Visit Modena Italy: A Wine & Food Lover’s Dream

Welcome to Modena, where bold flavors, fast engines, and centuries of craftsmanship live side by side. Nestled in Emilia-Romagna, this elegant city makes the perfect stop for food lovers, car fans, and anyone exploring Emilia-Romagna wineries. One day here is enough to taste aged balsamic vinegar straight from the barrel, catch the shine of a Ferrari hood, and bite into the real deal Parmigiano Reggiano. Walk under porticoes, grab lunch in a buzzing piazza, and visit landmarks like the Ghirlandina Tower and Modena Cathedral. You are arriving from Parma, Bologna, or Milan, Modena serves up a concentrated slice of Italian heritage, rich, flavorful, and absolutely worth your time.

Visit Modena: Best things to do

Marvel at the Duomo di Modena and Torre Ghirlandina

Right in the heart of Modena, you’ll find the stunning Duomo di Modena and its trusty sidekick, the Ghirlandina Tower, together, they form a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a seriously photogenic duo. Built in the 12th century, the cathedral is a Romanesque gem, rich with sculpted stone details and history carved into every corner. The square it calls home, Piazza Grande, buzzes with life and local energy. And if you’re up for a bit of a climb (literally), head up the Ghirlandina bell tower, the views over Modena’s terracotta rooftops are well worth the leg workout.

Enjoy at Mercato Albinelli

Tucked in the heart of the old town, this buzzing covered market is where locals grab their tortellini, chat over truffle stands, and pick up balsamic vinegar that’s been aged like fine art. It’s part grocery run, part social ritual, and a dream come true if you love food with a side of people-watching. Come hungry, leave inspired (and probably carrying a wedge of Parmigiano Reggiano).

Taste authentic Balsamic Vinegar

No visit to Modena is truly complete until you’ve had a proper swirl, sniff, and sip of traditional balsamic vinegar, and no, we’re not talking about the supermarket kind. We’re talking about the thick, velvety, aged-for-decades-in-wooden-barrels kind. Head to a local acetaia (some just outside the city), where passionate families will show you how this liquid gold is made and let you taste the difference between “good” and “wow.” Sweet, complex, and steeped in tradition, it’s the kind of experience that turns a tasting into a core memory.

Take a city tour of Palazzo Ducale

At the edge of Piazza Roma, the Palazzo Ducale brings full Baroque drama to Modena’s skyline. Once home to dukes and now home to cadets (it’s Italy’s military academy), this palace is all about grandeur, symmetry, and serious historic flair. You don’t need to know your architraves from your cornices to enjoy a stroll past its ornate façade, just bring your curiosity!

Walk the Via Emilia

Take a stroll down Via Emilia, and you’re literally walking through history, Roman history, to be exact. One of Italy’s oldest roads, it slices right through Modena’s heart and serves up a mix of old-school charm and modern-day buzz. Between boutique windows, cozy trattorias, and locals sipping espresso like it’s a sport, this street is the city’s true social runway.

Visit Modena: Best things to do around

Savor organic excellence in the Modena hills

Nestled in the peaceful hills of Levizzano di Castelvetro, this family-run estate brings together organic vineyards, traditional balsamic production, and warm hospitality for a true taste of Emilia-Romagna. Wander through rows of Grasparossa, Trebbiano di Modena, and Malbo Gentile grapes cultivated with care, then descend into their cellar to uncover how wine and balsamic vinegar find their soul in wooden barrels. The highlight? A tasting experience that’s anything but ordinary: sip three organic wines, like their vibrant Lambrusco Grasparossa, paired with local focaccia and prosciutto to balance sweet, tangy, and savory in one unforgettable glass.

Explore the Enzo Ferrari Museum

If you’ve got a soft spot for shiny engines and legendary design, the Enzo Ferrari Museum is your playground. This isn’t just a museum, it’s a love letter to speed, style, and one man’s dream that revved up a global icon. Step into Enzo’s childhood home, admire jaw-dropping Ferrari models through the decades, and get immersed in multimedia exhibits that make you feel like you’re part of the race. And yes, if you’re feeling bold, you can book a Ferrari test drive nearby, because why just admire horsepower when you can feel it?

Explore Bologna’s Medieval Charm

30 minutes away by train, Bologna makes the perfect escape for a flavor-packed and culture-rich day trip from Modena. Known for its never-ending porticoes, lively university vibe, and towers that lean with character, this city is a dream for anyone hungry for history and great food. Start your stroll in Piazza Maggiore, peek into San Petronio, then take on the 498 steps of the Torre degli Asinelli for sweeping rooftop views (yes, it’s worth it!). And when your legs need a break? Refuel with tagliatelle al ragù or a plate of tortellini in brodo and book your next wine tasting in Bologna.

Craving more? Check out our guide to the best things to do in Bologna, from secret courtyards to soul-satisfying food stops.

Step back in time in Reggio Emilia

Just 35 minutes from Modena by train, Reggio Emilia is one of those under-the-radar towns that quietly charm you at every corner. With elegant piazzas, a grand cathedral, and the striking Basilica della Ghiara, this town invites you to slow down and take it all in, gelato in hand, of course. Architecture lovers will enjoy its blend of Romanesque, Baroque, and Renaissance influences, while foodies will appreciate Reggio’s deep-rooted connection to traditional balsamic vinegar, often crafted by small, family-run acetaie using methods passed down for generations, as for the Reggio Emilia wineries.

Wander the UNESCO streets of Parma

About 50 minutes west of Modena by train (or roughly 30 miles), Parma tempts visitors with its serene piazzas, elegant facades, and some of the best food Italy has to offer. This refined city is the birthplace of Prosciutto di Parma and Parmigiano Reggiano, and tasting both in their hometown is a must. Grab a table at a traditional osteria or go all in with a guided tour through local dairies and ham producers. Beyond the bites, Parma is also home to the breathtaking Romanesque cathedral, the pink-hued Baptistery, and the neoclassical Teatro Regio, a dream for opera fans. Plan a visit to a Parma winery to complete your trip!

Discover why so many travelers choose to visit Parma Italy for the full culture and culinary package.

Good to Know before visiting Modena