Top Day Trips from Milan

Milan may be Italy’s capital of fashion and glamour, but it’s also the gateway to a region rich in culture, fine food, and stunning scenery. Within a few hours of the city, visitors can splash or boat on gorgeous lakes, scramble over rugged mountain ranges, wander the charming lanes of medieval towns, and gawk at UNESCO-listed hill villages and ancient relics.

Venture away from Milan’s trendy events, gourmet dining, and cosmopolitan nightlife to find a wealth of rewards. Whether it’s meandering through the medieval alleys of Bergamo or enjoying a boat trip on Lake Como, a day trip from Milan will broaden your experience of this wonderful corner of Italy—particularly in spring, before the summer crowds arrive. Here are eight of the best day trips from Milan.

Lake Como

Why go?: To experience la bella vita

Adorned with lavish villas and framed by the dramatic scenery of the Italian Alps, enchanting Lake Como has been a playground for the wealthy long before George Clooney entered the scene. Rent a boat (no boat license required) to cruise from one charming town to the next, immersing yourself in the relaxed lifestyle.

Highlights include the picturesque Bellagio with its stunning terracotta-tiled rooftops, along with the lovely towns of Varenna, Menaggio, and Como. Don’t miss stunning villas such as Tremezzo’s Villa Carlotta and Villa Balbianello in Lenno—recognizable from films like Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones and Casino Royale.

Getting to Lake Como: Trains leave frequently from Cadorna, Porta Garibaldi, and Centrale train stations in Milan, stopping at Como Nord Lago. The journey takes up to 90 minutes, depending on the train’s route. Alternatively, driving here takes about an hour via the E62 and A9 highways.

Lake Maggiore and the Borromean Islands

Why go?: For an island escape

Though not as widely recognized as Lake Como, Lake Maggiore is equally breathtaking and features the three stunning Borromean Islands. Named after the aristocratic family responsible for their acquisition in the 16th and 17th centuries, each island offers its own unique charm worth exploring.

Isola Bella is renowned for its grand baroque palace and romantic Italian-style gardens. Meanwhile, Isola Madre boasts 20 acres of landscaped botanical gardens featuring exotic plants and birds. Lastly, Superiore, or Isola dei Pescatori, retains its humble origins as a fishing village, with around 25 residents maintaining a simple way of life.

Getting to Lake Maggiore: Take a train from Porta Garibaldi or Centrale stations in Milan to Stresa, where boat trips to the islands can be arranged. The trip to Stresa takes about 90 minutes by either train or car, with scenic routes along the lake’s western bank through the Val Cannobina.

Bergamo

Why go?: For historic architecture

Set against the backdrop of the Alps, Bergamo offers stunning views and a rich historical landscape. The city consists of upper and lower districts, with the lower Città Bassa showcasing Bergamo’s contemporary side, while the upper Città Alta retains a fairytale-like charm.

Encircled by 3 miles (5km) of 16th-century UNESCO-listed Venetian walls, visitors can explore winding medieval alleys and admire elegant Renaissance architecture. Don’t miss the Piazza Vecchia, lined with ornate palazzi, and the baroque Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore.

Getting to Bergamo: Trains to Bergamo leave every hour from Milan’s Porta Garibaldi and Centrale stations, taking about an hour. For those driving, take the A4 motorway and follow signs to Bergamo. Note that traffic in the Città Alta is restricted, but limited parking is available outside the city walls.

Lake Garda

Why go?: For breathtaking lake views

Spanning 370 sq km (143 sq miles), Lake Garda is the largest of Italy’s lakes, positioned across three regions and attracting nearly one in ten visitors to Italy. Its views, fine cuisine, nearby vineyards, and cultural allure make it a must-see. To appreciate this region fully, exploration should be done leisurely.

The western Lombardy-facing shore is particularly picturesque, with historic towns, grand villas, and vibrant gardens, while the eastern shore features silver olive groves. When taking a day trip from Milan, focus on towns like Sirmione or Desenzano del Garda for a deep experience of the region.

Getting to Lake Garda: Desenzano del Garda is on the Milan–Venice train line with a quick train service taking about an hour; it’s an additional half-hour to Verona. By car, the journey takes approximately two hours.

Verona

Why go?: For a romantic atmosphere

Verona is renowned for its connections to Shakespeare, drawing international visitors to its charming piazzas and winding lanes. Many search for the legacy of Romeo and Juliet, but the enchanting backstreets often leave a more lasting impression.

Central Verona is home to a well-preserved amphitheater from the 1st century CE, surrounded by countless churches, architecturally interesting bridges spanning the Adige River, and a wealth of regional wine and cuisine. Combining a visit to Lake Garda is feasible for a long but rewarding day trip.

Getting to Verona: The fast train from Milan takes just over an hour; driving is closer to two hours. The journey between Verona and Lake Garda takes around 25 minutes.

Varese

Why go?: For art without the crowds

Varese is a thriving provincial capital featuring a lovely old town and beautiful villas that make for an excellent day trip. A highlight is the stunning 18th-century Villa Panza, known for its impressive collection of contemporary American art.

The villa, donated in 1996 to the Fondo Ambiente Italiano, displays works collected by Count Giuseppe Panza since the 1950s. Marvel at elegant rooms adorned with Renaissance furniture, and take a leisurely stroll through the scenic Italian-style gardens.

Getting to Varese: Trains from Milan’s Porta Garibaldi and Cadorna stations travel to Varese. From there, take Bus A from Piazzale Trieste to Piazza Litta, near Villa Panza. The entire journey takes over an hour, but driving via A8 motorway is faster if you follow signs to the parking station at Piazza Repubblica.

Pavia

Why go?: For compact grandeur

Pavia is a vibrant university town filled with historical charm. A visit to the University of Pavia, one of Europe’s oldest, is essential. Founded in 1361, its notable alumni include figures like Ugo Foscolo and Alessandro Volta.

The Romanesque Basilica di San Michele, the impressive castle, and the grand main cathedral with its massive dome are also worthwhile stops. Just outside Pavia lies Certosa di Pavia, a striking mixture of Renaissance and Gothic architecture that dates from 1396, making it an impressive sight.

Getting to Pavia: Trains for Pavia depart from Milan’s Centrale and Rogoredo stations, taking approximately 30 minutes. Driving will take around an hour.

Monza

Why go?: For the thrill of the race

For fans of motorsports, the Autodromo Nazionale Monza boasts a rich history, having opened in 1922 and hosting the Formula One Italian Grand Prix almost since the beginning. Known as the “Temple of Speed,” watching a race here is a must for any enthusiast.

Non-professional drivers can also fulfill their dreams of racing in a Ferrari or Lamborghini at this iconic venue. For those less inclined towards speed, the track can be experienced by minivan or bike.

Getting to Monza: Trains from Milan’s Centrale and Porta Garibaldi stations take about 15 minutes to reach Monza. From the station, Board Bus Z221 towards Carate/Mariano and disembark at Vedano al Lambro, within walking distance of the racetrack’s Porta Vedano entrance.

This article was first published Jul 11, 2019, and updated Feb 25, 2021.