Where to stay in Modena: areas, accommodation and practical tips
Complete guide on where to stay in Modena: best areas in the city of balsamic vinegar and Ferrari, accommodation types and tips for every budget.
Foto: Interncraq (CC BY-SA 4.0) — Wikimedia Commons
Where to stay in Modena: the complete guide
Modena is a city to be savoured: traditional balsamic vinegar aged in attic barrels, handmade tortellini, authentic Lambrusco. But it is also the home of Ferrari and Maserati, a UNESCO city for its Romanesque Cathedral and Ghirlandina tower, and a lively cultural centre with the Albinelli market among Italy's finest. Staying in Modena offers the chance to experience authentic Emilia.
Best areas to stay
Historic Centre
The heart of Modena enclosed between Piazza Grande (UNESCO), the Ghirlandina, the Ducal Palace and the Albinelli market. Boutique hotels in historic palazzi, elegant B&Bs and apartments. Everything is walkable from here: vinegar cellars in the centre, starred restaurants, theatres. Mid-to-high prices but an incomparable experience.
Station Area — Viale Vittorio Veneto
10 minutes on foot from Piazza Grande, with classic hotels and guesthouses. Convenient for train arrivals (Milan 1h, Bologna 25 min) and for exploring the Motor Valley (Maranello 20 km away). Less charming but practical and more affordable.
Buon Pastore Quarter — East
Elegant residential quarter east of the centre, with tree-lined avenues and Art Nouveau villas. A few quiet B&Bs and apartments, 15 minutes on foot from the Cathedral. Ideal for those seeking quiet without going far.
Fair Zone — North
Useful during trade fairs (ModenaFiere) or for those travelling toward Maranello/Formigine. Business hotels with parking, far from the historic centre.
Modenese Countryside (Castelvetro, Vignola)
Hilltop villages to the south offer farmhouses among Lambrusco Grasparossa vines. 20-30 minutes from the centre, perfect for combining gastronomy, wineries and landscapes.
Accommodation types
- **Boutique hotels in the centre** — Properties in noble palazzi with contemporary furnishings, high-level in-house restaurants
- **3-4 star hotels** — Distributed between centre and station area, with garage (essential in the ZTL restricted zone)
- **B&Bs** — Very popular formula, with breakfast including gnocco fritto, Modenese cured meats and tigelle
- **Apartments** — For gastronomic stays, with a kitchen to experiment with Albinelli market produce
- **Farmhouses** — In the southern hills, with visitable vinegar cellars, own Lambrusco production and homestyle Emilian cooking
Budget tips
- Modena is cheaper than Bologna: a room in the centre costs 20-25% less
- Avoid trade fair periods and Motor Valley events (Imola GP, Motor Valley Fest)
- Tuesday to Thursday prices drop 25-30%
- Farmhouses in the hills often include a balsamic vinegar tasting in the price
- B&Bs in residential quarters (San Faustino, Madonnina) offer quality at low prices with frequent buses
Where to stay by traveller type
Foodies
Historic centre, near the Albinelli market and Piazza Grande. Massimo Bottura's Osteria Francescana, Trattoria Aldina and historic delis are all steps away.
Motor enthusiasts
Station area or south of the city: easy access to the Ferrari Museum in Maranello (20 min), Maserati Museum, Stanguellini Museum and the Panini collection.
Couples
Boutique hotel in the centre: dinner at a historic restaurant, stroll beneath the illuminated Ghirlandina, aperitivo in Piazza Grande.
Families
Apartment in the centre or B&B in the eastern area: the Ducal Este Park is perfect for children, the market fascinates them and Modenese gelato is a sure thing.
How much to spend
- **Budget** (simple B&B/guesthouse): €45-70 per night
- **Mid-range** (3-star hotel/quality B&B): €80-140
- **High-end** (boutique hotel/suite): €150-280
Transport connections
Modena is on the Milan-Bologna rail line (high-speed: Bologna 15 min, Milan 1h). Bologna Marconi airport is 35 km away (direct shuttle bus). The ZTL restricted zone in the centre requires attention if arriving by car: better to park in external car parks and walk.
Discover more about Modena
- [What to see in Modena in 2 days](/en/guida/cosa-vedere-a-modena-in-2-giorni)
- [Where to eat in Modena](/en/guida/cosa-vedere-a-modena-in-2-giorni)
- [How to get to Modena](/en/guida/cosa-vedere-a-modena-in-2-giorni)
Practical info
When's the best time to go to Modena?
We recommend April, May, June, September, October and November, the period with the smallest crowds.
How touristy is Modena?
Modena is very quiet compared to the more visited destinations.
What's the location of Modena?
Modena is found in the area of Emilia-Romagna, Italy.
How to get there
- 🚆 Nearest station: Modena ~1 km as the crow flies
- ✈️ Nearest airport: Aeroporto di Bologna "Guglielmo Marconi" BLQ ~31 km as the crow flies
Nearest points as the crow flies (source OpenStreetMap): actual times depend on the roads, often mountain ones.
