Unforgettable One Day in Modena: What to Eat, See, and Do

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Morning in Modena: Food Tour or Leisurely Wandering (Your Call)

If you’re arriving by train, you’re already off to a smooth start—seeing Modena in one day is totally doable, and it all begins just a short walk from the station.

Modena is just 25 minutes from Bologna or 35 minutes from Parma, and the city center is a flat, easy 15-minute walk from the station. 

It’s compact, charming, and perfect for slow wandering, especially if you’re not trying to cram a million sights into one morning.

Option 1: Join a Local Food Tour

If you’re anything like me, a food tour is the best way to get to know a place, especially in a region like Emilia-Romagna where basically everything revolves around eating well. 

This Modena Food Tour usually starts around 10AM and takes you through the old town with stops at family-run shops and the local market.

You’ll sample regional icons like Parmigiano-Reggiano, DOP balsamic vinegar, Lambrusco wine, and tigelle—a traditional Modenese flatbread served with spreads and cured meats. It kicks off with breakfast (usually coffee and fresh bread), winds through Mercato Albinelli, and wraps with classic Modenese desserts—and yes, you’ll probably get to try tigelle, those warm, snackable flatbreads locals stuff with meats and spreads. 

It’s a few hours long, easygoing, and ideal if you want to learn a lot, eat even more, and meet other travelers along the way.

Or, Try a Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt.

If you’d rather explore solo but still want a bit of structure (and fun), check out the Modena self-guided scavenger hunt and walking tour by ClueGo. 

It’s like a walking tour meets escape room, guiding you through the city with puzzles, trivia, and hidden details. You can start whenever you like and move at your own pace—perfect for solo travelers or anyone who loves a bit of a challenge. I only wish I’d known about it when I was there!

Option 2: Enjoy a Slow, Self-Guided Morning

Modena is made for slow mornings.

Start your day the Italian way—with a coffee and something flaky. 

Honestly, you can stop just about anywhere in the city center for a solid espresso or cappuccino. You’re not here for third-wave coffee; you’re here for a cornetto, a view, and some people-watching! If there’s outdoor seating and it’s facing a piazza or the cathedral, you’ve found the right spot. You might pay an extra euro to sit, but it’s worth it for the view.

If you’re craving something more than a pastry, head to Parì – Caffè con Cucina, where you’ll find a more substantial brunch-style menu. But you may want to hold off and save your appetite for the next stop.

Your real destination this morning is Mercato Albinelli, the covered market that’s been Modena’s local hub since the 1930s. It’s only open in the morning and closed on Sundays and holidays, so plan accordingly. 

This is where locals come to buy their produce, pasta, and cheese—and yes, it’s the one that shows up in the Somebody Feed Phil Modena episode. You can snack your way through with fresh fruit, Parmigiano-Reggiano, or amaretti di Modena, a chewy almond cookie that pairs perfectly with coffee or Lambrusco (it’s never too early for Lambrusco).

Compared to places like Florence or Rome, the pace here is slower and way more local. You’ll overhear grandmas debating which prosciuttificio has the best price-per-gram and watch shopkeepers chat with regulars like they’ve known them forever. It’s a vibe.

If you’re hungry for something heartier, swing by Bar Schiavoni, a tiny sandwich stand inside the market. Their daily specials rotate, but the cotechino sandwich—served with green sauce and balsamic—is legendary. Locals line up for it, and it’s one of the tastiest, most affordable lunches you’ll find in town.

Honestly, you could build your entire one-day Modena itinerary around the food in this market and still leave happy.

What to Eat in Modena:

A lot of the food you’ll find in Modena overlaps with nearby cities—that’s just Emilia-Romagna being Emilia-Romagna. But Modena definitely has its own spin on things. 

These are the local dishes and specialties to look for:

• Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena: The real deal (Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena DOP) is thick, rich, and aged for at least 12 years in wooden barrels. It’s nothing like the watery stuff in your grocery store. Locals drizzle it over Parmigiano-Reggiano, strawberries, or even gelato—and yes, it works.
  
• Tigelle: Small, round flatbreads unique to Modena. Usually served warm in a basket with spreads like pesto modenese (a lard-based spread with rosemary and garlic), salumi, and cheeses. Think of them as the Modenese answer to a sandwich.
  
• Gnocco Fritto: Puffy, golden fried dough squares that pair perfectly with Prosciutto di Modena DOP—Modena’s own dry-cured ham that’s slightly more savory than the Parma version. Locals sometimes eat gnocco fritto with a cappuccino for breakfast (no judgment here).

• Cotechino Sandwich: Bar Schiavoni’s version made this a must-try. Cotechino is a rich, slow-cooked pork sausage usually eaten during the holidays—but here, it gets tucked into crusty bread with green sauce and a balsamic drizzle. It’s one of the best things I’ve eaten in Italy.

• Gramigna al Ragù di Salsiccia: This curly, squiggly pasta is usually paired with sausage ragù, and it’s a Modena staple. It’s hearty, satisfying, and one of my favorite dishes in the region—especially when done right at a local trattoria like Fa A Mod.
  
• Lasagna Verde: Spinach pasta layered with ragù and béchamel sauce. It’s not only beautiful but also incredibly flavorful. You’ll find it around the region, but it’s especially common on Modena menus.
  
• Torta Barozzi: This decadent, flourless chocolate cake is a Modena original from nearby Vignola. It’s made with dark chocolate, peanuts, almonds, and a hint of coffee. It’s dense, rich, and perfect with an espresso or glass of Lambrusco.
  
• Modena Spritz: A regional riff on the classic spritz, made with Lambrusco instead of Prosecco. I gave it a shot and… it’s not my thing. It tastes a bit like sangria meets Aperol. I’ll be sticking with a classic Aperol or Hugo spritz next time.

Climb the Ghirlandina Tower and Step Inside Modena’s Duomo

From the market, it’s just a short walk to Piazza Grande, the heart of Modena’s historic center and home to two major landmarks: the Ghirlandina Tower and Modena’s Cathedral (Duomo di Modena). 

These, along with the square itself, make up a UNESCO World Heritage site—and they’re well worth your morning.

If you’re up for a bit of exercise, start by climbing the Ghirlandina Tower, Modena’s 86-meter (282-foot) bell tower. It’s about 200 steps to the top, and while that might sound intense, the stairs are fairly even, not too narrow, and there’s an open side with a railing the whole way up. 

When I went on a sunny Sunday in September, I had the entire tower to myself—no line, no crowds, just me and the view.

You’ll need to reserve a time slot online in advance and pay a €6 fee when you arrive. Hours change seasonally, so double-check the official site before you go.

At the top, you’ll get panoramic views over Modena’s rooftops and countryside, but there’s more to this tower than just the view!

Inside, you’ll find a replica of the infamous “stolen bucket”—yes, an actual wooden bucket—captured from Bologna during a 14th-century war. It’s now a local legend, and the story is so over-the-top that it inspired an epic Italian poem.

Not all of Modena’s history is lighthearted, though. Near the base of the tower, there’s a small area known as Formaggino’s Napkin, marking the tragic site where Angelo Fortunato Formiggini—a Jewish publisher and satirist—ended his life in protest of Italy’s fascist racial laws in 1938. It’s a quiet but powerful spot, easy to miss if you don’t know it’s there.

Next door, the Duomo di Modena is one of the most impressive Romanesque cathedrals in Italy—and it’s totally free to visit. 

The outside is covered in quirky medieval carvings, including monsters, biblical scenes, and even some early fan fiction about King Arthur. Inside, it’s dark and peaceful, and if you happen to stop by during Mass, like I did, it’s worth sitting for a few minutes just to take in the atmosphere.

If you’re in the mood for a meaningful souvenir, pop into La Vacchetta Grassa, a small leather workshop tucked into a 15th-century building just a few steps from the Duomo. 

Francesca and her team are the last of their kind in Modena, handcrafting everything from belts to pasta-shaped keychains using traditional vegetable-tanned leather. You don’t need an appointment unless it’s Thursday afternoon when the shop is closed—and if you’re lucky, you can catch Francesca herself for a quick chat.

Pro tip: If you’re souvenir shopping, skip the touristy trinkets. A tiny leather tortellino keychain or a bottle of aged balsamic makes for a way better memento—and it actually supports the local artisans and producers who keep Modena’s traditions alive.

Afternoon in Modena: Balsamic, Lambrusco, and a Slow Stroll

After a relaxed morning exploring Modena’s historic center, it’s time to dive into the city’s most famous export—traditional balsamic vinegar. 

And no, I don’t mean the watery stuff in your grocery store dressing! 

Real balsamic from Modena is thick, rich, and aged for at least 12 years (and often way longer). Once you’ve tasted the real thing, there’s no going back.

If you have time for a deeper experience, I highly recommend booking the Cavedoni Balsamic Vinegar Tour. It’s one of the oldest acetaie in the area—run by the same family for seven generations—and gives you a full behind-the-scenes look at how balsamic is made. 

You’ll walk through the vineyard, peek inside the attic barrel rooms, and taste vinegars aged 5 to 30 years, paired with local snacks and a glass of Lambrusco. It’s cozy, personal, and surprisingly fascinating.

Don’t be surprised if you leave with a bottle (or three). 

Prefer a full lunch with your vinegar? Head to Acetaia Gambigliani Zoccoli, where the tasting becomes a feast!

After touring the family’s historic barrels with Giorgio and Mario—whose family has been doing this since 1905—you’ll sit down to a meal of risotto, Parmigiano Reggiano, and cured meats, all paired with different aged balsamic vinegars. It’s a slow, indulgent experience that’s ideal if you’re skipping a formal dinner later.

If you’re short on time or didn’t plan ahead, La Consorteria 1966 is a fantastic in-town option for tasting real balsamic. It’s walkable, no reservations are needed, and the staff is genuinely excited to share Modena’s “liquid gold” with curious visitors. You’ll get all the flavor and storytelling without needing to leave the city center.

Either way, make balsamic part of your day—you’ll never drizzle the same again.

Want a Michelin-Quality Lunch Without the Michelin Price?

If you’re skipping a full balsamic lunch but still want something special, Franceschetta 58 is one of the best places to eat in Modena. It’s the more casual, more accessible little sibling to the famous (and hard-to-book) Osteria Francescana, run by Massimo Bottura’s team.

I made a solo lunch reservation at the bar just a few days in advance, which made it easy to enjoy their tasting menu without the pressure of a fancy dinner setting. I went with the “Tradition in Evolution” menu for €64 and added the three-wine pairing for €22.

The pancetta melted in my mouth, and the mini Emilia Burger—served in a cheeky fast-food box—was one of the best burgers I’ve ever had.

It’s about a 15-minute walk from the center, so it’s also a great excuse to explore a new neighborhood before heading back to the station or checking out the Enzo Ferrari Museum.

Not in a Rush? Just Wander

If you’ve still got some time—and you’re not racing off to a museum—put away the map and just wander. 

Modena is one of those cities that rewards aimless exploring. The streets are lined with warm orange and yellow buildings, and covered porticoes stretch along the sidewalks, a quieter cousin to Bologna’s famous arcades. It reminded me a bit of wandering through Ortigia, Sicily—not because they look the same, but because both places have that relaxed, timeless feeling where you don’t really need a plan to enjoy yourself.

One of my favorite ways to explore solo? I pop in my AirPods, cue up a good playlist or podcast, and follow whichever street looks interesting. That might lead you to a quiet piazza, a second cappuccino, or even a surprising museum or two.

If you’re in the area, swing by the Ducal Palace—you can’t go inside unless you’ve booked a weekend tour, but the exterior and surrounding piazza are beautiful. Nearby, the San Domenico church and the Ducal Gardens make for a peaceful detour.

For art lovers, the Palazzo dei Musei houses the Estense Gallery and several other cultural institutions, including the Estense University Library, which has one of the most important illuminated manuscripts in Italy—the Borso d’Este Bible. Even if you’re not an art history buff, the building itself is worth a look.

Got More Time (or Love Cars)? Check Out Ferrari

If you’ve got a little time to spare before heading to the train—Modena is also the birthplace of Ferrari, and the Enzo Ferrari Museum is just a 15-minute walk from the city center, or less than 10 minutes from the train station.

This museum focuses on Enzo Ferrari’s life and legacy, with vintage cars, Ferrari engines, rotating design exhibits, and even a GT driving simulator (€25) if you want to get a feel for the speed without leaving the building. It only takes about an hour to visit, so it’s perfect as a final stop.

Want to take things further? Catch the shuttle to the Ferrari Museum in Maranello, where the vibe is all about racing culture—Formula 1 cars, the Fiorano Test Track (available via panoramic tour), and even the option to book a Ferrari test drive around town (budget accordingly).

Personally, I skipped both museums and watched the Ferrari movie later—10/10 for drama, 0/10 for hands-on interaction—but plenty of travelers rave about the real thing, especially the driving simulators and behind-the-scenes insight into the brand’s legacy.

Evening in Modena: Aperitivo, Dinner, or Back on the Train

If you’re spending the night in Modena, lucky you—you’ve got time to slow down and enjoy the city the way locals do.

Start with aperitivo, not dinner. Italians typically eat dinner late—most restaurants don’t start filling up until 8PM or later—so a spritz and a few snacks around 6:30PM is the perfect way to ease into the evening.

Try La Bicicletta – Caffè & Salumi for a relaxed vibe and great cured meats, or head to Roots for a meal with a mission and fresh, creative flavors. If you skipped lunch at Franceschetta 58, dinner here is just as good (just be sure to book ahead).

You might see a Modena Spritz on the menu—it’s made with Lambrusco instead of Prosecco. It tastes a bit like sangria or tinto de verano, but honestly, I wasn’t a fan. I’ll stick to a Hugo or classic Aperol Spritz next time!

For something more traditional, Fa A Mod or Trattoria Aldina are solid bets—Aldina is cash-only and cozy, while Fa A Mod serves one of my favorite sausage ragus in the region.

Still hungry? You have to get gelato—Gioelia Cremeria or Bloom Naturalmente Gelato are across the piazza from each other, and both are worth the wait. If you spot zabaione with balsamic vinegar on the menu, try it! It’s a local favorite that pairs Modena’s sweet, tangy vinegar with rich, custardy gelato.

Not staying overnight? No stress—Modena is well connected, so it’s easy to head back to Bologna or Parma after a half day of exploring (both under 40 minutes by train). Just be sure to check the evening train schedule ahead of time!

Getting to Modena

Modena is easy to reach by train from just about anywhere in Northern Italy.

• From Bologna: 25 minutes

• From Parma: 35 minutes

• From Milan: 1 hour 40 minutes (or faster with high-speed trains)

I always recommend checking the Omio app or Trenitalia app for schedules and buying your tickets in advance. Oh, and don’t forget to validate your ticket before hopping on board (doesn’t apply to electronic tickets)!

Once you arrive, it’s just a 15-minute walk from the train station to the historic center.

Where to Stay in Modena

Most travelers treat Modena as a day trip, but it’s a great overnight base if you’re exploring more of Emilia-Romagna.

Stay in the city center for easy access to all the best restaurants and sights. Options range from budget hostels to boutique hotels:

If you’re traveling during peak season or weekends, book early—places fill up fast!

FAQs about A Day Trip to Modena

Final Thoughts: How to Spend One Day in Modena, Italy

If you’re trying to see as much of Emilia-Romagna as possible and wondering whether Modena is worth the stop—yes, it absolutely is. 

You don’t need a long checklist here. The food is the main event, and anything you see between bites is just a bonus.

Whether you’re sipping Lambrusco after a balsamic tasting, wandering through medieval porticoes, or biting into a sandwich that will ruin all other sandwiches (hi, Bar Schiavoni), Modena makes a strong impression in a short amount of time.

Compared to nearby Bologna, Modena is smaller, quieter, and less touristy. Some might even call it “boring.” I call it charming. You don’t come here to be dazzled—you come to eat really well and slow down just enough to enjoy it.

If you’re more of a maximizer, you can combine Modena and Parma in one day. 

They’re similar in pace and vibe, so don’t stress too much about picking one over the other. That said, if I had to choose, I’d give Parma the edge—its food scene is next-level and the city feels a touch more lively.

Need help figuring out what to do in Modena for a day or longer? I’ve rounded up all the best things to do, from balsamic tours to quirky leather workshops.