Discovering Italy: 10 Unforgettable Day Trips from Milan
With its bustling streets and iconic landmarks, Milan is the perfect base for exploring the diverse wonders of northern Italy.
Milanized! Crew
Beyond the city limits lie charming towns, picturesque lakes, and historic sites waiting to be discovered.
If you're craving a break from Milan's urban buzz, here are 10 unforgettable day trips departing from the city center. They promise memorable adventures and cultural immersion.
Lake Como
by car: 1 hour, train: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Lake Como is one of Italy’s most renowned lake destinations, known for its dramatic scenery, opulent villas, and charming lakeside towns. Start your trip to Como, where you can explore the Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta. This Gothic cathedral dominates the main square, or take a leisurely walk along the lakefront promenade. To capture the full beauty of the area, hop on the funicular to Brunate, which offers panoramic views of the lake and surrounding Alps.
For lunch, make your way to La Vita è Bella, a popular spot in Como known for its fresh and creative salads and kinds of pasta. Afterward, take a boat trip to Bellagio, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Here, wander through cobblestone streets, explore Villa Melzi's Gardens, and grab a seat at Ristorante Bilacus for traditional Italian fare.
Stay in Como’s old town for easy access to the lake and the train station. If you're up for more adventure, explore the quieter side of the lake by visiting Varenna for its tranquil charm.
Verona
by car: 2 hours, train: 1 hour and 30 minutes
The romantic city of Verona, made famous by Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, is a treasure trove of history and culture. Begin your day with a visit to Juliet’s Balcony at Casa di Giulietta, a symbolic site for lovers around the world. From there, head to the Arena di Verona, a magnificent Roman amphitheater that still hosts concerts and opera performances. After exploring the city’s ancient landmarks, stroll through the bustling Piazza delle Erbe, lined with colorful buildings and lively market stalls.
For a meal that captures Verona’s essence, visit Antica Bottega del Vino, a renowned restaurant serving traditional dishes like Risotto all’Amarone. In the afternoon, cross the Ponte Pietra bridge and visit the Castel San Pietro for panoramic views of the city.
Stay in Città Antica to be near Verona’s historic heart. This area has a variety of restaurants, bars, and shopping options.
Bergamo
by car: 1 hour, train: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Bergamo is one of Italy’s hidden gems, with a rich medieval history and breathtaking views. The city is divided into two parts: the modern Città Bassa (Lower City) and the historic Città Alta (Upper City). Start your day with a visit to Piazza Vecchia in Città Alta, surrounded by historic buildings like the Palazzo della Ragione and Campanone (the Civic Tower). The Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore and Cappella Colleoni are also must-sees for art and architecture lovers.
Take a break for lunch at Da Mimmo, a charming restaurant known for its local specialties, like Casoncelli alla Bergamasca, a stuffed pasta dish. Afterward, enjoy a leisurely walk along the Venetian walls, which provide panoramic views of the Lombardy countryside.
Stay in Città Alta to immerse yourself in Bergamo’s medieval atmosphere, and don’t forget to explore the winding streets filled with artisan shops and cozy cafés.
Lake Maggiore and the Borromean Islands
by car: 1 hour and 40 minutes, train: 2 hours and 15 minutes
Lake Maggiore is a tranquil retreat from Milan’s bustling energy. Begin your visit in Stresa, a picturesque lakeside town that offers access to the Borromean Islands. Take a boat to Isola Bella to explore its grand Baroque palace and beautiful terraced gardens. The nearby Isola dei Pescatori is known for its quaint fishing village atmosphere and charming seafood restaurants.
For lunch, head to Ristorante Casabella on Isola Bella, where you can dine while enjoying views of the lake. After your island exploration, return to Stresa and take the cable car up to Mottarone, which provides stunning views of Lake Maggiore, the Alps, and even the nearby Lakes Orta and Varese.
Stresa is an excellent place to stay if you're considering a longer visit to Lake Maggiore, with its easy access to both the islands and scenic hiking trails.
Pavia
by car or train: approximately 1 hour
Pavia is a historic university city just south of Milan, offering a relaxing escape filled with history and architecture. Start with a visit to the iconic Certosa di Pavia, a stunning monastery that blends Gothic and Renaissance styles. In the city center, explore the Pavia Cathedral and walk across the Ponte Coperto, a picturesque bridge that spans the Ticino River.
For lunch, try Ristorante Cascina Scova, located just outside the city and known for its traditional Lombardy dishes, such as Risotto alla Certosina, a hearty risotto made with frogs and mushrooms. After lunch, take a stroll through the University of Pavia campus, one of the oldest in Italy, and visit the Botanical Gardens.
Stay near the Piazza della Vittoria to be close to Pavia’s top attractions and charming local cafés.
READ ALSO: Escape the City: 10 incredible city escape destinations to explore from Milan
Cremona
by car or train: approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes
Cremona is famous for its violin-making tradition, and the city's musical heritage is still alive today. Begin your day at the Violin Museum, which showcases the craftsmanship of legendary luthiers like Antonio Stradivari. Next, visit the impressive Cremona Cathedral, a fine example of Lombard Romanesque architecture, and climb the Torrazzo, one of the tallest brick towers in Europe, for stunning views of the city.
Enjoy a lunch of Torrone and Mostarda di Cremona at Ristorante Il Violino, which is known for blending traditional flavors with a modern twist. In the afternoon, explore the Piazza del Comune, the heart of Cremona’s historic district.
Stay near Piazza Stradivari to experience the city’s violin-making culture and historic charm up close.
Lake Garda
by car: approximately 2 hours
Lake Garda is Italy’s largest lake and offers a wealth of activities for visitors. Start your trip in Sirmione, a charming town located on a peninsula that juts into the lake. Visit the ancient Roman ruins at the Grotte di Catullo and take a dip in the thermal waters at the Terme di Sirmione. Sirmione is also home to the medieval Scaliger Castle, which provides stunning views of the lake.
For lunch, visit Trattoria La Fiasca, a popular spot known for its local fish dishes and stunning views of Lake Garda. In the afternoon, take a boat ride to explore other towns around the lake, like Desenzano or Riva del Garda.
Stay in Sirmione for its unique location and access to the lake's many attractions.
Turin
by car: 2 hours, train: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Turin is a cultural and historical gem in northern Italy, known for its royal palaces, world-class museums, and delicious food. Start your day by exploring the Palazzo Reale, the former residence of the House of Savoy, and then head to the Mole Antonelliana, which houses the National Museum of Cinema. Take the elevator to the top for breathtaking views of the city.
For lunch, visit Ristorante Del Cambio, a historic restaurant known for its traditional Agnolotti del Plin and other Piedmontese specialties. Afterward, stroll through Piazza Castello and visit the Egyptian Museum, one of the largest collections of Egyptian artifacts in the world.
Stay near Piazza San Carlo for easy access to Turin’s main attractions and shopping streets.
Monza
by car: 45 minutes, train: 30 minutes
Monza is best known for its Formula 1 racetrack, but it also boasts a rich history and stunning architecture. Start your visit at the Monza Cathedral and its museum, where you can admire the Iron Crown of Lombardy. Then, head to the Villa Reale, a grand neoclassical palace with expansive gardens, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
For lunch, stop by Ristorante Derby Grill, known for its refined Lombard dishes
and proximity to the racetrack. Afterward, take a walk through Parco di Monza, one of the largest enclosed parks in Europe, where you can enjoy a mix of nature and history.
Stay near the city center to experience both Monza’s cultural attractions and its vibrant restaurant scene.
Bologna
by car: 2 hours and 40 minutes, high-speed train: approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes
Bologna, the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region, is a food lover’s paradise. Start your day in Piazza Maggiore, the city’s main square, and visit the Basilica di San Petronio, one of the largest churches in the world. Don’t miss a climb up the Asinelli Tower for a breathtaking view of the city’s red-tiled rooftops.
For lunch, visit Trattoria da Gianni, known for its authentic Tagliatelle al Ragù (Bolognese sauce) and Tortellini in Brodo. In the afternoon, explore the Quadrilatero district, Bologna's historic food market, where you can sample local cheeses, cured meats, and wines.
Stay near Piazza Maggiore to enjoy Bologna’s vibrant food culture and historic sites.
Conclusion
From tranquil lakes to historic cities, these 10-day trips from Milan offer a glimpse into northern Italy's diverse beauty and cultural richness. Whether you seek scenic landscapes, architectural marvels, or culinary adventures, these destinations promise unforgettable experiences that can enrich your journey through this captivating region.
So pack your bags, embark on an adventure, and let the wonders of northern Italy unfold before you.
