What to do in MODENA in Three Hours

Modena Beyond the Museums: Cars, Food, and Everyday Life

Modena is often associated with legendary car brands and iconic museums, but experiencing the city goes far beyond visiting factory showrooms. A walk through Modena reveals how automotive heritage, local food culture, and everyday life naturally coexist, offering visitors a more authentic and grounded perspective on the city.

Rather than isolating cars as a standalone attraction, Modena integrates its industrial legacy into the urban fabric. Supercars, historic workshops, neighbourhood markets, and family-run eateries all exist side by side, reflecting a city where craftsmanship is part of daily life rather than a staged experience.

Walking around the perimeter of the Maserati factory, it is common to spot Maserati supercars being test-driven on public roads. These moments offer a glimpse into Modena’s living automotive culture, where engineering excellence is not confined to museums but actively shapes the rhythm of the city.

The Maserati showroom is open to the public and can be visited freely without an appointment. While official factory tours are difficult to secure, the showroom allows visitors to see current models up close and browse branded merchandise, making it an accessible stop for enthusiasts passing through the city.

The Maserati headquarters tower is marked by the iconic trident, a symbol inspired by the Fountain of Neptune in Bologna’s Piazza Maggiore. This visual connection serves as a reminder of the shared cultural and historical ties between Bologna and Modena, two cities linked not only by geography but also by tradition and craftsmanship.

Just a short distance away is the Casa Natale Enzo Ferrari, located in Enzo Ferrari’s birthplace. This museum focuses on Ferrari’s early life and personal story, offering a more intimate complement to the larger Ferrari Museum in Maranello. Together, they help place the brand within its human and historical context.

Looking for an authentic food experience?
Join our Foodie’s Delight Tour – Parmigiano Reggiano, balsamic vinegar & cured meats in one unforgettable day.

Travellers with limited time may find it helpful to plan these visits as part of a broader city walk. Our guide on what to do in Modena in three hours brings together key cultural landmarks with local food stops, making it easier to experience the city without rushing.

Food is never far away in Modena. One of the city’s most beloved everyday dishes is gnocco fritto, a light, airy fried dough traditionally served with cured meats such as Parma ham. Simple and satisfying, it reflects the region’s approach to food: humble ingredients prepared with care and enjoyed without ceremony.

Mercato Albinelli is one of Modena’s most vibrant public spaces. Built in the early 20th century in Liberty style, it remains a focal point for daily shopping, where locals buy fresh meat, fish, vegetables, and regional specialties. Visiting the market offers insight into how food traditions are maintained and passed down through everyday routines. Food you should taste at the Albinelli market.

This interplay between culinary heritage and automotive excellence is explored further in stories such as Supercars and Super Foods of Modena, where craftsmanship emerges as a shared value across seemingly different worlds.

Rather than focusing on a single attraction, Modena rewards travellers who slow down and explore its layers. From legendary brands to neighbourhood markets, the city reveals itself through small details, daily rituals, and a balance between innovation and tradition that defines Emilia-Romagna as a whole.