11 Unmissable Things to do in Modena

If you’re planning a trip to Italy and wondering about the best things to do in Modena, you’re in for a treat. This charming city in the Emilia-Romagna region is a mix of art, history, music, motors, and unforgettable food.

Whether you’re passionate about UNESCO heritage, fast cars, or delicious traditional dishes, Modena has something that will make your heart skip a beat.

This guide will walk you through what to do in Modena, where to find the most authentic experiences, and how to make the most of your time here.

Modena is small, but don’t let its size fool you.

The historic center is a maze of cobblestone streets, pastel-colored buildings, and porticoes that seem to whisper stories from centuries past.

Here, the rhythm of life is slower. You’ll see locals riding vintage bicycles, chatting over espresso at outdoor cafés, and shopping for fresh pasta at family-run markets.

What makes Modena so special is its balance.
You can spend the morning admiring medieval sculptures, the afternoon in a futuristic car museum, and the evening sipping Lambrusco in a vineyard.

And unlike Italy’s bigger cities, Modena still feels authentic. It’s a place where you’ll hear more Italian than English, and where every corner feels like it belongs to the locals first.

So, if you’re looking for a destination that combines world-class culture with a warm, welcoming atmosphere, Modena should be high on your list.

Getting to Modena is refreshingly easy.

If you’re flying into Italy, the closest major airport is Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport, just 40 km away.

From Bologna Centrale train station, Modena is only 35 minutes away by local train. There are also direct train connections from Milan, Florence, and Verona, making it an easy addition to your Italian itinerary.

When you arrive, you’ll quickly notice something: Modena is delightfully walkable.
The historic center is compact, with most Modena attractions just minutes apart on foot.

You don’t need a rental car — in fact, driving in the city center is restricted to residents in many areas (Zona a Traffico Limitato or ZTL).

Walking is not just the most practical way to get around — it’s the most rewarding.
You’ll notice little details you’d miss from a bus or taxi: hand-painted shop signs, hidden courtyards, and the smell of freshly baked tigelle drifting from a bakery.

For longer distances, you can rent a bike or use the local TPER buses, but honestly, part of the magic here is letting yourself get a little lost. The narrow alleys often open up into unexpected piazzas, and you might stumble across a tiny church or artisan workshop that’s not in any guidebook.

And because Modena is flat, even hours of walking won’t feel exhausting — especially with frequent stops for espresso, gelato, or a glass of sparkling Lambrusco.

Modena may be small, but it’s bursting with experiences that will keep you busy for days.

Whether you’re an art lover, a foodie, a car enthusiast, or someone who simply enjoys wandering through beautiful streets, the city offers something for every mood.

Here’s your guide to the things to do in Modena that you absolutely shouldn’t miss.

If Modena has a soul, it’s right here in Piazza Grande.
This expansive square has been the heart of civic life for centuries. Surrounded by the City Hall, the Cathedral, and the Ghirlandina Tower, it’s a place where history feels alive.

During the day, you’ll see locals meeting for coffee, tourists snapping photos, and sometimes open-air markets filling the space with the aroma of fresh bread and flowers.

At night, the square transforms under the golden glow of street lamps, and the medieval façades seem to whisper stories from long ago.

Among its treasures is the Pietra Ringadora, a large stone once used for public speeches and proclamations.

It’s also the starting point of our Modena tour, making it the perfect spot to step back in time before exploring the rest of the city.

On the edge of Piazza Grande stands the Duomo, Modena's Cathedral, a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture.

Begun in 1099 by architect Lanfranco and sculptor Wiligelmo, the cathedral is considered one of the most beautiful churches in Italy.

Its façade is a gallery of stone carvings depicting biblical scenes — intricate, dramatic, and deeply symbolic.

Inside, you’ll find a striking contrast: dim light filtering through small windows, wooden choir stalls, and the crypt where San Geminiano, Modena’s patron saint, rests.

Even if you’ve seen countless churches in Italy, this one feels different.
There’s a rawness in its stone, a sense of history you can almost touch. It’s no wonder it’s one of the top Modena attractions for anyone interested in art, architecture, or history.

Next to the cathedral rises the Torre Ghirlandina, Modena’s most recognizable landmark.

Standing at 86 meters, it’s visible from almost anywhere in the city.
Climbing it is a rite of passage for visitors.

The staircase is narrow and winding, but when you reach the top, the reward is unforgettable: a sweeping view over Modena’s terracotta rooftops, the surrounding Emilia-Romagna countryside, and on a clear day, even the Apennine Mountains.

The name “Ghirlandina” comes from the decorative marble balustrades at the top, which resemble garlands.

Locals are fiercely proud of this tower, and once you’ve seen the view, you’ll understand why.

If you want to understand Modena, you have to taste it — and there’s no better place to do that than Mercato Albinelli.

Open since 1931, this covered market is a feast for the senses.

Inside, rows of stalls overflow with fresh produce, handmade pasta, wheels of Parmigiano Reggiano, cured meats like prosciutto and culatello, and jars of rich aceto balsamico tradizionale.

The air is thick with the scent of coffee, bread, and cheese.

It’s here that you can join a Modena food tour and see the city through the eyes (and taste buds) of a local. Your local guide will introduce you to a vendor whose family has been selling cheese for generations, or lead you to a tiny counter where you’ll try warm tigelle bread with fresh salumi.

Not every city can say one of its most fascinating sites is a cemetery — but Modena can.

The San Cataldo Cemetery is not a typical burial ground.

Designed in the 1970s by architect Aldo Rossi, it’s a modernist landmark that blends geometric precision with a quietly emotional atmosphere.

Its pastel pink and terracotta walls stand stark against the sky, and its minimalist arcades create a rhythmic, almost hypnotic walk.

There’s symbolism everywhere — the empty windows, the open spaces, the sense of incompletion that invites reflection.

Even if cemeteries aren’t usually on your travel list, this one will surprise you.
It’s a reminder that Modena attractions go beyond the obvious, offering architectural gems from every era.

If you’ve ever heard the roar of a Ferrari engine, you know it’s not just a sound — it’s an emotion.

The Museo Enzo Ferrari, located in Modena’s historic center, is dedicated to the life and vision of Enzo Ferrari himself.

The building is part futuristic pavilion, part restored workshop where Enzo’s father once worked.

Inside, you’ll find rare cars, interactive exhibits, and films that trace the evolution of the Ferrari legend. Even if you’re not a gearhead, the sleek designs and the atmosphere of innovation are thrilling.

Many visitors pair this with a trip to the main Ferrari Museum in nearby Maranello, but the Modena site is special because it’s deeply personal — it tells the human story behind the myth.

For a completely different kind of horsepower, step into the Galleria Estense, a fine arts museum showcasing the Este family’s impressive collection. The Este dukes ruled Modena for centuries, and their passion for art shaped the city’s cultural identity.

The museum’s halls are filled with Renaissance paintings, Baroque sculptures, musical instruments, and decorative arts.

You can see works by Correggio, Guido Reni, and El Greco — all in an intimate setting where you’ll often have the room to yourself.

If you’re wondering what to see in Modena beyond churches and food markets, this is it.

The Galleria Estense offers a quiet, contemplative counterpoint to the city’s livelier attractions.

Modena is world-famous for Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale, but most visitors have only tasted industrial versions sold in supermarkets.

The real thing is something else entirely — aged for at least 12 years in wooden barrels, it’s thick, complex, and easy to waste if you don't know how to use it properly.

During our Modena food tour, you can enter into a secret acetaia closed to the public.

Here, a master of balsamic vinegar will guide you through a tasting of 5+ DOP varieties, explaining the aging process, the different woods used for barrels, and the traditions that make this condiment so unique.

Tasting balsamic at the source is unforgettable.
The aroma alone will stay with you long after you leave, and you’ll understand why locals treat it like liquid gold.

Luciano Pavarotti, one of the greatest tenors in history, was born right here in Modena.

His presence is still felt throughout the city, and music lovers can pay tribute by attending a performance at the Teatro Comunale Pavarotti-Freni.

The theatre itself is a jewel — an ornate 19th-century building with plush red seats, gilded balconies, and perfect acoustics.

Whether it’s opera, classical music, or a contemporary concert, the experience is magical.

As you sit in the dark and the first notes fill the air, you can’t help but think of Pavarotti singing on this very stage. It’s one of those Modena activities that connects you to the city’s cultural heartbeat.

Just 20 minutes from Modena lies Castelvetro di Modena, a medieval village perched on a hill and surrounded by rolling vineyards.

The cobblestone streets, flower-decked balconies, and views over the Lambrusco-producing countryside make it one of the most picturesque Modena attractions beyond the city limits.

Come here for a wine tasting — preferably Lambrusco Grasparossa, the rich, ruby-red sparkling wine unique to this area. Pair it with local cured meats and cheeses, and you have a perfect Emilia-Romagna afternoon.

If you visit in September, don’t miss the Festa a Castello, when the whole village dresses in Renaissance costumes and the main square fills with music, food, and dancing.

One of the most unique moments is the Dama Vivente — a spectacular chess match played in the square with real people as the pieces, dressed in full historical attire.

And if you’d like to go beyond the tourist spots, write to us — we can help you arrange an exclusive tasting with some of the best Lambrusco producers in the region, meeting the winemakers themselves and discovering labels you won’t find in shops.

For something completely different, head to Vacchetta Grassa, a small artisan workshop in Modena where leather is still worked by hand.

Here, skilled craftspeople will show you how to cut, stitch, and finish leather using traditional methods.

You can even make your own belt, wallet, or small accessory to take home — a one-of-a-kind souvenir you crafted yourself.

It’s a wonderful way to connect with Modena’s artisan heritage and support local makers.

Modena is a city of flavors, history, and stories waiting to be told.

Our Modena food tour takes you deeper: starting in Piazza Grande at the historic Pietra Ringadora, meeting artisans in their workshops, and stepping into a private acetaia closed to the public.

We’ll wander slowly through Mercato Albinelli, sampling seasonal specialties, uncovering sweet treats unknown even to many Bolognese, and discovering how locals choose the perfect Parmigiano Reggiano.

Every stop is a story.
Every taste, a piece of Modena’s soul.

Are you ready to discover Modena beyond the pages of any guidebook?