Modena day trip from Bologna
A day trip to Modena from Bologna: the Ducal Palace, the Ghirlandina Tower, Modena Cathedral and Piazza Grande, lunch at the Albinelli Market, the Galleria Estense, then an aperitivo in Piazza della Pomposa. Every stop has a typical visit length.
How long do you have?
Map: 1 days
Modena in 1 day
Day 1
Albinelli Market
Covered food market of 1931 just off Piazza Grande, with stalls of Parmigiano, cured meats and fresh pasta and places for a quick lunch.
Piazza Grande
Modena's main square, framed by the cathedral, the Ghirlandina and the town hall, at the heart of the old town.
Modena Cathedral
Romanesque cathedral begun in 1099, with Wiligelmo's carved reliefs; part of a UNESCO World Heritage site with the tower and square.
Ghirlandina Tower
The cathedral's Romanesque-Gothic bell tower, Modena's symbol, which can be climbed for views over the city's red roofs.
Piazza della Pomposa
Small square in the old town lined with bars and osterie, where locals meet for an evening aperitivo.
Galleria Estense
The Este family's art collection in the Palazzo dei Musei, with paintings by Velázquez, Correggio and El Greco and a bust by Bernini.
Enzo Ferrari Museum
Enzo Ferrari's birthplace and a striking yellow gallery full of classic and racing Ferraris, a must for car lovers.
Watch: Modena
A one-minute look at the plan: every stop, day by day, with the map.
Getting there
From Bologna, regional trains reach Modena in about 25-30 minutes, and the old town is a 15-minute walk from the station. By car the A1 motorway takes about 40 minutes; park outside the historic centre.
Staying in Bologna? This day fits into those city plans, and in the Trip Builder it is one click under each of them.
When to go to Modena
Spring and autumn are the best seasons, mild for walking the old town; summers are hot and humid in the Po Valley, and winters are cold and often foggy. The Festival Filosofia fills the squares with talks in September, and the arcaded streets help on rainy days.
Plan the rest of your trip
- Where to stay: hotels in Modena on Booking.com or Trip.com
- Skip-the-line tickets: museums and sights in Modena on Tiqets
- Tours and day trips: things to do in Modena on GetYourGuide
- Data on arrival: an eSIM for Italy from Airalo
Some of these are affiliate links: we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Tips for Modena
- The Ducal Palace is home to the Italian Military Academy and can only be visited on booked guided tours, usually at weekends; book ahead or admire it from Piazza Roma.
- The Albinelli Market closes in the early afternoon and on Sundays; go for lunch on a weekday or Saturday and try the stalls' Parmigiano and cured meats.
- The Galleria Estense is closed on Mondays.
- Try traditional balsamic vinegar of Modena: many acetaie around the city offer tastings and tours, usually by booking.
- Fans of Ferrari can add the Museo Enzo Ferrari near the station, and the Ferrari museum in Maranello is a short bus or car ride away.
Make it your own
Open the guide in Andiamo Places to see every stop on a map with walking directions, move places between days, check opening hours for your dates, and add your own finds. After the trip, your photos become a journal and, if you like, a printed photo book.
Guides are made with the help of AI and public sources such as Wikipedia, and may contain errors. Opening hours and prices change, so check before you go. Spotted a wrong photo, a pin in the wrong place, a missing stop or a better one? Write to andiamotravelapp@gmail.com: the e-mail opens with this guide filled in.
Photo credits
- Enzo Ferrari Museum: Alien life form, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Galleria Estense: Dread83, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Ghirlandina Tower: User:FrDr, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Modena Cathedral: The original uploader was Bergonzc at English Wikipedia., CC BY-SA 3.0
- Piazza Grande: Davidtsousa, CC BY-SA 3.0
Opening hours change; check before you go. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
