Modena on a Budget: 4 Days of Italian Fun!

Indulge in Modena's culinary treasures without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

If you're on a tight budget but still yearning for an Italian getaway, Modena is a great option. You can tour the stunning Piazza Grande, enjoy local wine and cheese, and visit the Ferrari Museum all without breaking the bank. Accommodation in the city is also affordable, so you can enjoy all that Modena has to offer without sacrificing comfort.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Arriving in Modena

Check into Albergo Moderno, a budget-friendly hotel with comfortable rooms and friendly staff
Explore the city center on foot, taking in the stunning architecture of the Cathedral and Piazza Grande
Visit the Enzo Ferrari Museum to learn about the legendary Italian carmaker
Enjoy a traditional Italian meal at Trattoria Aldina, known for their hearty pasta dishes

Day 2

Market Day

Start the day with a cappuccino and pastry at Pasticceria Torino
Stroll through the bustling Mercato Albinelli, sampling local cheese, cured meats and produce
Tour the Acetaia di Giorgio, a 200-year-old balsamic vinegar factory
Take a guided tour of the Casa Museo Luciano Pavarotti, the iconic tenor's childhood home
Indulge in a gourmet dinner at Osteria Francescana, a Michelin-starred restaurant that's often ranked as one of the world's best

Day 3

Exploring the Countryside

Rent a bike from Cicli Bassoli and cycle through the scenic Emilia-Romagna countryside
Visit one of the region's top wineries, such as Cantina Della Volta or Fattoria Moretto, for a wine tasting and vineyard tour
Take a cooking class at CIBO Culinary Institute of Bologna, where you'll learn to make classic Italian dishes like fresh pasta and tiramisu
Enjoy a leisurely picnic lunch in the picturesque Parco Regionale dei Sassi di Roccamalatina
Head back to the hotel and relax with a glass of Lambrusco, a bubbly red wine that's unique to the region

Day 4

Culture and History

Visit the Palazzo dei Musei, a complex of museums that includes the Museo Civico, the Estense Library and the Galleria Estense
Take a guided tour of the stunning Palazzo Ducale, a Renaissance palace that once served as the seat of the Duchy of Modena
Wander through the picturesque Giardino Ducale, a sprawling garden with sculpted hedges and tranquil water features
End your day with dinner at Ristorante Da Enzo al 29, a cozy trattoria that serves up delicious traditional Modenese fare
Don't forget to pick up some souvenirs at the local markets before you depart from Modena!

Length of stay

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Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Modena, Italy by plane is to fly into Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport and then take a train from Bologna Centrale station to Modena station. The journey takes approximately 40 minutes and tickets can be purchased at the station or online in advance.

Car

The easiest way to reach Modena by car is via the A1 motorway, which connects Milan to Rome. The journey takes approximately 2 hours from Milan and 3 hours from Rome, depending on traffic. There are also several car hire companies available at Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport, providing easy access to Modena.

Train

Getting to Modena by train is simple, with regular services from cities such as Milan, Bologna and Florence. The main train station in Modena is Modena station, which is located in the city center and can be easily accessed by foot or by public transportation.

Boat

As a landlocked city, there are no direct boat services to Modena. However, several river cruises pass through nearby cities such as Bologna and Ferrara, providing stunning views of the Italian countryside. From there, it is easy to reach Modena by train or bus.