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How To Spend the Perfect Day in Modena, Italy

This past summer, I had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to teach English at an Italian summer camp in Modena, Italy! Finding out about the Victoria Language & Culture program and deciding to go through the interview process was something I am proud to say I did! The Victoria Language & Culture English Summer Camp program is a program that recruits English-speaking college-aged students as well as young adults to come and teach English to elementary-aged Italian children in an immersive summer camp experience. The program sets the English teachers up in different host families in the area and gives all of us the opportunity to immerse ourselves in Italian culture.

Modena is a picture-perfect town in the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy. Modena sits right in between its more famous sisters Bologna and Parma, which are both less than an hour away. Also known as the Motor Valley region, Modena is the nearest large town to the homes of automotive brands such as Maserati, Lamborghini, Pagani, and Ferrari. Modena is also the birthplace of balsamic vinegar! Lambrusco is the wine of choice, with 85% of it made from a variety of grapes cultivated in the province of Modena.

Being immersed in the Italian culture and living with a host family in Modena for three weeks, I got to experience Italian life and learn about some of the best things to do in the area. Keep on reading to plan the perfect one-day itinerary for Modena!

Breakfast at Bar Tiffany

A perfect quaint place for breakfast, Bar Tiffany is located in the heart of Modena’s historic area. It is also the oldest café in the area. Stop here for breakfast and enjoy a cappuccino and the area’s famous gnocco fritto, (fried dough). This is a staple dish in the region of Emilia Romagna. It is prepared with a mixture of flour, water, lard, and milk.

Walk around Mercato Albinelli

A short distance from Bar Tiffany, Mercato Storico Albinelli has been in business since the early 1900s. It is one of the largest markets in Italy, and features produce, meats & more. Take a stroll through the market, admiring all the fresh produce and other products!

Enzo Ferrari Museum

After strolling through Mercato Albinelli, spend the late morning visiting the Enzo Ferrari Museum. This stop is a must to mark off your wish list! The Enzo Ferrari Museum showcases the life and work of Enzo Ferrari. Under its futuristic yellow roof, the museum houses beautiful cars. You can also take a shuttle to the Ferrari Museum in Maranello. A shuttle bus runs between the two museums every 90 minutes. This museum highlights the history of Ferrari through its cars. You can purchase a single ticket for both museums as well as a ticket for the shuttle bus here.

Lunch at Bar Schiavoni or I Dissonanti

Hope you are ok with a late lunch! In Italy, lunch is around the hour of 1 p.m. If you want a more traditional food of the area, head on over to Bar Schiavoni and try their famous focaccia sandwiches. If you aren’t feeling a sandwich, grab a pizza at I Dissonanti. When I was in Modena, we went to this restaurant a number of times and it was some of the best pizza I had in all of Italy! Get the Caprese pizza!!!

Explore the Shops in the Historic Centre

After a filling lunch, burn some of those Italian carbs by exploring all of the boutiques and shops in Modena’s historical centre. Discover Italian brands, fashion, and more just by exploring and immersing yourself in day-to-day Italian life.

Walk in the Park

If you aren’t the shopping type, you can still burn some of those heavy Italian carbs by spending your mid-afternoon on a brisk walk in one of the many parks that Modena has. From Parco Enzo Ferrari, Parco Giardino Ducale Estense, Park Sandro Pertini, and more– explore the nature and beautiful greenery of the area!

Taste Balsamic Vinegar at La Consorteria 1966

Visit La Consorteria 1966, the traditional balsamic vinegar shop of Modena. This is one you want to make sure you do, as Modena is the home of balsamic vinegar. You can taste balsamic vinegar that has aged at different periods, and ultimately decide which you prefer over the other one! It is a fun experience that really immerses you in the culture.

Afternoon Aperitivo

Stop in any of Modena’s local bars for the Italian afternoon aperitivo! Mostly consisting of some type of Spritz, this will be a good afternoon treat. And as a plus, all drinks are served with little snacks, too! My favorite spritz was the Hugo Spritz. Similar to a mojito, it was minty and fresh tasting! Second up to the Hugo was the classic Aperol Spritz– you can never go wrong with that one!

Gelato at GIOELIA Cremeria

Hands down the best gelato we had in all of Europe! Modena’s GIOELIA Cremeria Italiana will be sure to satisfy your taste buds. With over 24 flavors, this gelato shop offers it to be served in a cup, or different types of cones. You can also get chocolate fondant (milk or dark chocolate) to go along with your gelato of choice!

Dinner at Osteria Francescana

Labeled as one of the best restaurants in the world, Osteria Francescana is a 3 Michelin-star restaurant. Osteria Francescana is a small, high-end venue serving artfully plated meat & fish dishes, with à la carte & tasting options. Doesn’t that sound yum??? Make sure you have reservations!

Drinks at Archer

Located in the center of Modena, Archer is a wine bar with many different options for all of those wine lovers. End your night with a glass of wine (or two) from the Archer, and even stroll the streets to find live music, and explore Modena nightlife!

Overall, I definitely recommend visiting Modena next time you are in Italy! It is a great stopping point, not far from bigger cities like Bologna and Milan. I loved the month I spent in this little Italian town. It made home not feel as far away!

I hope you enjoyed my itinerary on how to spend the perfect day in this cute, Italian town. Thanks for reading!