10 Best Things To Do In Modena, Italy - Updated 2024

1. Balsamic Vinegar Tour of the Oldest Balsamic Vinegar Company in Modena (from USD 77.0)

Modena has a long history of balsamic vinegar. There are many traditional producers selling only the best quality. This tour will take you to one of the companies, showing to you the entire process and the different phases the balsamic vinegar needs to go through before being sold. You will also get to taste balsamic vinegar that has been preserved for a long period of time, even up to one hundred years.

Modena Balsamic Vinegar Factory Tour with Tasting

Duration: 2 hours

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from USD

77.0

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2. Dumo di Modena (Modena Cathedral)

Talking about the tower of Ghirlandina, you can’t miss Modena Cathedral since you’re there already. This is also part of the UNESCO Patrimony site. The carving inside is impressive. There is also a museum on the premises, but make sure you get there during working times.

Dumo di Modena (Modena Cathedral)

Address: Corso Duomo, 41121 Modena MO, Italy

Website: Dumo di Modena (in Italian)

3. Galleria Estense

Italian art is indeed worth checking out even if you’re not an art expert. Galleria Estense, although a bit off the beaten touristic paths, hides wonderful and unique art pieces inside. It displays mostly paintings from the 14th all the way to the 18th-century. You can also see some sculptures here and even an Armani violin.

Galleria Estense

Address: Largo Porta Sant'Agostino, 337, 41121 Modena MO, Italy

Website: Galleria Estense (in Italian)

4. Ducal Palace of Modena

What used to be a palace back in the 15th up to the 19th-century, has transformed into a library and the Italian Military Academy. This baroque style building reminds tourists of an old history, talking about Modena’s past. The recently renovated square where it is located (Plazza Roma) is a good meeting point with its large space.

Ducal Palace of Modena

Address: Piazza Roma, 15, 41121 Modena MO, Italy

Website: Ducal Palace of Modena

5. Casa Museo Luciano Pavarotti

Placed outside of Modena, it can be a challenge to find Museo Luciano Pavarotti. It’s the best destination if you’re traveling with kids, as there are play areas both inside and outside. The museum presents biographical facts about the famous opera singer, Luciano Pavarotti. You will leave the museum amazed by how many hidden talents Pavarotti had. The museum is built in his former house, so you will also have the opportunity to get a feel of his day to day life.

Casa Museo Luciano Pavarotti

Address: Stradello Nava, 6, 41126 Modena MO, Italy

Website: Casa Museo Luciano Pavarotti

6. Palazzo Comunale di Modena

If you’re visiting Modena during a weekday, you will be able to visit Palazzo Comunale for free. You will also be able to see Baroque frescoes and decorated ceilings. Even just the building in itself has charming architecture, so make sure to at least pass by.

Palazzo Comunale di Modena

Address: Piazza Grande 15, 41100 Modena MO, Italy

Website: Palazzo Comunale di Modena (in Italian)

7. Cooking Experience and Balsamico Tour in Modena (from USD 217.0)

There is no better way to leave Italy than being able to make your own pasta starting just with eggs and flour. This 4 hour tour will allow you to join a cooking lesson from professionals. On top of that, you will get to visit one of the places where local traditional Balsamico vinegar is produced. The experience is particularly enjoyable for families. Cooking together helps you spend some fun quality time.

Cooking Experience and Balsamico Tour in Modena

Duration: 4 hours

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217.0

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8. Feel like a formula one pilot while visiting Enzo Ferrari Museum

No matter if you’re a fan of formula one or not, this museum must be on your list while in Modena. It offers a lot of information about the life and work of Enzo Ferrari, the founder of the Ferrari company. It’s suitable for kids also. On top of all the information offered, you can also admire amazing cars that were built by this company over the years.

Enzo Ferrari Museum

Address: Via Paolo Ferrari, 85, 41121 Modena MO, Italy

Website: Enzo Ferrari Museum

9. Have a coffee in Piazza Grande

When visiting Modena, it’s for sure a challenge to avoid passing Piazza Grande. Located in the heart of the old city center, Piazza Grande has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site some years back. It’s impressive due to the architecture around and imposing buildings.

Piazza Grande

Address: Piazza Grande, Modena, Italy

10. Torre della Ghirlandina

Since it’s the tallest structure in town (over 80 m/262 ft high), you can notice Torre della Ghirlandina from all sides of Modena. Everyone recognizes it as the symbol of the city and if you climb up, you’ll have the chance to see the best view over the historic city center. Besides, climbing up the stairs is the perfect exercise - for sure needed after enjoying all the delicious Italian food, ice-cream and Tiramisu.

Torre della Ghirlandina

Address: Piazza della Torre, 41121 Modena MO, Italy

Website: Torre della Ghirlandina

Be amazed by impressive architecture all around

With so many old buildings, it is easy to be amazed by impressive architecture all around Modena. But don’t forget to also add a culinary experience in between all the cathedrals, towers and museums. There is a wide variety of local dishes, so make sure you try them all before moving to your next destination.