Modena
Where balsamic vinegar ages for decades, Ferraris roar, and Pavarotti's voice still echoes.
About Modena
Modena is a city that takes excellence seriously. Its UNESCO-listed Romanesque cathedral and Ghirlandina tower anchor a beautiful centro storico, but the city's global fame rests on three obsessions: balsamic vinegar (aged for up to 100 years in wooden barrels), supercars (Ferrari, Maserati, and Lamborghini all hail from the province), and opera (Luciano Pavarotti was born here). The food scene extends beyond the vinegar—Modena is home to Osteria Francescana, consistently ranked among the world's best restaurants, and to humbler treasures like gnocco fritto, tigelle bread, and lambrusco sparkling red wine that's far better than its reputation suggests.
Best Time to Visit
April to June or September to October. The Modena Motor Valley festival in May celebrates the region's car heritage. Autumn is harvest season for the vineyards and acetaie (balsamic houses).
Local Tips
- Visit an acetaia.
Traditional balsamic vinegar ages for 12 to 100 years in progressively smaller barrels. A local knows the family acetaie that open their attic ageing rooms and let you taste the difference between 12-year and 25-year balsamic.
- Tour Motor Valley.
Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, and Pagani all have museums and factories in the Modena province. A local can arrange VIP access and combine a factory tour with a test drive on the roads these cars were built for.
- Drink lambrusco seriously.
Forget cheap fizzy lambrusco—Modena's artisanal versions are complex, food-friendly sparkling reds. A local knows the small producers in the hills who pour their best vintages alongside gnocco fritto and culatello.
(the local lens)
Meet the Local Experts
Your on-the-ground insiders. The ones who know the enduring favourites, the quiet corners and what’s worth your time.
Beatrice
Venice, Treviso +4
Hey! I'm Beatrice. I come from Treviso, a little gem just outside Venice. I love trekking in the Dolomites, swimming in mountain lakes, and exploring new places. I work as a travel co-ordinator and I love exploring. Food is definitely my Achilles’ heel, I just can’t resist it! Especially Tiramisù (that was invented in my beautiful city: Treviso). I’m deeply in love with my region, Veneto, and I’m always happy to share it with others (because there’s so much more than just Venice). That said, even in Venice I know some hidden gems that are absolutely worth discovering 😉 Whether it’s uncovering hidden natural spots, planning outdoor adventures, or diving into local traditions, I love creating genuine, memorable experiences that go beyond the usual tourist paths.
Elisabeth
Bologna, Naples +2
Hi, I’m Elisabeth. I live in Italy and I’ve always been deeply connected to the rhythms of everyday life here—slow walks through historic streets, good food shared without rush, and small details that most travellers might miss. I love exploring places both like a local and like a curious outsider: from hidden cafés and traditional bakeries to quiet corners where you can really feel the atmosphere of a city. I’ve spent a lot of time discovering how to enjoy Italian life in a balanced, authentic way—whether that means finding the right spot for a relaxed meal, a scenic walk, or simply a peaceful moment away from the crowds. I’m especially drawn to culture, storytelling, and traditions, particularly from southern Italy, so I naturally bring a more emotional and immersive perspective to travel. If you’re looking to experience a place beyond the typical tourist path, I’ll help you see it with different eyes.
Francesca
Bologna, Ravenna +6
👋 Hi, nice to meet you! My name is Francesca, I'm 28 years old and I live in a small town in the province of Ravenna. I speak English and French. 🎨 I'm an art expert because of my two degrees in Cultural Heritage and Visual Arts at the University of Bologna, where I've lived during my studies. This is the main city I chose to speak about in this platform because I've lived it with a student life's eyes (so pubs, restaurants, places to have fun, listen to some music, dance...) but also because I love art through that part of me too (museums, art galleries, history, traditions, culture...). ✈️ After University I've decided to take a break and I've moved to Canada where I've lived for more than one year, then I came back to become a Travel Designer thanks to a course in Milan. 🧳 This year I've also got the certification to be a Tour Leader with the goal to go with families, groups of friends or couples during their travels to show them more than they expect!
Lucrezia
Bologna, Modena +4
Ciao! I’m Lucrezia, a 21-year-old working student from Northern Italy and with a big passion for travelling and discovering new cultures. While I've explored different parts of the world, my heart always brings me back to Italy - its landscape, traditions and food. I have a deep love for nature, the outdoors, and sports, but I also enjoy good food and the small pleasures of everyday life. From scenic hikes and peaceful walks, to local cafés and hidden gems, I love sharing authentic experiences that make you feel truly connected to a place. Travelling with awareness and respect for the places you visit is something I deeply value, and I’d love to be your local reference to experience Italy in that same mindful and genuine way.