Where to Stay in Modena: Best Areas and Our Apartments

Modena is small and walkable, and at its heart is a UNESCO World Heritage Site: the Cathedral, the Ghirlandina tower and Piazza Grande. Still, where you stay makes a real difference: inside the limited traffic zone (ZTL) or just outside it, near the station or with parking at the door, in the city or out towards Maranello and the Motor Valley. We live and work in Modena and directly manage 18 holiday homes in the city, plus more in Maranello, Formigine, Sassuolo and Bologna. Here are the areas we recommend to our guests, with the pros and cons of each and the right home for every need.

In short:

First time in Modena, weekend, couples: the historic centre, near Piazza Grande.
Arriving by car: just outside the ZTL or a home with parking.
Arriving by train: the historic centre or the station area, everything on foot.
Families and groups: 2–3 bedroom apartments or a house with a garden.
Ferrari and Motor Valley: Maranello, Fiorano Modenese or Formigine.

1. Historic centre: Piazza Grande, Cathedral and Ghirlandina

The most popular area, and for good reason. From the centre you can walk to Piazza Grande, the Cathedral, the Ghirlandina, the Albinelli Market, the Ducal Palace and the shopping streets, and head out to dinner without thinking about the car. Modena's centre is quiet and compact: you can cross it on foot in about fifteen minutes.

Good to know: the historic centre is a ZTL. Cars can only enter with a permit, so it's best to choose a home with convenient parking a few minutes' walk away (see the ZTL and parking section below).

Our homes in the historic centre:

L'Altalena sulla Piazza – on Piazza Matteotti, steps from Piazza Grande. 2 bedrooms, up to 6 guests, cot available.
Ciao Bella – a romantic apartment for 2 between the Ghirlandina and the Albinelli Market, with ZTL pass and free parking.
Residenza Bella Vita – 2 double bedrooms, up to 4 guests, third floor with lift, a few minutes from Piazza Grande.
Casa Luce – 3 minutes' walk from Piazza Grande, up to 4 guests.
Dalla Bruna – fifth floor with lift in a historic building, 2 bedrooms, up to 4 guests.
Casa Emilia – 2 bedrooms, up to 4 guests, easy to reach from the station or by car.
Stay Inn Modena – 2 bedrooms, up to 6 guests, free street parking 3 minutes away.
Casa del Fotografo – on Via Modonella, up to 4 guests.
Casa delle Note – 2 bedrooms, up to 5 guests, free street parking 5 minutes away.
Casa della Musica – apartment for 7 guests with 3 bedrooms, in the same building as Casa delle Note.
Casa del Cinema – 3 bedrooms, up to 11 guests: the choice for large groups and extended families.

2. Just outside the ZTL: the ring boulevards with parking

If you want the centre on foot but easier access by car, the areas just outside the ZTL are the best compromise. You're a few minutes' walk from the centre, park without stress and often get more space for the same price.

Casa Mulino, Al Mulein and La Corte del Mulino – on Viale Sigonio, with free parking in the inner courtyard (not reserved, subject to availability). Up to 4 guests each.

3. Station area: for train travellers

Modena station, with frequent trains to Bologna, Milan and Reggio Emilia, is about fifteen minutes' walk from Piazza Grande. Staying between the station and the centre is convenient if you arrive by train or travel often to Bologna, Milan or Reggio Emilia.

Residenze Coltellini – Cobalto – up to 4 guests, a short walk from the station.
Residenze Coltellini – Salvia – studio for 3 guests, ideal for short stays and business trips.

4. Residential areas with parking and a garden

If you're travelling by car, with children or for several nights, a home in a residential area a few minutes' drive from the centre gives you space, quiet and parking at the door.

Modena Garden Retreat – private garden and underground garage, 2 bedrooms, up to 6 guests, 5 minutes' drive from the centre.
Terrazza d'Oro – 2 bedrooms, up to 6 guests, free parking nearby, less than 10 minutes' drive from the historic centre.

5. Maranello, Fiorano and the Motor Valley

If you're coming for the Ferrari Museum, the Fiorano track or a Motor Valley event, staying in or near Maranello saves you time every day. The Enzo Ferrari Museum, on the other hand, is in Modena, near the station.

Green Hill Maranello – in a small village 10 minutes' drive from Maranello, free private parking, up to 6 guests.
Circuit House Maranello – in Fiorano Modenese, with private garage, 2 bedrooms, up to 6 guests.
Rocchetta Cionini – a castle in the hills of Sassuolo, 5 bedrooms, up to 9 guests: for groups and special occasions.
Giardini 411 Cielo and Giardini 411 Terracotta – rooms for 2 in Casinalbo (Formigine), near the station, between Modena and Maranello.

ZTL and parking in Modena: what to know before you go

Modena's historic centre is a camera-controlled limited traffic zone (ZTL): enter without a permit and you'll get a fine, rental cars included. Here's how we handle it with our guests:

Don't follow your sat nav into the ZTL without asking us first: we'll send you the right route to your home.
Free street parking: for most of our homes in the centre there's free parking 3–5 minutes' walk away.
Parking included: choose the homes on Viale Sigonio, Modena Garden Retreat or our Motor Valley homes.
Public car parks: around the centre there are free car parks (such as Piazzale Tien An Men) and paid ones (such as the Novi Sad underground car park).

Where to stay in Modena with children or as a group

With children you need space, a real kitchen and a washing machine, which is why an apartment is often more practical than a hotel room. For families we recommend our 2-bedroom homes in the centre (L'Altalena sulla Piazza also has a cot) or Modena Garden Retreat, with its private garden. For groups: Casa del Cinema for up to 11 guests, Casa della Musica for up to 7 and Rocchetta Cionini for up to 9.

Beyond Modena

We also have homes elsewhere in the province and in Emilia: where to stay in Bologna, Formigine and Casinalbo, Rubiera and, by the sea, Porto Rotondo in Sardinia.

Apartment or hotel in Modena?

An apartment gives you more space, a fully equipped kitchen for cooking what you buy at the Albinelli Market, a washing machine and the privacy of a home. It's ideal for longer stays, families, groups of friends and business trips. All our homes are managed directly by us: professional cleaning, laundry-service linen and direct assistance.

Why book direct with CERTO

No platform fees: you book with us, no middlemen.
24/7 self check-in with your smartphone: arrive whenever you like.
We answer ourselves, local people, before and during your stay.
Airbnb Superhost with an average rating of 4.88.

See all available homes and book →

Frequently asked questions

What is the best area to stay in Modena?

For a first visit or a weekend, the historic centre around Piazza Grande: everything is within walking distance. If you're arriving by car, choose a home just outside the ZTL or with parking.

Can I drive into Modena's city centre?

The centre is a ZTL: you can't enter without a permit. Before you arrive, we'll tell you where to park for free a few minutes from your home.

How far is Maranello from Modena?

About 20–25 minutes by car. If your trip is all about Ferrari, consider a home in Maranello or Fiorano Modenese.

Do you have apartments for large groups?

Yes: Casa del Cinema sleeps up to 11, Rocchetta Cionini up to 9 and Casa della Musica up to 7.

How does check-in work?

Self check-in online, 24 hours a day: you receive instructions before arrival and enter with your smartphone.

Wondering what to do in town? Read our guide to what to see in Modena and the experiences not to miss.