day trips from milan

We’re in Myanmar right now and it’s SO epic… click here to follow along on Instagram.

Meet the Team
Work with Us
Czech Republic
Netherlands
Switzerland
Scandinavia
Philippines
South Korea
New Zealand
South Africa
Budget Travel
Work & Travel
The Broke Backpacker Manifesto
Travel Resources
How to Travel on $10/day

Home » Europe » Italy » 12 Epic Day Trips from Milan, Italy [2024 Edition]

12 Epic Day Trips from Milan, Italy [2024 Edition]

Every time we find ourselves in a new place, we have a choice. We could either explore it like a wide-eyed tourist or live the life of a local. When I landed in Milan six months ago, I vowed to myself that I’d revel in this city like a true Milanese.

Milan has a gritty splendour like no other. The old-world charm and the urban allure of this city kept me occupied for months. However, once I had explored every nook and cranny, I felt myself craving some more of the romance, literature, history, and architecture, Italy is famous for.

What better source to hit up than my local friends, they helped me explore the best of Italy via some incredible day trips from Milan, creating memories to last a lifetime!

Now, it’s time for me to share those experiences with you!

Unlock Our GREATEST Travel Secrets!

Half-Day Trips from Milan

Full-day trips from milan, final thoughts.

Milan is a brilliant hotspot for all things fun and adventurous and there really is so much to do there . Its ideal location in Western Lombardy puts it within hours of some of the best attractions in Italy . Even if you have just half a day to spare, make sure you check out these Milan half-day trips for some thrilling experiences.

Day Trip to The Fidenza Village

You might have shopped at many malls in your life, but have you ever shopped at an outdoor shopping mall, housing more than 100 luxury brands? Let’s be honest, the Italians don’t do understated when it comes to fashion and shopping!

The famed Fidenza Village brings you up close to the envied collections of fashion powerhouses. This cathedral of shopping offers an unrivalled collection of designer items from the likes of Armani, Coach, Frette, Loro Piana, Missoni, Prada, Belstaff, Dolce & Gabbana, Jimmy Choo, and Versace. It’s definately one of the most intreguing places to visit in Milan .

The best part of this unique day trip from expensive Milan is that despite first impressions, there is something here for every price range… even us backpackers can pick something up with a ‘Made in Italy’ tag on it! The boutiques of this designer outlet not only offer great shopping opportunities for those with the means but also an interesting look into the culture of fashion in Italy.

Once you’ve built up an appetite from carrying those heavy shopping bags around this massive complex, or the freshly highlighted weight of poverty, it’s time to hit the restaurants. It will come as no surprise that this is no run of the mill food court. The wide gastronomic choices on offer are just as elegant and sophisticated, however many can be sampled without breaking the bank.

Suggested Trips – From Milan: Fidenza Village Shopping Outlet Trip

Day Trip to Pavia

Just an hour from Milan, situated along the beautiful river Ticino, is a university town called Pavia. The short distance and the calming aura of this town make it a perfect destination for those seeking to escape the fast-paced life of the city.

This town exists at the crossroads of ancient history and modern urban flair. The University of Pavia was founded in 1361, making it the second oldest in Italy. As you stroll through the town you’ll come across an endless amount of fascinating and intricate buildings from the medieval and renaissance era. Every now and then on your wistful wanderings, you’ll happily stumble across a dazzling local market to lure you in with its dizzying array of unique trinkets.

After your stroll, make your first stop at Certosa di Pavia, a Carthusian monastery from the 17 th century. Time will pass quickly while you soak in the stunning Italian Renaissance architecture, roaming street to street getting lost in the historic atmosphere of the town. Be sure not to miss the town’s biggest highlight, The Ponte Coperto. This bridge is a symbol of the city, the original Roman version that saw the rise and fall of empires was destroyed during WW2. The reconstruction and reopening of the bridge in 1951 represented the rebuilding of this area postwar.

If you still manage to save some time, head over to La Torre Degli Aquila and relish in their creative meals, while enjoying the views of Maria’s medieval tower. A perfect way to end your Milan day trip exploring this town steeped in the tales of the past.

It’s always difficult to leave a charming town like Pavia, so the next time you visit, book some cosy accommodation and stay a while longer.

Day Trip to Franciacorta

A day trip from Milan to Franciacorta is an ideal way to spend some of your limited time in this region. If you have yet to experience the famous vineyards of Italy then this is the perfect opportunity to frolic in the green pastures and take some insta worthy selfies. The rows of perfectly lined lush plantations hug the rolling hillsides as the magnificent Swiss Alps loom in the background. Bloody gorgeous!

The wine regions of Franciacorta have remained a favourite of Italy’s aristocrats for centuries. If you want to spend a day experiencing the finer vices of the Italians, there’s no better place than Franciacorta. The tranquil fields also offer a perfect opportunity to take a respite from busy city life in buzzing Milan.

Here, the winemakers stick to traditional methods. They harvest the grapes by hand and leave them to ferment in oak barrels for a year and a half. Some of the finest wines in the world are prepared in this very place. It isn’t just the sparkling wines of Franciacorta that attract the aristocrats, but also the breathtaking landscape that keeps them coming back time after time.

If you wish for a day of relaxation where you can treat yourself like royalty, then Franciacorta is the place to be. It’s also an ideal place to pack a flowing red dress and pretend to walk through a vineyard if that’s your sort of thing!

Suggested Trips – From Milan: Full-Day Food and Wine Experience in Franciacorta

Day Trip to Lake Garda

It’s an absolute travesty to miss out on Lake Garda – the largest and cleanest lake of Italy – if you are already in Milan. This majestic lake is just 2 hours from the city and is loved by the locals and the tourists alike so be sure to add it to your Italy itinerary .

In addition to being expansive, Lake Garda’s crystalline water is breathtakingly beautiful, with incredible mountains rising magnificently as a backdrop. From the shore, you’ll spot numerous islands on the lake, each steeped in its own unique history.

On the southern shores of the lake is the charismatic and historic town of Sirmione. The town is littered with evidence of human civilization dating back 7000 years. One stunning example is the fortress of Scaligero Castle, surrounded by the lapping waters of the azure Lake Garda. The museum that the castle now houses tells the town’s rich history and the stories of the elite Roman families who used to reside here.

Before leaving, don’t forget to visit the famous Aquaria, the town’s spa known for its thermal bath. Perfect for relaxing at any time of year, but especially wonderful in the cooler months.

Heading to Lake Garda is an easy day trip from Milan, but once you get there, you might feel like extending your mini-vacation. If you do change your mind, check out Hotel Eden and enjoy its terraces that overlook the charming area or many of the other incredible places to stay in Lake Garda .

Day Trip to Bergamo

The small city of Bergamo is a treat for all those who are searching for Roman history, medieval architecture and scenic sights. Situated in the foothills of the Alps, and littered with houses built in the Middle Ages, this city simply can’t be missed.

Bergamo is less than an hour’s drive from Milan and is one of its most enjoyable day trips. The highlight of this city is the charming old town situated on top of a steep hill overlooking the “lower town” and the surrounding countryside. The monumental 16th-century Bastions and their imposing entrance gates provide the ultimate welcome.

Before you explore the modern part of the city at the bottom of the hill, take in the Venetian Old Town on foot first. Walking is the perfect way to take in this fascinating town and all its beautiful intricate details. Stop by Piazza Vecchia or Piazza Duomo and let the town transport you to times of long-gone eras and empires.

The charm of this city lies in exploring the twists and turns of the avenues, chic cafes on street corners and enchanting history down each street.

This is the kind of place you would want to lose yourself in, and if you feel like being a part of this old era for a night, check into Al Calicanto and experience Italy like a local, if not then there are plenty of great hostels in bergamo for those on a buget.

If the high-end fashion malls, winding streets, colourful neighbourhoods, and iconic paintings of Milan have awakened your desire to explore some more of Italy , you’re in luck. Due to its central location, Milan offers a variety of wonderful day trips and with great public transport, they are easier than ever to take.

Day Trip to Lake Como

If you have been to Lake Garda, then you’ll know just how unforgettable the lakes of Italy are. Milanese are truly lucky because they aren’t just close to the largest lake in Italy, they are also less than two hours away from what is considered to be the most scenic lake in Italy – Como.

Situated at the foothills of the Alps, this lake is shaped like a wishbone and houses some of the most vibrant and picturesque villages along its meandering shores. The calming aura and enchanting views surrounding the lake make it the perfect place to escape, unwind, and take a breath. Equally, if you’re after a fun filled day of adventure then there is plenty to do around the shores of Lake Como .

Visiting the many quaint and charismatic villages along the edges of the tranquil turquoise water is the perfect way to explore this region, whether by foot, boat, bike or car. This getaway is popular with locals escaping the city as well as the modern-day rich and famous from the world over. Just like in the days of ancient Rome, people flock to the opulent villas and lakeside towns of Lake Como.

Suggested Trips – Lake Como, Bellagio, and Varenna: Full-Day Tour from Milan , Lake Como and Bellagio Day Trip from Milan

Day Trip to Turin

Less than two hours from Milan, sitting right beside the river Po, Turin is a pleasant and captivating city. Turin was once the capital of Italy, and way before that, an epicentre of activities for the Romans. The city today has a thriving cosmopolitan buzz with an undercurrent of Roman charm.

Like most cities in Italy, this one too can only be truly appreciated on foot. Walk the streets and be enchanted by the baroque architecture from up close. Once you’ve enjoyed a relaxing walk through the city, visit Mole Antonelliana. The spire of this former synagogue is an iconic part of the skyline of Turin. Today, this building serves as the National Museum of Cinema, one of the most visited museums in Italy.

Make your next stops Palazzo Reale and Palazzo Madama, two landmarks of the city. These two breathtaking structures are steeped in history and offer a glimpse at some of the most impressive Baroque architecture ever constructed. Designed by the legendary Filippo Juvarra, Palazzo Madama made such an impression on Napoleon he chose it as his place of residence in Turin.

History buff or not, a day trip from Milan to Turin is akin to travelling back in time.

Suggested Trips – National Museum of Cinema & Mole Antonelliana Tour , Turin: Zoom Torino Admissions

Day Trip to Lugano

When we said Milan was ideally situated, we meant it. Visiting Milan means one day you’re in Italy and the next, you’re looking at the stunning mountain lakes of Switzerland. You can’t miss out on the opportunity to jump over the border, especially when one of Switzerland’s most beautiful towns is only an hour and sixteen minutes by train.

Lugano is a lakeside city in the Italian speaking region of Switzerland. Located in the popular Ticino the city has a modern outlook with all the charm of a small Mediterranean town.

Located on the shores of the beautiful lake Lugano there is ample opportunity to explore on foot along the waterfront of the Old Town or on a cruise to one of the many smaller neighbouring villages. One of the highlights of the city is the San Lorenzo cathedral which dates back to the middle ages.

The two closest mountains to the city are Monte San Salvatore and Monte Brè, each offering incredible panoramic views of Lake Lugano, the town itself and the surrounding alpine scenery. The village of Brè on the slopes of the mountain offers a well preserved typical Ticino village to explore. So make sure to pack your walking boots for this trip!

If you fancy spending a little more time exploring this region a little further then why not stay at the lovely Luganodante in the city centre.

Day Trip to Genova

Nestled along the northern shores of the Ligurian Sea, the port city of Genova has an unmatched character you can’t find elsewhere. When the city defeated its rival, Pisa, in the 10 th century, it gained a reputation for its maritime power and is still home to the largest port in Italy. Its industrial side is contrasted by its reputation as the beautiful gateway to the Riviera, gothic cathedrals and grandiose architecture including the Unesco-listed Palazzi dei Rolli.

The narrow, hilly, and twisting alleys ( caruggi ) that make up the Old Town date back to the Middle Ages and have remained largely unchanged. Walking through the caruggi , you’ll get glimpses of huge houses, palazzos, and churches built by wealthy Genoese merchants of times gone by. The maze-like streets are a delight to wander, here you can be transported back to a time when the Republic of Genoa ruled over the Mediterranean. A bit like the bronzed ex-pats of the Costa-Del-Sol do these days!

This two-hour day trip from Milan is definitely worth taking. Genoa is in fact the largest medieval town in Europe, so it’s a pretty cool place to spend the day. Be sure to also check out the massive indoor market at Mercato Orientale Genova for a look at local life.

If you fancy visiting for a little longer the city has some wonderful hostels to stay the night.

Suggested Trips – Genova & Portofino Full-Day Tour from Milan

Day Trip to Venice City

Take the high-speed train from Milan and reach the renowned city of Venice in just two and a half hours. Venice might be popular , but with good reason. The aura and mystic surrounding this city are well-founded, it really is like nowhere else in the world. Ornate marble palaces and grand piazzas built floating in a lagoon in true audacious Venitian style. Instead of cobbled streets, a warren of narrow canals leading to the aptly named, Grand Canal.

There is good reason this is one of the most hyped Milan Day trips, this floating city has endless amounts of charm offering a unique experience due to the outlandish nature of the ancient Venetians. From opulent gothic palaces and sumptuous domed basilicas to local neighbourhoods where the washing dries strung over quiet canals and kids play football in tiny courtyards. I’d be raging if some kids knocked my undies in the water!

Begin your exploration of this great city with St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco), the beating majestic heart of Venice. This is the ultimate introduction to Venitian culture and architecture and it’s also home to many of the main sights you’ve come here to marvel at. The Byzantine spectacle of the Basilica di San Marco, the gothic Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s clocktower, and the Campanile are all here. The clocktower, in particular, gives great panoramic views over the city.

Make your next stop the Bridge of Sighs, the tragic yet beautiful architectural landmark that can’t be missed. The beauty of its design is only amplified by the irony that many prisoners crossed well aware of their ill fate, hence the sighs as they took their last look out at Venice.

Whilst exploring give yourself time to escape the busy streets and alleyways around St. Marks and just simply allow yourself time to get lost in the quieter more local areas too. If you decide to extend your trip, have a look at the awesome hostels Venice has to offer.

Suggested Trips – Venice: Full-Day Trip from Milan with Guided City Tour

Day Trip to Bologna

Just under two and a half hours away is Bologna, a city of contrasts, it combines down to earth grit with regal opulence. Known as “Las Grassa” or “The Fat One”, it’s home to come of Italy’s finest restaurants, which is quite some feat lets be honest. You might have guessed already from the name, but the city is famous as the home of the ever popular ‘Bolognase’ sause. It would be rude not to give the authentic version a try… just don’t call it gravy (I’m looking at you America!)

If you fancy a challenge on your day trip from Milan to Bologna, how about scaling the Asinelli Tower, one of “ Le due torri ” that have become a symbol of the city. Both of these thin towers, constructed between 1109 and 1119 lean in opposite directions (Seriously, what is it with Italians and leaning towers !) Burn off some of that delicious food climbing the 498 narrow and rickety wooden steps to the top. If you dare to complete the climb you’ll be rewarded with some breathtaking views over the city, especially at sunset.

Bologna is also home to Europe’s oldest university – the University of Bologna– established in 1088. Despite it’s age, this is where the rebellious and politically active youth hang out, in graffiti filled piazzas and trendy cafes.

Then it’s time to walk the endless porticoes of Bologna and admire the unmatched architectural designs, the play of light and shadows, the symbolic columns, and the magnificent frescos. Many of the porticoes are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and some of them date back to the Middle Ages, while others were built as late as the 20 th century, to accommodate the ever-growing student population.

Fancy staying a little longer? Check out the wondeful hostels Bologna has to offer.

Suggested Trips – City Centre Walking Tour

Day Trip to Varese

If you’re not in the mood for metropolitan hustle and bustle, and instead need some respite from chaotic city life, head over to sleepy Varese. Just 50 minutes from Milan, Varese is the ultimate getaway destination to help you stop, relax and take a breather.

Nicknamed “Garden City,” Varese is home to numerous public parks and gardens. It sits nestled at the foot of the Campo dei Fiori di Varese mountain and is surrounded by several expansive national parks including Cinque Vette Park which is home to another five mountain peaks. Here you get the charm of the countryside in a vibrant little city.

Varese is also known for it’s many Art Nouveau buildings and villas, including the famously abandoned, Grand Hotel Campo Dei Fiori that sits on the mountainside overlooking the city. How very ‘accidentally Wes Anderson!”

Once described as Milan’s little Versailles, it’s easy to see why when you visit the glorious Palazzo Estense. This Baroque palace completed in 1760 was once the home of dukes and nobility, today its the local town hall. Take in the best views from nearby Belvedere hill.

Take a laidback stroll down the main street of Corso Matteotti taking in the Mera Arch, the Basilica of San Vittore and the 12th century Baptistery of San Giuseppe which houses some amazingly preserved frescos.

If you want to take more time to explore, or even use Varese as a base to explore Milan and it’s surroundings given how close it is, why not check out this farmstay with a Lakeview .

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

When you visit Italy there really is so much to see and do and it’s all so varied with stunning mountain towns, majestic lakes dotted with villages and well preserved historic cities. Italy has something for everyone and it can be hard not to want to explore the entire country.

Thankfully, Milan is perfectly placed to take in the highlights of Northern Italy. The real challenge if you have limited time is picking which ones to visit, especially when there’s so much to do in Milan itself too. It is the perfectly preserved medival town of bergamo. The legendary floating city of Venice or the effortlessly sophisticated charm of Lake Como or Garda.

Which one-day trip from Milan will you choose for your adventure? Remember to stay somewhere in Milan close to good public transport links in order to maximise your time to explore.

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Nic Hilditch-Short

Share or save this post

12 Top-Rated Day Trips from Milan

Written by Barbara Radcliffe Rogers Updated Jul 26, 2022 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Milan's position in Western Lombardy puts it within easy reach of several rewarding day trip destinations. The Alps are so close that you can see them from the roof of the Duomo. Fabled Lake Como is less than an hour by train, and there are several towns near Milan with magnificent churches and cathedrals.

The beautiful cities of Verona and Bergamo are easily accessible, as is Lake Garda. Because Milan is the rail hub of northern Italy, getting to any of these places by train is easy, and high-speed trains make it possible to take a day trip from Milan to Venice or even to the Cinque Terre. Packaged day tours often make it even easier to explore beyond the city.

You can choose the best places to visit by referring to our handy list of the top day trips from Milan.

1. Lake Como

2. verona and lake garda, 3. bernina express to st. moritz, 5. florence, 7. cinque terre, 8. lake maggiore and the borromean islands, 9. bergamo's citta alta, 10. brescia's roman treasures, map of day trips from milan.

Direct trains from either Milan's Stazione Nord or Stazione Centrale take about 30 minutes to reach the small city of Como, at the southern shore of Lake Como. From here, boats leave regularly, stopping at one after another of the lakeside towns, each prettier than the last and each with its own attractions for tourists .

Within a few minutes' walk of the landings are beautiful gardens and villas, art-filled churches, and narrow lanes of smart shops. One of the prettiest towns on Como is Bellagio , set at the tip of a peninsula that divides southern Lake Como into two long arms.

Como itself is worth some time to see its cathedral; the rare frescoes in the 11th-century Basilica of Sant'Abbondio ; and the views from the top of the Brunate funicular, which climbs from the lake shore near the boat landing.

You can easily see Como's Roman origins by the neat grid of streets; one impressive Roman gate survives. The fact that Como was once a major center for silk production makes shopping for silk neckties, scarves, and clothing one of the most popular things to do here.

You can combine a guided walking tour of the town of Como with a scenic lake cruise on the nine-hour Lake Como Day Trip from Milan . The tour varies seasonally, with a stop in lovely Bellagio from April to October and a funicular ride up to Brunate for sweeping lake and mountain views November through March.

Read More From Milan to Lake Como: Best Ways to Get There

The happy blend of Roman antiquities, medieval streetscapes, and the romance of Shakespeare's tragic (though fictional) heroine Juliet puts Verona near the top of everyone's best places to visit in Italy list . In the center of the historic district stands one of Italy's best-preserved Roman arenas , the site of a major summer opera festival .

A few streets away, the riverside castle has been brilliantly repurposed into an art museum, with fine views of the castellated bridge below. At least four of the city's churches are landmarks of Italian architecture and decorative art. There are several Roman gates and subterranean excavations from the same period to explore, but few of Verona's attractions get as many tourists as Juliet's house and balcony.

The two-hour train ride from Milan to Verona passes along the southern shore of Lake Garda , Italy's largest lake. The well-kept town of Sirmione , at the tip of a peninsula that extends into the lake, is worth a stop for its moated castle and the extensive remains of Grotte di Catullo, a Roman villa and spa.

Or you can combine romantic Verona with a visit to Sirmione on a full-day Verona and Lake Garda Day Trip from Milan . The two-hour guided walking tour of Verona is highlighted by visits to the Roman arena and the house commemorating the story of Romeo and Juliet. There is plenty of time to explore Sirmione and its castle before the coach ride back to Milan.

It's a long day, but you can get a taste of the magnificent Alpine scenery north of Milan by making the two-hour train ride to Tirano and boarding the scenic Bernina Express. In two and a half hours, you'll cross 196 bridges, go through 55 tunnels, and cross breathtaking gorges as you climb the Bernina Pass and descend into Switzerland .

The "Little Red Train" has wide vista windows for full views and good photography from every seat. The Bernina Express ends in the legendary Swiss ski resort of St. Moritz , overlooking a lake and the Engadin Alps. The train runs year-round, and the views are equally good in summer or winter.

On the guided Swiss Alps Bernina Express Rail Tour from Milan , you can travel by coach to board the train in Tirano, with time to explore not only that Alpine town but chic St. Moritz as well.

Venice is only 2.5 hours from Milan, and it would be a shame to visit northern Italy without seeing this fabled city, one of the most popular places to go in all Italy. On a day trip, you can easily see the highlights of Venice , including St. Mark's Square , the Basilica of St. Mark , the Grand Canal , the Bridge of Sighs, the Doge's Palace , and Rialto Bridge, and wander in the maze of streets and along the colorful canals.

You can get here by train or travel by coach on a Venice Day Trip from Milan , with a guide who will add historical insights to your visit. The 14-hour trip includes a guided walking tour and a visit to a glass-blowing workshop, along with plenty of free time to sample Venetian restaurants and take an optional gondola ride.

Read More: From Milan to Venice: Best Ways to Get There

Because of Italy's high-speed train lines, you can whizz from Milan to the Renaissance city of Florence in just two hours, leaving plenty of time for seeing the main tourist attractions .

Several of the top sights are an easy walk from the train station: Piazza del Duomo , with the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and Baptistery; Santa Maria Novella; Michelangelo's magnificent Medici tombs in San Lorenzo; Piazza della Signoria ; and the Palazzo Vecchio .

An easy and time-saving way to get from one attraction to the next is with a hop-on-hop-off bus ticket, included in a Florence Day Trip from Milan by Train tour. This tour not only stops at the attractions in the old Centro Storico (historic center) but will take you across the Arno to the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens and up to the scenic overlook of Piazzale Michelangiolo. If art is on your agenda, you can add a skip-the-line admission ticket to the fabled Uffizi Gallery to this tour package.

In only 1.25 hours from Milan by train, you can spend a day in the city that the Dukes of Savoy designed as the Paris of the South . This elegant city of broad avenues and piazzas lined by arcades is a pleasure just to stroll around, but the sightseeing opportunities include a sumptuous Royal Palace , a heart-stopping ride in a glass elevator to the top of The Mole for views of the snowcapped Savoy Alps, and one of the world's foremost collections of Egyptian antiquities .

Turin is known for its cafés, where you'll feel as though you'd stepped back into the city's Golden Age as you sip a bicerin - Turin's own signature coffee/chocolate drink - and nibble delectable pastries.

For those who feel they must include something of ancient Rome in their Italy trip, there is an impressive Roman gate within sight of the church that houses the legendary Shroud of Turin (which is not on public display).

The trip between the five villages known as the Cinque Terre , whether by boat, train, or on foot, is one of the most enjoyable experiences in Italy. The tiny towns are separated by stretches of steep cliffs and connected by a narrow and often precipitous walking trail, and by a train line that tunnels through the rocky headlands between towns.

The colorful villages ooze charm, and although they are clearly not undiscovered, they still look much as they did before they became one of the most popular destinations in Italy.

While exploring the Cinque Terre in one day on your own is more complicated, from April through October you can take a 12-hour Cinque Terre Day Trip from Milan to see the highlights of this beautiful coast. The five villages of this UNESCO-listed region sit on a steep, cliff-lined shore south of Genoa , and after a scenic coach ride along the Mediterranean coast, you'll travel between them by boat and train.

There's free time to explore Monterosso and Manarola, have lunch in your choice of local restaurants, or to take a walk on the coastal path for even more breathtaking views. The trip between the five villages, whether by boat, train or on foot, is one of the top itineraries in Italy.

Read More: From Milan to Cinque Terre: Best Ways to Get There

View over Isola Bella, Borromean Islands

One of the favorite things to do on Lake Maggiore , north of Milan, is island hopping among the three islands near the holiday town of Stresa. After a ride as short as 1.25 hours by fast train, you can take a boat to visit all three islands, their gardens, and palaces - and have time for a lakeside dinner in Stresa before boarding the train back to Milan.

Go first to Isola Bella , entirely filled by the sumptuous 17 th -century summer palace of Count Vitaliano Borromeo and his over-the-top terraced gardens. Citrus and cedar trees, cork oaks, and camellias overlook manicured beds of colorful flowers, with the lake and mountains as a backdrop.

More gardens and a less elaborate palace are on Isola Madre , and the small Isola dei Pescatori is a quaint fishing village with - as you might expect - restaurants serving lake fish. A good way to see all three on your own schedule is on a Lake Maggiore Isola Bella Hop-On Hop-Off Ferry Tour from Stresa, spending as much time exploring the palace and gardens as you like.

On a steep hill, directly above the tidy street grid of new Bergamo, the old city is a tangle of narrow, stone-paved streets lined by buildings dating to the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Reach it by a funicular or by streets that wind upwards to the impressive gates in the 16th-century bastions .

Inside this atmospheric walled village lie most of Bergamo's artistic and historic attractions , many of them clustered around the sloping Piazza Vecchia .

The 12th-century Palazzo della Ragione, with its triple-arched loggia and impressive stone staircase, joins with the tall tower, Torre del Comune , to form the upper side of the square, which is bounded on the other sides by noble houses and a Renaissance palazzo.

At the top of the city, just behind the Palazzo della Ragione, are the Duomo and Santa Maria Maggiore , a Romanesque basilica begun in the early 1100s. The latter church is sumptuous inside and out, with Gothic entrance porches, Baroque stucco work, and beautiful Renaissance choir stalls.

Adjoining it is the Cappella Colleoni , an early Renaissance funeral chapel decorated inside and out with multicolored marble inlay, and a ceiling painted by Tiepolo. Opposite the chapel is an unusual octagonal Baptistery dating from 1340. About 40 kilometers from Milan, Bergamo is on a direct train line.

Brescia is in good company – too good, in fact. Surrounded by some of Italy's top places to visit – Lake Como, Lake Garda, Verona, Milan – many tourists seem to hurry past without stopping. That's a shame because Brescia is only an hour from Milan by train (half that on a fast train) and has the finest collection of Roman remains in northern Europe .

You can stand in the forum and look down into the ancient street with its excavated shop fronts; above rise the impressive columns of the first-century Tempio Capitolino , which you can tour to see its remaining chambers and colored marble floors. Next to it is the 3rd-century Teatro Romano.

But the highlight of Brescia's Roman treasures is the Civici Musei d'Arte e Storia Santa Giulia , a complex that includes an original Roman villa and other homes with stunning mosaic floors. Walkways allow you to admire the fine detail at close range, and artifacts of this and later eras are beautifully displayed and interpreted. But this is only part of the museum that contains entire Lombard and Romanesque churches, a frescoed Nuns' Choir, and a treasury filled with gold work.

This is no ordinary museum, and you won't be sharing the experience or the rest of the attractions in Brescia with a lot of other tourists.

From its prominence as a major Roman capital, Pavia grew into an important university city, known today for its medieval and Renaissance buildings, and for the remaining examples of its original 100 medieval towers.

The impressive 14th-century Castello Visconti retains two of its immense towers and now houses history and art museums. Emperors, including Charlemagne, were crowned in the Romanesque Church of San Michele , and Pavia's cathedral is based on the designs of da Vinci and Bramante.

To see the remaining medieval watch towers , head for Piazza di Leonardo di Vinci, where there are several. The Ponte Coperto is an arched covered bridge over the Ticino River, rebuilt after World War II bombing destroyed the 14th-century bridge. That one was itself a reconstruction of the original Roman bridge.

The crowning attraction of Pavia lies eight kilometers to the north, the Certosa di Pavia , whose monastery is one of the finest Renaissance buildings in all Italy, showing the transition from late Gothic to Renaissance styles. The facade is a riot of marble inlay, friezes, delicate columns, and statues of saints.

Designed as the mausoleum for Milan's ruling Visconti family (you can see the magnificent tomb of the founder, Gian Galeazzo Visconti), it used many of the same artists and architects that created Milan's Duomo. You can tour the church on your own, but to see the exquisite small cloister and the artistic highlights of the monastic buildings, you must join one of the frequent free tours given by the monks.

Sitting at the foot of Mount Campo dei Fiori, Varese is best known for the Sacro Monte di Varese , a series of 17th-century chapels with frescoes and larger-than-life figures depicting Biblical scenes. The tradition of the Sacro Monte is unique to Italy's northern Piedmont and Lombardy, and Varese's joins eight other hillside pilgrimage sites on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Unlike the others, Varese's is surrounded by a village that climbs the steep hillside, surrounding the chapels with tree-shaded streets and villas in the Art Nouveau style - called Liberty style in Italy. In the center of Varese, Palazzo Estense is the richly decorated former villa of the d'Este family, built in the 1700s below a hillside park and terraced formal gardens.

More on Italy

12 best day trips from Milan

Book your individual trip , stress-free with local travel experts

roughguides.com
best-day-trips-from-milan

written by Joanne Owen

updated 6.02.2024

In welcome news for travellers who want more from their city breaks, Milan offers easy access to a host of handsome destinations. Interest piqued? Read on to discover the 12 best day trips from Milan. From exploring some of Lombardy's lakes , and discovering Bologna’s gastronomic delights, to revelling in Verona’s romance, this rundown might just leave you longing to extend your trip.

1. Lake Como

2. lake garda.

9. Lake Maggiore

11. Bergamo

12. brescia, tailor-made travel itineraries for italy, created by local experts.

8 days / from 2646 USD

Experience the hit TV show 'The White Lotus' in Sicily

Stay in beautiful Taormina with gorgeous views of Mount Etna and discover Sicily, including famous filming locations. Go on exclusive wine tastings, discover the Greek theater in Taormina with a private guide, visit other Sicilian towns and enjoy the crystal clear water on this week-long trip.

8 days / from 3289 USD

Enchanting Italian Lakes

Experience the picturesque lakes of Northern Italy, including Lake Garda, Como, Lugano and Maggiore; explore the charming Borromean Islands – former favourites of Ernest Hemingway – and stroll the romantic streets of Verona and Milan. All of this, and much more, with this self-drive trip!

16 days / from 3289 USD

From Venice to Florence: A Grand Tour of Northern Italy

From the atmospheric canals of Venice and the picturesque coastline of Cinque Terre, to the trendy designer boutiques of Milan and the Renaissance-infused streets of Florence, Northern Italy has plenty to offer. Experience it all with this comprehensive trip.

Tailor-made trips for Italy

1 hour from Milan by train

Surrounded by lush, green woodland, with shimmering waters to traverse on romantic boat trips, there’s a reason Lake Como is widely considered to be one of the loveliest Italian lakes.

On a day trip from Milan, your best bet is to focus on its southern area. Conveniently, Lake Como’s principal towns, Como and Lecco, are at the southernmost tips of their own branches of the lake — Ramo di Como and Ramo di Lecco.

Lake Como, Italy — one of the best day trips from Milan © Shutterstock

Set around a small bay at the southernmost tip of the lake’s western fork, Como is an affluent, ancient town. Much of its wealth comes from outlying factories that produce luxury silk items for the fashion houses of Milan, Paris and New York.

At the centre of the bay, lakeside Piazza Cavour is bounded by hotels. However, it takes only a few steps to find yourself among historic churches and atmospheric streets.

After wandering Como’s once-walled quarter, with pedestrianized cobbled lanes reflecting their Roman origins, visit the Duomo. With an enchanting mix of fairy-tale pinnacles, classical statues, and Renaissance tapestries, this is esteemed as Italy’s best example of Gothic-Renaissance fusion.

Next up, stroll the lakeside promenade that curls through a park to Villa Olmo, a Neoclassical pile with glorious (free) gardens. Then ride the funicular railway past nineteenth-century villas to Brunate. This small hilltop resort has plenty of places to eat and drink while you take in gorgeous views of the lake.

Como city cathedral and city skyline © Shutterstock

With the Grigne mountain range as a broodings backdrop, Lecco is at its most atmospheric in the morning, when mists shroud the lake.

Love literature? Visit Villa Manzoni, the childhood home of Alessandro Manzoni, author of the great nineteenth-century Italian novel Promessi Sposi (“The Betrothed”). Today this houses the Museo Manzoniano, a local art gallery, and library.

Another Lecco highlight is the lakefront Basilica, where you can climb the second highest bell tower in Italy for soul-stirring views of the city, lake and mountains

Lecco colorful square view, Como Lake, Lombardy region of Italy © Shutterstock

At 52km long and 17km wide, Lake Garda (Lago di Garda) is Italy’s largest lake. In fact, Lake Garda actually alters the local climate. As a result of a specific pattern of lake breezes, it’s milder here, and often sunnier than might be expected.

Of all Italy’s lakes, Lake Garda also draws the most visitors, and comes recommended as one of the best day trips from Milan. Take your pick from these two beauties:

At the bottom of Lake Garda, the long, narrow promontory of Sirmione is lined with hotels leading up to a very pretty village that’s accessed through ancient castle walls.

Sirmione’s picture-postcard charm owes much to the fairy-tale castle at its entrance. Built when the Della Scala/Scaligeri family of Verona expanded and fortified their territory in the thirteenth century, the Rocca Scaligera is almost entirely surrounded by water.

At the far end of the promontory, a mere fifteen-minute stroll from the castle, you’ll find the remains of a first-century BC/AD Roman villa — the Grotte di Catullo. Scattered among ancient olive trees, the ruins offer superb views across the lake.

Partway along the route to the Roman ruins, a path heads to a shingle beach, the Lido delle Bionde. Here you can eat, drink, swim in the lake, or sunbathe on the pontoon.

Sirmione, popular travel destination on Lake Garda in Italy © Shutterstock

Desenzano del Garda

At Garda’s southwest extremity, Desenzano is a good access point to the lake, and is also within easy reach of Milan. Its attractive waterfront squares – Piazza Malvezzi and Piazza Matteotti – are lined with bars and restaurants.

Nearby, the Roman villa on Via Crocifisso boasts marvellous mosaics, while the castle looming over town offers spectacular views.

Love the sound of the lakes? You'll fall head over heels in love with our customisable Enchanting Italian Lakes itinerary. You'd also do well to get The Rough Guide to the Italian Lakes .

Porto Vecchio in Desenzano del Garda, Italy © Shutterstock

45-minutes from Milan by train

For some respite from Milan’s bustle, head to the small, ancient city of Pavia. Here architectural wonders are served with fine wine, best enjoyed along the banks of the winding Ticino River.

The main reason people are pulled to the Pavia area is to visit the Certosa di Pavia (Charterhouse of Pavia). Set among the rice fields around 40km south of Milan, this is one of the most extravagant monasteries in Europe. Commissioned in 1396 by the Duke of Milan as the family mausoleum, it took a century to build.

As a work of art, the Certosa di Pavia is one of the most important testimonies to the transformation from late-Gothic to Renaissance and Mannerist styles. However, Pavia also boasts a range of Romanesque and Gothic churches, and a plethora of pretty places to eat.

Aerial View Pavia, Italy Certosa di Pavia © Shutterstock

Mad about music? Cremona is definitely one of the best day trips from Milan!

A cosy provincial town in the middle of the Po plain, Cremona is famed for its violins. Andrea Amati established the first violin workshop here in 1566, followed by his son, grandson, and pupils Guarneri and Antonio Stradivari.

Today the city is home to an internationally esteemed school of violin making, and the fascinating Museo del Violino. Add to that some fine Renaissance and medieval buildings, the splendid Piazza del Comune and Duomo, plus plenty of scenic spots to sip wine and people watch, and your day trip from Milan will amount to a richly rewarding experience.

2 hours from Milan by train. Fast train: 1h 27m

Exhilaratingly eclectic, “La Superba” — as Genoa was known at the height of its powers — exudes undeniable vibrancy and intrigue. As such, it’s one of our favourite day trips from Milan.

Stretching behind the revitalised old port, Genoa’s old town is an alluring labyrinth of medieval alleyways. Here you’ll find food shops tucked housed in former palaces, carpenters’ workshops jammed between designer furniture outlets, and no shortage of charming places to sample local seafood.

Aside from soaking up the city’s cosmopolitan buzz, don’t miss the Cattedrale di San Lorenzo, the Palazzo Ducale, and the Renaissance palaces of Via Garibaldi, which contain the best of Genoa’s art collections.

If it’s art you’re after, you’ll also want to visit the Gesù. Located on the corner of Piazza de Ferrari and Piazza Matteotti, this was designed by Pellegrino Tibaldi at the end of the sixteenth century. Today it houses a marvel of marble and gilt stucco and some fine Baroque paintings. Higlhights include Guido Reni’s Assumption, and two works by Rubens — The Miracles of St Ignatius, and The Circumcision.

The Rough Guides to Italy and related travel guides

In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice.

Pocket Rough Guide Walks & Tours Italian Lakes

Home to Europe’s first university, Bologna boasts museums and galleries galore. Top of the tree sits the Museo Civici d’Arte Antica, which is home to the Collezioni Comunali d’Arte, the Museo Davia Bargellini, and the Museo Civico Medievale.

9. Lake Maggiore

1 hour by train to Stresa by train, plus a 20-minute ferry to the Borromean Islands

Characterised by crystalline, blue waters, and surrounded by green hills, with palms and oleanders lining the lakeside promenades, Lake Maggiore has a marvellously serene air. At 66km, it’s also Italy’s longest lake.

Most day-trippers from Milan take the high-speed train to the genteel, sleepy scenic resort town of Stresa. From here, the glorious gardens and villas of the Borromean islands — Bella, Madre and Pescatore — are within easy reach via a 20-minute ferry ride.

Famed for being a favourite haunt of Ernest Hemingway, this trio of beauties are known for their palatial villas, lush parks, and vibrant endemic flora. Romantics will be especially bowled over by Isola Bella. As well as exploring its sumptuous Baroque gardens, don't miss the island’s opulent palazzo. This boasts a banqueting hall, ballroom and throne room, with mirror- and shell-encrusted grottoes down at water level.

Elegant, charming and out-of-this-world enchanting, it’s fair to say that visiting Lake Maggiore makes for an unforgettable day trip from Milan.

Isola Bella is one of the Borromean Islands of Lago Maggiore © Shutterstock

1.5 hours by train from Milan

Located in the Swiss canton of Ticino , taking a day trip from Milan to Lugano can't come more highly recommended. And the reason? With its compact cluster of Italianate piazzas and tree-lined promenades, Lugano is the most alluring of Ticino’s lake resorts. Which is really saying something.

Basking on a south-facing bay of Lake Lugano, the city is framed by wooded hills that rise sheer from the water. Less famous than its Italian near-neighbour Como, Lugano is smaller, sassier and even more stylish.

From its old alleys and winding lanes, to its up-market delicatessens, boutiques, and villa-style hotels, Lugano invites visitors to enjoy the good life. It's also a place to explore churches and galleries, and indulge in strolls under lakeside palms.

For breath-taking views, take a two-stage funicular to Monte Brè from Cassarate — ten minutes’ walk east of the centre of Lugano. Rising directly above the city to a height of 660m, the vista from the summit showcases the lake and surrounding mountains in all their jaw-dropping glory.

lugano-switzerland-shutterstock_210903979

1 hour by train from Milan. 45-minute fast trains also available

50km northeast of Milan, Bergamo looks and feels much closer to the mountains. As such, to mix up your experience, it’s the perfect place to head to on a day trip from Milan.

A real beauty, Bergamo owes much of its magic to the Venetians, who ruled the town for over 350 years. They gave the city its ring of gated walls. You’ll also see facades and open spaces adorned with the Venetian lion.

Another unique element of Bergamo is the way it comprises two distinct parts — Bergamo Bassa, the lower town, city centre on the plain, and medieval Bergamo Alta, 100m above. With charming medieval cobbled quarters rubbing shoulders with late nineteenth- and early twentieth-century buildings, Bergamo Bassa is an architectural delight.

Meanwhile, Bergamo Alta, the upper town, is one of northern Italy’s loveliest urban centres. Attractive and easy-going, in appearance Bergamo Alta remains pretty much as it was in the Middle Ages. The main public spaces – Piazza Vecchia and Piazza del Duomo – combine medieval austerity with the elegance of later Renaissance design.

36 minutes from Milan by train

Boasting a scenic backdrop of vine-covered hills, wealthy Brescia has much to offer travellers who love the allure of ancient attractions, art and contemporary verve.

Overlooked by its Castello, which has been perched on a hill overlook town since the fifteenth century, Brescia boasts Roman remains, Renaissance squares and a magnificent medieval centre. Here you’ll find the marvellous Santa Giulia museum complex.

Visit the Castello to see one of the most extensive collections of arms and weaponry in Europe, or visit in May for Brescia’s legendary Mille Miglia car race. This sees hundreds of stunning classic cars set off from the city centre to Rome.

Into art? Housed in a historic sixteenth century building, the Pinacoteca Tosio Martinengo has been the home of Brecia’s impressive art collection since 1908. The exhibition kicks off with works from the fourteenth century, followed by Raphael’s Christ Blessing and Angel, before moving to sixteenth century Brescian paintings.

Meanwhile, the Parco Archeologico di Brescia Romana reveals the remarkably well-preserved Roman ruins of ancient Brixia. Built in the first century, the Santuario Repubblicano here showcases wall paintings that are the only surviving monumental example of Republican Roman painting in northern Italy.

For more inspiration, browse our customisable Italy itineraries , or talk to our local Italy experts .

Joanne is a Pembrokeshire-born writer with a passion for the nature, cultures and histories of the Caribbean region, especially Dominica. Also passionate about inspiring a love of adventure in young people, she’s the author of several books for children and young adults, hosts international writing workshops, and has written articles on the Caribbean and inspirational community initiatives for Rough Guides. Follow her @JoanneOwen on Twitter and @joanneowenwrites on Instagram.