Modena sits at the heart of Italy’s Emilia‑Romagna, a compact city whose medieval core hides a world of flavor. Piazza Grande, the Romanesque Cathedral, and the elegant Ghirlandina bell tower form a UNESCO World Heritage trio; a few blocks away, market stalls overflow with tortellini, culatello, and wheels of Parmigiano Reggiano.

This is also Motor Valley—birthplace of Enzo Ferrari and a pilgrimage for car lovers. Museums dedicated to Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Pagani pair perfectly with countryside acetaie where Modena’s “black gold,” Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale, ages for decades in wooden barrels.

Expect long lunches, sparkling Lambrusco, and evenings strolling Via Emilia. Practical note: the center is walkable, trains connect effortlessly to Bologna, Florence, and Milan, and most tastings and top tables require advance booking—especially Hosteria Giusti and Franceschetta58.

Modena

Modena’s compact “centro storico” is ideal for a car‑free city break. Start at Piazza Grande to admire the white‑stone Duomo and climb the Ghirlandina for red‑tile roof views. Dip into Mercato Albinelli for warm gnocco fritto stuffed with prosciutto and a glass of fizzy Lambrusco.

Food highlights include tortellini in brodo, tagliatelle al ragù, zampone, and aged balsamic. Car enthusiasts can balance plates and pistons with visits to the Enzo Ferrari Museum in town and the Ferrari Museum in nearby Maranello.

• Where to stay: Browse stays on VRBO Modena or Hotels.com Modena. Excellent picks: boutique Hotel Rua Frati 48 in San Francesco (design-forward, central), intimate Hotel Cervetta 5 (steps from Piazza Grande), polished Best Western Premier Milano Palace Hotel (spa, easy parking), and budget‑friendly Ostello San Filippo Neri.
• Getting there: Fly into Bologna (BLQ) and continue 30–40 min by regional train (~€4–€8). Compare flights and trains on Omio flights (Europe), Omio trains in Europe, or buses on Omio buses. From Milan (1h45–2h, ~€15–€25) or Florence (1–1h20, ~€12–€20), frequent direct trains run to Modena.
• Getting around: Walk the center; taxis reach Maranello in ~25–30 min (~€35–€50). Local buses to Maranello take ~40 min (~€3). For regional rail and coach options, see Omio and Omio buses.

Day 1 — Old Town Icons, Market Bites, and Enzo Ferrari

Morning: Travel to Modena. If you arrive early, fuel up with espresso and a crema‑filled cannoncino at Pasticceria Torino (classic marble counter, old‑world vibe) or a smooth ristretto at the flagship Caffè Cagliari, a historic local roaster founded in 1909.

Afternoon: Start at Piazza Grande, duck into the Romanesque Cathedral, then climb the Ghirlandina bell tower for panoramic city views. Wander to Mercato Albinelli—sample gnocco fritto and mortadella at Bar Schiavoni, nibble 24‑month Parmigiano and aged balsamic at a cheesemonger, and sip a chilled glass of Lambrusco.

Cap the afternoon at the Enzo Ferrari Museum—a luminous shell‑like pavilion telling the story of Modena’s most famous son. Skip the ticket queue with this pass: Modena: Enzo Ferrari Museum Entrance Ticket (Viator).

Evening: Aperitivo at Archer (crafted cocktails, strong Italian spirits list) or a Lambrusco at Da Panino alongside creative panini. For dinner: book Franceschetta58 (Bottura’s casual spot, inventive Emilian dishes), try Trattoria Pomposa al Re Gras (generous tortellini in brodo, guanciale‑rich ragù), or—if you scored a months‑ahead reservation—Hosteria Giusti (tiny dining room behind a 1605 salumeria; tagliatelle and arrosti are the move). Gelato after at K2 (classic nocciola and pistachio) or La Romana (biscotto della nonna fans, rejoice).

Day 2 — Motor Valley Immersion (Ferrari, Lamborghini, Pagani)

Devote a full day to the legends of speed on this curated experience: Private Tour to Ferrari Lamborghini and Pagani Museums from Modena (Viator). It typically runs 8–9 hours with hotel pickup, museum entries, and time to marvel at Miuras, Countachs, Formula One icons, and hand‑built hypercars.

Lunch options en route include Ristorante Cavallino in Maranello (a Ferrari institution revived with contemporary Modenese comfort food) or a simple plate of tortelloni burro e salvia at a local trattoria near Sant’Agata Bolognese. If you prefer DIY: bus or taxi to the Ferrari Museum in Maranello (25–40 min), then taxi to Pagani in San Cesario, and on to the Lamborghini Museum in Sant’Agata; coordinate slots and transfers via Omio trains and buses.

Back in Modena, celebrate with an easy trattoria dinner: Il Fantino (rustic, local crowd; gramigna alla salsiccia) or reservations at L’Erba del Re (Michelin‑starred refinement). Nightcap on Piazza Grande or a final stroll along Via Emilia.

Day 3 — Market Morning, Balsamic Secrets, and Departure

Morning: Start with a cappuccino and a slice of torta Barozzi at Antica Pasticceria San Biagio, then dive deeper into Mercato Albinelli. For a guided, small‑group tasting walk—complete with backstories and stops you’d miss alone—join Modena Food Tour with Taste Bologna (Viator); expect 3 hours of market bites, cured meats, aged cheeses, and balsamic‑kissed treats.

Afternoon: Before you go, unlock the city’s “black gold” at an in‑town acetaia experience: Balsamic Vinegar Barrel Tour and Tasting in Modena (Viator). You’ll step through attic aging rooms, compare young condimento with 12‑ and 25‑year Tradizionale, and understand why a few drops transform Parmigiano or strawberries.

Grab a quick lunch before departure—try Da Panino (creative sandwiches; mortadella‑pistachio is a favorite) or Trattoria Pomposa al Re Gras for one last plate of tagliatelle al ragù. Walk or taxi to the station for trains via Omio. If you have an evening flight, add the Casa Museo Luciano Pavarotti on the city’s edge for a lyrical finale.

Useful Notes and Insider Tips

• Reservations: Book Hosteria Giusti, Franceschetta58, and any Michelin venues weeks in advance; popular trattorie often fill up by 8 pm.
• Souvenirs: From Antica Salumeria Giusti, pick up 12‑ or 25‑year DOP balsamic, cotechino in a jar, or aged Parmigiano; pack carefully.
• Timing: Most shops close midday (roughly 1–3:30 pm). The Duomo is an active church—dress modestly.
• Getting out: Bologna Airport is the closest; compare routes on Omio flights. Trains to Florence or Milan are frequent on Omio.

Optional Add‑Ons (if you extend): A countryside acetaia like Cavedoni for a historic perspective—bookable here if you have extra time on another day: Cavedoni Balsamic Vinegar Tour (Viator).

In three days, you’ll have savored Modena’s essential flavors, walked its UNESCO‑listed heart, and traced the arc from Enzo’s birthplace to Motor Valley’s modern marvels. Whether you came for tortellini, Ferraris, or balsamic, Modena has a way of making you plan your return before you’ve even left.