When I planned my month-long trip to Italy, Modena wasn’t originally on my radar. But curiosity—and a well-timed train connection—led me there.
If you’re wondering is Modena worth visiting, I can tell you from experience that this lesser-known city in Emilia-Romagna holds its own charm, especially for slow travellers.
Best known for balsamic vinegar and fast cars, Modena also offers a quieter, more authentic slice of Italy that’s easy to miss if you’re rushing through the usual stops.
I’ll share what makes Modena worth your time—and a few things that might make you think twice—so you can decide if it fits your travel style.
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Where Is Modena and Why Do People Go?
I visited Modena during a three-night stay in Reggio Emilia, using it as a base to explore three nearby cities: Parma, Modena, and Reggio Emilia itself. All three are part of Emilia-Romagna, a region in northern Italy known for its food traditions, slower pace, and strong sense of identity.
Modena sits almost halfway between Bologna and Parma—just 25 minutes by train from either direction—making it incredibly easy to reach.
The city is most famous for producing traditional balsamic vinegar (the kind aged for 12, 25, or even 100 years), housing the Enzo Ferrari Museum, and being the hometown of opera legend Luciano Pavarotti. But there’s more to it than just these big names.
Compared to Parma, which felt elegant and full of grand piazzas and churches, and Reggio Emilia, which offered a more residential, everyday Italian experience, Modena struck a nice balance. It was compact and stylish, with just enough going on to keep me curious for an entire day.
This is a destination that especially appeals to food lovers, car enthusiasts, and travellers who prefer quiet cities where you’re not elbowing through crowds.
Reasons Modena Is Worth Visiting
You Can Actually Taste What the Region Stands For
One of the most rewarding things about Modena was how easy it was to connect with its food culture beyond just sitting down for a meal.
It’s easy (and inexpensive) to join a small balsamic vinegar tasting at an acetaia in the city—nothing fancy, just a family-run place that’s been aging vinegar in wooden barrels for generations. Tasting vinegar like it was fine wine completely changed how I think about it. That kind of slow, sensory experience isn’t something you find on every corner in Italy.
Even walking through the Mercato Albinelli, I saw how locals shop with intent—asking about the origin of cheese, choosing fruit one piece at a time.
It’s Small Enough to Explore Slowly—and Fully
Modena doesn’t demand an itinerary. I appreciated how I could stroll from the train station to the historic center in under 15 minutes and then wander without pressure. No big crowds, no endless queues, just me, the sound of footsteps echoing through porticoed streets, and enough visual beauty to keep me intrigued.
Within a few hours, I felt like I’d seen the city. This is a good thing, it means it’s a place that gives you room to observe without rushing or the fear of missing out.
The Everyday Details Are the Main Attraction
In bigger Italian cities, the “wow” moments are usually tied to landmarks. But in Modena, I found joy in smaller, quieter details: the warm terracotta colours of the buildings, the locals cycling home with groceries, a handwritten menu taped to the door of a tucked-away osteria.
Modena rewards travellers who enjoy seeing how a city is on an ordinary day. And I loved that.
What Might Make You Skip Modena
It Doesn’t Have a “Bucket List” Landmark
If you’re travelling through Italy for the first time and want to check off iconic sights, Modena might fall flat.
There’s no Colosseum, no Leaning Tower, no sweeping coastal views.
It’s a city where the highlights are subtle: a UNESCO-listed cathedral, a small but elegant piazza, and quiet alleyways. For me, that’s a plus—but if you’re after dramatic photos or postcard-perfect moments, you might feel underwhelmed.
It’s Not Geared Toward Tourists—Which Cuts Both Ways
One of the things I liked about Modena was that it didn’t feel touristy. But that also meant fewer English menus, fewer guided experiences, and fewer people who automatically switch to English.
As a solo traveller, I felt a bit lonely at times, like a bit of an outsider. I noticed that locals were greeted more warmly and given better tables in restaurants. That said, I did find some people were kind and curious about me. They were intrigued as to why I was there visiting their city (and maybe why alone).
The Vibe Is Quiet and Local—Not Lively or Trendy
Modena is a local town. I noticed this even more after visiting Parma and Bologna, both of which had more vibrant café culture, nightlife, and evening energy.
During the week when I was visiting, the working hours, the city streets were quiet. Early morning, lunch hour and after work, the city was busy with locals going about their day. And as a result, the social energy experienced highs and lows, and you may find Modena a little too calm.
Tips for Visiting Modena
Stay Nearby and Make a Day of It
Since I was staying in Reggio Emilia, I visited Modena as a day trip—and it was the perfect amount of time. The city is compact, so you don’t need to rush. I arrived mid-morning, wandered through the historic center, enjoyed a long lunch, wandered some more and still had time for a balsamic tasting before heading back.
If you’re staying in Parma, Bologna, or even Reggio Emilia, Modena is easily doable in a single day without feeling pressed for time.
Time Your Visit Around Food Experiences
Modena’s best-known experiences revolve around food, but many require planning. Acetaia visits often need advance bookings. If you’re interested in eating at a well-known restaurant, book ahead. I found that even a casual trattoria could be fully booked for lunch with locals.
Also—go hungry. Everything here, from a plate of tortellini in brodo to a simple gelato, feels intentional.
Let Go of the Checklist Mentality
Modena doesn’t require you to rush from site to site. It’s easy to navigate, and you’ll have plenty of time to see it all in a day.
I gave myself time to sit in Piazza Grande with a drink and people-watch. My entire day was spent popping in and out of the city’s highlights with ease. With no agenda, you’ll stumble upon little unexpected gems that appeal to you, like I found an artisan shop making leather goods by hand—something I’d never have found on a “Top 10 Things to Do” list.
If you travel slowly, Modena will meet you there.
Consider Visiting on a Weekday
I went mid-week, and the city felt especially authentic. The market was full of locals doing their daily shopping, and the streets had a gentle, lived-in hum. Weekends can bring in more regional visitors, especially from Bologna. If you want the quieter version of Modena, a weekday visit is ideal.
So, Is Modena Worth Visiting?
My answer is yes—but with the right expectations. Modena isn’t the kind of place that overwhelms you with grand sights. I loved its walkable center filled with everyday life.
For me, it was a refreshing change of pace during my month in Italy. After the bigger, buzzier cities I had visited like Milan, Turin, Verona, and Genoa, Modena felt like a place where life was laid back, relaxed and quiet. It may not be for everyone—but if you are exploring the Emilia-Romagna region, Modena belongs on your list.
If you’re looking for a similar experience and want help planning your next trip to Italy, I offer bespoke travel consultation services. Together, we can create a personalized itinerary that goes beyond the tourist trail and brings you closer to the heart of Italy.
