Two days in Modena give you the chance to see the main sights without an exhausting marathon of sightseeing. Group the attractions by neighbourhood, allow for a bit of leeway in case of bad weather, and don’t plan to visit any specific attractions straight after arriving on a night bus.
Check opening times, events, accessibility and tickets on the official tourism portal: these details change more often than the attractions themselves.
Day one: the city’s main landmarks
Start with Modena Cathedral, then make your way to the Ghirlandina Tower and Piazza Grande. This route introduces you to the historic centre and leaves time for a leisurely lunch. For observation towers, palaces or popular museums, check ticket availability and closing times.
Day two: museums, water or panoramic views
On the second day, focus on the Enzo Ferrari Museum, and afterwards allow time for the Albinelli Market. If one of the locations is far from the centre, don’t add another long excursion: travel time and queuing can easily take longer than the map suggests.
How to plan a realistic pace
Plan one main paid attraction for half a day, and spend the rest of the time exploring the streets, parks and making short stops. If a booking is required, factor in the journey from your previous location. After a long journey, it’s better to scale back your plans than to rush through unfamiliar areas.
Early or late arrival
Check in advance whether you can leave your luggage at your accommodation, and check the route from the exact bus stop. Start your morning itinerary with open spaces. For evening arrivals, save transport timetables, the address and the hotel’s contact details offline.
Transport and navigation
Download an offline map and mark the coach station, your accommodation and your return departure point. The city centre is often convenient for walking routes, but a museum or viewpoint further afield may require transport. Check the current fare for a day ticket with the local transport operator.
Budget and meals
Set aside a separate budget for transport, one or two paid attractions and any unexpected travel costs. For lunch, head away from the most touristy square and check the menu before ordering. Water and a light snack will help you avoid having to change your route because of queues.
Preparing for a coach journey
Keep your ticket, passport, mobile phone and any necessary medication in your hand luggage. Allow plenty of time for your return journey: the name of the town is no substitute for the exact address and platform. Check out our tips on offline maps and preparing your mobile for a trip abroad.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a city tourist card?
It isn’t automatically worth it. Only count the museums and trips you’ll actually have time for, and check the terms and conditions on the official website.
What should I do if it rains?
Keep one museum alternative in mind, but don’t cram all your visits into a single day: you’ll still need to get around the city between them.