One-Day Itinerary For Modena, Italy

You’ve probably heard of Modena from the famed Netflix series, “Chef’s Table,” with the very first episode featuring Osteria Francescana by Massimo Bottura. While Osteria Francescana is a great highlight of the city, there’s so much more to to it. Best of all, Modena can easily be seen in just a day, especially if you plan a trip from nearby Bologna, Florence, or even Milan by utilizing Italy’s super efficient train system with a Eurail Pass. If you find yourself in Modena for just a day, here’s what you should do.

Grab Breakfast at Mercato Storico Albinelli

You are in food heaven, so I hope you brought your appetite. A great place to start your day off on the right foot is at Mercato Storico Albinelli. This market is a great place to get a taste of the offerings of Emilia Romagna. Here, you’ll find plenty of fresh produce, tons of cheese, meat, breads and pastries, prepared food, and of course, a good ol’ bowl of tortellini en brodo (head to “Je Suis Marissa” in the back and thank me later!).

Go on a Balsamic Vinegar Tour

Aside from Chef’s Table, another way you might have heard of Modena is by seeing its name on balsamic vinegar bottles. That’s because Modena is the birthplace of balsamic vinegar, so it certainly makes sense to go visit a balsamic farm while here. I visited Acetaia Villa San Donnino, a family-run balsamic farm that’s been passed down through generations. I’d highly recommend giving them a visit, and while there, you can learn how for, starting at 4000 euro, you can buy your own line of balsamic barrels.

Aside from Acetaia Villa San Donnino, if you are interested in booking a balsamic tour, you can book one here. Wherever you go, make sure to try balsamic on gelato!

Take a Tour of the Parmigiano Reggiano Dairy Farm

Modena is also home to the MVP of cheeses: Parmigiano Reggiano. After your balsamic tour, it’s time to head over to a Parmigiano Reggiano Dairy Farm. There are four farms total, and you can pre-arrange a tour for the most convenient one here. Learn about the intense process of Parmigiano Reggiano on a tour, and walk through a room with over 30,000 wheels of this delicious, perfected cheese. Of course, the best part is when you get to try different levels of aged Parmigiano Reggiano.

If you want to combine the two tours, you can book both a Parmigiano Reggiano and Balsamic Vinegar tour together.

Grab Lunch at Franceschetta58

Back to the discussion of Massimo Bottura; yes, Osteria Francescana is the most famous restaurant in Modena, but Francschetta58 is an affordable alternative and much easier to get a seat. It also won’t cost you a minimum of $500 per person. Definitely get the Emilia burger di Massimo Bottura, which is two mini sliders highlighting specific ingredients local to Emilia Romagna. The tortellini in Parmigiano Reggiano crema is another must; I almost cried when I ate it. It’s an intense flavor and arguably the richest dish I’ve ever had in Italy. Don’t skip dessert, either. Their chocolate, chocolate, chocolate was over-the-top decadent. Hats off to their Executive Chef, Francesco Vincenzi.

Take a City Tour with Modenatur

Modena might be small, but historically, it’s fascinating. I would have not understood many of the city’s hidden details if it were not for my tour with local tour operator, Modenatur. Enjoy stops at Piazza Roma, the Duomo, and several other spots you’d probably walk by otherwise. The tour only takes around 90 minutes and will give you glimpse into some of Modena’s history, including a stolen artifact in the cathedral from Bologna, the secchia rapita, due to the two cities’ rivalry. Your guide will also point out tidbits around the city about past Jewish segregation, unique carving of the months of the year alongside a church, and even Modena’s leaning tower.

Aperitivo at Osteria Rossi

Did you really have a day in Italy if you didn’t partake in aperitivo? Modena is well known for gnocco fritto, popular local snack that’s best enjoyed when eaten with a spritz. Despite the name, gnocco is not gnocchi, the pillowy potato pasta, but instead, deep fried morsels of chewy bread. It is frequently served with different jams and spreads which can be either savory or sweet. It is also frequently served with cured meats and cheeses. Grab some from Osteria Rossi while taking in the stunning views of the Piazza Roma. Osteria Rossi has live music in the summer, so stay a while and enjoy tunes, views, and gnocco fritto.

Head to Osteria Santa Chiara for Dinner

I hope you didn’t think you’re done eating yet. You’re in Modena, after all, so make room for yet another meal. One of my favorite meals I had in Modena was at Osteria Santa Chiara. You simply must try their passatelli con tartufo. Passatelli is a thicker cut of pasta with an eggy and breadcrumb-covered texture. It has a great chew, and is perfect for sopping up all of that extra sauce, especially if that sauce is creamy and filled with fresh black truffles. They also have a great pork dish with pumpkin, and for dessert, you must try the cannolo di Modenese which is made with vinegar.

OPTIONAL: Spend the night

If you decide to spend the night in Modena, no hotel is better than Best Western Premier Milano Palace.

Have you been to Modena? Did I miss anything that you’d recommend I include in this 24-hour itinerary? Let me know!

DISCLAIMER: I might make a small commission from some of the links throughout this article, but the price is the same for you. This helps keep my business running so I can continue to provide free travel tips!

DISCLAIMER II: Emilia Romagna Tourism hosted me for two nights in Modena.