Best Day Trips From Milan

The fashion capital of Italy is one of the country’s most visited cities and that’s for a reason. Milan really has a lot to offer to its visitors, but there’s a lot more to discover – and it only takes about an hour to truly experience the Italian tradition and culture. We present you a list of top 10 best day trips from Milan!

Florence

Florence is a city made for walking, and as you’re passing through its narrow cobbled streets, its medieval chapels, fresco-decorated churches, world-class art museums full of paintings and sculptures by world’s most famous artists, you will feel like you’re back in time. It is small but with extraordinary art and architecture masterpieces at every turn. No wonder that the entire city centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

What to see and do

Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flower is probably one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Italy. The cathedral is also known as Duomo di Firenze. It dominates the skyline and stands out for miles creating an imposing sight amongst other medieval buildings. 

Palazzo Vecchio is the most important administrative building in Florence and it overlooks the Piazza della Signoria, which holds the copy of Michelangelo’s David statue. 

Ponte Vecchio is the oldest crossing of the Arno River. It is a medieval stone closed-spandrel segmental arch bridge and it has stood in that position since Roman times.

Basilica of Santa Croce is one of the finest examples of Italian Gothic architecture and in it were buried many famous Italians such as Leon Battista Alberti, Michelangelo, Vittorio Alfieri, Leonardo Bruni and Galileo. 

Another ‘must visit’ is the Galleria dell’Accademia with the original Michelangelo’s David sculpture and the Boboli Gardens connected to the Palazzo Pitti.

Where to eat

Italy is a country famous for its excellent cuisine, so there are restaurants on every corner of Florence. There is something to please everyone’s taste buds as well as budget. If you want to try something new and authentic here are some of the most popular dishes from Florence: Bistecca alla Fiorentina, Schiacciata Fiorentina, Tagliatelle Funghi Porcini e Tartufo, Pappardelle al Cinghiale, Lampredotto and of course, the famous gelato.

How to get from Milan to Florence

The best way to travel from Milan to Florence is via train or a bus. The cheaper option is by bus and the travel time is around 4,5 hours. There are a lot of high-speed trains that take that route (around 50-60 a day) and they depart every hour or half an hour. The journey lasts approximately 1 hour 40 minutes.

Milan to Florence

Lake Garda

Lake Garda (Lago di Garda) is the largest lake in Italy. The area around it is dotted with a lot of charming small towns that are very different from north to south because of the size of the lake, so if you have more than a day to visit, we suggest you check out more than just one town.

What to see and do

The lake is famous for its picturesque landscape made up of flourishing vegetation such as olive and lemon groves, palms, cypresses, oleanders and orange trees.

Riva del Garda is the most famous town on the lake. It is ideal for hiking and it is very close to some wonderful mountain bike trails of various lengths and difficulties. If you just want to relax, we suggest you spend an afternoon sailing around Lake Garda.

Another two towns definitely worth visiting are Malcesine, situated at the foothills of Monte Altissimo which is the tallest peak overlooking Lake Garda, and Bardolino, a small town famous for good wine ever since Roman times.

Peschiera del Garda is the largest town on the Veneto side of the lake. The historic centre is surrounded by pentagonal walls of the Fortress which is connected to the rest of the city by a bridge. The most famous tourist attractions are Palazzina Storica Museo, Museo della Pesca and Sanctuary of Madonna del Frassino.

Another popular destination near Lake Garda is Brescia, a town with a significant artistic and archaeological heritage. From historic cathedrals and churches to stunning squares and amazing museums, every bit of this beautiful town tells a story. 

Where to eat

Whichever town you choose, you won’t be disappointed with the choice of restaurants. Every place has plenty to offer and in each place, you can find authentic Italian food as well as modern recipe dishes. Some of the traditional dishes are tortellini di Valeggio, bigoli con le sarde, risotto con la tinca, luccio e polenta, yota and be sure to try Garda lemons and wines.

How to get from Milan to Lake Garda

The distance between Milan and Lake Garda is approximately 118 kilometres and the fastest way to get to Lake Garda is by bus or train. The trains depart up to 25 times a day and the journey lasts from 1 hour to 2 hours but it all depends on which place you choose to visit. The cheapest option is the bus and the journey lasts approximately 2 hours.

Milan to Peschiera del Garda

Lake Como & Bellagio

Lake Como is Italy’s third-largest lake and one of the deepest lakes in Europe. It is located at the foot of the Alps, not far from Switzerland. It is shaped like a letter ‘’Y’’ and halfway between the two southernmost branches of the lake is a town that is considered the Pearl of Lake Como, Bellagio.

What to see and do

Bellagio is a small town so most of the attractions are located within walking distance. The old town centre has one main road – Via Giuseppe Garibaldi which is full of shops. And at the end of the street, you will find yourself at the Punta Spartivento, the ‘’tip’’ of the town. Punta Spartivento provides the most beautiful view of Lake Como and the surrounding mountains. Villa Melzi, unfortunately, isn’t open to the public, but you can visit the surrounding Melzi Gardens with azaleas and gigantic rhododendrons, the hidden cave and the artificial pond in Japanese style.

Another fun thing to do in Bellagio is to take a cooking class with a chef! The class takes place in a traditional villa on Lake Como and lasts approximately 3 hours. You will discover the secrets of authentic Italian cuisine and in the end, you can tuck into your delicious homemade dishes, accompanied by local wine and dessert.

Where to eat

Here are a few mountain restaurants with breathtaking views that will not disappoint you:

Chalet Gabriele is a restaurant with authentic dishes of the local mountain tradition only a few kilometres from the centre of Bellagio. Their specialties are Polenta Uncia and Toc con Missultin.

La Genzianella is located at the foot of Monte San Primo, this is the perfect place to taste typical Lombardy mountain dishes, for example, pizzoccheri, tagliatelle pasta with stag meat sauce, game, mushrooms and other specialities.

Rifugio Martina is a characteristic family-run mountain restaurant (1300 mt) with a tradition dating back to 1928. Guests can taste typical local dishes of different kinds of meat accompanied by polenta.  

How to get from Milan to Lake Como & Bellagio

The best way to travel from Milan to Lake Como and Bellagio is by train. You can also take the bus but the journey will probably last a bit longer. It all depends on which part of Lake Como you want to visit. The southernmost tip of Lake Como is around 50 kilometres north of Milan, and it extends north for approximately another 50 kilometres. The distance between Milan and Bellagio is roughly 82 kilometres.

Bologna

Bologna is the capital and the largest city of Italian region Emilia-Romagna. It has a well-preserved historical centre and it is famous for its medieval buildings and culinary brilliance. Bologna is also home to the oldest university in the world, the University of Bologna, which is one of the leading academic institutions in Italy and Europe founded in 1088.

What to see and do

Piazza Maggiore is the main square in Bologna. It is located in the centre of the city and it is surrounded by important historical buildings such as Palazzo d’Accursio, Palazzo del Podesta, Basilica di San Petronio and Palazzo Comunale. Furthermore to the northwest of the square, you can find the Piazza del Nettuno that holds the famous Fountain of Neptune.

Leaning towers of Bologna, Asinelli and Garisenda, are the symbol of the town. The shorter tower, Garisenda, is only 48 meters tall but it leans a lot more than Pisa’s tower.

Archiginnasio, built in the 16th century, houses the famous Anatomical Theatre. The Anatomical Theatre is created completely in wood and it is decorated with astonishing carved statues of famous medical practitioners.

Santuario di Madonna di San Luca is one of the oldest churches in Bologna, created in 1194 but finished in 1765. The church sits on top of the Monte della Guardia and offers great panoramic views of the city of Bologna and the surrounding regions.

Where to eat

For a quick bite, we recommend you to go to Mo! Mortadella Lab. It will amaze you with its large selection of mortadella ham and variety of sandwiches that not only taste good but also look amazing.

I Matti Della Polenta is definitely worth paying a visit to. It is a very small restaurant with traditional Italian polenta and prices are reasonable.

If you are looking for something vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free we recommend going to Ristorante Pizzeria La Verace. Portions are large, the prices are moderate and the staff is friendly.

La Tana dell’Orso, meaning The Bear’s Lair, is a bit further from the city centre but it is a cosy place with cheap prices and good food.

How to get from Milan to Bologna

The best way to travel from Milan to Bologna is by train or bus. The cheaper option is to take the bus from Milan to Bologna, but the journey lasts around 3 hours.

The train departs every hour or half an hour and the journey lasts approximately 1 hour 15 minutes. 

Milan to Bologna

Bergamo

Bergamo is a small town in the Italian region of Lombardy. It is located in the foothills of the Alps, about 40 kilometres northeast from Milan with a population of approximately 120,000 people. Bergamo has a rich history and it is split into two centres, the upper, città alta, and the lower, modern città bassa. The two city centres are separated by Venetian walls.

What to see and do

Piazza Vecchia is a beautiful square located in the heart of the upper city. In the centre of the square, you will notice the Contarini Fountain decorated with statues of sphinxes, lions and snakes. The Piazza is surrounded by many historical buildings.

One of them is the Basilica of St Mary Major, located on the Piazza del Duomo. The exterior is mostly Romanesque architecture, and the astonishing interior is made in baroque style. The main entrance to the basilica is to the left of the Colleoni Chapel (Cappella Colleoni).

Colleoni Chapel is a church and mausoleum, a genuine Italian Renaissance masterpiece. The legend has it that touching the crest on the Chapel’s gate at midnight brings good luck.

As mentioned above, the upper city is surrounded by Venetian walls. There are several gates that are still in fantastic condition despite their age. The most outstanding gate is the Porta San Giacomo. 

Visiting Bergamo wouldn’t be complete without taking the city’s funicular that’s been operating since 1887 and offers some great panoramic views.

Where to eat

If you’re on a budget, you wouldn’t want to spend a fortune on a meal so here’s a list of a few restaurants and quick-bite places where you can enjoy a good meal at a reasonable price: 

La Scagna Cucina Tipica serves typical Italian dishes, but not exclusively local as it combines classic and traditional cuisine.

La Fiaschetteria is a tavern with a long family tradition and cosy atmosphere, located around 15min walk from the Piazza Vecchia.

Ristorante Pasta & Basta is a restaurant specialized in making pasta, with over 25 types of pasta including dietary and gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan.

Piadella is fast food with a wide selection of homemade flatbread sandwiches with fresh and carefully selected ingredients.

How to get from Milan to Bergamo

Because the distance from Milan to Bergamo is only about 55 kilometres, getting there is quite easy. Both trains and buses operate regularly and many times per day. Travel time is around 1 hour.

Venice

Venice, the city of romance, is the capital of the Veneto region in Italy. The town’s name originates from the ancient Veneti people who inhabited the region around the 10th century BC. This ancient city is situated on a group of 118 small islands, so instead of roads, Venice is connected by a series of waterways and canals.

What to see and do

St. Mark’s Square is the most famous square in Venice and the best place to start sightseeing as it is surrounded by many historical buildings.

One of the most famous historical buildings in Venice is St. Mark’s Basilica, decorated with Byzantine ornaments, a Greek cross layout and walls clad in marble from Syria, Egypt and Palestine.

Another historical building that sits on the St. Mark’s Square is Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace). It is a genuine masterpiece of Venetian Gothic architecture with an impressive structure and ornamentation. 

The palace is connected to the Prigioni Nuove (New Prison) by the Ponte dei Sospiri (Bridge of Sighs). Legend has it that, as the criminals were taken across this iconic bridge, they would cast once last glimpse at Venice and sigh.

Torre dell’Orologio is another famous historical building sitting on the square. At the top of the tower, you can see two great bronze figures which strike the hours on a bell. One is older and the other younger, to show the passing of time.

The square is located on the Canale Grande (Grand Canal), the main waterway of Venice surrounded by over 100 buildings dating from the 13th to the 18th century. The most famous bridge in the canal is Ponte de Rialto (Rialto Bridge). 

On the canal, you can find numerous gondolas which can take you on a romantic tour of the city. There are also motorized public-transit water buses (vaporetti) that can take you to some quieter locations close to the centre but perfect for relaxation such as San Giorgio Maggiore and Torcello Island.

Where to eat

Bigoi is vegetarian friendly and with great Italian pasta-to-go at cheap prices.

TUTTINPIEDI is a small, moderately priced place with a wide selection of Italian food-to-go.

Arcicchetti Bakaro is a lovely place that serves a variety of cicchetti which is an Italian version of tapas.

Adriatico Mar is a restaurant with traditional Italian dishes at moderate prices and a beautiful view.

Impronta is a restaurant with very friendly, professional staff and amazing high-quality food.

How to get from Milan to Venice

If you’re not renting a car, the best options are a bus or a train. Buses are a slower option as it takes 4-5 hours to get to Venice. However, Italian speed trains can take you from Milan to Venice in about 2,5 hours. Trains depart many times per day and tickets cost around 20 EUR.

Courmayeur

Courmayeur is a town and Alpine resort in northern Italy, at the foot of Mont Blanc. It is known as “Italy’s best all-round ski resort”. The village dates back to Roman times. There was a spa resort as early as the 18th century, because of its sulphurous springs. In the 20th century, the village started developing as a ski resort.

What to see and do

Courmayeur is a perfect destination for everyone who loves active holidays. Not only is it a great place for skiing but also for hiking and climbing. 

Go to Val Ferret, one of the most spectacular valleys in Courmayeur and the Valle D’Aosta. It is more than 20km long and it is ideal for walking and sporting activities. The valley is also a great choice for mountain biking and fishing. 

The Val Vény directly faces Mont Blanc along with the highest and most fascinating peaks in the Alps. One of the most popular attractions is the sanctuary of Notre Dame de la Guérison.

Make sure you visit the astonishing Giardino Botanico Alpino Saussurea, an alpine botanical garden located at the Pavillon du Mont Fréty and it is described as Europe’s highest botanical garden (2173 meters above sea level). It first opened in 1987 and it is named after the flower Saussurea Alpina to honour the famous alpinist Horace-Bénédict de Saussure.

Where to eat

La Terrazza is a lively restaurant-pizzeria with a wide selection of local specialties plus different daily specialties at moderate prices.

Pan Per Focaccia is a cosy little place with friendly staff, cheap crêpes and fresh-from-the-oven focaccia.

Chalet Plan Gorret is a restaurant with a long history and a traditional spirit offering great food and it even has vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.

How to get from Milan to Courmayeur

The fastest way to get from Milan to Courmayeur would be by car (approximately 2 hours 15 minutes) as the road distance between the two cities is around 218km. Other two options are a train (travel time is approximately 5 hours) or the cheaper and faster option, a bus (travel time is approximately 4 hours).

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is an area containing five villages, located in the region of Liguria in the northwest of Italy: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. The coastline and the surrounding hillsides are all part of the Cinque Terre National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Unfortunately, it is impossible to visit more than one village in a day, but if you have more than a day to visit, it is definitely worth exploring Cinque Terre a bit more because they have a lot to offer.

What to see and do

Monterosso al mare is a village divided in two parts: the old village and the modern village (Fegina). The old village has remains of fortifications with three defensive towers, built to protect the village from the pirate attacks. Fegina is famous for its long pebble beach and the huge statue of Neptune. Other than good wine, Monterosso is also known for its lemon trees and anchovies.

Vernazza has one main street, Via Roma, that connects the seaside Piazzetta (Piazza Marconi) with the railway station. The street is brimming with cosy cafes, craft shops and wine bars. For the best panoramic views of the village visit Doria Castle.

Corniglia is the only Cinque Terre village without direct sea access. To get to the village from the bus station, you must climb a stairway of 382 steps, or take a shuttle bus. Taking the stairway might leave you breathless, but you will be rewarded with breathtaking views. The village is full of narrow alleys filled with colourful houses and try some of the local specialties such as gelato al basilico.

Manarola is teeming with historical places such as Piazza Papa Innocenzo IV, Oratorio dei Disciplinati, Church of San Lorenzo and the old watermill. One of the newer attractions is Mario Andreoli’s lighted outdoor nativity scene, containing 300 characters illuminated by 15,000 bulbs.

Riomaggiore is the largest village of the five. The most famous attraction is the medieval castle built to protect the village from the pirate attacks. Piazza Vignaioli is the centre of the village, connected to the high part of Riomaggiore by Via Colombo, the village’s main street, brimming with eateries, bars and shops.

Where to eat

Whichever of these five villages you choose, you won’t regret it because they all have delicious food. Every single one of these villages has at least a dozen different restaurants so you will definitely find something you like. Liguria is famous for its good food and many specialties that you must try. Some of them are focaccia (Ligurian bread), paniccia (best described as chickpea polenta), cappon magro (best described as a pyramid-shaped salad), paciugo (bitter-chocolate ice cream with a mix of fruit) and pandolce (this literally means “sweet bread”, and no, it is not a cake).

How to get from Milan to Cinque Terre

To get from Milan to Cinque Terre, first, you need to get to La Spezia which has the best connection to the 5 villages. From Milan to La Spezia you can take the train or the bus, both departing a couple of times a day. From La Spezia, you need to take the local train (which operates very frequently) to your desired destination. The train goes from La Spezia to Riomaggiore, which is the first stop (travel time approx. 10min) and north, stopping in every village (approximately 5 minutes from one to another) with the last stop at Levanto.

Milan to La Spezia

Lucerne

Lucerne is a city in central Switzerland, in the German-speaking part of the country. It is located on the shores of Lake Lucerne overlooking the mountains Pilatus and Rigi in the Swiss Alps. The city is easy to explore, as the old town and all the main sights are within walking distance from the rail station.

What to see and do

The old town is located on the right bank of the river Reuss and it is free of traffic so you can freely wander the streets of Lucerne and explore its many historical buildings, monuments and museums. 

The city centre is surrounded by the Musegg Wall containing nine tall towers. 

Zytturm is a clock tower which holds the oldest city clock, built in 1535. Since the late Middle Ages, this clock has had the right to chime one minute before all other public clocks in Lucerne.

Possibly the most famous attraction in Lucerne is the Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke). It is considered to be the oldest covered wooden bridge and it dates back to the 14th century. Inside the roof rafters, there are more than 100 17th-century pictures depicting events from Lucerne’s history.

Not even a 10min walk from the centre and you will find yourself looking at the Lion Monument carved into a former sandstone quarry. Near the monument, you can also find a truly natural phenomenon, the Glacier Garden, containing fossils of shellfish and palm fronds.

For the best views, you can check out Lake Lucerne or Reuss River sights.

What to eat

Made in Sud is a restaurant with a wide selection of Italian dishes at moderate prices.

Pastarazzi Spezialitaten & Take Away is the best place in town to get some fresh homemade ravioli with a variety of sauces.

Manor Restaurant Manora serves delicious food with vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options, big portions and cheap prices.

For a quick bite, we recommend going to Twiny Station, a charming fast food with a great selection of baguette sandwiches.

How to get from Milan to Lucerne

The road distance between Milan and Lucerne is about 250 kilometres, so if you’re not travelling by car, your best options are a train or a bus. The train departs one per day and the journey lasts approximately 4 hours. The cheaper option is a bus, they operate more frequently and time travel is approximately 3 hours 30 minutes.

Milan to Lucerne

Verona

Verona is a charming city located on the banks of the Adige River in the region of Veneto, Italy. It is listed on the World Heritage Site by UNESCO and it is one of the most romantic towns in Italy. This picturesque city is also a setting for two of Shakespeare’s plays: Romeo and Juliet and The Two Gentlemen of Verona.

What to see and do

Probably the most famous historical building on the square is Verona’s Arena, one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres, containing its original seating and exterior arches, and it is still in use. 

Castle Vecchio is a castle located on the banks of the River Adige, built in the14th century and it is attached to the Castle Vecchio Bridge that provides fantastic views down the river.

On the eastern bank of the river, there is The Giusti Palace and Garden. The palace is a Neoclassical structure with magnificent gardens at the back. They are separated into 8 squares, and each square contains a different design with a central fountain or a decoration.

Be sure to check out Casa di Giulietta (Juliet’s House), the supposed building from the famous scene in Shakespeare’s play where Juliet speaks to Romeo from the balcony.

Piazza Delle Erbe is a diamond-shaped piazza in the heart of the historic centre. Numerous important buildings line the square including the Torre Lamberti, the Palazzo Maffei and the Casa dei Giudici.

What to eat

Flower Burger is an interesting place with even more interesting burgers. They come in pink, purple, orange or black coloured buns and are exclusively vegetarian or vegan with gluten-free options.

La Bottega della Gina is the best place in town for some exquisite homemade fresh tortellini at moderate prices.

Gastronomia Vecio Castel is a wide selection of local dishes and wine, dishes are simple but very tasty, the staff is friendly and the prices are cheap.

For a quick bite we recommend Mordimi Panuozzeria, fast food with a great choice of panini, and if you’re craving something healthy, go to Buoono.

How to get from Milan to Verona

The road distance between Milan and Verona is approximately 153 kilometres. The fastest way to get to Verona from Milan is by train. Trains to Verona operate quite frequently and the time travel is around 1 hour 15 minutes. Buses are also very frequent in this location and the travel time is approximately 2 hours 10 minutes.

Milan to Verona