Where to Stay in Modena: The Best Hotels and Neighborhoods
Modena is one of the most beautiful cities in Northern Italy. The colorful old town is a maze of charming streets, squares, and impressive architecture. However, Modena is famous for something else: balsamic vinegar and Ferrari cars. I have all the information you need to decide where to stay in Modena.
All of Modena’s best hotels are in or around the Centro Storico (Old Town). It’s a large neighborhood built around the imposing Piazza Grande. In old times, massive fortifications surrounded the area. Today, a lush green linear park occupies the same place. Almost all of Modena’s attractions are here.
Modena has less interesting neighborhoods too. The only lively area outside of the Old Town is the southeastern section of Via Emilia. The city’s largest park, Parco Enzo Ferrari, is west of the Old Town. Other two great parks are Parco Giovanni Amendola and Parco della Resistenza.
Top Hotels in Modena
My favorite area is the Centro Storico. The city’s best hotel is Hotel Rua Frati 48 in San Francesco, south of the main square. The 16th-Century palace offers big rooms, an elegant lobby, a top class restaurant, and a complete spa and fitness center. It is the only 5 star hotel in Modena.
The Best Western Premier Milano Palace Hotel is another great luxury hotel. The property is between the Old Town, the train station, and the Enzo Ferrari Museum. Thus, it is a great base to discover the city. It’s a modern hotel with comfortable rooms and a fancy spa.
If you are into old world charm, you’ll love the Salotto delle Arti. The hotel is the historic Palazzo Montagnani. It features 19th-Century frescoes and designer furniture. I loved their homemade cakes, brioches and focaccias.
The Best Locations to Stay
South of Piazza Grande
Modena has one UNESCO listed site right in its heart. Yes, I am talking about the architecture ensemble of Piazza Grande, which includes the Cathedral and the Torre della Ghrilandina. The Cathedral and the Tower are some of the most important examples of Romanesque art in all of Italy.
After admiring the square, visit the church and the tower. If you think the temple looks beautiful from the outside, wait till you get inside its 12th-Century nave. The other place on the square you shouldn’t miss is the medieval Palazzo Comunale or the Town Hall. The Chamber of the Confirmed Houses houses one of Modena’s symbols.
Modena’s main pedestrian area starts south of the square. Via Luigi Albinelli ends at the colorful historic Market Albinelli. The whole city visits the market to eat, drink, and shop for groceries and flowers. Further southeast you’ll find one of Modena’s nicest churches. The 16th-Century Church of San Pietro is a sight to behold.
The Best Hotels South of Piazza Grande:
PHI Hotel Canalgrande
The PHI Hotel Canalgrande is another fabulous historic hotel. It’s very close to the square. The rooms are comfy and stylish. The hotel’s lounge has original 18th Century frescoes. Everything is classy and elegant at the PHI Canalgrande.
Hotel Cervetta 5
You can’t stay closer to the main square than at the Hotel Cervetta 5. The three star hotel has everything you need for a perfect stay: nice rooms and fantastic hosts. Since the hotel doesn’t have a lift, don’t bring heavy luggage!
Around Palazzo dei Musei
Palazzo dei Musei is Modena’s main cultural institution. It is home to the renowned Galleria Estense. The gallery exhibits numerous art pieces, including works by Bernini, Velasquez, Coreggio and El Greco. The Bibiloteca Estense, the City Museum of Modena, and the Archeological Museum are also inside the Palazzo.
AGO Modena Fabbriche Culturali is across the Pallazo del Musei. It’s another cultural powerhouse favored by locals. The archeological site of Novi Ark is a few steps behind. Between 2009 and 2011 archeological artefacts were unearthed here and are now on display. It’s a lovely small park worth spending your time at.
The area around the Palazzo Musei is Modena’s most authentic. Colorful medieval buildings with arcades line Via Sant Agostino, Rua Muro, and adjacent streets. This is the perfect place to walk under the arcades to avoid the hot Italian sun. Don’t forget to visit the charming Piazza della Pomposa square, home to Santa Maria della Pomposa church.
The Best Hotels around Palazzo dei Musei:
Central Park Hotel Modena
Central Park Hotel Modena is right next to the Palazzo. Since the building is on a quiet leafy street, it offers a respite from the busy atmosphere of Modena’s Old Town. It’s a modern hotel with free parking.
La Bella Modena Centro
If you are looking for a quite private apartment close to the city’s main attractions, I highly suggest staying at the La Bella Modena Centro. The beautiful villa is close to the Palazzo. The apartments are fully equipped and big. There’s a coffee machine and a water dispenser.
Around Piazza Roma
You’ll find most private accommodation in the area north of the Piazza Grande. The pedestrian streets leading to Piazza Roma are some of the city’s most popular ones. The whole area is full of nice cafés, bars and restaurants.
Piazza Roma is one of Modena’s main squares. You’ll know you’re there once you spot the imposing Palazzo Ducale. The late 17th-Century building used to house the Este Court for more than 200 years. Today, it is the headquarters of the Military Academy. However, it opens for visits a few times a week.
My favorite park in Modena is right behind the corner. Of course, I am talking about the Parco Giardino Ducale Estense. It’s an oasis of peace in this bustling city. The iconic Pavarotti-Freni Theater is in the area too. The world famous opera singer was a proud Modenese.
The Best Hotels around Piazza Roma:
Best Western Hotel Libertà
Best Western has a smaller hotel in downtown Modena. Libertà is a three star hotel on a street that connects Piazza Grande and Piazza Roma. Modena’s synagogue is next door. The rooms are clean and comfortable.
La Campanella
If you are traveling with family and friends, I suggest booking La Campanella private apartment. The spacious apartment has two fully equipped bedrooms, a living room, a bathroom, and a kitchenette. It’s perfect for a group of up to six people.
By the Train Station
If you plan on visiting other places in Emilia Romagna, it makes sense to book a room close to the Central train station. Direct trains connect Modena with Bologna, Parma, Reggio Emilia, Ravenna and Milan.
Many people visit Modena because of its importance in the automobile world. The city is related to world famous brands like Ferrari, De Tomaso, Maserati, and Paganini. Modena’s most famous museum, Museo Enzo Ferrari is an iconic yellow aluminum building hosting the museum of engines. Part of the museum is in a house where the Grand Prix Legend was born.
The rest of the neighborhood is nice too. The area south of the Ferrari Museum is mainly residential with green courtyards and lush trees. One of Modena’s largest churches, Tempio Monumentale di San Giuseppe ai Caduti in Guerra is here too.
The Best Hotels by the Train Station:
Hotel Principe
Hotel Principe is another great four star hotel. The property is on the corner of two grand avenues. That is, between the Old Town and the train station. It’s a sleek modern hotel with extra comfortable beds.
R&B La Pomposa dei Motori
The R&B La Pomposa dei Motori is a cute little guesthouse a few steps away from the Ferrari Museum. The place has three private bedrooms with internal or external private bathrooms. Some of their rooms require a minimum stay of two nights. You’ll love its host Teresa.
How Long to Stay in Modena
I go to Modena constantly and always discover something new. The city offers so much, that you can spend weeks and never have a dull moment. However, no body has so much time, so you are probably wondering how many days are needed in Modena to cover the basics. I believe you should spend at least two nights. You can spend the first day visiting the main sites and the second one indulging in the local food and delicacies.
Modena is still somewhat an off the beaten track destination. Sure, you won’t be the only tourist around, but the city is far less crowded than Bologna, Milan or Florence. Thus, you’ll be able to roam the streets of the Old Town with few people on site. Especially at night.
If you decide to spend two nights in the city, you can go on day trips to the province or to nearby areas. Parma for instance is only a half an hour away. If you like nice small towns with a castle, go on a day trip to Rocca di Vignola. If you are a music lover, go visit Pavarotti’s house, just outside of the city.
Moving Around Modena
The best way of moving around Modena is by walking. The city is flat and there are wide sidewalks all around. The Old Town is almost entirely pedestrian with only a few cars around. If you are visiting in summer, don’t forget a hat and sunscreen. In winter, you’ll need a coat.
You can walk from the train station to the old town. It’s an easy 8-minute walk along nice leafy streets. Another great walk is south of the old town along the former city wall. It’s a linear park with several nice outdoor cafes. Don’t rush and have a coffee and a cake in one of them.
If you are too lazy or travel with heavy luggage, take one of Modena’s city buses. Lines 7 and 11 connect the train station with Piazza Grande. To visit other places in the province, take any of the frequent local buses. You can buy your ticket on the bus.
