering around the streets, eating delicious food and sipping on cocktails. If that sounds appealing, read on to find out how to spend the perfect day in Modena.

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How to get to Modena for your day trip

Modena is located in the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy. It’s conveniently located on the train line from Bologna to Milan. So Modena is an easy day trip by train from many cities and towns in Northern Italy.

However, the most popular option is a Bologna to Modena day trip. Bologna is the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region. A buzzing university town, it is a wonderful place to base yourself. Modena is one of the easiest day trips you can take from Bologna.

Located less than 50km from each other, it’s super easy to get from Bologna to Modena via the train. Services are frequent and reasonably priced.

The quickest train takes just 17 minutes to get from Bologna to Modena. However, the more frequent regional trains will take between 24-30 minutes and likely cost you less. Like most train travel through Italy, you’ll generally get a cheaper ticket the earlier in advance you book. If you book through Omio, you can grab a ticket for as low as €3.85 one way . However, this can go up to around €15 if you’re booking on the day.

If you’re basing yourself in Bologna , make sure you check out our guide to 3 days in Bologna and where to find the best gelato .

Getting around Modena on your day trip

The historical centre of Modena, where you’ll spend most of your time during this day trip, is easily walkable. Many areas are pedestrianised only, or only open to local traffic. This is one of the reasons we love Modena so much!

Modena’s train station is about a 15 minute flat walk from the city centre. If you’d like to give your feet a rest, you could always take a local bus or grab a taxi. In fact, you may want to do this at the end of the day if, like me, you’ve eaten way too much! The best way to find which bus to take is to use Google Maps. You pop in your destination, go to the public transport tab, and it will show you the bus number and location of the stop.

Top things to see with one day in Modena

So, let’s begin your day in Modena! For this itinerary, I’ll assume you’ve arrived by train. Plan to have some breakfast before you leave your destination, so you arrive in Modena around mid-morning.

Admire vintage cars at the Enzo Ferrari Museum

Whilst the “home” of Ferrari is the nearby town of Maranello, the links to Ferrari run deep in Modena. A few minutes walk from the train station you’ll find the Enzo Ferrari Museum . Located at the childhood home of Ferrari’s founder, Enzo Ferrari, you’ll have the opportunity to view some very special vintage Ferraris.

I’m not much of a car lover to be fair, but I think this museum is appealing to even those who don’t possess an automotive passion. There are around 15-18 cars on display from right across the Ferrari era, which shows the variety and evolution of this incredible car manufacturer. You’ll need 30-60 minutes to enjoy looking around. This will also include a viewing of the Ferrari story which plays out on the walls of the museum. If only Ferrari wasn’t so exclusive, you’ll likely walk away wondering what it would be like to own one of these beauties.

Do note that the entry to the museum is €17 for adults, but check the website for updated pricing and opening hours .

Walk past the door of one of the best restaurants in the world

If you’re into your food and you’ve decided on a day trip to Modena, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of Massimo Bottura. This little town in Italy is home to one of the best restaurants in the world, Osteria Francescana. And Massimo is its owner and head chef.

This 3 star Michelin restaurant was the winner of the Best Restaurant in the World in 2018. Once you’ve won, you can’t win again. So it’s forever on the Best of the Best list. It’s a restaurant known for its inventive and unique Italian dishes.

We’ve been to Modena twice, and on our last trip we were lucky enough to dine for lunch here. I say “lucky”, but in reality, we planned our whole trip around this meal. You need to secure your reservation 4 months out, and the bookings for the month fill up in a matter of hours. If you’d like to read more about our experience and how to book, check out our Osteria Francescana review here .

If you’re unable to secure a reservation, you can do what we did on our first trip: have a peek at the restaurant! Head to the location at Via Stella, 22. On an unassuming street, surrounded by residential buildings, is where you’ll find one of the best restaurants in the world. You’ll see a dusty pink building with a small gold sign next to the door, “Osteria Francescana”. If you’ve arrived before or after service, you may even see some of the chefs taking a break out on the street. Grab your photo and prepare to move onto more foodie goodness (ie. one you can actually partake in!).

Wander around Modena’s food market: Mercato Albinelli

From Osteria Francescana, it’s a short walk to Modena’s main food market, Mercato Albinelli. A covered market that is open from 6:30am, 6 days a week (it’s closed on Sundays). This market is the buzzing, beating heart of Modena. It’s been here since the early 1900’s. It feels as though not much has changed since then!

Here you’ll be able to admire, try and buy so much good food. Fruit and vegetable stores abound with the ripest looking tomatoes you’ve ever seen. Just try and walk past the cheese stores and not try some Parmigiano-Reggiano (yes, really! I don’t even like cheese but I had to try it here). There’s home-made pasta, fresh bread, meats and sweet treats. Make sure you keep a look out for the local speciality, amaretti di Modena, an almond cookie. You can even pick up a bottle or two of some premium balsamic vinegar from the region. I hope you had a light breakfast because this is the perfect spot for some grazing.

Time for some lunch

Italy is all about eating. So, if you haven’t filled up too much at the market, it’s time for lunch. I’ve got two wonderful recommendations on what to have for lunch for your one day in Modena.

First up, is Bar Schiavoni . It’s located on the edge of the market, so you don’t have very far to go at all. They serve up a small selection of paninis. But in my eyes (or should that be stomach?) there is just one that matters. The humble sausage sandwich. I’m not even sure what they put on it to be honest. And we ate here at least 3 times!  I just asked for the “sausage sandwich with the green sauce”. A few minutes later, I was in foodie heaven.

Bar Schiavoni was apparently the first bar that ever opened in Modena. And whilst they continue to serve up delicious paninis, I’m sure they’ll be the last bar standing. It’s a super small space. There are just a few tables out front. But for a place so amazing, we never had to wait too long.

If the spot looks familiar, it could be because you’ve watched Master of None on Netflix . The shows two main characters eat here in Season 2, Episode 2. In fact, the first two episodes are predominantly based in Modena. So it’s an interesting watch and will surely fuel your wanderlust and need to visit this beautiful city.

The second spot I recommend for lunch is Franceschetta 58 . This is the perfect spot if you’re a Massimo Bottura fan. That’ because this place is “Osteria Francescana’s little cousin”. I didn’t make that up, it’s exactly how they describe it on their website! Massimo’s second restaurant in Modena, this spot is a lot more casual than its Michelin stared cousin. It’s also a lot easier on the wallet and much easier to get a reservation here.

Located just outside the historical centre, it’s about a 15 minute walk from Mercato Albinelli. For €50 you can get a tasting menu, that’s best described as Italian with a twist. This also includes a pasta favourite, Tortellini in Parmigiano Reggiano fondue. We ate lunch here on our first visit to Modena and really enjoyed it.

Sightseeing in Modena

So your Modena day trip itinerary has so far mostly consisted of food and cars. But that’s about to change. Modena is a stunning northern Italian town with large squares, cute shopfronts and beautiful churches. Take some time now to burn off that lunch with a wander around the historical centre.

All great Italian towns have a beautiful square or two, and Modena is no different. Make sure you check out the Piazza Grande . Here you’ll find a square surrounded by Modena’s most striking and important monuments. There’s the beautiful 12 th century cathedral, with the tower known as “ Ghirlandina ”. This is probably Modena’s most iconic image. For a small charge you can climb this tower for views out across the city. The Piazza Grande with the cathedral and tower were given UNESCO World Heritage status in 1997.

From here, my recommendation is to just go through the cute streets of Modena. Similar to Bologna, Modena’s streets are flanked by stunning porticoes. It makes for a really pleasant walk and protection against the elements.

Get your balsamic vinegar fix

If you’re a balsamic vinegar fan, now is the time for some tasting and shopping. You are in the home of balsamic vinegar after all! There are a few stores in central Modena that provide a tasting such as La Consorteria 1966. Enoteca Ducale is another well recommended shop a short walk from the centre.

Now from here, you may be very well worn out from your Modena day trip. On our first visit, we were day tripping from Bologna. We chose to leave Modena in the afternoon. That way we got back to our hotel for a rest, before having aperitivo and dinner in Bologna.

If you’re ready to leave now, know that you’ve definitely seen the highlights of Modena! But if you’re keen on staying, I’ve got some more recommendations for you (and of course, they’re all food related).

Indulge in aperitivo

Now if you’ve spent some time in Italy, you would have realised that aperitivo is a strongly observed tradition in Italian culture. Particularly in summer where the light lingers and the air is warm. If you’re wondering what on earth aperitivo is, well, it’s effectively after work/pre-dinner drinks.

My drink of choice for aperitivo, particularly in summer, is an Aperol Spritz. But of course if I am in a place like Tuscany , or a fine enoteca, I’ll choose an Italian wine.

There are some fantastic bars all around Modena to indulge in aperitivo. My favourite spot was Caffetteria Giusti , located on via Farini. There’s a lovely shaded spot outside where you can grab a seat and watch everyone pass by. The drinks were great and it came with lots of complimentary food.

This café is also next door to Hosteria Guisti, a famous deli and restaurant in Modena. If the deli is open, make sure you have a look inside! First opened in 1605, it is reportedly Europe’s oldest salumeria. We were lucky enough to be staying in an apartment on this street, so would regularly visit here to grab some supplies. We were living the Italian dream!

Dinner in a local restaurant

If you’re planning on having dinner in Modena on your day trip, you’ll be spoilt for choice. A recommendation from us would be to grab some dinner at Trattoria Il Fantino . This restaurant was recommended by our AirBnB host as a traditional and well-known restaurant with locals. We were also advised to book a few days in advance. We hadn’t, so turned up on opening (as Italians generally eat much later than we are used to) and got a table for an hour.

There are a range of local Italian dishes on offer and all at very reasonable prices. We started with ‘Gnocco fritto e prosciutto crudo’ which they translated as ‘Fried bread served with ham.’ We’ve tried this in other cities in the Emilia-Romagna region and absolutely love it! We also chose the pasta of the day, which we were told was a local speciality. All this was paired with a bottle of local red wine.

Finish off with some amazing gelato

Now comes the final thing to do on your Modena day trip, and in my view one of the most important. Eat some fantastic gelato!

If you’ve read some of our other articles on Italy, you’d know that we take our gelato eating very seriously. You’re in the home of gelato, so we want to make sure you avoid eating bad gelato .

Head to Emilia Cremeria . Sure, it’s a chain store, but in our view one of the best gelato shops we’ve tried in Italy. The Siciliana and Bacio were my favourite flavours. It’s creamy goodness for sure. You can also get milk chocolate in the bottom of your cone (watch out, it can get messy!).

So now your Modena day trip has come to an end. We hope you had a fantastic time! How did you find it? Do you have any other recommendations for our readers? We’d love to hear in the comments.

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One Response

What a lovely city this is! I’ve been so inspired by your travels through Italy. It’s still one country we haven’t been yet surprisingly. Definitely going to save your recommendations on what to see and eat, especially the gelato, yum!

Mouthwatering Bologna to Modena Day Trip by Train

When I visited Bologna, the plan was to eat as many of the delicious foods as we could find. We also used Bologna as a base, then explore more of the delicious Emilia Romagna region in Italy. Sadly, we didn’t have time to do all the day trips that make the region so interesting. Luckily for me, Joe & Alicia from Miles Less Traveled agreed to share the story of their day trip from Bologna to Modena. And they show you the best things to do in Modena on a day trip. Enjoy!

This is a guest post by Miles Less Traveled. Make sure to follow them on social media to get a delicious taste of what Joe and Alicia are up to. Follow Miles Less Traveled on Facebook and Instagram .

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Bologna to Modena Day Trip by Train

After spending 5 weeks traveling through Italy, my husband and I both unanimously agreed that the Northern region of the country, Bologna, Parma , Modena, and the surrounding area, was our favorite.

The food was some of the best we’ve ever had, the cities small and charming, and the locals kind and friendly. Mostly we hopped around, staying in one place for a few days at a time as we did in Bologna and then exploring from there.

That’s how we ended up in Modena. A charming town that has long been known for its high-quality Balsamic Vinegar and leather goods. In the last century, it became famous for producing some of the world’s most coveted luxury cars: Maseratis and Ferraris.

Today, Modena retains its successes in these traditions while also drawing people from around the world who want to sample the highly respected and award-winning food scene.

How to Get From Bologna to Modena?

It’s easy to get from Bologna to Modena for a day trip. You’ll find Modena only 45 km (28 miles) away from Bologna with every form of transportation available.

Day Trip to Modena by Train

The easiest and fastest way to go is by train. Trenitalia trains leave from Bologna Centrale and arrive in Modena within a half-hour, some as fast as 20 minutes. Also, trains in Italy are clean, well-kept, and generally a pleasure to ride.

Tickets for this trip range from 3 to 10 euros. Once there, the Modena train station is an easy walk to the Plaza and center of the city.

Bologna to Modena by Car

If you prefer, you can make the drive out as well. There is a major roadway connecting the two so driving should be relatively simple. The drive takes less than an hour on average from Bologna to Modena. Although this varies a bit depending on where exactly you’re headed and what time of day you’re driving out.

Find your parking space via the Parkopedia search option .

Day trip by Bus to Modena

You can also take a bus from Bologna to Modena, though they roughly cost the same as the train and a longer trip. Several companies have buses along this route, Trenitalia among them again. The bus takes anywhere from 1 hour to 1 hour and a half.

What To Do in Modena For Your Day Trip?

Once you get to Modena there is so much to explore. The city itself is historic, dating back thousands of years. In 1997, several of the sites were established as UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the Piazza Grande, the home of the free Republic.

Go Shopping for Leather Goods in Modena

Yes, there is amazing leather to purchase all over Italy. But Modena has been producing fine Italian leather since the Middle Ages. As an agricultural region, there have been cattle farms here for centuries.

There are quite a few shops selling leather goods in Modena, but my personal favorite is La Vachetta Grassa , a tiny shop tucked into a side street right off the Piazza.

The owner has lined the small walls with beautiful, handcrafted bags, belts, wallets, and little knick-knacks. This is where we picked up beautiful little leather tortellini keychains that are as cute as they are elegant to bring home for gifts.

They will make custom items here as well if you want to pay to have it shipped home or are in the area for a while. The prices here aren’t cheap, but even if on a budget it’s a fine shop to wander around in.

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Modena

Modena is an extremely old municipality. Start by visiting the Palazzo Comunale has been home to the governing body in the city for over 1000 years. In addition to the town hall, the entire Piazza Grande is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site . The building is open every day, excluding some holidays, from 9 am – 7 pm.

After the Palazzo, step over to the Duomo, a gorgeous building that dates back to 1099. Admission is free to walk through the dark, high-ceilings cathedral and imagine people sitting in similar pews almost 1000 years ago.

Even just walking through the piazza, viewing the Palazzo and Duomo from the outside, is a beautiful way to spend some time. Every important event that happened in Modena, and many that were important to the country as a whole, happened in this exact spot. It’s one of those places where you can feel the history as much as you see it.

Eat at Osteria Francescana in Modena

Like the neighboring cities, the food in Modena is some of the best in the world. In recent years, the town’s restaurant scene has been blasted onto the map for fine dining as Osteria Francescana has climbed the ladder of success.

Boasting 3 Michelin stars, Osteria Francescana has been named the best restaurant in the world on several occasions and has increasingly pushed the boundaries of what Italian food can be.

The chef, who has been featured on Chef’s Table, the Netflix award-winning docuseries, was born and raised in Modena. He proudly remakes dishes that his grandmother served him, but with a modern flair and elegance that elevates them onto a completely different level.

Getting a table here is no easy feat, but it is not impossible. When we visited, we emailed the staff and said we would take any reservation within a two-week window in the middle of winter, lunch or dinner, and when they responded with a date and time, we booked our entire trip around that one date. This was hands down the best meal I’ve ever had.

If you’re not in the market for an extravagant, expensive, and lengthy meal, opt for one of the many other delicious spots in town. The food here is great just about anywhere you go.

Looking for the more foodie adventures by Miles Less Traveled? Find the best pizza in Naples .

Experience a Modena Balsamic Vinegar Tour

Modena is the most famous region in the world for Balsamic vinegar, a title they take very seriously. They make balsamic vinegar in an Acetaia. Plan a tour to one of the companies in the consortium or book a tour through a travel company.

The tours operate similarly to winery tastings. During the visit to the Acetaia, you can expect to sample the vinegar they have in-house with a description of the history of the producer and why each one is different.

As someone who did not previously know much about the difference in balsamic vinegar, I find it fascinating how detailed and varied these can be!

If you’re interested and you’ll have little time, book your Modena balsamic vinegar tour here .

Sample the Goods at the Albinelli Covered Market

The market in Modena was what I had pictured Italian markets to be before I visited. Rows of stands lined up inside the small, old building, bursting with fruits, vegetables, cheeses, meats, and vinegar. The Sicilian strawberries so vibrantly red they reminded me of those plastic ones my grandma used to have in a fruit bowl.

It was, in fact, the only market I saw like it during my time there. Wandering the stalls, smelling the pungent cheeses, tasting the tart vinegar, and nibbling on bits and bites as you walk is a treat. Most vendors will give you a sample to try if you’re interested in buying. We purchased quite a bit to munch on during train rides over the following days and were so happy we did.

You can also book a market tour and a home cooking class here .

Take a tour of the Maserati factory

Luxury is something this part of Italy does exceptionally well, as noted most extravagantly in the cars they produce here. Both Maserati’s and Lamborghini’s are produced in the area, but the tour of the Maserati factory is the closest one to downtown Modena.

Watch how they make a Maserati in the showroom, get a complete history and rundown of the company, and get a guided walk down the assembly line during the 1 hr 30 min long tour. If you’re short on time, the factory also operates a quicker, 40 minute rundown of the showroom. Tours are available in English, German, French, Spanish, and Italian and need to be booked in advance.

If you’re really interested in the world of luxury cars, you can also invest in one of Maserati’s classes at their master track or book a tour of the Ferrari, Maserati and Lamborghini Museum Tour here .

Bologna to Modena Day Trip

As you can see, Modena is packed with enough things to see and do, and taste, for a full day trip. With only a short and easy trip by train, you change the scenario and surrounding of your stay. Make sure to leave enough room in your Bologna itinerary, to do a day trip to Modena.

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• Read all my content on Italy here
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Have you been to Modena? What did you like best? And which is your favorite Balsamic to taste? Let me know in the comment section below, I’d love to hear from you.

Author: Naomi

The Perfect Modena Day Trip Itinerary

Last Updated on January 23, 2024

by Michael Rozenblit

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If there was one city that we absolutely fell in love with during our time in Italy , it was undoubtedly Modena. A charming town full of grand piazzas, quaint streets and a culinary scene that will certainly leave you a few pounds heavier once you inevitably depart. Despite Modena being postcard-perfect, visitors were surprisingly few with those exploring being limited to tourists on a short Modena day trip, probably combined with other nearby destinations.

We ended up spending three days in the city, gorging ourselves on the delicacies of Emilia-Romagna , taking long aimless strolls through the town and exploring the nearby attractions. And while we wholeheartedly recommend travellers do the same and spend a few days falling in love with this gorgeous town, it’s also possible to see the best of this city even if you only have one day in Modena.

Table of Contents

Getting To & Around Modena

Modena is easily reachable from other nearby towns in Emilia Romagna. Most travellers exploring the region tend to base themselves in Bologna – another fantastic city that deserves a few days being explored. For a Bologna to Modena day trip, trains take approximately thirty minutes and cost around €4-6 one way.

Make sure to take the regional trains rather than the Intercity trains as they are three times cheaper and usually only take about five to ten minutes longer. To get to Modena from other towns, you can check the schedules here.

Modena train station is about a ten to fifteen-minute walk from the centre of town.

Once in the city, it’s very easy to get around the centre of Modena on foot and most attractions are quite accessible between each other. If you end up going to visit an acetaia or to Maranello for the Ferrari Museum, there is also a good bus system that is easily navigable should you need it.

Modena Day Trip Itinerary

Visit mercato albinelli – modena’s central market.

Modena is a foodie’s paradise and there’s absolutely no better way to start your day trip to Modena than by visiting Mercato Albinelli (Albinelli Market) – Modena’s central food market and a place where many locals do their grocery shopping.

At the market, you will find everything your stomach could possibly desire including fresh fruit and vegetables, hundreds of varieties of pasta, and deli meats and cheeses.

Spend some time exploring the market before choosing a few of your favourite stalls and buying some fresh bread, meat and cheese to enjoy for breakfast. For €6 we bought enough bread, meat and cheese for the two of us for breakfast as well as having some leftovers for snacking throughout the day.

The market is open every day except Sunday.

Get lost and explore Modena

The charm of Modena will become apparent as you spend your morning strolling through the gorgeous town. In Modena, all roads will inevitably lead to Piazza Grande – with the striking 12th-century cathedral capturing visitors with its impressive architecture.

You can enter the cathedral (the Duomo di Modena) for free and also climb the adjacent  Ghirlandina Tower  fora small if you want to build a bit of an appetite for lunch. For us, the real joy of this area was simply sitting on one of the benches in Piazza Grande and watching the world go by.

From Piazza Grande, take one of the numerous alleyways to Ducal Palace on the other side of Modena overlooking Piazza Roma.

This is one of the largest Baroque palaces in Italy and aside from its spectacular architecture, it has a lovely courtyard that is another popular hangout area for locals and tourists.

Apart from visiting these sites, take your time to walk down random alleyways or hop into a cafe for an espresso to truly start appreciating the beauty of this town.

Indulge in a gastronomic lunch

Modena could easily lay claim to being not only the culinary capital of Italy but also the world. It boasts what is considered by many to be one of the best restaurants in the world – Osteria Francescana – which requires bookings months in advance.

If you’re willing to plan in advance but can’t justify the hundreds of euros per person tasting menu of Osteria Francescana, then a fantastic option is to visit Hosteria Giusti.

Made famous by the Netflix series Master of None , Hosteria Giusti is set at the back of a local deli, has four tables and is only open for lunch five days per week, making it difficult to get a table but incredibly worth it.

Each dish served was incredible including gnocco fritto, tortellini en brodo and guinea fowl drizzled with local balsamic vinegar. Three courses and wine will set you back about €50-60 per person and you need to book a table about two to three months in advance.

If planning ahead isn’t your strong suit but you still want a delicious meal then I highly recommend visiting Ristorante da Danilo.  They serve traditional home-cooked food and have incredibly friendly waiters that will explain every last menu item.

While bookings are advised here, they are very accommodating, particularly if you arrive early during the lunch period. The tortelloni in balsamico and lasagna verde are highly recommended!

If you still have room after lunch, make sure to stop Gioelia Cremeria for possibly the best gelato you will ever eat in your life.

Go on a Balsamic Vinegar Tour

If you happen to have a bottle of balsamic vinegar in your kitchen pantry, chances are it’ll be called ‘Balsamic Vinegar of Modena’.

Don’t be fooled though, the stuff you buy in the supermarket is a poor imitation of the traditional product that you can sample in Modena. In order to have that label only part of the production (e.g. the bottling) has to occur in Modena.

Traditional balsamic vinegar is aged for at least 12 years, can’t have any additives and must be approved by the Consortium of Balsamic Vinegar in Modena.

You can sample the traditional product all over Modena, including the central market, however, in order to get a true appreciation of the production process I highly recommend visiting a local a cetaia where the glorious liquid is produced.

While paid tours are available from Modena , you can actually visit many of the acetaia for free on your Modena day trip. We visited  Acetaia Del San Donnino which has seen famous visitors such as Mark Zuckerburg and Pierce Brosnan whose photos are proudly displayed on the wall.

During our one-hour visit, we were given a full explanation of the production process, toured the storerooms and had five tastings (including one with ice cream!). There is no hard sell to buy their products but if you’re anything like most people, you will undoubtedly want to take a bottle or two home with you!

From Modena, take Bus 2A to San Donnino and get off at the last stop. It’s then about a ten-minute walk from the bus stop to the acetaia . Tickets can be purchased on the bus directly from the driver.

Enjoy a relaxing aperitivo

It’ll surely come as no surprise to you that the last item on our things to do when seeing Modena in a day involves more food! Aperitivo is a pre-dinner tradition in Italy whereby you visit your favourite local bar and enjoy a drink accompanied by some delicious snacks.

While bars will start offering aperitivo from around 5-6pm, you won’t see many locals until at least 7 pm.

One of our favourite places for aperitivo in Modena and fantastic value for money is Caffetteria Giusti. Located close to Ducal Palace, this traditional bar has ample outdoor seating and €6 will get you a spritz accompanied by an amazing selection of snacks such as olives, nuts, focaccia and crisps.

If you’re after something more hip and modern, then  Stile Libero  is a local pub popular with a younger crowd that has a fantastic range of craft beers and other drinks which are accompanied by a range of crisps.

Want to stay longer in Modena?

Whether it’s reading more about Modena or simply compiling a never-ending list of restaurants you want to eat at in Modena, there’s a chance that researching your Modena day trip will lead you to want to add more days to your Modena itinerary!

There are plenty more things to do in Modena that can easily fill up a couple of additional days including visiting the Enzo Ferrari Museum, taking a tour of one of the local Parmigiano Reggiano dairies or even taking a day trip to a nearby town such as Parma .

Where to Stay in Modena

Room & Breakfast Canalino 21 – A good budget option for solo travellers or couples in Modena. They offer a range of private rooms including cheaper ones with shared bathroom. Breakfast is included daily.

Il Fonticolo Room & Breakfast – A boutique bed & breakfast that is a great option for couples or if travelling with children. Rooms are spacious, well decorated and breakfast is included in the price.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse available hotel rooms in Modena.

Our time in Modena was quite possibly the highlight of our trip to Northern Italy . While it’s certainly possible to enjoy the best of the town on a day trip, we highly recommend spending a few nights here if only to be able to sample some more fantastic local restaurants!

Are you planning to visit Modena? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments below!

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About Michael Rozenblit

Michael is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Both solo and with his partner, Maggie, he has travelled to over 50 countries across the globe and has a particular affinity for the Balkans and Eastern Europe. He’s lived in numerous countries worldwide but currently resides in his hometown of Melbourne, Australia. Read more about Michael

Visiting modena this week. Wanted to ask about taxis – what would you recommend as value for money?

We are going to Modena in 18 days for a business function. We have some very good friends who live there also? We will be there 3 days, one of which the ladies will be on our own. Your recommendations sound wonderful and are something we will try. Will most likely take a taxi to the Balsamic facility. What should we expect to pay for the taxi there. Thank you.

I’m a Londoner who’s lived in Modena for years. I agree with every word you wrote. Well done. Just one extra bit if info though: the cathedral and Piazza Grande are UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Thanks Krys! 🙂

What advice would you give for someone intending to live there? What are the do’s and don’t? Thanks you

Hi Michael,

Thanks for the great article about Modena, it sounds like a magic day out. We are heading to Bologna for a short break in a couple of weeks and would like to visit Modena. I think the itinerary would be perfect for us.

Cheers, Colin.

Thanks a lot Colin! Hope you have a great trip!

I live in Modena. Im pleased of the way you have captured the real essence of this beautiful and lively town. Kudoz!!

Thanks Josie! That’s really lovely to hear from a local! 🙂

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How to Spend the Perfect One Day in Modena, Italy

• February 26, 2024
• by Jenoa Matthes

Planning to spend one day in Modena? We’re sharing all you need to know in this guide.

Modena is a charming city located in the Emilia Romagna region of northern Italy. It is famous for two things: Balsamic Vinegar and Ferrari.

You can easily visit Modena on a day trip from Bologna, Parma, or Milan. We recently spent a week in Modena, and based on our experience, there are two ways that you can spend a day in Modena.

In this guide, you will find two day trip itineraries. The first one is a Ferrari itinerary for those looking to visit both of the Ferrari Museums around Modena. The second one is a foodie itinerary for those looking to taste and learn about the local cuisine.

Here is our guide to one day in Modena, plus all of our tips to help you plan the perfect day.

Ferrari Itinerary: One Day in Modena

This itinerary is built for those looking to visit both the Enzo Ferrari Museum in Modena and the Ferrari Museum in Maranello, just outside of Modena.

Pay attention to the times listed below, as you’ll need to arrive at the museum in the morning in order to catch the shuttle bus on time to Maranello.

Enzo Ferrari Museum

Get to the Enzo Ferrari Museum right when it opens at 9:00am or 9:30am depending on the month. You can check the opening hours online at the official website.

The Enzo Ferrari Museum focuses on the history of Ferrari and its founder, Enzo. It features vintage cars, engines, drawings, and you can even take a peek at Enzo’s original office.

The museum is located outside of the city center and is a 15-minute walk from Piazza Grande. You only need about an hour to visit this museum.

There is a cafe inside with sandwiches, drinks, and other snacks if you need to pick up something for breakfast.

If you are visiting both Ferrari museum, then purchase the combined ticket to save money.

Tickets: €27 per adult. Combined ticket option for both the Enzo Ferrari Museum + the Maranello Ferraro Museum is €38 per adult. Purchase your tickets online at the official website.

Ferrari Museum in Maranello

Unless you have a car, you need to take either the public bus or the Ferrari shuttle bus to Maranello. We suggest taking the shuttle to Maranello, since it is faster and stops outside of the Enzo Ferrari museum.

The bus arrives outside of the Enzo Ferrari museum at 10:45am, make sure to get there 5 minutes beforehand. You need to purchase your shuttle tickets online at Vivara Viaggi. These book up and there may not be seats if you don’t purchase in advance.

The Ferrari Museum is located in Maranello where the first factory was built and where it still is today. Inside of the museum, there are a mix of vintage cars, current models, and futuristic prototypes.

For an additional cost, you can sign up for one of these extra activities in Maranello:

• F1 and GT Simulators
• Factory and Track Tour

Make sure to book these online a few weeks in advance – time slots book up fast. We tried to reserve these on the day of and they were sold out.

If you want to test drive a Ferrari around Maranello, you can book this tour where you get to drive a Ferrari car between 10 minutes to 2 hours, depending on what you book.

You could easily spend a whole day here if you book the panoramic factory and track tour and do the simulators. Otherwise, if you just walk through the museum, plan on spending 1.5 hours here.

Tickets: €27 per adult. There is a combined ticket option for both the Enzo Ferrari Museum + the Maranello Ferraro Museum that is €38 per adult. Purchase your tickets online at the official website.

Hours: Opening times vary depending on the month. Check out the official Ferrari museum website for up-to-date information.

Taking the public bus: The shuttle bus doesn’t leave the museum in Maranello until 2:45pm. We finished our tour of the museum earlier than that and took the public bus back to Modena. If this is the case for you, take the public bus #815 back to Modena.

You can purchase your tickets with contactless payment on the bus or at a tobacco shop in Maranello. The ride takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on traffic.

Ghirlandina Tower

You should have enough time for a few activities in Modena after your morning at the Ferrari museums. The first thing we recommend doing is climbing the Ghirlandina Tower, which towers over the city of Modena.

You can climb the 200 steps up this 12th century bell tower for spectacular views overlooking Modena.

The hours vary, so it’s best to double check online at the official website . You need to reserve a time slot in advance online here.

READ ALSO: 19 Best Things to do in Modena

Duomo di Modena

Just a few steps from the Ghirlandina tower is the Duomo di Modena (Modena Cathedral), the most important cathedral in the city. This Romanesque cathedral dates back to the 12th century and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Cathedral is open Tuesday to Sunday, from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm. On Mondays, it has a split opening hours, you can access it between 7:00 am and 12:30 pm and then from 3:30 pm to 7:00 pm.

Admission to the Duomo is free.

Dinner at local restaurant

Head to one of Modena’s top-rated restaurants for some traditional Emilia Romagna cuisine. From 3-star Michelin restaurants, including one of the best restaurants in the world, to classic Italian trattorias, you have many fantastic options to choose from.

Check out our Modena restaurant guide below for some ideas. Make sure to call ahead and make your reservation a few days in advance.

Late night gelato

Gelateria Bloom is the best gelato shop in Modena. They scoop up unique flavors that are made with fresh and local ingredients.

Try one of their seasonal flavors, like pumpkin in the fall, for something a little different.

Foodie Itinerary: One Day in Modena

This itinerary is designed for those looking to get a taste of the local cuisine in Modena. Your morning will be spent on a food tour either around Modena or to a local acetaia.

Afterwards, you have time to explore some of the main attractions in the city.

Take a Food Tour

Modena is located in the heart of the Emilia Romagna region, which is also known as Italy’s Food Valley. The food produced in this region includes some of Italy’s most famous products, such as Balsamic Vinegar, Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma, Mortadella, and the list goes on…

Modena is famous for its traditional balsamic vinegar, which aged for a minimum of 12 years in wooden barrels.

The best way to get a taste of the flavors and unique foods from Modena is to go on a food tour.

You have a couple of options for your food tour. You can either take a 4-hour walking food tour around Modena or you can opt to go on a balsamic vinegar tour where you visit a traditional acetaia with tastings.

Here are two tours that we recommend:

• Modena Food Tour: A 4-hour tour of Modena with tastings of different specialties, such as Balsamic Vinegar, Lambrusco Wine, Tigelle, and more.
• Balsamic Vinegar Tour: Spend 2 hours touring a historic acetaia with the owners. You will learn about the process of making traditional Balsamic Vinegar and enjoy lunch at the house. Pick up from Modena is available for an extra fee.

Both tours are fantastic options, we’ve taken the food tour in Modena a couple of times, and it’s a great way to taste a lot of food in a short amount of time. Plus you learn about the history of the city while walking around with your guide.

Of course, if you have more than one day in Modena, we suggest doing both.

After your food tour, you have time in the afternoon to visit some of Modena’s main sights. The Ghirlandina tower is an 86-meter-tall bell tower built in the 12th century.

You can climb to the top, 200 steps, for incredible panoramic views looking over the entire city of Modena.

Reserve your entry time online and pay upon arrival. The fee is €3 per adult with discounted rates available for students and children. The hours are a bit random, so make sure to check opening times here.

Just a short walk from the tower is the Duomo di Modena (Modena Cathedral.) This 12th century church is one of the city’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is an important Romanesque church in Italy.

Piazza Grande

Piazza Grande is Modena’s central square, and is also one of the city’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Surrounding this historic piazza is the Modena Cathedral, Ghirlandina Tower, and the Palazzo Comunale.

Several cafes line the square, and it’s a lovely spot to grab a coffee in the morning or an aperitivo before dinner and people watch. Many of the city’s festivals and events take place here as well.

Palazzo dei Musei

Just a 7-minute walk from Piazza Grande, the Palazzo dei Musei houses several museums that are worth visiting. We spent a couple of hours here and were impressed with the collection of artworks.

If you only have time to visit one museum within the palace, then make sure to visit the Galleria Estense, located on the top floor. The gallery originally opened in 1854 by the Este family that ruled the region.

The collection of art is impressive and includes a marble masterpiece by Bernini called the “Bust of Francesco I d’Este” and “Madonna and Child” by Correggio.

We also recommend walking around the Estense Lapidary Museum and the Giuseppe Graziosi Museum, which are both located in the courtyard on the ground floor.

I personally enjoyed the Civic Museum which displays artifacts and objects from around the world dating back to the Paleolithic times. It includes everything from ancient pottery and coins to fabrics from the the 1800s.

Practical info: The Galleria Estense costs €8 to visit. All of the other museums are free. Hours vary for each museum – please see the official websites below for accurate and up-to-date times.

• Galleria Estense hours
• Civic Museum hours
• Estense Lapidary Museum

Ducal Palace

This beautiful, Baroque palace was once a royal residence of the Este Family. Today, the palace hosts the Italian Military Academy, and because of this, you unfortunately cannot visit the inside of the palace.

Instead, admire it from the outside at one of Modena’s largest squares – Piazza Roma. Next to the palace is both San Domenico church and the Ducale Estense Gardens if you want to have a wander around those as well.

Wander the streets

After a busy day of eating and sightseeing, take it slow and get lost in the streets of Modena. Admire the city’s bright orange and yellow-colored buildings and wander underneath the porticoes.

Take a peek into some of the shops around town, grab a gelato at Bloom , or enjoy a late afternoon drink from Giusti Caffetteria .

Dinner at a local restaurant

Whether you have reservations at Osteria Francescana , Italy’s most famous restaurant, or at a local restaurant serving traditional food, the culinary scene in Modena is incredible.

Check out our food guide below for our top restaurant recommendations in Modena.

Map for your Modena Day Trip

This map includes the best things to do during your one day in Modena, plus the best places to eat. You can use it to easily navigate your way around town.

To save the map to Google Maps on your phone or computer, click on the star next to the title. Once you do this, you’ll be able to find the map in your “saved maps” list on your phone.

To see a list of all the items on the map, click the box with arrow on the left. To enlarge the map, click the box on the right.

Foods to Try in Modena

From fresh pasta to red wine, cheese, and other local delicacies, Modena has a rich gastronomic heritage and is renowned for its delicious food.

Here are some of the foods and drinks you must try while in Modena:

• Traditional Balsamic Vinegar: A delicacy from Modena aged for a minimum of 12 years with rich and complex flavors.
• Gnocco Fritto: Light and airy bread fried in lard, often served with cured meats and cheeses with aperitivo or as an appetizer.
• Parmigiano Reggiano: The world-famous cheese known for its savory and strong flavor, aged for 12-36 months, and a staple of Emilia Romagna cuisine.
• Tortellini: A small, hat-shaped pasta filled with a mix of meats (often pork) and served in a broth or cream sauce.
• Tortelli: A stuffed pasta often filled with ricotta and spinach or pumpkin.
• Lasagne al Ragu: A layered pasta dish (often with green noodles) with ragu, bechamel sauce, and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, baked to perfection.
• Tagliatelle al Ragu: The region’s most famous pasta. Made with ribbon-lake pasta and served with a rich meat sauce. Our personal favorite dish.
• Cotecchino: A pork sausage that is mixed with herbs creating a rich flavor. Get the cotecchino sandwich from Bar Schiavoni in the Albinelli market – it’s incredible.
• Tigelle: Small, round, flat breads, traditionally cooked in a clay disk, and served with meats and cheeses.
• Lambrusco: A sparkling red wine from the Modena region that pairs well with the region’s rich and hearty dishes.

Where to Eat in Modena

We’ve compiled this list of Modena restaurants from our various visits to the city. All of these are recommendations from locals, so you’re in good hands.

• Osteria Francescana |One of the world’s best and most famous restaurants in the heart of Modena. This 3-star Michelin restaurant by Massimo Bottura is renowned for its unique take on Italian cuisine. To get a seat at a table here, you must book months in advance.
• L’Erba del Re | With a blend of modern and classic Emilian cuisine, this 1-star Michelin restaurant is a more affordable and excellent fine dining option in Modena.
• Bar Schiavoni | Our favorite sandwich shop in Modena, located at the Mercato Albinelli. Try their seasonal specialty, or simply try the best – the cotechino sandwich.
• Trattoria Aldina | This unassuming restaurant is located across from the Mercato Albinelli on the second floor of the building. They serve up hearty and classic dishes from the region, and the portion size is generous as well!
• Da Danilo | This is the place to go if you want to try a variety of traditional cuisine from Modena.
• Trattoria Bianca | Located outside of the city center near Modena’s train station, this trattoria came highly recommended by a Modenese local.
• Salumeria Hosteria Giusti | You can buy a variety and meats from this historic delicatessen, or you can opt to have lunch at their restaurant, which is highly rated.

Make sure to either reserve online or call ahead at least a week in advance for most restaurants in Modena. For the Michelin-rated restaurants, you need to reserve those months in advance.

How to Get to Modena

The most convenient way to get to Modena is by train. Modena’s train station is about a 15-minute walk from the center and services both regional trains and high-speed trains.

If you are traveling on a high-speed train, make sure to purchase your tickets 2-3 weeks in advance to get the best prices. You can book tickets online at Trenitalia.com . We have the Trenitalia app downloaded and use it to purchase all of our train tickets in Italy.

For regional trains, you should be okay to purchase tickets at the train station before departure, as prices for these trains don’t fluctuate as much.

Bologna to Modena

• Train: The train ride from Bologna to Modena is quick, between 17-30 minutes, making for an easy day trip or transfer. Catch the train at Bologna Centrale Train Station , which is a 20-minute walk from the center of Bologna.
• Driving: The drive to Modena from Bologna takes about 45 minutes on the A1/E35. This route has tolls. If you prefer to avoid tolls, then take the SS 9 Via Emilia, which takes about 48 minutes. There are parking lots outside of Modena city center.

Milan to Modena

• Train: From Milano Centrale station, you can catch a direct train to Modena that takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes. There is a high-speed train from Milan that stops over in Bologna, but it costs a lot more and is only 20 minutes faster. We suggest booking the regional train.
• Driving: While we don’t recommend driving from Milan, if you are renting a car, the drive takes 2.5-3 hours with tolls.

Parma to Modena

• Train: From Parma, the train ride to Modena is only 30-38 minutes. This is a direct journey with trains leaving Parma several times per hour.
• Driving: The drive from Parma to Modena takes 45 minutes on the A1/E35 with tolls, or 50 minutes without tolls. Parking is available in Modena near the train station.

Venice to Modena

• Train: From Venice S. Lucia station, you can either hop on a high-speed or regional train. The high-speed train takes 2.5 hours and costs double the amount of the slower train. The regional train takes 3 hours 18 minutes. Both have a stopover in Bologna.
• Driving: The drive from Venice to Modena only takes about 2 hours with tolls.

Where to Stay in Modena

• Luxury hotel: Hotel Rua Frati 48 in San Francesco | This 5-star hotel is centrally located and features beautiful, spacious rooms with modern amenities, such as WiFi and air conditioning.
• Boutique hotel (Our top pick!): Salotto delle Arti | Located just a 5-minute walk from Piazza grande, this charming hotel features four poster beds, frescoed ceilings, and traditional Italian decor.
• Mid-range hotel: PHI Hotel Canalgrande | This traditional hotel is more affordable than most hotels in Modena and has air conditioned and spacious rooms.
• Apartment: Domus Tua | This gorgeous apartment is located in the Piazza Grande with views of the duomo. It has a fully equipped kitchen and air conditioned rooms.

One Day in Modena Frequently Asked Questions

Is One day enough for Modena?

Yes, one day in Modena is enough time to see the main sights. However, if you want to take a day trip around the region, or want to experience both a food tour and the Ferrari museums, then we suggest 2 days in Modena.

Is Modena worth visiting?

Yes, Modena is worth visiting. If you love food, cars, and charming Italian cities, then Modena will check off all of your boxes.

Can I visit Parma and Modena in one day?

We don’t recommend visiting both Parma and Modena in one day. Technically, you can, but you won’t have time to see all of the main attractions in both cities. We suggest spending one full day in Parma and another day in Modena.

More Information for your Trip to Italy

• One Day in Bologna
• One Day in Parma
• Bologna to Modena Day Trip
• Best Day trips from Bologna
• Best Things to do in Bologna
• Best things to do in Parma

ITALY TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE Italy Travel Insurance  – Should you get travel insurance for Italy? YES! We always get travel insurance before all of our trips for peace of mind. Check out  Travel Insurance Master  to find the best plan for you. Italy Rental Cars  – Is it safe to rent a car in Italy? Yes! We’ve rented a car in Italy too many times to count, and it’s definitely the most convenient way to get around the countryside. We rented our car through  Discover Cars  (our go-to rental agency), which helps you find the best rates no matter where you are traveling. Italy Phone Plans –  If your phone plan does not offer free coverage in Italy, then we suggest getting an eSIM. We used  Airalo  during our trip to Italy, and we had fantastic coverage the entire time. It’s easy to download and you can even top up via the app if needed. Italy Hotels –  Wondering where to book your accommodations for Italy? We’ve been reserving all of our hotels through  Booking  for years. Their messaging tool makes it easy to communicate with the hotels, and there are endless options to choose from.

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Bologna Uncovered

walking & hiking tours in and around Bologna

Day Trips from Bologna: Modena

Located on the south side of the Po Valley in the Emilia-Romagna region, Modena is a small and ancient town synonymous with balsamic vinegar, Lambrusco wine and cars. It is here that the iconic Ferrari has its headquarters (more precisely in Maranello) and one of Ferrari’s car, the 360 Modena, was named after the town that gave birth to the company’s founder, Enzo Ferrari. Modena is also home to the second oldest university in Italy, founded in 1175. The great late opera tenor singer Luciano Pavarotti was born here and Italian military officers train at the Italian Military Academy, partly housed in the baroque Ducal Palace.

A half hour from Bologna, Modena is perfect for a day visit thanks to a compact city center where, within a few steps, you can find Piazza Grande, a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the Cathedral and the tower of Ghirlandina, symbol of the city.

Your day trip in Modena should start right from Piazza Grande , the heart of the city and of Modena’s community life for centuries. Despite its name, which means “big square”, Piazza Grande is not actually big when compared to the main squares of other Italian towns. Two elements worth noting are the “ pietra ringadora ” and the Statue “ della Bonissima ”: the former is a huge block of pink marble, on the square since the 13th century, used in the past as a stage to charge up the crowds, to announce sentences and to expose unidentified corpses; the latter, according to legend, represents a Modenese noblewoman popular for her kindness ( bonissima means “very good” in Italian).

Overlooking the square is the Duomo , a masterpiece of Romanesque art and Modena’s most important artistic monument. It was built at the end of the 11th century by architect Lanfranco, whose style largely influenced European Romanesque art afterwards. “How did I do it? I was inspired directly by God,” Lanfranco is quoted saying when asked about the realization of his majestic project. Entirely covered in white marble, its façade and monumental door is decorated by the beautiful sculptures of Wiligelmo, depicting both sacred and profane subjects, from the Genesis stories to daily life representations. Head inside to admire its solemn and evocative look. Next to the Duomo is the looming Ghirlandina tower, whose construction began at the same time as the Duomo and ended two centuries later. It was built using marbles coming from the ruins of the ancient Roman city, when Modena was called Mutina. The Ghirlandina takes its name from the banisters that resemble elaborate wreaths, in Italian ghirlande .

Also framing Piazza Grande is the Palazzo Comunale , made up of a series of buildings dating back to different ages, from the 11th to the 15th century. Go inside to admire the frescos. All the buildings on Piazza Grande have been the center of Modena’s political and religious life for centuries.

It is now time for lunch. Head south of the square toward Corso Canal Chiaro , covered by medieval arcades. A five-minute walk will take you to the 3-star Michelin restaurant Osteria Francescana on Via Stella. Owned by chef Massimo Bottura, it was recently nominated the “third best” restaurant in the world. “Slow Food in fast times is our way of life,” it says on the restaurant’s website. With only 12 tables, reservations are recommended.

You can walk off your lunch taking a stroll along Via dei Servi and Corso Canal Grande , where several palaces from different periods adorn these curvy and arcaded streets that were once canals. Along Corso Canal Grande is the historic Teatro Comunale, now Teatro Comunale “Luciano Pavarotti” , dedicated to the singer after his death in 2007.

Walk until you reach Piazza Roma, seat of the majestic Palazzo Ducale . Its construction began in 1289 when it was intended to become a castle, but in 1630 it was renovated by Francesco I D’Este to become the Duke’s residence after Modena had become the capital of the powerful Este duchy in 1598, which reigned over Modena, Ferrara and Reggio Emilia. Today, part of the building  is occupied by the most prestigious military institution in Italy, the Accademia Militare (visit only upon request). You can visit the rest of the palace with its courtyards and galleries, a monumental staircase with eight statues, some of which come from Villa d’Este in Tivoli, and several rooms, including the Salone D’Onore, with its frescoed ceilings.

Head back toward Piazza Grande and take Via Emilia , Modena’s most important artery cutting through town from east to west with several prestigious public and private buildings. Keep walking past Piazza Matteotti until you reach the Palazzo dei Musei . Built during the second half of the 17th century, it served different functions, from military repository to hospice for the homeless and the orphans, until it was acquired by the city of Modena after Italy’s unification and began housing art collections from the Este dynasty . Today it houses several different museums, hence the name, including the Estense Library, the Estense Gallery, the Estense Museum, the Art Museum and the Archaeological Museum.

Don’t forget to leave Modena without buying a bottle of one of its most popular gastronomic delicacy: traditional balsamic vinegar . In Modena, you can even find a gelato flavor inspired to it!  

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7 thoughts on “day trips from bologna: modena”.

L’itinerario e il programma sono convincenti pertanto gli amanti dell’arte e delle delizie alimentari non mancheranno di fare una visita a questa storica città .

Modena è una città bellissima. Secondo me il Duomo è uno dei esempi più belli,insieme a S Stefano a Bologna,di chiesa romanica

I’ve never visited the Duomo, despite I ‘ve been to Modena several times.i think I missed something important so next time I ‘ll go there I’ll visit it and I’ll have lunch at Osteria Francescana : “slow food in fast times is our way of life”. I liked it.

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• All destinations
• Day trip to Modena, Bologna

What you’ll do

The compact little town of Modena is packed with a historic punch, hauntingly beautiful architecture, and a legacy of food culture that make it the ideal destination for a day trip!

After a quick 30-minute train ride from Bologna, you will follow your local Bologna host through its quaint, cobbled streets, starting your day in the ancient city center (a UNESCO World Heritage Site, no less).

From there you’ll find the Piazza Grande, the 12th-century Modena Cathedral, and Torre Civica. Marvel at the masterful frescoes along the way (your host will point out some from the 11th century), and perhaps stop for espresso under the elegant medieval porticos.

Modena is notable as the birthplace of Ferrari and balsamic vinegar (not that they have much to do with one another), but you’ll see signs of this proud heritage everywhere! 

See famous landmarks like the Palazzo Comunale, or maybe, visit the Palazzo dei Musei Gallery, browse the Mercato Albinelli, and perhaps finish off your day at a traditional trattoria for a primo. Exploring is hungry work, after all.

Private experience, tailored to you

Matched to your ideal host

Walking tour (may use public transport)

Hosted in English (On request: Arabic, Catalan, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish)

Your hotel/apartment or any other central location

Experience outline

• Take a train with your host from Bologna to Modena, where you’ll spend the day exploring the ancient town and all its wonders
• Amble through the medieval town center, discovering its famous landmarks, highlights, and hidden gems
• Visit the top attractions like the Piazza Grande, Palazzo Comunale, and Mercato Albinelli
• Taste produce that the town is famous for, like balsamic vinegar and Lambrusco wine
• Chat to your host and find out more about the heritage of Modena, as well as the famous people who have lived there

Things to know

What’s included.

• Private and personalized experience
• A full day with a host
• Return train tickets from Bologna to Modena
• Walking experience (if required, your host can suggest public transport or private taxi options)

What’s not included

• Food and drinks
• Tickets to any attractions
• Transportation costs (apart from return train tickets)
• Gratuities (optional)

Cancellation

• Cancel 14 days before the experience for a full refund
• Worry-free cancellation terms: book with peace of mind knowing that you can cancel for free up to a day before the experience and receive a full refund.

Photos taken by our hosts and guests

Travelers having fun right now!

My father and I had a wonderful day trip to Modena, Italy on 31 March 2019 arranged through City Unscripted. We had the most wonderful local guide - Sofia. The day couldn't have been better! Sofia knew so much about the area and was so lovely. We will remember it forever. City Unscripted did a wonderful job matching us with a suitable guide based on our interests. Thank you Sofia and City Unscripted! If you would like to go on a walking tour of Bologna or Modena, ask for Sofia. You wont be dissapointed :-)

Gabriele was fantastic in not only taking us around Modena and Bologna but also ensuring the rest of our stay in the area was easy to navigate from trains to restaurants to shopping. Could not be more pleased to start our trip with him.

January 2019

We had a lovely day with Gabriele. His English was excellent and he had a friendly and engaging manner and concentrated on what we wanted to see and know rather than just going through a set agenda. We finished a little early and, on return to Bologna, he showed us some of the highlights. Would recommend him to anyone.

November 2018

Mirko was wonderful! He knows everything about Bologna and can tailor the tour to anything you want to see and do. He is so passionate about the food and also knows so much history!

Meet our local hosts in Bologna. One of them will tailor this experience to your wishes!

We’ll expertly match you to your best suited host based on your interests, personality and the experience vibe you’re after.

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€194.04 per person

Half day in Bologna with a local Bologna

4 hours tailored to what you want to see and do. So whether it's ticking off main sites or discovering hidden gems, it's up to you and your host!

€107.80 per person

Family day in Bologna with a local Bologna

Discover the best of Bologna to be enjoyed by the whole family on an experience tailored to you by a host who knows what the kids will love to explore

€117.05 per person

A Food Lover's Guide to Modena: A Day Trip of Endless Delights

A day in Modena is not much time so wear your comfy ones, I'll make you walk. The good news is that Modena city centre is quite small but the things to do in a day are plenty.

Check out my food itinerary to get the best from your day in Modena.

Mercato Albinelli: the food market you'll always dream of

If you love food your main reason for a day trip to Modena has to be Mercato Albinelli.

For the writer, one of the best food markets in Italy and not only. A liberty-style structure with authentic family-owned food stalls where you can buy aged Parmigiano Reggiano , the real Balsamic Vinegar , take-away tortellini and a lot more. Beware the market is only open in the morning , and closed on Sundays and holidays. I was there with Phil Rosenthal on Somebody feed Phil episode in Modena , take a look at what happened behind the scenes to get the feeling of the market.

Panino with Cotechino at Bar Schiavoni: a fast, original, delicious snack

Lunch in Modena: it's never a problem

I guess you already know Osteria Francescana , probably the most famous Italian restaurant in the world. Bad news: you need to fight for a reservation and your wallet should be full. Good news: I give you alternatives Trattoria Aldina for example. Just in front of the entrance of Albinelli market. Rise a few steps and: boom. Lasagne on the way or tortelloni vecchia Modena. With Lambrusco, please.

For a more casual lunch, Bar Schiavoni makes the best sandwiches of Modena. The wait could be long, but where else can you can panino with cotechino ?

My favorite restaurant is actually a few steps from it. It's called Ristretto Vicolo Coccapani . Fantastic traditional cuisine, great wines and in summer you can eat outside with a with on Ghirlandina tower.

Oh speaking of that I was almost forgetting!

The stunning facade of Modena Cathedral

Relax in the afternoon: Cathedral with coffee

Time to walk off your intense food morning.

A one-day itinerary in Modena can't be complete without admiring its UNESCO heritage Cathedral . Words won't tell its beauty, so shut up Andrea and go get a coffee .

I usually go to Caffè Dell'Orologio , a few steps from it. Or if I want a really good one I walk to Menomoka , the house of specialty coffee in Modena.

Time's running out: get the best you can of Modena

Time's running and there's still a lot to do. Are you a family with kids ? Biblioteca Delfini is Modena's best public library. Go there to chill with books and sit next to the University students.

Or relax at Parco Amendola, designed by local architect Cesare Leonardi. An oasis of peace.

Passione about fast cars ? Museo Ferrari is your place, close to Modena's train station.

Young couple in love with design and art ? I'd visit an underrated and incomplete masterpiece of Italian design: Aldo Rossi's Cemetery . You need a taxi or a 20 minutes walk, but on the way, you can also check a street artwork by BLU. Your Instagram's profile will thank me.

Real Balsamic Vinegar is the best souvenir to get from your day in Modena. Don't get the fake one!

Sun is going down: say goodbye with sweetness

The sunset over the Ghirlandina and Google Calendar are telling you it's time to jump on a train. Too bad because I could give you so many more things to do. A Balsamic tasting to learn all about Modena's most precious food.

A visit to an old leather craftsman shop for a special gift.

A lambrusco spritz aperitivo in Piazza della Pomposa.

But at least do one thing for me. Get gelato at Bloom to say goodbye to Modena with sweetness.

Do you want to save time and efforts?

So, I've shared my ideal itinerary for a food day in Modena. But when time is running, it's better to get shortcuts . Join our food tour in Modena that includes a deep visit to Mercato Albinelli, Balsamic tasting, Parmigiano and local cheese, tigelle, desserts and most of all: A LOT OF FUN.

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Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy in Bologna

In this episode of Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy, the American actor wonders from Bologna to Modena, from Parma to Rimini looking for the best food of our land. Mortadella, balsamic vinegar, prosciutto di Parma and more in a short doc that is also a snapshot of visiting Italy during the 2020 pandemic.

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Modena Day Trip from Bologna with a Local Guide: Private & Personalized

• A full day with a Local Host
• Private and personalised experience
• Walking experience once in Modena (other transport can be arranged at an additional cost)
• Food and drinks
• Tickets to any attractions
• Transportation costs (apart from return train tickets)
• Entry/Admission - Duomo di Modena
• Entry/Admission - Palazzo dei Musei
• Entry/Admission - Museo Casa Enzo Ferrari
• Comet, Via IV Novembre, 6/A, 40123 Bologna BO, Italy
• When you have booked we will send you a form to complete and put you in touch with your local guide to sort out where to meet and any specific things you would like to do on your experience.
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Near public transportation
• Infants must sit on laps
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• We’ll be in touch within 24 hours after booking to find out more about your personality, tastes and interests so we can assign a like-minded Local who can create a bespoke experience for you.
• Not recommended for travelers with back problems
• No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
• Most travelers can participate
• This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• You'll start at Comet Or, you can also get picked up See departure details
• 1 Piazza Grande - World Heritage Site Stop: 30 minutes See details
• 2 Duomo di Modena Stop: 30 minutes - Admission excluded See details
• 3 Palazzo dei Musei Stop: 30 minutes - Admission excluded See details
• 4 Museo Casa Enzo Ferrari Stop: 60 minutes - Admission excluded See details
• You'll return to the starting point

• 551marshaa 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Bologna Tour Guide Mirko was wonderful! He knows everything about Bologna and can tailor the tour to anything you want to see and do. He is so passionate about the food and also knows so much history! Read more Written March 24, 2024
• rebecca1174 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Hidden Gem Bologna Nicola did an amazing job! Bologna was a lot bigger than we realized so I wish we had planned on spending more time there and planned a longer tour. Our train was late arriving into Bologna but Nicola was very understanding and was able to fit in all of the sites and stops he had planned on showing us. Read more Written March 22, 2024
• Thomas b 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Antonia Balognia Tour de Force Antonia was very knowledgeable and kept us moving the entire time. We saw everything and as a history buff she was fantastic. Read more Written March 18, 2024
• 577katherinei 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Claire - Best Bologna Guide! Claire (Chiara) is a very sweet girl and brilliant on the subject of bolognas history! She cares about telling people about Bologna’s beauty and it was an amazing experience to have her guide us! Read more Written March 16, 2024
• HKtoday 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Best tour of Bologna with Claudio Claudio took us on a delightful 4 hour tour of Bologna. We learned so much about this vibrant city. We had an extensive tour of the university as well as the major sights and the historical architecture around town. The tour exceeded all our expectations. Claudio recommended an excellent restaurant to us for lunch. I highly recommend anyone to take this tour with Claudio. He is the best! Read more Written February 14, 2024
• Spark214 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great Tour Fiore was very knowledgeable, friendly, and engaging. She gave us a wonderful tour of the central part of Bologna and a great start to our trip. Read more Written January 28, 2024
• 144JenniferW144 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great tours with local in Bologna We really enjoyed our Bologna food tour with Simoni Lorenza. We tasted all types of local foods while walking through the city (and learning about its history). We enjoyed it so much that we scheduled another tour with her - a day trip to a Parmesan factory and a balsamic vinegar house. I highly recommend! Read more Written December 31, 2023
• DianaC2200 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A fun tour of Bologna Claudio brought tremendous energy and enthusiasm to our 3 hour guided tour of Bologna on a shiny cool Sunday afternoon. He met us at the train station when we arrived from Florence and then toured us through the historic city. We discovered the University, the beautiful historic towers and ended in the Piazza Magiore. Along the way we stopped for a coffee at one of his favorite coffee shops and walked us through the high end shopping area. Claudio also pointed out a handful of good restaurants for us to try after the tour and then to our delight he agreed to join us for a tasty lunch at a ristorante tipoco. We found him upbeat and enjoyable to be around. Would highly recommend this tour. Read more Written December 22, 2023
• Dreamer83998 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Private tour with Giacomo Giacomo was a fantastic guide to Bologna during a trip I took for business in December 2023. He has terrifically wide-ranging knowledge about the history of the city in general, and was a great guide to the details of the specific places we visited. He customized the tour to accommodate the fact that I had already seem some of the sites in the central city in a short Welcome Bologna tour (also excellent and recommended) and we ended up with a long itinerary that took in parts of the center, some sites up in the hills, and looped around to a part of the city where I planned to meet friends. Overall a great experience! Read more Written December 20, 2023
• Kfigone 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Wonderful private morning tour We had a great morning with Claudio. We covered many areas in the city center and were given very informative details while we walked. Claudio was very friendly and comfortable and it was a pleasure to get to know him as a person and learn about his family. He also gave us many good recommendations for things to do, places to eat and special must sees. I would recommend a tour with Claudio Read more Written December 19, 2023
• B108SVianc 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Make the best of a short city break! A great way to get into a city quickly. It makes the rest of a short city break so much better! Learn about the food and culture, where to go and when, and how to get about from someone that lives there. It saves so much wasted time! Read more Written December 19, 2023
• elisabethrU1496WR 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Perfect Guide to Bologna! OUTSTANDING! Antonia guided us through the streets of Bologna, pointing out all the important historical buildings, taking us inside various sites, and even recommending the perfect place for lunch--that has amazing fresh tortellini. Along the way, she gave us time to duck into a few shops so we could buy some parmesan and tea and sniff some gorgeous perfume. She was friendly, funny, and informative. A perfect guide to Bologna! Read more Written November 28, 2023
• 732lyndseyp 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Wonderful Guide! Gabriele was so knowledgeable! He showed us so much in the small amount of time we had. We appreciated his willingness to work with our time constraints and his great attitude. Read more Written November 13, 2023
• jamestI4489RY 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Beautiful city tour We really enjoyed our tour and would highly recommend it. Claudio was a super friendly and knowledgeable guide who took time explaining all the different sites while structuring the tour around our interests. He also provided a lot of restaurant recommendations. Bologna is a food lovers’ paradise! Read more Written November 11, 2023
• allensE8244CA 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great personal guided tour of Bologna! We really enjoyed our tour of Bologna with Claudio and would highly recommend him to others. He knew a lot about the city, culture, music and history and brought in a lot of interesting things that made the tour better such as good recommendations for shops, food, and out of the way places that locals love. He was very patient and attentive in listening and answering our questions. Read more Written November 10, 2023

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Duration: 10 hours

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Embark on an exclusive Private Day Trip from Florence to Bologna and Modena, uncovering Emilia Romagna's hidden gems. During this Modena Tour, you will be able to delight in a local vinegar farm visit, learning balsamic vinegar making, and relax while savoring tastings with a farmer's snack. Explore Modena's famed Albinelli market with so many wonderful pieces to find, Pavarotti's legacy, and the nearby Ferrari factory. Conclude your day trip from Florence to visit Bologna too, the city of gelatoand foodie heaven. Discover Italy's culinary and cultural treasures on this unforgettable journey

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Highlights & Includes

• Enjoy the company of an English-speaking driver-escort, knowledgeable about the region's history, culture, and cuisine
• Travel in a luxury AC Mercedes vehicle or similar
• Seamless transportation with pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation in Florence
• Visit a local balsamic vinegar farm for a tour, tasting, and a “farmer's snack” featuring cold cuts, Parmesan cheese, and Lambrusco wine
• Up to 2 hrs stopover in Bologna where you'll enjoy free time to wander around the town

Tour Overview

All the Highlights in the Florence to Modena and Bologna Day Tours Embark on an off-the-beaten-path adventure with this day trip from Florence to Bologna and Modena , exploring the enchanting towns and indulging in a Bologna food tour from Florence. Discover the region home of the Ferrari factory, Parmesan cheese, balsamic vinegar, Lambrusco wine , and the world's oldest university, Bologna University . Journey in Style in your Bologna and Modena Day Tour Journey in style with private transportation , as a local expert private driver-escort in an air-conditioned Mercedes (or similar make) vehicle as you visit the emblematic towns of Modena , Luciano Pavarotti's hometown, and Bologna , a foodie paradise and birthplace of the ice-cream university. The tour culminates with a visit to a local vinegar farm , complete with tastings of exquisite balsamic vinegar labels during your Modena Italy balsamic vinegar tour. How you will travel during your Florence to Modena and Bologna Day Trip Your Parmesan and balsamic vinegar tour in Modena and in the Emilia Romagna region begins with pick-up at the hotel for your accommodation in Florence . As you travel comfortably towards Emilia, your English-speaking driver-escort will provide engaging commentary en route, sharing stories about the region's history, culture, and culinary traditions. Along the way, you'll have some free time and the opportunity to admire the picturesque countryside, dotted with vineyards, olive tree groves, and charming villages. Modena balsamic vinegar tour The first stop is a local balsamic vinegar farm near Modena, where you'll be greeted by the owners who will share their passion for vinegar-making. Learn about the intricate production process, including the various types of grapes used and the significance of the wooden barrels in which the vinegar is aged. Experience a guided tasting of various aged balsamic vinegars, each with its unique flavor profile. Enjoy a Balsamic and Parmesan tasting in Modena Savor a traditional farmer's snack, featuring a selection of cold cuts, cheeses, and Lambrusco wine , providing a delightful introduction to all the sights and flavors of Emilia Romagna during your Bologna tasting tour. What is featured in the Modena Tours The Emilia Romagna food tour continues with a stop in Modena, famous for Italian sports cars, the Enzo Ferrari Museum, and as the hometown of Maestro Luciano Pavarotti. During your Modena day trip, stroll through Piazza Grande and Piazza della Torre , admire art at the Torre Ghirlandina , and explore the UNESCO-listed Modena Cathedral with its stunning Romanesque architecture. Sample local " tigelle ," a typical bread served with meat, cheese, or pesto, at a traditional eatery. Your Bologna Day Tour continues In the afternoon, conclude your Bologna day trip and Bologna food tour from Florence in the city center, known as “la dotta, la rossa e la grassa” Home to the world's oldest university and a world-renowned foodie hub, explore the city's many porticoes, which provide an impressive 38 kilometers of covered walkways, perfect for a leisurely stroll. Admire Piazza Maggiore and the two towers: Garisenda and degli Asinelli , iconic symbols of the city center. Visit the Quadrilatero food market , an area rich with food shops and eateries offering traditional Bolognese dishes. Sip Pignoletto wine, a local favorite, at a charming enoteca, and indulge in pistachio gelato. Customize your Florence to Modena and Bologna Day Trip with additional tour options This unforgettable private tour to Bologna and Modena also offers the opportunity to visit a Parmesan cheese factory during a Bologna Parmesan cheese factory tour or a Modena Parmesan tour, where you'll witness the traditional cheesemaking process and sample various ages of Parmesan cheese. Alternatively, car enthusiasts can indulge in food and in a Ferrari tour in Bologna . For those interested in a wine tasting tour in Modena or Bologna , there are options to include visits to local wineries. Experience our custom Italy tours, and custom Italy vacation packages, catering to your interests and preferences.

• Entrance fees if applicable

Private Pick-Up in your Florence centrally located hotel This Florence to Modena and Bologna day trip departs & returns from and to your hotel in Florence

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