Modena, Italy - A Car Buffs Wet Dream
Last Updated: July 19, 2026
IF YOU'RE A CAR BUFF, YOU'LL WANNA KNOW EVERYTHING ABOUT MODENA, ITALY NOW?
HOW TO GET HERE | WHERE TO STAY |Â THINGS TO DO |Â WHERE TO EATÂ | WHERE TO PARTY | STAYING SAFE
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Pole Position
If you get a semi from a roar of a Twin-Turbo 4.4-Liter V8, you have one journey to make. And that, my friends, is to Modena, Italy, the home of legendary car manufacturers Pagani, Lamborghini, Ferrari and Maserati.
Modena is a small city in the heart of the Emilia-Romagna region in northern Italy. Yet, it boasts these giants of car manufacturers, as well as being the birthplace of Pavarotti and the very city where balsamic vinegar is made.
All in all, not a bad CV for a tiny city in the middle of nowhere, hey?
Generally speaking, unless you are into cars in a big way, or just freakishly into balsamic vinegar, there isn't much to entice you into Modena. That said, the old town is typically Italian, with narrow, often cobbled streets surrounding a grand piazza, cathedral and impressive palace.
As we race through this blog, I'll guide you to a wide range of watering holes, restaurants and, of course, what you've come here for - the car museums and factories. All this and more from my March 2022 trip.
What's Modena Like?
Modena is a quaint, quiet town that centres around a small pentagon-shaped historic old town.
It is peaceful to the point you can hear the thunder of the v8s revving up out of town. As well as tranquil, the old town is beautiful and does have plenty of bars and restaurants with on-street dining. It's classic Italian in every way. The architecture, the style, the feel, it could be any small town I've driven through or been to in Italy.
However, looming around the old town are council estates that appeared to be almost ghost towns. Here, the architecture is less than attractive, and there's an eerie feeling as you walk through. Further out again, you'll find large country manor houses crumbling away, desolate and left to the elements within the otherwise picturesque countryside.
In truth, it's all a bit sad, and it feels like the area, as a whole, is relying on its motor industry.
How to Get To Modena, Italy
In reality, Modena is reasonably easy to get to, no matter your mode of transport.
If you're not already in Italy, you are likely to fly into the Aeroporto di Bologna.
From here, there are several ways of getting to Modena. Firstly, a taxi or minibus. The drive will take about forty-five minutes, avoiding toll roads. Usually, a small six-person private hire taxi will cost around €90.
Another option would be to get the Marconi Express from the airport to Bologna Centrale train station. From there, grab the train at west platform 3 to Modena. The Marconi Express and subsequent train journey will set you back around €13 per person.
However, if you're already in the country and not coming from the airport, you're in luck.
The city is on one of the arterial routes (E35/E45) between Bologna and Milan. Timing-wise, you're looking at a fifty-minute drive north from Bologna and a further, two-hour twenty-minute drive north to Milan.
If you're thinking of taking the train, Modena has a train station only a twelve-minute walk from the centre of the old town. As travelling by train in Italy is so cheap, I couldn't recommend any other way.
Timing your Trip
How Long Should You Spend in Modena, Italy?
In short, there isn't a lot to do in the city itself, other than visiting the car museums or drinking in the old town. Honestly, three days in Modena is enough. Even then, most of that will be spent out of town in Maranello, Castelfranco Emilia or Sant'Agata Bolognese.
The Best Time Of The Year For Visiting Modena
In truth, the best time of year to visit Modena is going to be between May and September. That way, you'll avoid the cold snaps, high levels of humidity and that dreaded wetter weather. Also, for reasons unbeknown to me, the number of visitors falls in July and August, making it a much more relaxing and often cheaper stay. They probably head to Italy's coastal towns and cities during those months.
Where to Stay in Modena, Italy
When it comes to where to stay in Modena, Italy, there is only one real answer, and that's the old town. I stayed out of the city, and frankly, it was a pain in the ass getting back from a night out.
Modena doesn't have any hostels in the old town. So, your best options are going to be Airbnb or Booking.com. Therefore, it isn't going to be the cheapest place to stay, especially if you're backpacking Italy or Europe on a budget. Yet, at the same time, if you're here for a long weekend as a motorhead, prices aren't going to be extortionate either.
Realistically, prices per room are going to be around €47 (£40) a night. Although, as I have warned on my Italy page, you will get charged a city tax when you check out. City tax is roughly an extra one or two euros per person per night.
Below is a review of the hotel I stayed in. Check it out and if you fancy it, get it booked.
CDH Hotel Modena
- What: Cheap and cheerful Hotel.
- Where: A twenty-five minutes walk west of the old town. (map)
- Why: Comfy beds, top quality showers and a delicious breakfast.
- Why Not: Too far out of the city, and the front desk staff seemed a little off.
Despite looking a bit prison-like on the outside, the inside is very tastefully decorated, almost pulling off a look of grandeur and lavishness. The rooms size and style vary wildly depending on how many guests and where within the hotel you are. Yet, each one provides very comfortable beds, the all-important bday and a great shower, which I wasn't expecting.
However, the pièce de résistance is the breakfast. It's a fantastic way to set yourself up for the day. Tea and incredibly strong, properly made Italian coffee are both an option along with numerous juices. Then there's a variety of different foods on offer, from freshly cooked scrambled eggs, a selection of ham and cheese, croissants, fruits, cakes and pastries, yoghurt, bread and cereal - the list is endless.
Generally speaking, it's a great little hotel. However, it doesn't get my recommendation based purely on its location. It's too far away from anything.
Further Accommodation
In truth, your best bet is to check out the two links below and go with what suits you and your situation.
Personally, the nearer the old town you stay, the better. Although, if you're not staying in Modena for the thrills of the old town, the best way to do it is to look at the car factories and museums, then find accommodation central to them rather than the old town.
Things to do in Modena - for Car Buffs
Ok, so here's the kicker, even though Modena is 'the home' of Pagani, Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maserati, it kind of isn't.
Other than the Enzo Ferrari Museum, everything is out of town, and visiting them will require a taxi. Whilst the taxis aren't extortionate, they soon add up. Therefore, if you're travelling solo or on a budget, this is not something you can afford.
If, however, there is a group of you and you're here specifically to see the cars, the taxis will be worth the cost.
Modena may well be the home of hypercars, but, realistically, it's just the nearest major town to the factories and museums.
Modena, Italy: The Highlights
Experience the world of Pagani
- Why: Simple! They're the best looking car in the world.
- Where: Twenty-five minutes drive south-east of Modena, Italy. (map)
- How long: If you're a proper cat buff, give yourself two hours to explore.
- How much: Guided tours of the museum will cost €23 (£19), but the combined museum and factory tour is €55 (£46).
Once you arrive, you're greeted by a couple of friendly, happy staff members within the gift shop. Then, when you've checked in, you're given a bit of time to cast your eyes over some of the shirts, gadgets and gizmos in the shop, as well as a slowly revolving Zonda.
The Museum
The museum tour starts with a short video about Horacio Pagani and how these dreamy cars came to fruition.
Then, the magic happens. It's time to meet the cars.
The museum is only small and starts by showing the first cars and bikes that Horacio and his friends designed in their younger years. After that comes seven of the most recognisable cars on the planet. The knowledgeable team talk you through each car, answering any questions along the way.
The Factory
While the museum tour is good, it's blown away by the factory tour, which, in my opinion, is a must. Sadly, no phones or cameras are allowed - so there are no pictures.
The tour takes you on a journey through the factory where you can watch the cars, their engines, and all the parts being made and fitted. I counted about thirty-two cars in production, all at different stages. It's mind-blowingly beautiful. The factory design is magnificent and looks like an Italian street, complete with street lights, pavements and building fronts. Although, the biggest surprise to me was just how clean it was. There was no oil, mess or misplaced parts - it was pristine in every way.
For anyone who calls themselves a car buff, this is something you cannot miss, and it will be somewhere you'll remember for a lifetime.
Get interactive at the Ferrari Museum
- Why: Because it's Ferrari and as a car buff in Italy, you shouldn't miss it.
- Where: In the small town of Maranello, about 35 minutes south of Modena. (map)
- How long: You'll need somewhere between an hour and an hour and a half.
- How much: €17 (£14.50) for the museum tour or €24 to do both the museum tour and the Enzo Ferrar Museum in Modena.
"Very much as you'd expect a Ferrari Museum to be!"
Maranello is a small industrial town that, to all intents and purposes, might as well be called Ferrariville.
The Ferrari flags fly on every street, statutes dedicated to Enzo and the brand are difficult to miss, and the banners and signs don every window in town. It's all very Ferrari really.
Outside of the museum, you'll be able to test-drive a couple of cars and visit a few Ferrari shops to pick up an item for your shit shelf.
Inside the museum, it is brash, in your face with lots of self-love and praise. It's exactly what I expected from a Ferrari Museum. You walk through the maze of, let's face it, exceptionally pretty cars, and you can learn about their design and development as you go. At the end, you can, for an additional fee, have a go in an F1 simulator, which looked good fun.
After that came the gift shop, where you could purchase anything with a Ferrari logo on it.
Truthfully, it's something you have to do in the area, especially if you're a car buff, but it left me a little disappointed.
Where to Eat in Modena, Italy
Oh, come on, the general area of Modena is the Holy Grail of balsamic vinegar, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and prosciutto ham, and is blanketed in classic Italian foods. Anything you eat in any cafe, restaurant or bakery is going to be delicious.
As well as these regional triumphs, Modena throws down the Italian dishes we all love, pizza, pasta and that oh so delicious gelato.
So, without further ado, let's jump into where you can find these incredible mouthwatering delights.
Although, I'm going to start with a couple of very different delights in Maranello, sorry Ferrariville, just south of Modena.
Gelateria Artigianale La Gelatosa
- What: Little gelato shop that tastes like a dream.
- Where: Seven minutes walk south-east of the Ferrari museum on Via Nazionale. (map)
- How much: Are you having two scoops or three? A cone or a little box?
Firstly, this gelato was voted unanimously by the team as the best gelato we've ever tasted.
So what more do I need to add, other than see you here at Gelateria.
There are so many flavours on offer, and my god, the three scoops I had were to die for. But everyone said that. Therefore, my recommendation is to try them all.
In summary, it's a friendly, fun place that serves up little scoops of heaven.
Ristorante Montana
- What: Fine dining at its best, especially when you can mingle with the stars.
- Where: North of the SF467, on the northern tip of the Ferrari test track. (map)
- How much: Not one for the budget backpackers - Four courses set us back €82.50 (£70) each.
A firm favourite with the celebs, and now me!
This is how I imagine all the mafia restaurants to look. Some friendly old guy greets you and shows you to your seat. With his hands on your shoulders, he tells you what you're having to eat as if you're part of the family. But it's all done with a smile and a friendly tap on the back.
Overall, the restaurant is typically Italian, and the walls are covered in celeb-signed pictures of them at the restaurant, interspersed with fantastic sporting memorabilia.
The food is exquisitely presented and is melt in your mouth delicious. Truly, it's sublime, as are the paired wines that keep flowing.
If I had the money, I'd eat here every night.
...and now, back to Modena, Italy.
Daisy - Pizza Cucina Enoteca
- What: Distinctly Italian restaurant. Great staff, well designed and beautifully decorated.
- Where: Nestled in the northwest part of Modena's old town. (map)
- How much: A pizza and a couple of beers will set you back about €27 (£23).
Again, a classic old-town-Italian restaurant that serves up all the best Italian dishes.
The food is the highlight, but the ambience doesn't take a back seat easily.
It's romantic, yet perfectly suited for groups of friends too. The decor is tastefully done, and the staff couldn't have done more for us.
In short, it's Italian foods done right.
Amber
- What: Cafe type restaurant in the middle of a trading estate.
- Where: In the northwest of Modena near Cimitero di S. Cataldo. (map)
- How much: A few beers, plenty of bread and a main will cost €25 (£21).
Whilst Cafe Amber may have a feel of a lunchtime tradies cafe, the food does not taste like that at all.
All in all, the menu, and sadly portion sizes, were small. However, the flavours were insanely good.
In truth, I'd only come here for lunch due to the portion size, but I cannot fault the presentation and taste in any way whatsoever.
Furthermore, the staff were attentive, kind and friendly in every way possible. They even gave us a free bottle of homegrown wine from their local vineyard. Honestly, they were super kind and funny people.
The food was outrageously good. Give it a go.
La Lambruscheria
- What: Another very Italian restaurant serving up the classics.
- Where: On the southwest corner of Modena's old town. (map)
- How much: A pizza and a couple of glasses of wine - A very reasonable €27 (£23).
For the most part, this write-up could have been copied and pasted from Daisy - Pizza Cucina Enoteca.
There's an elegance and romanticism to the restaurant, and the food matches that in every way. Each bite was exactly how Italian pizza should taste, and I, for one, loved the portion size. They don't mess about here.
It's great food and great portions, and who doesn't like that?
Where to Party in Modena, Italy
Considering how quiet the town is, there are plenty of places to keep you well above the drink-drive limit. I managed to get around a lot of them, some of which have made it onto this list.
However, before we look at them, I want to surprise you with a little delight I found in the city. Whilst you may expect to pick up a few beers in the bars and pubs, you may not expect to be slotting them away in little ice cream shops. But, hey, here in Modena, Italy, you can. Every little ice cream shop and a lot of bakeries had a beer fridge, and in all fairness, they were great.
So, keep an eye out for that.
Another thing to keep a lookout for is the after meal liqueur. You'll find that most restaurants offer them.
In short,, give Limoncello ago. It's delicious! But, stay away from nocello. It's disgusting!
Basically, it's a walnut flavoured liqueur, and whilst that sounds ok, it really really isn't.
So, let's look at where to go.
Labeerinto Gate48
- What: Vibrant and fun cave-like bar with the best staff.
- Where: In the southwest of the old town. (map)
Generally speaking, this is a tricky one to describe, but know this, I love it.
Whilst I say cave-like, I could also have described it as homely, intimate and museum-like. Yes, I know, none of those options are remotely alike. But that's how it is.
There's a buzzing atmosphere and an excitable ambience throughout. So much so that we came here a couple of times during our stay. The guys and girls behind the bar are hilarious and they're all what I'd describe as people-persons.
The decor, the people, the style and the vibe made Labeerinto Gate 48 a great place to be. The beers were bloody good too. Not to mention well priced.
Bottega 39 Modena
- What: A classy bar with all the best drinks and quality decor.
- Where: In the northern echelons of the old town. (map)
Despite being at the opposite ends of the spectrum to Labeerinto Gate 48, I loved this place too.
The bar had a top-end feel to it. Class and elegance shone across the room, but without being at all snobbish. Almost as if it was a high-rollers bar for the normal folk.
Again, everything was done with grace and a smile, and the alcohol selection was second to none in the city. Equally, the decor was fun, funky and well designed and further added to the vibrant mood.
If I was on a date in Modena, Italy, Bottega 39 Modena is where I'd take her.
Beer Stop, Maranello
- What:Â Sports pub with decent beer and tv screens for all your sporting needs.
- Where: Almost next door to the Ferrari Museum. (map)
Back in Ferrariville now, and a little trip to Beer Stop.
If you're done with the museums and fancy a bit of sport, say, the F1, as you probably haven't seen enough fast expensive cars today. Then this is the spot to watch it.
While the bar can be quiet, there is an excitable busyness that shocks the room into life during the race, match or whatnot. Furthermore, beers come in all styles, sizes and shapes, and frankly, it was a great experience.
Lastly, I'd like to give a massive shout out to our waitress and the team. Fantastic!
Is Modena, Italy Safe?
In a word, yes.
Generally speaking, Modena, Italy is about the safest place I've ever visited. At no point did I feel worried or alerted to any issue, even in the eerie outskirts of town.
In truth, the biggest worry was the Italian style of driving, but that's the same across the country.
Ordinarily, I'd break this section down into numerous headings, crime, drugs, roads, food and hygiene, natural disasters and terrorism.
However, I don't feel the need to mention any of these here in Modena.
To put it another way, if you can have a factory with 32 cars worth about £10,000,000 each, I think your wallet will be safe. After all, you're not Elon Musk or Jeff Bezos - unless you are. In which case, hi Elon, hi Jeff, thanks for visiting.
Leave a comment
I created Far Out because all the blogs I saw just wanted to sell sell sell and made everything seem amazing. I wanted to create an honest travel blog for you, my readers, even when I'm paid to promote a hostel, restaurant, product, town, local area etc. After all, if I'm not honest, you won't read anything I write.
So, my biggest fear as a travel blogger is coming across somewhere I enjoyed immensely, but know I cannot, hand on heart, recommend. That's exactly the case here with Modena, Italy. I had a blast, but it was because I was here to celebrate with my mates, and I like cars and booze.
The old town is pretty in that Italian ornate way, but outside that, Modena felt rundown, and almost like a lost, abandoned grim estate. It's not somewhere I would say you must visit whilst you're in Italy, there are far more beautiful and interesting places to see.
That said, if you are a car or balsamic vinegar lover, then yeah, a long weekend in the city is worth its weight in gold. Not only will you be in pole position, but by the end of your stay, you'll be on the podium too.
Thanks for reading this blog on Modena, Italy. Please let me know in the comments below what you think. Have I been helpful in any way? Likewise, have I missed anything you think I need to mention. Tell me about your time here via the comments or message me on Instagram.
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