Is 1 Day in Modena Worth the Trip?

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Why Modena for Just One Day?

I chose to spend 1 day in Modena because I was staying nearby in Reggio-Emilia and wanted to explore more of Emilia-Romagna, which included a day in Parma, and later 5 days in Bologna.

Modena stood out for three reasons: its food, its walkable size, and its local feel.

You’ve probably heard of it because of balsamic vinegar, Ferraris, or Massimo Bottura’s famous restaurant, but there’s a bit more to the city than just that.

What I loved is that Modena feels local. It’s not crowded like Florence or Bologna, and it’s small enough without feeling overwhelmed. I could wander, eat well, and get a feel for the city—all in a single day.

If you’re looking for a slow-paced destination that fits easily into a northern Italy itinerary, Modena is a great choice.

Getting to Modena

I took the train from Reggio-Emilia to Modena, and it was quick, easy, and stress-free. The ride was about 20 minutes, and trains run regularly throughout the day. If you’re coming from Bologna, Parma, or even Milan, the regional train network makes Modena a very doable day trip.

Once I arrived, I loved that the train station is just a short walk from the city center—about 10 to 15 minutes on foot. I didn’t need a taxi or a bus. I simply followed signs toward the old town and found myself in the heart of Modena in no time.

For slow travellers, train travel is a great option—no parking worries, no traffic, and more time to look out the window and enjoy the journey.

What I Did in One Day in Modena

Before setting out, I gave myself permission not to pack my schedule. My goal was to enjoy a slow-paced day—no rushing from sight to sight.

Start at Piazza Grande

I kicked off my morning at Piazza Grande, which actually blends seamlessly into Piazza della Torre on one side and Piazza Duomo on the other. I watched the sunlight hit the red-brick façade of the Ghirlandina Tower, its copper angel gleaming above.

Stepping inside the Duomo di Modena, I admired Wiligelmo’s carved reliefs above the door—scenes of Adam and Eve caught my eye—and wandered beneath the pale columns. I also popped into the Musei del Duomo, focusing on the religious art in the city.

Wander the Old Streets

Next, I used the main central street, Via Emilia, and zigzagged into the narrow side alleys, where faded frescoes peek from crumbling walls, hidden cafés appeared, and a few interesting shops can be found.

I could spend my entire day wandering.

Visit Mercato Albinelli

I arrived at Mercato Albinelli mid-morning, a colourful indoor market that reminded me of the ones you often see in Spain. Stalls brimmed with wheels of Parmigiano-Reggiano, jars of glossy balsamic vinegar, and baskets of fresh fruit.

I watched locals shop, a cheese maker scraped shards of aged cheese for a customer, and the lively banter of the vendors. The market’s tiled floor and iron-framed windows made it feel extra special. I highly recommend a visit here.

Lunch in Modena

While wandering that morning, I spotted three tempting spots—Ristorante da Enzo, a slightly dressier spot, and the historic Salumeria Hosteria Giusti, part deli, part communal eatery. I chose Ristorante Da Danilo, I joined a queue of locals eavesdropping on their lively Italian chatter, and after about 20 minutes was seated in a quiet corner.

I started with a small plate of grilled vegetables drizzled in aged balsamic, followed by a pillowy tortellini in broth. It was one of the best meals I’ve had in Italy—and well worth the wait.

Cultural Sites

After lunch, I considered visiting the Casa Museo Enzo Ferrari, a popular attraction dedicated to Modena’s most famous figure. But as a solo female traveller with no particular interest in cars, I decided to skip it.

Honestly, if I’d been with my husband, this would have been the highlight of our day—he would’ve loved the vintage models and racing history. But on my own, I was craving a bit more culture and history.

Modena has several small but interesting museums tucked around the city center. A quirky yet popular one is Museo della Figurina, showcasing vintage sticker and trading card collections.

I took a pass and spent my afternoon visiting the Palazzo dei Musei, which houses several collections under one roof—a civic (Museo Civico di Modena) and Renaissance art (Galleria Estense). I enjoyed seeing the Renaissance musical instruments and highly recommend a visit here.

Afterwards, I walked the porticos of Museo Lapidario Estense, which holds the ancient Roman stones, inscriptions and sculptures.

Balsamic Vinegar Tasting

While walking through the city center, I spotted a small sign advertising a balsamic vinegar tasting tucked inside a specialty food shop. I hadn’t planned on doing one, but the woman inside was welcoming, and before I knew it, I was being walked through a few samples of Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena—the good stuff, aged for at least 12 years, sometimes up to 25.

At home, I buy an imported aged Modena balsamic vinegar that is thick and syrupy, so tasting it wasn’t a big surprise. But for those who are used to the runny vinegar, you might be surprised.

Would I recommend it?

If you’re a foodie or love learning about local products, definitely. The tastings are usually free if you’re just sampling, and you’ll leave with a much better understanding of why this vinegar is so prized.

But if you’re not into food culture, it might feel a bit underwhelming.

A Walk in Giardini Ducali

Before heading back to the train station, I took a slow walk through Giardini Ducali, Modena’s peaceful city park just north of the old town. I grabbed a gelato from a nearby café—stracciatella for me, always—and strolled under the trees, enjoying the quiet pace of the late afternoon.

The park was full of life, but not in a busy way. Locals were out walking their dogs, students rode past me on bikes, and a few couples sat on benches chatting softly. The whole city seemed to be winding down, and I felt myself doing the same.

I passed by the Palazzina dei Giardini, a lovely old pavilion that now hosts modern art exhibitions. I was tempted to step inside, but by then, I was feeling the weight of the day—and honestly, sitting with my gelato in the shade felt just right.

Final Thoughts: Is One Day in Modena Enough?

For a slow travel day trip, one day in Modena is just enough to get a real feel for the city. I think Modena is ideal for travellers who enjoy wandering old streets, sampling local specialties, and spending time in places that don’t feel overrun with tourists.

Would I go back? Absolutely. I’d love to return with my husband so we could visit the Enzo Ferrari Museum together—it’s right up his alley. But even beyond that, Modena has a quiet charm that sticks with you.

It’s the kind of place I’d happily revisit just to walk its streets again, eat well, and feel that steady, unhurried beat of local life.

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