Modena, Italy: The Ultimate Travel Guide 2026

The best area to stay is in the historic center, where charming boutique hotels place visitors near the Modena Cathedral, Palazzo Ducale, and world-renowned restaurants. For a countryside retreat, vineyard estates outside the city provide a relaxing setting with balsamic vinegar and wine tastings.

A 2 to 3-day stay is ideal for exploring Modena’s food scene, museums, and Ferrari heritage. A 4-day stay allows for visiting nearby Parma, Bologna, or the Emilia-Romagna countryside.

Using the our Hotel and Accomodation map, you can compare hotels and short-term rental accommodations in Modena. Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see the best deals for your stay.

Modena, located in the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy, is renowned for its rich culinary tradition, historical landmarks, and automotive heritage. Here’s a guide to the best time to visit Modena:

1. Spring (March to May): Spring is a delightful time to visit Modena as the city comes alive with blooming flowers and mild temperatures. This season is ideal for exploring the city’s historic center, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and admiring its beautiful architecture, including the iconic Modena Cathedral and the Ghirlandina Tower. Spring also offers opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities, such as hiking in the nearby Apennine Mountains or cycling along the scenic countryside.
2. Summer (June to August): Summer is peak tourist season in Modena, with warm temperatures and long daylight hours. This is the best time to explore the city’s culinary scene, with its renowned restaurants, trattorias, and markets offering delicious local specialties such as traditional balsamic vinegar, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, and balsamic-glazed meats. Summer also brings a variety of cultural events and festivals to Modena, including music concerts, food fairs, and outdoor performances.
3. Fall (September to November): Fall is another excellent time to visit Modena, as the weather remains pleasant, and the summer crowds begin to dissipate. This season is ideal for exploring the city’s museums and galleries, such as the Enzo Ferrari Museum and the Museum of Military Academy, without the long lines. Fall also offers opportunities to participate in culinary experiences, such as truffle hunting in the nearby hills and attending food festivals celebrating the region’s gastronomic heritage.
4. Winter (December to February): Winter in Modena is relatively quiet, with fewer tourists and cooler temperatures. This season offers a more intimate experience for visitors, with the opportunity to explore the city’s indoor attractions, such as its historic palaces, churches, and museums, without the crowds. Winter is also a great time to sample hearty local dishes like tortellini in brodo (stuffed pasta in broth) and cotechino con lenticchie (sausage with lentils) at cozy trattorias and osterias throughout the city.

Ultimately, the best time to visit Modena depends on your preferences for weather, crowds, and activities. Whether you’re interested in exploring historic landmarks, indulging in gourmet cuisine, or experiencing local festivals, Modena has something to offer for every traveler throughout the year.

Modena is situated in the heart of the Emilia-Romagna Region, along the historic Roman road, Via Emilia. It serves as an ideal starting point for exploring the art, cuisine, music, and automotive heritage of the Emilia-Romagna Region.

Flying to Modena

The nearest major airport is Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ / LIPE). This airport has international and domestic flights from Bologna, Italy and is 50 km from the center of Modena, Italy. Another major airport is Parma Airport (PMF / LIMP), which has international and domestic flights from Parma, Italy and is 63 km from Modena, Italy.

Getting to Modena by Car

Modena is easily accessible via two exits on the A1 Highway: the Modena Nord exit (located five kilometers from the city center) and the Modena Sud exit (located ten kilometers from the city center). Additionally, the A22 Brennero Highway terminates in Modena.

Getting to Modena by Train

The Modena train station is located in Piazza Dante Alighieri and serves the Milan-Bologna railway line. You can find information about train schedules and purchase tickets on the TrenItalia website: www.trenitalia.it. Modena is also linked to the Mediopadana AV Reggio-Emilia station via the Italobus service, which is included in high-speed Italo train tickets. A tourist information office can be found within the train station.

There is also a tourist information and ticket office for urban and suburban buses located in the square in front of the train station (phone: +39 059-211-529). Its operating hours are Monday to Saturday from 7:30 am to 1:30 pm, and Sunday from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm. During the summer season (from July 1 to August 31), the office is open seven days a week from 9:00 am to 1:30 pm, with the exception of August 15.

Getting to the Historical Center from the Train Station: The historical center is only a short walk from the train station. Alternatively, you can take the Number 7 bus (marked Policlinico/Gottardi), which will reach the Cathedral in nine minutes (get off at the Piazza Mazzini stop). The Number 11 bus (marked Zodiaco) will take you to the Cathedral in seven minutes (Piazza Mazzini stop). As you exit the station, you will find a taxi stand on the right side of Piazza Dante. There are also two luggage-storage offices in close proximity to the station.