Milan is in the perfect location to use as a base in Northern Italy while you plan various day trips. Thanks to high-speed trains, in 2 hours or less you have dozens of large or small towns to explore. I’ve pulled together the list of the best day trips from Milan!
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Turin (Torino)
Similar to Milan, Turin is a very elegant city. The layout, the streets, the architecutre, the people: everyone and everything seems orderly and put together. But Turin is more than just a pretty face. There are some of Italy’s most famous museums located here (cars, film and tv, ancient Egyptians, etc!). You also don’t want to miss sampling their famous vermouths.
Verona
Wherefore art though, Verona? Well, only an hour away from Milan – making it a great day trip idea. Visit its Roman amphitheater, ornate churches, and tranquil alleyways. Verona is really one of the most picturesque towns you can visit in Italy.
Bergamo
Another great day trip from Milan is Bergamo. If you like blending a mix of old and new, you’ll love Bergamo. It is comprised of an upper (medieval) and lower (modern) town, so you can experience it all! Walk through Citta Alta and marvel at the cathedral and then head to Citta Bassa to grab a new dress at Zara. Don’t forget to eat casoncelli, my favorite Bergamo dish.
Brescia
Many people may not realize there are well-preserved Roman ruins in the north of Italy! The best are in Brescia, a smaller town located in the northern Franciacorta Valley. Roman ruins and sparkling wine? It’s a win-win.
Lake Como
Lake Como is a popular day trip from Milan given its proximity and ease of access – you really don’t need a car to get here from Milan! Most visitors take the train to Varenna, which leaves every hour, and then hop on a ferry to Bellagio or across to Menaggio. These towns are adorable, BUT packed with tourists in the high-season. So be prepared for sweaty, crowded trains.
Avid trekkers will also enjoy Lake Como – there are plenty of hiking options to visit trails that are a little less packed than the main towns. Check out this one below:
Lake Maggiore
Hop on a train and in about 75 minutes you’ll find yourself in Stresa, along the shoreline of Lake Maggiore. I recommend taking a walk along the shore and admiring the beauty of the lake with the mountains situated along the coast. Then, head to the marina and book a tour of the Borromean Islands. Read more about visiting Lake Maggiore as a day trip from Milan below.
Pavia
I really think Pavia is a hidden gem that Milan visitors often overlook during their trip. Not only is it packed with history – it’s easy to spend an entire day walking around and reading about its significance for Italian academics or its damages from the war – but it is just 40 minutes from Milan’s city center.
Lugano
One of my favorite day trips from Milan is actually leaving Italy! In just over an hour, you can easily cross the border by train and arrive in Lugano, Switzerland. Don’t fret – it still feels very Italian (we’re in the Italian region of Switzerland)! It feels like a nature retreat with the big lake and large mountains surrounding the town center. Head to Lugano to enjoy a relaxing boat ride, various hikes, or even just to stock up on some Swiss chocolate.
As you can see, Milan is an excellent city to use as a base while you complete a plethora of fun day trips and this is just scratching at the surface!
Do you have any other ideas of day trips from Milan? Let me know!
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