15 Best Day Trips From Milan

Milan welcomes between 6 and 8 million tourists each year. Everyone flocks to Italy’s fashion capital to visit inspiring museums, admire impressive architecture, and enjoy lively nightlife. But did you know there are also some fantastic day trips from Milan?

Even though I was born and raised in Sardinia, Italy, I find myself traveling to Milan pretty regularly, whether it’s for a concert or for a bit of shopping. But I also like to step out of the city vibes and explore some more off-the-beaten-path destinations in Italy.

Milan is an exceptional city, with a fascinating historic center that’s easy to explore in just one day, but it can also feel a bit chaotic and monotonous at times.

Fortunately, Milan is so well connected to the rest of the country via an excellent network of transportation so that it’s very easy to escape for a bit. So, I’m here to share the best day trips for travelers who want something different during their Italy travels.

Now, let’s discover the places you can easily visit from Milan.

Top Milan Day Trips

Pavia

Distance from Milan: 42 km (26 miles)

Pavia may not be one of the most well-known cities in Italy, but it’s undoubtedly one of the easiest day trips from Milan by train. It’s only 20-30 minutes by train, with trains leaving Milan regularly throughout the day.

And honestly, Pavia is a pretty underrated little gem in northern Italy. It’s nicknamed the “City of 100 Towers” because of the many medieval towers scattered around the region. Still, the charming town also boasts beautiful churches, cobblestone streets, and a Romanesque and Gothic style blend of architecture.

You must visit the Duomo di Pavia, the central cathedral that dominates the simple town’s skyline. Certosa di Pavia is another must-see attraction. It’s a sanctuary, monastery, and, better yet, very relaxing and tranquil gardens. It’s actually about 8 km (5 miles) from Pavia town, so it’s best to visit with your rental car or on a guided tour.

If you’re into wine, the Oltrepo Pavese region has some superb vineyards and is a beautiful area to explore.

If you’re looking for one of the most unique guided tours from Milan to Pavia, I recommend this From Milan to Certosa of Pavia with a Classic Car. You’ll ride in an old, antique car to Certosa di Pavia, Duomo di Pavia, and Visconti Castle. The old vehicle really adds to the experience and is a fun escape from the city for a day.

Bergamo

Distance from Milan: 59 km (37 miles)

Speaking of unique activities, Bergamo is another excellent day trip. The city is divided into the Upper Town (Città Alta) and the Lower Town (Città Bassa). The Upper Town is a medieval walled city with narrow streets and historic buildings, while the Lower Town is more modern. You can actually take the funicular to Upper Town.

Piazza Vecchia is the heart of the Upper Town and is a must-see. It’s surrounded by beautiful buildings and lined with quintessential Italian cafes. But you should also check the Colleoni Chapel, Rocca di Bergamo Fortress, Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, and walk along the Venetian Walls around Città Alta.

You should also try to explore the surrounding region of Bergamo. One of my favorite places around here is Crespi d’Adda, which is actually located about halfway between Milan and Bergamo. It’s a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and famous for being one of the most marvelous “working villages.”

The village was built by Cristoforo Benigno Crespi to house the workers in his textile factories and was further developed by his son. It was known to have an excellent quality of life for employees living there and many amenities and public facilities.

If you’d like a tour to visit the Bergamo highlights, I recommend this Franciacorta Winery and Bergamo Day Trip with Lunch. The tour does not stop at Crespi d’Adda but does set aside around two hours for a self-guided tour of Bergamo town, a winery tour with two tastings, and lunch at Lake Iseo. It’s a scenic day tour from Milan and a good way to see more of the region.

Lake Como

Distance from Milan: 77 km (48 miles)

Lake Como has earned a reputation as a luxury vacation spot for the rich and famous. It was even a popular retreat for the wealthy Romans thousands of years ago. It’s one of the most majestic and stunning regions of northern Italy.

Fortunately, you don’t need to be rich and famous to visit Lake Como. It’s only about an hour by train from Milan, depending on which village(s) you visit, so it’s very doable.

Bellagio, also known as “The Pearl of Lake Como,” is one of the most popular villages along the lake and is worth visiting. Other famous villages include Varenna and Brunate. You can easily spend a whole day touring other villas, palaces, and mansions, some of which belong to celebrities.

One of the best things to do on Lake Como is enjoy an afternoon on the lake. You can join a boat tour around the calm waters or opt for kitesurfing, windsurfing, or sailing.

If you want to see more of the lake and you don’t have a vehicle, an organized tour might be your best bet. I recommend this Lake Como & Bellagio by Bus & Private Boat Tour. The tour itinerary involves an hour-long boat cruise on Lake Como, free time in Bellagio, and time to explore Villa Olmo, a neoclassical villa in Como. The tour includes roundtrip transportation on a luxury bus, a bilingual guide, a walking tour in Como, and a boat cruise.

Lugano (Switzerland)

Distance from Milan: 78 km (49 miles)

Believe it or not, it’s just as easy to get to some parts of Switzerland from Milan as it is to get to other parts of Italy. Lugano is one of the closest Swiss towns to Milan (only about an hour by train) and has endless charm.

Lugano is a picturesque city on the northern shores of Lake Lugano in Switzerland’s Italian-speaking region. It seamlessly blends Italian and Swiss cultures. The city is also a nice escape from Milan because of the beautiful parks, promenades, mountains, and location on the breathtaking Lake Lugano.

One of the best things to do is take the Monte San Salvatore funicular railway to the summit. There are trails up there and incredible views of the mountains and town below.

There are also some really lovely shops, cafes, museums, and lots of local chocolate stores in Lugano. The only downside is that it’s pretty expensive compared to Italy, but it might be worth it if you have the budget!

Many guided tours to Lake Como also include a brief stop in Lugano. For example, this Lake Como and Lugano Day Trip with Private Cruise is one of the best day tours from Milan. It includes a cruise around Lake Como, time to explore Bellagio on Lake Como, and over an hour to spend in Lugano, Switzerland.

Lake Maggiore

Distance from Milan: 87 km (54 miles)

If you aren’t tired of lake destinations yet, Lake Maggiore is a great place to visit on a day trip. It’s the second-largest lake in Italy and is known for its serene beauty and diverse landscapes.

It’s especially recommended for outdoor lovers, as there are many fun activities for those who want to spend a day on the lake but want something less touristy than Lake Como. Lake Maggiore isn’t unheard of, but it has fewer tourists and high-profile visitors than Lake Como.

Stresa, Locarno, and Laverno are my favorite towns along Lake Maggiore, though the village of Ranco is actually much closer to Milan.

You should also take a boat ride around the lake and visit some Borromean islands (among Italy’s most famous islands), such as Isola Madre, Isola dei Pescatori, and Isola Bella.

If you travel to Stresa from Milan independently, book this 3 Borromean Islands Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour. It’s the best way to visit all three of the main islands without the stress of too much structure.

You can also go on a fully guided tour from Milan, like this Unique Lake Maggiore Day Trip from Milan. The tour covers all transportation and itinerary planning, including a guide and entrance fees. You’ll also visit the three islands on a boat cruise.

Franciacorta

Distance from Milan: 96 km (60 miles)

Franciacorta is a picturesque wine region nestled between Lake Iseo and Brescia. This area is characterized by rolling hills scattered with vineyards, charming villages, and elegant wineries, perfect for wine lovers.

The best thing to do in this small district is to sample local wines. The region is famous for its sparkling wine, Franciacorta, made like traditional champagne. Franciacorta wine is made from grapes grown in this region and has been granted DOCG status (the highest classification for Italian wines based on production and wine quality) since 1995.

Unfortunately, there are no direct trains from Milan to Franciacorta. All the same, because you’d need a car or independent transportation to catch most of this breathtaking region. So, the best way to get here is to rent a car or go on a guided wine-tasting tour.

If you’re looking for the best day tours from Milan for wine lovers, look no further than this Franciacorta Winery and Bergamo Day Trip with Lunch. The tour includes time in Bergamo, another of the most popular day trips from Milan, and a three-course lunch with Franciacorta wine on the wine route.

Parma

Distance from Milan: 125 km (78 miles)

Parma is a charming Italian city in the Emilia-Romagna region, about an hour and a half by train from Milan. Its biggest international claim to fame is being the home of parmesan cheese (parmigiano reggiano) and parma ham (prosciutto).

Did you know that real parmigiano-reggiano must come from Parma and the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy? So, if you’re from a place like the United States, parmesan cheese, as you know it, is likely not even the real deal.

Anyway, it should be no surprise that one of the best things to do in Parma is to enjoy the incredible cuisine. But it would be best to visit the Duomo di Parma, the central cathedral with beautiful frescoes and Romanesque architecture.

Teatro Regio is Parma’s theater, one of the oldest theaters in Italy, and was built in a beautiful neoclassical style. The theater still hosts various events, including Festival Verdi, workshops for children, and themed tours of the theater.

Turin

Distance from Milan: 143 km (89 miles)

Turin is one of the best day trips from Milan because there is so much to do in this city, which also has such a different vibe from Milan. It’s the perfect way to spice up your trip and take a break from the hustle and bustle of the fashion capital.

Turin was the first capital of Italy between 1861 and 1865. While its reign as the capital didn’t last long, the city still has complex historical ties to the country, religion, and culture today.

The city is most known for the Shroud of Turin, which depicts Jesus’ face. The Cathedral of San Lorenzo is another must-see in Turin. It’s a beautiful baroque church in the corner of Piazza Castello, an excellent place for tourists.

The Egyptian Museum is another great attraction in the city. It specializes in Egyptian archeology and focuses on restoration and community education through various programs and events throughout the year. It’s a fantastic museum and one of the best places to learn about Egyptian anthropology outside of Egypt itself.

Finally, you should go up the Mole Antonelliana. It was meant to be a synagogue but now houses the National Museum of Cinema, whose visit is included in the price of your ticket. You can take the stairs or the elevator up to enjoy magnificent views of the city.

My Full Guide To Turin will help you plan your trip.

Lake Garda

Distance from Milan: 146 km (91 miles)

Lake Garda is Italy’s largest lake, located at the foot of the Dolomites. It is known for its crystal-clear waters, charming towns, and mountainous scenery.

One of the best places to visit on Lake Garda is Sirmione, where you’ll find Scaliger Castle, thermal baths, beautiful beaches that are great for swimming, and the Roman ruins, Grotte di Catullo.

You can also see the charming village of Malcesine, where you can take a funicular to the top of Monte Baldo for breathtaking views of Lake Garda and the Dolomites.

Most people also take boat tours around the lake and visit the small islands scattered around. Isola del Garda is the largest island and is most known as the place where Francesco d’Assisi found a monastery in 1220.

If you’d like a full-day tour of Lake Garda and other nearby attractions, check out this Verona, Sirmione, and Lake Garda with a Boat Cruise departing from Milan. The tour goes to Juliet’s balcony in Verona, allows some time in Sirmione on Lake Garda, and a cruise around Lake Garda. It passes through some of the most iconic sites around the lake, like Scalifero Castle in Sirmione.

If traveling to Lake Garda independently, you might be interested in a boat tour, like this Sunset Boat Cruise with Local Wine from Sirmione. It’s the best way to experience the lake at the most beautiful hour.

Verona

Distance from Milan: 168 km (104 miles)

Verona is a romantic city in the Veneto region, about a 1-2 hour train ride from Milan. It’s famous for its well-preserved architecture and association with Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet (Juliet’s balcony of the iconic balcony scene between Romeo and Juliet is located here). You can actually visit Juliet’s balcony!

One of the best things about Verona is the lively squares around the city center. Piazza Mercato and Piazza delle Erbe are two popular places for tourists looking for good people-watching and souvenir-shopping.

Castelvecchio is one of the city’s most important monuments. It is a massive castle that was once Verona’s primary defense. The castle and its grounds are really impressive, and you can get views of the city from the bridge attached to the main complex.

Verona is one of the best places in Italy, so it deserves more than a day trip, but if you can’t set aside the time for it, a day trip will suffice.

I already recommended this Verona, Sirmione, and Lake Garda with a Boat Cruise. It’s one of the best ways to visit Verona on a guided tour, and transportation is included. The tour includes a visit to Sirmione and Lake Garda and three hours to explore Verona, which is plenty of time for a taste of the romantic, bustling city.

Bologna

Distance from Milan: 214 km (133 miles)

Bologna, the food capital of Italy, is a must-visit for foodies. Some of Italy’s most famous dishes come from Bologna, including lasagna bolognese and tagliatelle al ragu (which became spaghetti bolognese outside of Italy), amongst others.

Also, if you can’t make it all the way over to Pisa, you can see the leaning tower in Bologna instead! There are many towers in Bologna. Two of them, Asinelli and Garisenda, that like others date back to the early 1100s, are the most famous ones. The smaller of the two towers is crooked, just like the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Other fun places to visit in Bologna include Piazza Maggiore, the heart of the city, Basilica di San Petronio, and the Palazzo del Podestà.

Bologna deserves at least two or three days, especially if you’re there to sample the fantastic food. But if you have to choose between not visiting it at all or visiting on a day trip, I’d choose the latter.

Aosta Valley

Distance from Milan: 217 km (135 miles)

Aosta Valley, though a little further away from the city, is one of the best day trips from Milan for outdoor enthusiasts. This haven is full of excellent skiing in the winter and hiking trails for all levels in the warmer months.

The Aosta Valley is a stunning region in the Italian Alps, known for its majestic mountains, lush valleys, and charming alpine villages. The backdrop from most places in the valley is dominated by iconic peaks, like the Matterhorn, Mont Blanc, and Monte Rosa.

This is home to Gran Paradiso National Park, Italy’s first national park. It offers endless hiking and outdoor activities. I recommend riding the cable car over Mont Blanc from La Palud for some of the best views.

You can also visit the town of Aosta, which has some well-preserved ruins, a restored Roman theater, and other exciting sites for history lovers.

The easiest way to get to Aosta Valley is via Turin. So, you’d have to take the train from Milan to Turin and from Turin to Aosta. It’s much easier (and faster) to drive if you can rent a car. This gives you much more independence to venture out into the valley for good hikes or viewpoints.

Cinque Terre

Distance from Milan: 250 km (155 miles)

There’s no question that Cinque Terre deserves more than one day, and it’s a bit far from Milan, so your day would be crammed full. However, if you simply don’t have time to dedicate to Cinque Terre, you can get a little taste.

Cinque Terre is a collection of picturesque villages perched on the rugged cliffs of the Italian Riviera. Colorful houses, terraced vineyards, and stunning sea views on every corner characterize the coastal zone.

There are five villages in Cinque Terre, four right on the coast with access to the beach and some good swimming spots. All the villages are actually connected by a railway line, so you can easily visit them all in one day without your own transportation.

It takes about three hours to travel from Milan to Monterosso, one of the best starting points for a day in Cinque Terre. However, you can also take a guided tour that prepares and organizes all the logistics.

If you decide to visit Cinque Terre on a day trip, this Milan: Cinque Terre Full-Day Guided Trip With Cruise is one of the best day tours from Milan. The activity includes a lovely cruise from La Spezia, exploring Manarola, Monterosso, and other towns. Despite all the different things on the itinerary, it doesn’t feel rushed.

My post What To See And Do In Cinque Terre shares more information on the best activities in the area.

Venice

Distance from Milan: 278 km (173 miles)

Everyone’s heard of Venice. It’s the city of romantic gondola rides and winding canals through. It’s one of the most gorgeous cities in the world, even despite the tourists that flock there every day.

You need to spend at least a few days in Venice because there’s so much to do and see, but a day trip from Milan is also possible if you have no other choice.

The bonus of spending only one day in Venice is that many top tourist attractions are within walking distance one from the other. St. Mark’s Square is a complex consisting of St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, and other historical monuments.

Not too far away, you can cross the famous Rialto Bridge or hop on the Canal Grande for a relaxing gondola ride.

The good news is that Venice is one of Italy’s most famous cities and is very well connected to Milan (and other parts of the country). Trains depart regularly directly to Venice, which takes only a little over two hours. You can also join a guided tour that’ll arrange everything for you.

For a guided tour, I recommend this Day Trip to Venice with Guided City Tour. The tour includes roundtrip transportation, a walking tour of Venice with a knowledgeable guide, and a boat trip. It doesn’t include other popular activities, like gondola rides down the canal, but there’s time to do that on your own.

My post A Useful Guide To Venice highlights the best things to see in the city.

Florence

Distance from Milan: 313 km (195 miles)

Florence seems like a long jump from Milan, but it’s actually not as far as you think. The speed train from Milan to Florence only takes about two hours, and there are trains leaving regularly, starting in the early morning. So, it’s totally possible to visit on a day trip from Milan.

Of course, Florence is full of magic, history, culture, and beauty that you may want more than one day. Florence is the Cradle of the Renaissance, with stunning art, architecture, and culture. Uffizi Gallery and Accademia Gallery are two of the most iconic art galleries in the country, with the latter being home to Michelangelo’s David.

You can also spend some time at the Florence Cathedral (you can actually climb to the top of Brunelleschi’s Dome for incredible views), walk along Ponte Vecchio, and unwind in the Boboli Gardens. The options are endless for one day in Florence.

If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of planning and preparing, I recommend this From Milan: Florence and Pisa Day Trip. It’s an action-packed day tour to Florence and Pisa. You’ll spend about 2.5 hours in Florence, where you’ll visit the Duomo Complex and Ponte Vecchio. You’ll then take the train to Pisa and see the Tower of Pisa and the Square of Miracles. It’s a really good (albeit a bit rushed) way to see it all.

My post A Useful Guide To Florence highlights the unmissable attractions in the city.

Conclusions On The Best Day Trips From Milan

Milan is such an exciting place in Italy. Between all the shopping, the good food, the history, and the endless activities, it’s hard to get bored. That said, sometimes you need to change it up a bit or want to cram in a bucket-list destination on a day trip.

And fortunately, there’s no shortage of those. Are you looking for a lake day trip? You can hop over the border to Switzerland to visit Lugano or stay inside the country to visit Lake Como, Lake Maggiore, or Lake Garda. Are you looking for mountains and hiking? No problem, head to Aosta Valley. Looking for wine tasting? Head to the Langhe region in Piedmont.

If none of that is your cup of tea, venture out to Mantua, Florence or Venice. As you can see, the options for interesting day trips from Milan are endless.

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