Elegant, authentic, and surprisingly vibrant: Modena is a destination that captivates without the need for special effects. Here, art, engines, and outstanding gastronomy coexist in perfect harmony, making every stay a complete and memorable experience.
If you’re wondering what to do in Modena, you’re in the right place: here are three must-do experiences to discover the city’s most authentic soul.
Get Lost in the Historic Heart: Piazza Grande, the Cathedral, and the Ghirlandina
The ideal starting point is undoubtedly Piazza Grande, the beating heart of the city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Overlooking the square are some of Modena’s most iconic landmarks: the Cathedral and the Ghirlandina Tower.
The Cathedral, a masterpiece of Romanesque art begun in 1099, tells centuries of history through its bas-reliefs and imposing architecture, while the Ghirlandina dominates the city skyline with its timeless elegance.
Walking among these architectural wonders means stepping into the most authentic heart of Modena, where every stone has a story to tell. If you’re deciding what to do in Modena, this is undoubtedly the first step.
What to Do in Modena: Experience Its Food and Wine Tradition
Modena is synonymous with gastronomic excellence, and no visit is complete without discovering its signature product: Traditional Balsamic Vinegar.
A visit to an acetaia (vinegar cellar) offers a glimpse into the world of this “black gold,” aged in sets of wooden barrels and the result of a centuries-old tradition.
Afterward, a stop at the Mercato Storico Albinelli is highly recommended: an authentic place where you can taste tortellini, gnocco fritto, and local cured meats, paired with a glass of Lambrusco.
Here, the journey becomes sensory: Modena is not just visited, it is savored. Among taste experiences, these are undoubtedly some of the best answers to what to do in Modena.
Modena’s Motor Valley
Modena is also the land of engines, the beating heart of the famous Motor Valley in Emilia.
A visit to the Enzo Ferrari Museum is unmissable, dedicated to the founder of the brand and the history of one of the most iconic names in the world.
Through design, innovation, and speed, this museum tells a fundamental part of Modena’s identity, capable of fascinating not only car enthusiasts but anyone who loves stories of Italian excellence.
Where to Stay in Modena
Compact, elegant, and full of inspiration, Modena is perfect for a short yet intense stay. In just a few hours, you can move from medieval art to outstanding cuisine, all the way to the roar of the world’s most iconic engines.
If you’re still wondering what to do in Modena, the answer is simple: let yourself be guided by its authenticity and enjoy every experience at the right pace.
It is precisely this unique combination that makes it an ideal destination for guests of Hotel Principe, part of the LVG Hotel Collection Overlooking Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, among magnificent historic buildings and the renowned Ducal Gardens, Hotel Principe was renovated in 2017. Just a short walk from the train station and Modena’s historic center, it provides the perfect base for exploring the city with ease.
