Modena: Food Tours, Markets & Local Experiences

Our lovely guide about Things to Do in Modena. Modena is one of Italy’s best-kept secrets — a compact, elegant city in the heart of Emilia-Romagna, known worldwide for its fast cars, fine food, and rich heritage. Whether you’re here for a day trip from Bologna or planning a longer stay, Modena offers a unique blend of tradition, innovation, and local pride. If you have only 3 hours in Modena check this guide.

From tasting authentic balsamic vinegar aged for 25 years, to exploring the world of Ferrari and Maserati, to wandering cobbled streets lined with Romanesque churches and gourmet shops — there’s something for every curious traveler.

Food lovers will find Modena irresistible: this is the home of Parmigiano Reggiano, Lambrusco wine, and some of the best cured meats in Italy. And of course, no visit would be complete without a stop at one of its vibrant markets or Michelin-starred restaurants.

Use this guide to discover the top things to do in Modena — and if you want to dive deeper into local flavors, check out our Modena food tours for a behind-the-scenes experience.

This guide focuses on Modena. If you’re visiting nearby cities, see our dedicated guides for Bologna experiences and tours anParma experiences. Or if you prefer to go to a costal town check out La Spezia and Cinque Terre resource.

Featured Food Tours in Modena

Below are some of the most popular food experiences in Modena, suitable for different schedules and travel styles.

Foodie's Delight Food Tour in Modena, Italy

Foodie’s Delight Food Tour

Discover the best of Modena’s food culture with this exclusive food tour. Taste Parmigiano Reggiano, traditional balsamic vinegar, and cured meats while visiting local producers. This tour is perfect for food lovers looking to experience the authentic flavors of Emilia-Romagna.

Best for: visitors who want a full producer-based experience with transport.

Location: Modena

Duration: Full-Day Tour

Foodies’ Delight Tour Modena

Parmigiano Reggiano cheese production in Modena, Italy

Gourmet Food Tour & Pasta Making Class

Experience the gastronomic excellence of Modena with a Parmigiano Reggiano dairy visit, traditional balsamic vinegar tasting, and a pasta-making class. This hands-on tour allows you to dive deep into Modena’s culinary traditions with expert local artisans.

Best for: those who want to combine gourmet food explorantion and pasta making

Location: Modena

Duration: Half-Day Tour

Modena Food Tour & Pasta Making Class

Afternoon Aperitivo Tour in Modena, Italy

Afternoon Aperitivo Tour

Experience Modena’s vibrant aperitivo culture with this exclusive afternoon tour. Enjoy expertly crafted cocktails, local wines, and gourmet snacks at some of the city’s best bars and cafés. The perfect way to unwind and soak in the lively atmosphere of Modena.

Best for: if you want to start your dat later.

Location: Modena

 Duration: Late Afternoon Tour

Afternoon gourmet tour

Tour a Traditional Balsamic Vinegar Acetaia

Modena is world-famous for its Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale, a rich, syrupy vinegar aged for 12 to 25+ years in wooden barrels. Visiting a local acetaia (balsamic vinegar producer) is one of the most authentic things to do here. You’ll learn about the aging process, smell the wooden casks, and taste the difference between traditional and industrial balsamic. Many tours are family-run and include rare extra-aged samplings. This is a must for food lovers and an unforgettable way to connect with Modena’s culinary heritage. → Explore our vinegar tours

2. Visit the Enzo Ferrari Museum

Car lovers shouldn’t miss the Museo Enzo Ferrari, located in the sleek, modern structure built around Enzo Ferrari’s original workshop. Inside, you’ll find iconic Ferrari models, engines, historical exhibits, and immersive multimedia experiences that trace the life of the founder and his legacy. The museum celebrates design, speed, and Italian ingenuity — and offers a great contrast to the city’s medieval charm. It’s an easy walk from Modena train station and pairs well with a day of local food experiences.

3. See the Modena Cathedral and Ghirlandina Tower

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Duomo di Modena is a Romanesque masterpiece dating back to the 12th century. With its striking facade, sculpted columns, and the soaring Ghirlandina bell tower, the cathedral dominates Piazza Grande. Visitors can admire intricate carvings, medieval frescoes, and panoramic views from the top of the tower. It’s a spiritual and architectural highlight — and a powerful reminder of Modena’s long-standing civic pride and religious history.

4. Shop and Snack at Mercato Albinelli

For a taste of real local life, head to Mercato Albinelli, Modena’s historic covered market. Dating back to 1931, the market is packed with fresh produce, regional cheeses, cured meats, handmade pasta, and bustling vendors. It’s the perfect place to try a slice of gnocco fritto with mortadella or buy authentic Lambrusco. The market is open mornings and is best enjoyed with a coffee or light lunch while watching the locals shop and gossip.

5. Explore Casa Museo Luciano Pavarotti

Just outside Modena, you can visit the former home of opera legend Luciano Pavarotti. The Casa Museo is set in the countryside and displays personal items, stage costumes, photos, and even handwritten notes from his career. It offers a touching and intimate look into the life of one of the most celebrated tenors of all time. Whether you’re a music enthusiast or just curious, this visit adds a unique cultural angle to your Modena itinerary.

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