Ideally I think parma would be the best base but for my available dates I wanted to be in that area, Parma is having a convention and all hotels are sold out. Plus I would think the likelihood of getting into restaurants would be difficult. So.. is Modena an acceptable alternative? or should i rearrange things and wait for Parma. I know it's only 45 minutes apart but...? thanks for the considerations
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
I haven't stayed in Modena, but it's always sounded good when I read about it in Lonely Planet or Michelin info.
Posted by
Boston
1816 posts
Modena is a lovely little city, I wouldn't hesitate to make it a base and visit Parma for the Duomo, Baptistry and a giant lunch. It's also convenient to Reggio and Bologna.
Posted by
OP
ft lauderdale, florida, usa
37 posts
Perfect, thanks!!!
Posted by
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
80 posts
Modena! We're going this summer and everything I am reading (as part of the trip prep) sounds fabulous. We didn't love Parma when we went in 2013.
Posted by
Fulda Germany and Rhode Island USA
334 posts
I did a Balsamic Vinegar tour in Modena, loved it. Our base was in Reggio Emilia and the drive was fairly short and easy.
Posted by
Pittsburgh, PA, USA
712 posts
I haven't been to Parma but I spent about a month in Modena with friends on my first trip to Italy back in 2009. Having been to a billion places since then, I can't specifically remember anything about it that was phenominal or special (nothing that punches you in the face like Duomo of Flornece or the Colosseum of Rome). But I also don't remember any negatives either. For a nice laid back experience, I'd say go for it.