Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Modena is a historic city located in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, famous for its rich culinary heritage and balsamic vinegar. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 185,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 50-100 Mbps with fiber optic connections available in many areas. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 1.07 USD. Banks like Unicredit and Intesa Sanpaolo are commonly found, offering various financial services. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable and safe to consume. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/F sockets are used. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include TIM, Vodafone, and Wind, offering competitive mobile plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Common payment types include major credit cards, and digital payment options like Revolut are widely accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from traditional apartments to modern flats available on platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, credit/debit cards are widely accepted. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental agencies provide various short-term rental options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Modena and Hotel Estense offer affordable lodging options. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Staying in the city center is recommended for easy access to attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The city center and areas around the university are popular among digital nomads. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | CO-WORK Modena offers a vibrant environment for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Caffe' di Porta Bologna is popular among remote workers due to its free Wi-Fi and comfortable seating. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Events are held monthly by digital nomad groups via platforms like Meetup and local Facebook groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expats in Italy Facebook group regularly organizes meetups and social gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Taxi services can be accessed via the app MyTaxi. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Mobike offers bike-sharing services throughout the city. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Riccione Beach is about an hour away, a popular destination for sunbathing and nightlife. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Ryanair operates from nearby Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air France, Lufthansa, and British Airways offer connections from Bologna Airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | A1 Autostrada (North to South) and A22 (East to West) provide excellent road connectivity. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Modena train station connects to major cities including Bologna and Florence. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Monthly passes for local buses are available for about €35. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Trains run frequently to nearby cities like Bologna, Parma, and Reggio Emilia. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena is the main hospital, offering a range of services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Modena provides various classes and wellness sessions throughout the week. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Village Modena offers facilities including gym classes and personal training. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundromats like Lavanderia Self Service are available for laundry needs. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Just Eat and Deliveroo are popular options for food delivery in Modena. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Don't miss the Tortellini and Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Osteria La Francescana provides excellent vegetarian menus alongside traditional dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Pasticceria Gianni is known for its delicious pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Mercato Albinelli offers fresh produce and local delicacies at budget-friendly prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon.it operates in Italy, providing home delivery options for various products. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Coop and Esselunga offer online grocery shopping with home delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Via Emilia is a vibrant street known for its bars and nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Birra Montechiaro produces local craft beer, with tasting tours available. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Enoteca Regionale dell'Emilia Romagna offers a variety of local wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Try the local panini and fries from stalls in Piazza Grande. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Many dining options serve international cuisine, such as Indian and Chinese in the city center. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Modena Cathedral and the Ghirlandina Tower are UNESCO World Heritage sites. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Museo della Figurina showcases the history of collectible cards. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Palazzo Ducale is a stunning historic site showcasing Baroque architecture. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Church of Sant'Agostino is an important historical and architectural site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Modena Park Festival occurs every summer, attracting tourists and locals alike. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Visit the Centro Storico for a blend of history, culture, and vibrant local life. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Storchi hosts a variety of performances from drama to music. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Check out the Mercato di Modena for antiques and local crafts every weekend. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Several venues host live music events, particularly in the summer months. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street art can be found throughout the city, particularly in the outskirts. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Parma Cooking School offers classes on local cuisine including pasta-making. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galleria Civica has rotating exhibitions of contemporary art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Palazzo Comunale is another must-see structure showcasing Modena's rich history. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Modena is renowned for its balsamic vinegar, a symbol of local heritage and pride. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Parco S. Giovanni Bosco offers green spaces for picnics and walks. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Parco dell'Abetone e del Montice offers beautiful trails for hiking enthusiasts. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Ciclovia del Sole cycling route passes through Modena, connecting to various trails. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Enjoy views from the Torre della Ghirlandina. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Macchie di Carpi nature reserve is great for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in parks like Parco XXII Aprile allow for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Services like DHL, and SDA are available for shipping and delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Mediaworld and Euronics provide gadget repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Table Tennis clubs can be found at sports centers around the city. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Italian language courses are available at Centro Linguistico and local universities. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Poletti provides quiet spaces for reading and studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centro Sociale offers various cultural programs and events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming venues can be found through community events and cafes. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Although not a major gambling hub, local bars sometimes host poker nights. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,300 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €132,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €100,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €168,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €132,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €208,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €160,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 24% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 26% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 43% |
| 🧾 VAT | 22% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Italy has strict CFC rules for foreign entities. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, property tax is based on assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard rate is 9%, reduced to 2% for first-time buyers. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Italy is considering special tax rates for digital nomads moving forward. |